bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of low vitamin D status in rickets and type 1 diabetes in children
Authors: Papandreou D. , Karabouta Z. , Rousso I.
Published: September 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to review the metabolism, epidemiology and treatment of vitamin D and calcium insufficiency as well as its relation to rickets and diabetes type 1 during childhood and adolescence.

Design/methodology/approach

The most up‐to‐date and pertinent studies within the literature are included in this narrative review.

Findings

Vitamin D deficiency is common in developing countries and exists in both childhood and adult life. The great importance of vitamin D is the moderation of calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) homeostasis as well as the absorption of Ca. While insufficiency of vitamin D is a significant contributing factor to the risk of rickets in childhood, it is possible that a more marginal deficiency of vitamin D during life span contributes to osteoporosis as well as potentially to the development of various other chronic diseases such as diabetes type 1.

Originality/value

This paper gives a concise, up‐to‐date overview to nutritionists and dietitians on how vitamin D deficiency may effect rickets and type 1 diabetes.
Vitamin C and urea inhibit the formation of advanced glycation end productsin vitro
Authors: Subratty A.H. , Aukburally N. , Jowaheer V. , Joonus N.
Published: September 2010

Purpose

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are continuously formed in the body during normal metabolism and ageing through a non‐enzymatic glycosylation reaction between proteins and carbohydrates, known as the Maillard's reaction. Many AGEs are capable of forming cross‐links between proteins and most of them have fluorescent properties. Production of AGEs is markedly increased in diabetes mellitus where they play a pathological role. The aim of the present study is to investigate the possible inhibitory effects of urea, metformin and ascorbic acid onin vitroformation of fluorescent AGE products by comparing their inhibitory capacity with a well‐known AGEs inhibitor, aminoguanidine.

Design/methodology/approach

Experiments were carried out using bovine serum albumin and D (+) glucose to produce glycated bovine serum albumin, a fluorescent AGE. Fluorometer analysis was then performed to measure AGEs production and fluorescent intensity was compared between glycated samples with and without the inhibitors.

Findings

Aminoguanidine which is known to form guanidine‐carbonyl adduct, reversing the glycation process. was found to inhibit AGEs formation by 57 per cent. Although urea and metformin inhibits glycation by the same route, it was the most effective inhibitor among all four inhibiting agents used. Ascorbic acid, an antioxidant, also inhibits fluorescent AGEs by 52 per cent. It was also a good cross‐link inhibitor. Urea showed an inhibitory effect of 27 per cent. It is suggested that urea formed in the body might be a possible natural protector of AGEs formation. Finally, metformin, an antidiabetic drug inhibits AGEs production by only 12 per cent. It is known to rather increase peripheral sensitivity to insulin and lower blood‐glucose level.

Originality/value

The paper shows that aminoguanidine is the most efficient inhibitor and ascorbic acid supplementation could prove useful in diabetic patients to remove reactive species generated in the Maillard's reaction.
Dietary diversity as an indicator of micronutrient adequacy of the diet of five to eight year old Indian rural children
Authors: Rani Varsha , Arends Denisse E. , Brouwer Inge D.
Published: September 2010

Purpose

Measures of dietary diversity are relatively simple and associated with nutrient adequacy and nutritional status. The aim of this study is to validate dietary diversity score (DDS) as an indicator of nutrient adequacy of diet of Indian rural children aged five to eight years.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross‐sectional survey among 232 children (five to eight years) was conducted using a 24 h recall. Food variety score (FVS) and DDSs were calculated. Probability of adequacies of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, iron and zinc, and mean probability of adequacy was used to assess nutrient adequacy. To determine associations between dietary diversity and nutrient adequacy, nutrient adequacy and socio‐economic status (SES), partial rank correlations were conducted.

Findings

Vitamin C and iron had the lowest probability of adequacy (PA) while vitamin A and zinc had the highest PA. Mean probability of adequate micronutrient intake (MPA) across five micronutrients was 40 percent. Mean DDS was 6.5 and mean FVS was 12.2. DDS was significantly correlated (p < 0.01) with PA vitamin A (r = 0.17), PA vitamin C (r = 0.36) and mean MPA (r = 0.21). Correlations for FVS were significant and stronger than those of DDS with all micronutrients. Adjustments for SES indicators did not further change the correlations. The best DDS cut‐off point for nutritionally adequate diet with MPA of 75 percent was between six and seven food groups.

Originality/value

DDS and FVS can be useful tools to give a good indication of nutritional adequacy of diet in resource‐poor settings. Additionally, a DDS between six and seven should suffice to identify subjects with a nutritionally adequate diet with MPA of 75 percent with optimal sensitivity and specificity.
Effect of phytic acid on iron bioavailability in fortified infant cereals
Authors: Nehir El Sedef , Karakaya Sibel , Şimşek Şebnem
Published: September 2010

Purpose

Iron deficiency is an important nutritional problem that affects approximately 20 percent of world's population and especially infants. The aim of this paper is to determine the iron bioavailability by using in vitro method in commercial infant cereals.

Design/methodology/approach

The ferrous iron dialyzability relative to total iron and phytic acid contents of six commercial infant cereals commonly consumed in Turkey were analyzed.

Findings

Dialyzable ferrous iron was determined in samples 4, 5, and 6 as 2.51 ± 0.38, 4.12 ± 1.52, and 0.50 ± 0.08 percent, respectively (p < 0.05). Phytic acid contents of the samples ranged from 118 to 161 mg/100 g. For all the samples calculated phytate:iron molar ratios were equal to or higher than 1 (ranged from 1.0 to 9.89).

Originality/value

The phytate:iron molar ratio was not found as the major inhibitory factor on iron bioavailability. Other possible factors such as type of iron fortificant and possible interactions of iron with other ingredients in the formula can affect iron bioavailability. Therefore, at the formulation step amounts of all ingredients and their proportions to each other should be considered to reach optimum iron bioavailability.
Does adult calcium intake influence body composition? A review
Authors: Derbyshire Emma
Published: September 2010

Purpose

Emerging evidence indicates that there may be a link between calcium intake and body composition . However, few review papers to date appear to collate this information. This paper aims to fill this gap.

Design/methodology/approach

All randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and large observational studies published between 1998 and 2009 were identified using Medline scientific database. Studies had a minimum duration of 30 days and included all sources of calcium (dairy and supplemental).

Findings

Twenty‐one studies were identified; including 14 RCTs and seven large observational studies. Twelve studies (seven of the RCTs) reported that regular consumption of dietary or dairy calcium may reduce fat mass in adults. Nine studies (seven of the RCTs) found no association between calcium intake and body composition. Two studies reported that fat loss was augmented when a calcium‐rich diet was combined with energy restriction. Overall, results from reviewed studies yield conflicting findings. Further intervention studies are needed to “separate out” the effects of habitual, supplemental and dairy calcium. More studies also need to investigate the combined effects of a calcium‐rich diet and energy restriction. Only then can calcium‐rich diets be used alongside conventional treatments for obesity.

Originality/value

This paper gives a concise, up‐to‐date review of literature investigating the link between calcium intake and adult body composition.
Effects of cooking methods and processing stages on vitamin C in traditional Lebanese meals
Authors: Farhat Antoine G. , Fossian Talar M.
Published: September 2010

Purpose

Lebanese meals rich in vitamin C are taken for granted to contain this vitamin without consideration of its losses during the cooking and storing processes. This paper aims to examine the impact of different cooking pots, refrigeration and conventional reheating or via microwaving (MWR) on vitamin C depletion.

Design/methodology/approach

Two samples of three meals rich in vitamin C (AB: Aadas Bhamoud made of lentils and Swiss chard; CS: cauliflower stew; ML: Meloukhieh made of Jew's mallow) were analyzed in triplicates when they were raw, cooked in double based stainless steel (DBSS) or pressure cookers (PCs), refrigerated at 4 ○C for 48 h, and when reheated in an open pot or in a microwave reaching 70 ○C. The titration with 2,6‐dichlorophenolindophenol method was used for vitamin C analysis.

Findings

Relative vitamin C losses throughout the processing stages were 37.64, 65.43 and 79.00 percent for ML, CS and AB, respectively. DBSS tended to deplete vitamin C less than PC. AB lost 34.4 and 49.2 percent vitamin C with DBSS and PC, respectively; CS lost 52.3 and 57.5 percent with DBSS and PC, respectively; and ML lost 16.3 and 27.4 percent with DBSS and PC, respectively. Vitamin C loss at refrigeration was significant for both cooking pots used for the meals AB and ML but not for CS. Reheating resulted in further significant losses across meals and reheating methods.

Practical implications

The study highlights the importance of avoiding unnecessary cooking practices to minimize vitamin C depletion and more accurately estimating its daily intake.

Originality/value

The study presents for the first time the quantification of vitamin C losses in Lebanese meals subjected to different processing types and stages.
Bioactivity of Iranian medicinal plants against Yersinia enterocolitica
Authors: Ghasemi Pirbalouti Abdollah , Asadpoor Arian , Hamedi Behzad , Reza Golparvar Ahmad
Published: September 2010

Purpose

Plant materials continue to play a major role in primary health care as therapeutic remedies in many developing countries. Medicinal herbs contain physiologically active principles that over the years have been exploited in traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments as they contain antimicrobial properties. This paper aims to determine the antibacterial activity of Iranian endemic plants.

Design/methodology/approach

Antibacterial activities of ethanol extract and essential oil of ten Iranian folklore herbs including Heracleum lasiopetalum Boiss., Hypericum scabrum L., Thymus daenensis Celak., Ziziphora teniur L., Echiophora platyloba L., Dracocephalum multicaule Benth., Kelussia odoratissima Mozff., Mentha longifolia Hudson., Achillea kellalensis Boiss. and Arnebia euchroma (Royle.) Johnston. were investigated against Yersinia enterocolitica PTCC 1151 by agar disc diffusion and serial dilution assays.

Findings

Most of the extracts and essential oils showed some antibacterial activity against the tested bacteria with the diameter of inhibition zone ranging between 9 and 16 mm. Of the plants studied, the most active extracts were those obtained from essential oil of H. lasiopetalum fruits and ethanol extract of A. euchroma roots. The MIC values for active extract and essential oil ranged between 0.039 and 0.156 mg/ml.

Practical implications

The results obtained appeared to confirm the antibacterial potential of the plants investigated.

Originality/value

The essential oil <0.039 mg/ml of H. lasiopetalum fruits could be used as natural antibacterial agent Y. enterocolitica in the food preservation and human health.
Introduction: Islam and human resource management
Authors: Mellahi Kamel , Budhwar Pawan S.
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce this special issue on Islam and human resource management (HRM).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper introduces the papers in this special issue, which further current understanding of the association between Islam and HRM, and HRM practices in Islamic countries. The papers debate whether it makes sense to talk about an Islamic HRM, and try to identify the key features of an Islamic HRM model that is substantially distinctive from existing normative models of HRM.

Findings

The papers examine the impact of Islamic values on HRM practices and organisational outcomes, but more research is needed to gain a deeper understanding of the role Islam plays at the work place, and specifically how Islamic ideals, culture, values and norms are used in practice and implications thereof on workplace environment and overall organisational performance.

Originality/value

The paper introduces the concept of Islam and human resource management.
Males' attitudes towards working females in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Elamin Abdallah M. , Omair Katlin
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to fill a gap in the literature on women who work in the Arab Muslim context, reflecting on the experience of Saudi Arabia.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 301 male participants completed the newly developed multidimensional aversion to women who work scale (MAWWWS).

Findings

The paper reveals that Saudi males report very traditional attitudes towards working females. Moreover, the single, unemployed, young and educated Saudi males report less traditional attitudes towards working females compared with married, employed, old, and less educated ones. Age was found to the most important predictor of the males' attitudes towards working females.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the knowledge in several grounds. First, it validates the MAWWW scale in a Muslim Arab country, Saudi Arabia. Second, it contributes to the knowledge of the topic of women's employment in Saudi Arabia, which is understudied in academia.
Knowledge management, supply chain technologies, and firm performance
Authors: Collins Jamie D. , Worthington William J. , Reyes Pedro M. , Romero Marisabel
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a conceptual overview of the relationship between knowledge management, supply chain technology investments, and overall firm performance. Additionally, a historical review of supply chain development is offered along with a comprehensive list of supply chain measures currently in use and a discussion of how those measures align within the overall firm strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

Building on knowledge management theory, the paper argues herein that the transitory nature of firm‐level differentiation and the ease with which competitors gain access to each others' business strategies demand that firms stay flexible. It is also argued that translating firm knowledge resources into useable knowledge management capabilities may enable firms to enhance their likelihood of competitive advantage.

Findings

Many leading firms drive towards new advantages through supply chain information capturing investments. By capturing data and mining that information, firms are better equipped to identify impending changes in the environment and to adjust their strategies accordingly.

Practical implications

Firms that have a developed sense of competiveness are more likely to capture and utilize the increased datum provided by IT investments and more likely to implement that knowledge in a way that leads to operational improvements. As firms pursue global markets, supply chain complexity grows exponentially. Firms will need to respond and operations managers will need to find ways to empirically measure their performance to find improvements. Every investment in supply technology should be driven by an understanding of the inextricably inter‐connectedness of knowledge management capabilities and the firm's ability to effectively implement its corporate strategies. By emphasizing the inter‐connection between knowledge management and supply chain technology investments, firms improve their potential for developing a competitive advantage.

Originality/value

This paper provides a unique conceptual framework intended to aid researchers and managers develop a more thorough understanding of the linkages between knowledge management capabilities, supply chain technology investments, and overall firm performance.
Downstream shift at a machinery manufacturer: the case of the remote technologies
Authors: Laine Teemu , Paranko Jari , Suomala Petri
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, it aims at defining the concept of the downstream shift in the context of the machinery manufacturers. The second aim of the paper is to analyze the potentially enabling role of remote technologies in that shift.

Design/methodology/approach

Besides examining the development of the supply chains based on the literature and a case company, the paper refers to the case of the remote technologies developed and used by the case company for the years of 2003‐2008.

Findings

The key finding of this paper is that no consensus exists on the favourable scope and content of the downstream shift aimed at by the machinery manufacturers. Respectively, the potential role of the technologies in the shift can also vary on a case‐by‐case basis. Based on the case study, instead of new sources of service revenues, the information processed with the help of the remote technologies may provide an opportunity for the machinery manufacturer to learn from its customers, thus offering a sound basis for various R&D and sales and marketing activities.

Research limitations/implications

This paper can be considered as a pre‐study towards understanding about the true drivers of the downstream shift and their success factors. Technologies constitute one enabler in the shift, and its potential roles, together with the context specific factors, require further attention.

Practical implications

The paper offers valuable insights into the development of the supply chains. Moreover, it takes a critical perspective on the positive expectations connected with the downstream shifts by the machinery manufacturers.

Originality/value

The longitudinal perspective to the case environment provides a sound basis for analyzing the development of the supply chain at hand.
An exploratory study of RFID implementation in the supply chain
Authors: Li Suhong , Godon Danielle , Visich John K.
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the barriers and motivations for adopting radio frequency identification (RFID), the level of RFID implementation, the processes RFID is utilized in, and issues in the deployment of RFID.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey instrument was developed based on a literature review. The survey was then distributed to the members of the Association for Operations Management Rhode Island and Boston chapters. The results were then analyzed.

Findings

It was found that the majority of the surveyed firms are not considering RFID implementation. Lack of a business case and lack of understanding were cited as their main concerns. For firms considering RFID implementation and firms that had implemented RFID, better inventory management, obtaining competitive advantage, and cost reduction were the three most important motivations for adopting RFID. Financial concerns and the lack of a business case were the most prevalent issues. In addition, product tracking (pallets, cases, and items) in shipping was the most cited RFID application. It was also found that considering firms are facing less pressure from customers to adopt RFID and reported a much higher degree of apprehension regarding potential issues than implementing firms reported for actual difficulties faced.

Research limitations/implications

One of the limitations is the small sample size (n = 49) which may limit the generalizability of the results.

Originality/value

By identifying barriers, motivations, and issues in the implementation of RFID, this study further educates practitioners on the challenges and opportunities of RFID, as well as providing direction to academicians for further research on this area.
Competing through operations and supply
Authors: Lewis Michael , Brandon‐Jones Alistair , Slack Nigel , Howard Mickey
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The paper seeks to analyze the evolution of competitive advantage using both “classic” and “extended” resource‐based theory (RBT). The aim is to examine the different ways in which “classic” and “extended” resource‐based advantage develops and how they might combine to create long‐term advantage.

Design/methodology/approach

A single case study method is used to examine the process by which competitive advantage has accumulated over a 50‐year period at Food Services Group Inc., a highly successful food service company based on the West Coast of the USA with an annual growth rate currently running at 10 percent.

Findings

Preliminary conclusions suggest support for the sequential, iterative, and slow‐cycle development model associated with proprietary bounded resources and, the strategic resource‐rigidity paradox. The work also highlights preliminary evidence for a faster cycle development process possible with inter‐firm resources associated with extended resource‐based theory (ERBT) and, long‐run sustainable advantage requiring synchronization and integration of both bounded and relational resources.

Originality/value

This is the first rich empirical study of the way competitive advantage evolves using both RBT and ERBT. The research provides insights into how organizations can combine both classic and extended resources in seeking to establish competitive advantage. It illustrates how unbounded external resources, such as the role of suppliers engaged in new product development, can create an initial advantage for firms who then build on this by investing in bounded resources such as specific skills within their organization.
Brazil's long‐term growth performance: trying to explain the puzzle
Authors: Adrogué Ricardo , Cerisola Martin , Gelos Gaston
Published: September 2010

Purpose

This paper seeks to assess Brazil's growth performance from a long‐term perspective. Brazil's growth performance over the past 25 years has been lackluster, and various hypotheses have been advanced to explain Brazil's disappointing growth record.

Design/methodology/approach

In contrast with the existing literature, the paper uses cross‐country and panel estimation techniques to analyze Brazil's growth record, building on the vast empirical literature on growth and its long‐term determinants. It examines the extent to which fundamental factors found to be related to growth in the cross‐section help to explain Brazil's growth performance during 1960‐2000. It also explores the dynamics of growth across time by using panel data models to assess the role of various fundamentals that may have influenced Brazil's growth performance since 1960.

Findings

The empirical evidence presented confirms that macroeconomic stability and several reforms have helped raise per capita growth in Brazil since the mid‐1990s. The results also show that some long‐standing structural weaknesses continue to weigh negatively on per capita growth.

Practical implications

Reducing the high level of government consumption would help lower the overall consumption level in the economy and lower its intertemporal price – the real interest rate, thus helping to foster investment and growth.

Originality/value

The paper provides useful information on Brazil's growth performance from a long‐term perspective.
Interview with Nicky Garcea, Chartered Occupational Psychologist and Consulting Director of CAPP (Centre of Applied Positive Psychology)
Authors: by Juliet Norton Interview
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an interview with Nicky Garcea, Chartered Occupational Psychologist and Consulting Director of the Centre of Applied Positive Psychology (CAPP ).

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent interviewer.

Findings

Nicky is involved in taking a whole system approach to business issues, working with the CAPP team to develop approaches to a variety of projects, including strengths‐based role profiling, assessment center design, and manager and leadership development. Her particular areas of expertise include strengths‐based selection and recruitment, leadership development and performance management. She is experienced in using positive psychology in the workplace.

Practical implications

The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations.

Social implications

The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that can have a broader social impact.

Originality/value

The paper provides useful insights into the use of positive psychology in the workplace, with a view to benefiting staff.
Powering tomorrow's sensor: a review of technologies – part 2
Authors: Bogue Robert
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The paper aims to provide a technical review of new and emerging power sources and their application to sensors.

Design/methodology/approach

This is the second part of a two‐part paper. Following a brief introduction, recent developments and research into fuel cell, energy harvesting, microgenerator and wireless power transmission technologies are considered.

Findings

All of these technologies are the topic of a major research effort and offer prospects to power future generations of sensors. Several pose strong competition to rechargeable batteties.

Originality/value

The paper provides a detailed insight into new and improved sensor power sources.
Novel X‐ray scanner based on nanomaterials
Authors: Bogue Robert
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe a novel, nanomaterial‐based X‐ray imaging technology, developed at the University of North Carolina.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes a unique X‐ray source, based on field emission from a carbon nanotube (CNT) cold cathode and discusses its application to computer tomography (CT).

Findings

CNT‐based X‐ray sources are shown to offer improved performance over conventional thermionic devices and allow the design of gantry‐free, stationary CT systems with faster scanning speeds and better image quality. The field emission technology has been commercialised by Xintek and a joint venture with Siemens, XinRay Systems, aims to commercialise CT imagers based on the technology.

Originality/value

The paper describes a novel approach to the generation of X‐rays and its use in medical CT imaging systems.
Wireless sensors: a review of technologies, products and applications
Authors: Bogue Robert
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review recent developments in wireless‐sensing technologies, products and applications.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes wireless sensor technologies, discusses the research efforts aimed at yielding battery‐free devices and considers a range of products, developments and applications.

Findings

The paper shows that emerging families of wireless sensors are being used in a wide range of applications in many industries. These include process control, condition and structural monitoring, energy management, automotive safety, healthcare and security. Major efforts are underway to develop battery‐free devices based on energy‐harvesting and other techniques.

Originality/value

The paper provides a technical review of the rapidly developing field of wireless‐sensing technology.
Ultrasonically synthesized nanocrystalline ZnO powder‐based thick film sensor for ammonia sensing
Authors: Patil L.A. , Bari A.R. , Shinde  , Deo Vinita
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show how to obtain better response, selectivity and fast response and recovery from nanocrystalline ZnO‐based gas sensors as compared to conventional materials.

Design/methodology/approach

Nanocrystalline ZnO powders were prepared from the ultrasonic spray pyrolysis method. Aqueous solution of zinc acetate was atomized using ultrasonic atomizer. The aerosol generated was fed to the reaction furnace for pyrolysis. Nanocrystalline ZnO crystallites were collected using simple but novel trapping system. Thick film resistors of this powder were fabricated using screen printing technique.

Findings

As‐prepared powder was studied using X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy to know structure, size of nanocrystallites and microtopography, respectively. Absorption spectroscopy is used to determine the band gap energy. The gas‐sensing performance of this film was tested.

Originality/value

The sensor was found to be the most sensitive to NH3. It gives better response, selectivity and fast response and recovery as compared to conventional materials‐based thick films.
Capacitive proximity sensor design tool based on finite element analysis
Authors: Dehkhoda Fahimeh , Frounchi Javad , Veladi Hadi
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a program based on three‐dimensional finite element analysis to model different patterns of capacitive proximity sensors. This program can be used as a development tool to optimize the structure and size of a sensor for a desired or for a given sensitivity and linearity range and as a consequence to save sensor design time. A set of experiments have been conducted to test the tool capabilities for designing different sensor structures.

Design/methodology/approach

Finite element analysis in ANSYS software was used to perform electrostatic field simulations and to calculate the capacitance between electrodes of a capacitive proximity sensor when a conducting target is placed in some distance from the sensor plate.

Findings

Several capacitive proximity sensor structures have been designed, analyzed and tested to illustrate the accuracy of the simulated results obtained from the design tool. After design and implementation of a sensor and comparing the extracted and measured capacitance values, it is shown that the finite element analysis is an accurate method to extract fringing capacitance in capacitive proximity sensors in comparison to the analytical tool based on the finite difference method.

Originality/value

This automatic capacitive proximity sensor design tool can optimize a sensor structure with specific shape and size to have more sensitivity or linearity according to the application in use. Moreover, the modeling program can extract characteristics of a sensor with user‐defined parameters.
The novel structural design for pressure sensors
Authors: Tian Bian , Zhao Yulong , Jiang Zhuangde
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the disadvantages of traditional sensors and establish a new structure for pressure measurement.

Design/methodology/approach

A kind of novel piezoresistive micro‐pressure sensor with a cross‐beam membrane (CBM) structure is designed based on the silicon substrate. Through analyzing the stress distribution of the new structure by finite element method, the model of structure is established and compared with traditional structures. The fabrication is operated on silicon wafer, which applies the technology of anisotropy chemical etching and inductively coupled plasma.

Findings

Compared to the traditional C‐ and E‐type structures, this new CBM structure has the advantages of low nonlinearity and high sensitivities by the cross‐beam on the membrane, which cause the stress is more concentrated in sensitive area and the deflections that relate to the linearity are decreased.

Originality/value

The paper provides the first empirical reports on the new piezoresistive structure for the pressure measurement by fabricating a cross‐beam on the membrane and resolving the conflict of nonlinearity and sensitivity of the piezoresistive sensors.
The analysis and avoidance of interference in infrared temperature field measurement during welding
Authors: Wang Jifeng , Yang Huigu , Qian Yaozhou , Zeng Jianquan
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze and show how to avoid the interference in infrared (IR) temperature field measurement during welding.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the hardware used in this experiment is described. In this paper, these interferences are first classified into diffuse and specular reflection based on reflection model, and are restrained, respectively. Finally, IR temperature is calibrated by thermocouple.

Findings

The specular reflection is the primary interference which causes high light zone. And it can be transferred out of welding seam when the IR thermography is placed perpendicularly to welding seam.

Originality/value

The paper provides a new IR measure method and detailed analysis about the interferences in applying IR temperature sensing.
Modelling and characteristic analysis of a displacement sensor with liftoff compensation
Authors: Lu Tongli , Ni Chunsheng , Zhang Jianwu
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a magnetic contactless displacement sensor with liftoff compensation. The sensor consists of two‐axis Hall sensor, moving permanent magnet (PM) and ferromagnetic substrate which is considered as a magnetic flux concentrator.

Design/methodology/approach

The two Hall‐effect sensors are used to detect the BX and BY induced by the moving PM. The BX and BY curves reflect the nature of the liftoff and the displacement of the inducing PM, respectively. Then the model of the displacement sensor, based on the facing current method, is constructed. Finally, the finite element method is used to compute the characteristics of BX and BY.

Findings

The BY curve can be corrected according to the liftoff distance of Hall‐effect sensor distinguished by the BX trough value. Therefore, the influence of the liftoff on the output signal can be eliminated when BY curve is corrected.

Originality/value

The paper focused on the design of a contactless displacement sensor with compensated liftoff performance for the control measurement technology in general and for automotive engineering in particular.
RFID‐based baggage‐handling system design
Authors: Saygin Can , Natarajan Balaji
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of radio frequency identification (RFID) deployment at an airport baggage‐handling system (BHS).

Design/methodology/approach

The impact of number of RFID readers at different power levels with varying conveyor (i.e. baggage‐handling conveyors) speeds on timely delivery of baggage is studied via simulation. The layout of the BHS at the Hong Kong International Airport and data pertinent to its RFID deployment in 2005 are used to build the simulation model. The RFID read logic is based on the equations defined as a function of the number of tags and the time the tags spend in the interrogation zone for each reader in order to capture possible read‐rate issues realistically.

Findings

The identification capability of the BHS studied in this paper is a result of its combined ability to identify tags via RFID technology on straight and circulating conveyors, as well as at the manual recovery station for unidentified bags on circulating conveyors. Overall, timely delivery of bags to gates, as a performance metric, increases as the identification capability is improved. The controllable factors that affect the identification capability are the conveyor speed, which determines the time a tag stays in the interrogation zone; the reader antenna power level, which determines the size of the interrogation zone; and the number of reader antennas in the system that increases the likelihood of not missing tags. This paper shows that “the higher the number of reader antennas and the higher the power level on them, the better” approach is not correct.

Originality/value

Unlike typical simulation studies related to RFID deployment where read‐rate issues are considered to be non‐existent, this paper captures read rate in a realistic manner in the simulation model by incorporating the effect of number of RFID tags in the interrogation zone and time that RFID tags spend in the interrogation zone due to baggage conveyor speed. Such a simulation approach can be used as a system design tool in order to investigate the impact of RFID‐specific parameters on system‐level performance.
Assessing the contribution of leading mainstream marketing journals to the international marketing discipline
Authors: Leonidou Leonidas C. , Barnes Bradley R. , Spyropoulou Stavroula , Katsikeas Constantine S.
Published: September 2010

Purpose

Growing globalization in recent decades has been responsible for the emergence of a new stream of research focusing on international marketing. However, compared to domestic marketing knowledge, this field has received relatively less attention from mainstream marketing journals. The purpose of this paper is to report the findings of a study that assesses the contribution of leading mainstream marketing journals to the international marketing discipline.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 508 international marketing‐focused articles were identified from the top ten mainstream marketing journals during the period 1975‐2004. Each article was content‐analyzed in terms of six major aspects: article nature, authorship characteristics, research design, scope of research, research methodology, and thematic areas.

Findings

The paper revealed that: although there was an increase in the number of articles with an international focus over time, in most journals their share was limited; most of the articles were of an empirical nature, with an increasing trend over time; articles were mainly written by multiple authors, who were in most cases US‐based; research designs of the studies reported were increasingly more formalized and causal, as well as statistical and cross‐sectional; the scope of research provided a balanced coverage of country settings, product groups, and units of analyses; methodological aspects, especially sample sizes, response rates, and analytical methods, improved over time; and a wide array of thematic areas was examined, with issues pertaining to the macro‐environment, marketing mix, and buyer behaviour attracting heightened attention.

Originality/value

Although many insightful attempts have been made in the past to review, assess, and consolidate extant research on international marketing, this paper focuses specifically on the contribution of top mainstream marketing journals to the international marketing field. This can assist in identifying possible gaps in the international marketing literature that have to be filled by future research on the subject. It specifically helps: to reveal the actual involvement of these influential journals as outlets for publishing research that focuses on international dimensions of marketing; to identify the characteristics of scholars publishing international marketing articles in such journals; to evaluate the methodological content of these international marketing‐related articles; and to establish trends regarding the evolution of the international marketing field from the standpoint of leading mainstream journals.
The effectiveness of female nudity in advertising in three European countries
Authors: Dianoux Christian , Linhart Zdenek
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The paper attempts to gain a better understanding of the reasons for advertisers to use nudity in European advertising campaigns and, more precisely, whether a print ad that uses nudity is more or less effective than an ad without nudity in the Czech Republic, Spain, and France.

Design/methodology/approach

An experiment carried out in three European countries (Czech Republic, Spain, France) exposes young consumers to an experimental magazine containing an advertisement that shows either a woman's face or her topless body.

Findings

Nationality does not appear to influence preferences for advertisements with or without nudity. Although differences emerge among the three countries in attitudes toward the ad (Aad), they are independent of the ad type and consistently reflect the same trends within each country. Gender influences Aad, and women adopt more negative Aad when they see nudity compared with when they do not, in contrast with men, regardless of their country.

Research limitations/implications

Attitudes toward advertising in general vary significantly among European countries, even for seemingly homogeneous targets. Specific adaptations likely are needed not just with regard to nudity but more generally in terms of the content of ads.

Practical implications

Advertisers that question the relevance of nudity in their advertising campaigns should take great care to define their target market by gender – even more so than in terms of the European country in which the advertising will appear.

Originality/value

Women adopt more negative attitudes toward advertisements that use sexy female models than do men, and this effect is independent of nationality in a European context.
R.G. Collingwood on civility and economic licentiousness
Authors: Johnson Peter
Published: September 2010

Purpose

Working on the assumption that civility is the core value of R.G. Collingwood's political philosophy, the paper aims to examine the capacity of civility to curb economic excess in the absence of distributive justice.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper investigates the economic and political writings of Collingwood to see if they can be made to yield restraints on economic excess when based on civility alone. Comparisons are drawn between Collingwood and modern liberal philosophers such as John Rawls in order to identify where Collingwood stands on key concepts in the argument. Contrasts are established with Hobbes and Ruskin on the issues at stake, so clarifying what can be drawn from Collingwood on the specific topic under discussion.

Findings

The paper concludes that there is theoretical scope within Collingwood's political writings for a curb on economic excess in the absence of a concept of distributive justice, even though this takes a different form from the approach of modern liberals such as John Rawls.

Originality/value

It is shown that Collingwood's economic writings are relevant to modern discussions of social justice even when it is civility and not justice that is Collingwood's main focus.
The liberal Hegelianism of Edward Caird
Authors: Tyler Colin
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The paper establishes that Edward Caird developed a distinctive form of liberal Hegelianism out of his critical responses to Kant, the romantic tradition of Rousseau, Goethe and Wordsworth and indeed Hegel himself.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a philosophical reconstruction of Caird's social economics that is based on a close reading of a very wide range of Caird's writings including his recently published lectures on social ethics and political economy.

Findings

Caird's theory of historical development underpinned his writings on social economics. One of his greatest debts in this regard was to his interpretation of the romantics, which introduced a rich conception of higher human capacities into his critical analysis of capitalism. When combined with his critique of Kantian formalism, this led Caird towards Hegel. Yet, Caird's concerns regarding corporatism's stultifying tendencies led him to develop a dynamic form of liberal Hegelianism, which placed far greater trust than had Hegel in the ability of free conscientious citizens to restructure and enrich established social categories (classes, professions, gender roles and so on) and the system of nations which those categories helped to constitute.

Practical implications

If Caird's liberal Hegelianism were to be adopted today, we could live in much freer, fairer and enriching communities than we do at present.

Originality/value

Edward Caird has been wrongly neglected in intellectual histories of Anglo‐American political theory, and while his writings on Kant's critical philosophy have received some scholarly attention, his critique of romanticism has never received the attention it deserves. This also draws on manuscripts that have been published only within the past five years, having been edited for the first time by the author of this paper.
T.M. Knox and the study of economic activity
Authors: Connelly James
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show how T.M. Knox sought to conceptualise economic activity in the context of his philosophical background and in relation to the analysis of the nature of economics offered by Lionel Robbins.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents an historical account of the development of Knox's thought, an exposition of his position in relation to that of Robbins and an analysis of the concept of economic activity.

Findings

The paper demonstrates the profound differences between an idealist conception of economics and a scientific conception of economics. It also shows the extent to which scientific conceptions are only one among a number of possible conceptions, and that they suffer from deep and perhaps unresolvable ambiguities.

Originality/value

Lionel Robbins' work receives a certain amount of attention in the literature on the history of economic thought, whereas contemporary commentary by philosophers such as T.M. Knox is ignored by the histories of economic thought. This paper is unique in bringing the two together and in showing that the debate in the 1930s about the foundations of economics goes beyond the discussions and advocates typically associated with it.
Research self‐efficacy, publication output, and early career development
Authors: Hemmings Brian , Kay Russell
Published: September 2010

Purpose

This paper has two aims: to investigate the relationship of self‐efficacy beliefs in terms of research on publication output; and, to identify the relationship of self‐efficacy beliefs about research to the publishing outputs of neophyte lecturers.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was utilised to obtain responses from lecturers working full‐time at two large Australian universities (n=343). The data from this sample were analysed using factor analysis, correlation, and multiple regression analysis. Data from two sub‐samples of neophyte lecturer (n1=47; n2=78) were then subjected to a multivariate analysis of variance.

Findings

Four research self‐efficacy subscales were derived from a factor analysis. These subscales were positively and significantly related and accounted for 46 percent of the total variance in total publications accrued. Significant differences were found between two groups of neophyte lecturer on nearly all items forming the respective research self‐efficacy subscales. And, group membership accounted for 45.4 percent of the total variance.

Originality/value

The findings have implications both theoretically and practically. Theoretically, the research self‐efficacy construct was shown to have four underlying dimensions and to be highly predictive of a measure of publication output. From a practical perspective, the items forming the research self‐efficacy subscales could be a useful tool to promote discussion about the tasks a lecturer may need to perform during an academic career. Further, the items could be ranked in terms of their discriminative capacity and, as a result, be used as the basis for researcher development and interventions to promote improved research self‐efficacy and therefore increased publication output.