bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced reactive NiAl coatings by microwave‐assisted SHS
Authors: Veronesi P. , Leonelli C. , Poli G. , Casagrande A.
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The paper aims to focus on microwave (2.45 GHz) assisted SHS (MA‐SHS) preparation of NiAl intermetallic coatings on titanium substrates conducted in single mode applicator in order to promote the formation of a complex Ni‐Al‐Ti interface. This enhances the NiAl coating adhesion to the Ti substrate and presents high hardness, high toughness and the capability of stopping the fracture propagation.

Design/methodology/approach

Numerical modelling, coupling electromagnetic and heat transfer, allowed to demonstrate that the interface cooling rate can be controlled immediately after SHS using microwave heating, benefiting from the possibility of conveying energy to the newly formed intermetallic compounds, despite an adverse temperature gradient which would negatively affect conventional heating techniques, based exclusively on heat transfer. Experimental validation of the modelling results confirmed that by altering the synthesis conditions (load geometry, microwave power, auxiliary microwave absorbers) the thickness of the Ni‐Al‐Ti layer can be controlled.

Findings

The growth of the interface layer can be ascribed to the formation of a liquid phase (ternary eutectic) which progressively consumes NiAl and Ti from the substrate. In case of MA‐SHS, the liquid phase presence can be prolonged during cooling, thus explaining the formation of the thick interface layer.

Practical implications

Microwave selective heating can be used to initiate the SHS without affecting the metallic substrate, which is only heated locally by the reaction products, thus preserving its properties.

Originality/value

Coupling numerical simulation and experimental activity demonstrated that the different microstructures obtained by MA‐SHS are a result of the peculiar temperature profile, favoured by microwave volumetric and selective heating of the reacting powders.
Simplified robust adaptive control of a class of time‐varying chaotic systems
Authors: Estrada Jorge L. , Duarte‐Mermoud Manuel A. , Travieso‐Torres Juan C. , Beltrán Nicolás H.
Published: March 2008

Purpose

To develop a simplified robust control scheme for a class of nonlinear time‐varying uncertain chaotic systems.

Design/methodology/approach

By means of input‐to‐state stability theory, a new robust adaptive control scheme is designed, which is simpler than the one proposed by Liet al.and applicable to a larger class of nonlinear systems. Only one parameter is adjusted in the controller and the scheme assures that all the signals remain bounded. The behavior of the proposed control scheme is also analyzed through simulations on the Rössler system.

Findings

By adjusting only one parameter in the controller and imposing only one mild assumption on the time‐varying parameters, the proposed control algorithm assures that all the signal remain bounded and that the state of the original system will follow a desired trajectory defined either by the trajectory and its first time derivative, or given by a reference model.

Research limitations/implications

The results are limited to a particular class of nonlinear systems where the dimension of the input vector is equal to the order of the system (dimension of the state vector).

Practical implications

The main advantage of the proposed method is that the modification introduced leads to a substantially simpler adaptive robust controller whose practical implementation will be easier.

Originality/value

The contribution of the proposed method is in the simplification of the control algorithm applied to a class of nonlinear time‐varying uncertain chaotic systems. This will be useful for control engineers to control complex industrial plants.
Reconfiguration of impulse‐voltage generator for conducting standard lightning tests
Authors: El‐Adawy Khalil M. , Metwally I.A.
Published: March 2008

Purpose

Loading the impulse‐voltage generator by test object can affect the generated voltage waveform. It is well known that reconfiguring these generators by changing the high‐voltage resistors and capacitors, and even the connecting leads in the laboratory is too bulky and time consuming, especially for large test objects. The objective of this paper is to introduce a new computerized method to reconfigure the impulse‐voltage generator in order to conduct the standard tests on any type of objects.

Design/methodology/approach

A modified algorithm is introduced for solving the generalized equivalent circuit of impulse‐voltage generators under any loading condition.

Findings

The high efficiency of this algorithm has been verified by experimental investigations on different reduced‐ and full‐scale loads, namely, resistive, inductive, capacitive or mixed. For reduced‐scale loads up to a few kV, a single‐stage impulse‐voltage generator is used. While for full‐scale loads, a multi‐stage impulse‐voltage generator is reconfigured to test a 33 kV neutral earthing reactor. The experimental responses are compared with the numerical results of the proposed program and checked out by the PSCAD simulation. Good agreement has been found between all of them.

Practical implications

Knowing the exact value of the test object, some of the generator components and the connecting lead inductances is a must to apply this method.

Originality/value

Reconfiguring of impulse‐voltage generators by changing the high‐voltage resistors and capacitors, and even the connecting leads in the laboratory is too bulky and time consuming, especially for large test objects. This work will certainly save time and efforts if it is applied correctly in high‐voltage laboratories.
Fast response adaptive fuzzy logic controller for sensorless direct torque control of PMSM with minimum torque ripple
Authors: Ahmed Adam Ali , Gulez Kayhan
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The paper seeks to provide an adaptive fuzzy logic controller for permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) under direct torque control (DTC) algorithm to minimize the torque ripple.

Design/methodology/approach

The design methodology is based on vector control analysis. MATLAB simulations supported with experimental study under C++ are used to execute the proposed work.

Findings

The results show that considerable torque ripple reduction as well as considerable current ripple reduction can be achieved by utilizing adaptive fuzzy switching algorithm to fire the inverter supplying the PMSM.

Research limitations/implications

This research is limited to PMSM, however the research can be extended to include other AC motors as well. In addition, the following points can be studied, the effects of harmonics in control signals on the torque ripple. Digital and active filters as solution to these harmonics can be also addressed. The actual mathematical relation between the torque ripple and flux ripple can be studied to set the flux and torque bands width in reasonable value.

Practical implications

Based on existence DTC control system, it is only required to change the software‐switching algorithm, to provide smooth torque, given that the switching frequency of the inverter module is more than or equal to 15 kHz and the system is supplied with timers. In addition, a relatively higher DC voltage may be required to achieve higher speed compared with the traditional DTC.

Originality/value

In this paper, the stator flux position, and errors due to deviations from reference values of the torque and stator flux are used to select two active vectors while at the same time the absolute value of the torque error and the stator flux position are fuzzified to adapt the switching of the inverter in order to control the applied average voltage level in such a way as to minimize the torque ripple, so instead of fixed time table structure, a fuzzy logic is used to calculate the switching time for the selected vectors and no PI controller is used as the case in the traditional‐space vector modulation. This work is directed to motor drive system designers who seek highly smooth torque performance with fast response.
Evolutionary multi‐objective design of non‐uniform circular phased arrays
Authors: Panduro Marco A. , Brizuela Carlos A.
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the application of an efficient genetic algorithm to deal with the problem of computing the trade‐off curves for non‐uniform circular arrays. In order to answer questions related to the performance of the non‐uniform circular phased arrays, two criteria are considered to evaluate the design: the criteria of minimum main beam width and minimum side lobe level (SLL) during scanning.

Design/methodology/approach

The design of non‐uniform circular arrays is modeled as a multi‐objective optimization problem. The Non‐dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA‐II) is employed as the methodology to solve the resulting optimization problem. This algorithm is considered to be one of the best evolutionary optimizer for multi‐objective problems. It is chosen for its ease of implementation and its efficiency for computation of non‐dominated ranks. The method is based on the survival of the fittest paradigm, where each individual in the population represents a feasible solution of the optimization problem being solved. The concept of fitness is adapted to take into account the concept of solution quality in multi‐objective problems. This evolutionary method can be used effectively for computing the trade‐off curves between the SLL and the main beam width.

Findings

The NSGA‐II algorithm can effectively compute the trade‐off curve of different non‐uniform circular arrays. The simulation results presented in this paper show design options that maintain a low SLL and main beam width without pattern distortion during beam steering. Moreover, these trade‐off curves provide a more realistic approach to the solution of the design problem.

Originality/value

The design problem is set to determine which are the best design configurations or separations between the antenna elements and the best amplitude excitations when a circular structure is employed. Owing to the complex feasible region and the non‐linear dependence of optimization criteria from the decision variables, simple traditional and more sophisticated mathematical programming approaches will lead us to local optimal solutions in the case we can apply them. To the best of our knowledge, this multi‐objective optimization problem has not dealt with before, when two or more conflicting design criteria are taken into account. Therefore, the solution to this problem constitutes the main contribution of our paper.
Cybernetic systems for management applications
Authors: Rudall Brian H. , Mann C.J.H.
Published: March 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to review current advances in the development of cybernetic systems with particular reference to management applications.

Design/methodology/approach

A general review and survey of selected research and development topics is adopted.

Findings

The paper illustrates the multi‐ and trans‐disciplinary nature of cybernetics, systems and the management sciences with a view to further research and development activity.

Practical implications

The choice of reviews provides an awareness of the current trends in these areas of endeavour.

Originality/value

The reviews are selected from a global database and give a studied assessment of current research and development initiatives.
Fusion power; centralized computing
Authors: Andrew Alex M.
Published: March 2008

Purpose

This paper sets out to discuss a proposal for power generation by atomic fusion using the helium isotope of mass 3, obtained from the moon, and to compare it with the better‐known proposed method using deuterium and tritium. It proposes to discuss a new trend by which computing power is made available “on tap” rather than in individual users' installations.

Design/methodology/approach

The aim is to review developments on the internet, especially those of general cybernetic interest.

Findings

The possibility of fusion power based on helium‐3 should be kept in mind, but is subject to numerous difficulties. Centralized computing offers a number of benefits and is a current trend.

Practical implications

Fusion power from helium‐3 is a remote and uncertain possibility, and attention should not be diverted from efforts to reduce carbon emissions and global warming by other means. Large‐scale users of computers might well consider subscribing to a central service.

Originality/value

It is hoped that this will be a valuable periodic review.
Explaining institutional change: aspects of an innovation in the new institutional economy
Authors: Johannessen Jon‐Arild
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to use systemic thinking to explain institutional change. The paper is conceptual, based upon conceptual generalizations.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper considers the question: how can one explain institutional changes? Explaining institutional change is demanded by several recent authors. An interpretation framework is first developed around explanations, where various perspectives on explanations are considered. Then the various perspectives are used to explain institutional change. Finally, an analytical model is developed to explain institutional changes.

Findings

The analytical model is used in order to develop a conceptual model to explain institutional changes in the economic system.

Originality/value

The paper breaks new ground in using systemic thinking to explain institutional change.
Knowledge management via ontology development in accounting
Authors: Chou Tung‐Hsiang , Vassar John A. , Lin Binshan
Published: March 2008

Purpose

This paper seeks to develop an ontological approach, in order to make it possible to share a common understanding of accounting theory, in this case, the specific structure of the profit and loss account among people or software agents.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents an ontology methodology (the Net technique) which represents a semi‐structured element in the domain knowledge of accounting. More specifically, ontology will be used to explain the profit and loss account as a representation of the potential use of this methodology.

Findings

To support ontology effectively, a strong accounting information support system in the organization is necessary. The ontology may be used by employees to navigate the information repository of an organization for the effective coordination. In addition, it might be possible for the WWW to be used to generate data, information and knowledge in the accounting domain.

Practical implications

Software agents could extract and aggregate accounting information from numerous web sites, which in turn might answer research questions or be used as input data for other applications.

Originality/value

The development of ontology expands the researcher's ability to generate information by using search methods beyond simple keywords. If only keywords are used in internet searches, then information that is retrieved will often lack the precision necessary for generating quality information. Therefore, in order to retrieve quality information more quickly and accurately, a broader and more extensive ontology development is required.
The semantic web: a catalyst for future e‐business
Authors: Durgin Janet K. , Sherif Joseph S.
Published: March 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to advance research that portrays the semantic web as the future web where computer software agents can carry out sophisticated tasks for users.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses the major factors that affect the performance and reliability of information services for the web, namely the distribution of information, which has resulted from the globalization of information systems, the heterogeneity of information sources and the sources' instability caused by autonomous evolution.

Findings

Man stands at the threshold of being able to create the semantic web, in terms of declaratively representing objects that are already human‐readable on the web. The next step is to make it the dynamic semantic web by encoding procedures in web material as first‐class objects.

Practical implications

Semantic web technology will work with extensible mark‐up language, which will enable electronic commerce by: defining languages that provide support in defining, mapping, and exchanging product data; functioning from the development of standard ontology that will cover various business areas; and utilizing efficient translation services that will require areas of standard ontology.

Originality/value

The paper tackles one of the most pressing issues of the creation of programs that collect web content, process the information and exchange the results with other programs from diverse sources.
A mixed 0‐1 integer programming for inventory model
Authors: Lee Amy H.I. , Kang He‐Yau
Published: March 2008

Purpose

This paper seeks to construct a model for inventory management for multiple periods. The model considers not only the usual parameters, but also price quantity discount, storage and batch size constraints.

Design/methodology/approach

Mixed 0‐1 integer programming is applied to solve the multi‐period inventory problem and to determine an appropriate inventory level for each period. The total cost of materials in the system is minimized and the optimal purchase amount in each period is determined.

Findings

The proposed model is applied in colour filter inventory management in thin film transistor‐liquid crystal display (TFT‐LCD) manufacturing because colour filter replenishment has the characteristics of price quantity discount, large product size, batch‐sized purchase and forbidden shortage in the plant. Sensitivity analysis of major parameters of the model is also performed to depict the effects of these parameters on the solutions.

Practical implications

The proposed model can be tailored and applied to other inventory management problems.

Originality/value

Although many mathematical models are available for inventory management, this study considers some special characteristics that might be present in real practice. TFT‐LCD manufacturing is one of the most prosperous industries in Taiwan, and colour‐filter inventory management is essential for TFT‐LCD manufacturers for achieving competitive edge. The proposed model in this study can be applied to fulfil the goal.
Elements of a cybernetic epistemology
Authors: Nechansky Helmut
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The paper seeks to put together cybernetics principles determining the possibilities of interaction between two or more goal‐oriented systems to show that they are determining the patterns of societal organization, too.

Design/methodology/approach

Goal‐orientation and decision‐rules, as found in simple feedback systems, and Ashby's Law of requisite variety are repeatedly applied to investigate the cybernetic possibilities for the interaction and organization of goal‐oriented systems.

Findings

The interaction of goal‐oriented systems can lead directly to conflict, cooperation or hierarchy. Out of conflict and cooperation there is a further tendency to develop hierarchies. And in a diversifying environment a hierarchical higher system can grow, get suppressive or perish. It is shown how all this abstract cybernetic reasoning applies to societal organization, too: laws follow the form of decision‐rules of feedback systems. Institutions making laws have to define the elements of such decision‐rules. And societal organization processes for solving conflicts face exactly the options derived from the interaction of goal‐oriented systems.

Practical implications

The goals and the goal‐oriented decisions pursued by a “system” like a person or an institution, are identified as the most important cybernetic determinants to explain seemingly complex phenomena like societal organization.

Originality/value

The paper shows that just a few cybernetics principles determining the possibilities of interaction between two or more goal‐oriented systems suffice to analyze and explain processes of societal differentiation and organization.
The cybernetics of learning mathematics and computer sciences
Authors: Fidelman Uri
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a classification of students according to their hemispheric‐related cognitive stile.

Design/methodology/approach

Reviewing of former studies and correction of conceptual mistakes in a reviewed former study.

Findings

The required classification is possible, and a battery of tests has been developed.

Practical implications

This research is applicable for choosing for each individual student the teaching approach most suiting this student.

Originality/value

The suggested classification method is new. It may prevent learning problems like dyslexia and dyscalculia, and it may increase the learning level of the entire population.
A new approach to the reduction of multiple integrals to simple ones using Chebyshev's kernels
Authors: Mora G. , Cherruault Y.
Published: March 2008

Purpose

This paper seeks to present an original method for transforming multiple integrals into simple integrals.

Design/methodology/approach

This can be done by using α‐dense curves invented by Y. Cherruault and A. Guillez at the beginning of the 1980s.

Findings

These curves allow one to approximate the space Rn (or a compact of Rn) with the accuracy α. They generalize fractal curves of Mandelbrobdt. They can be applied to global optimization where the multivariables functional is transformed into a functional depending on a single variable.

Practical implications

Applied to a multiple integral, the α‐dense curves using Chebyshev's kernels permit one to obtain a simple integral approximating the multiple integral. The accuracy depends on the choice of α.

Originality/value

The paper presents an original method for transforming integrals into simple integrals.
A metric approach for comparing DNA sequences
Authors: Mora‐Mora H. , Lloret‐Climent M. , Vives‐Macia F.
Published: March 2008

Purpose

This paper attempts to compare two biological successions, in general any two successions, analysing the differences between them.

Design/methodology/approach

An algorithm was designed based on a metric which enables one to calculate the associated distance between two successions and, based on the distance obtained, the type of mutations which have occurred was approached.

Findings

The empirical analysis shows that the transformations caused in the successions have been detected by the metric. Today there are numerous enormously powerful programs able to trawl entire databases and therefore the aim of this paper was not to compare these, but to demonstrate a different way of comparing two given successions.

Practical implications

The paper presents a comparison of two DNA successions having a measure of the degree of similarity between them and their possible mutations.

Originality/value

The metric presented is a generalisation of the Hamming distance in strings of different lengths. The software associated with the metric has made it possible to validate the results obtained.
Economic yoyos and never‐perfect value systems
Authors: Lin Yi , Forrest Dillon
Published: March 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to look at the economic concepts of consumption preferences and merit goods and the well constructed examples: The Lazy Rotten Kids, The Nightlight Controversial, and The Prodigal Son, in the light of a recent systemic model, named yoyo model.

Design/methodology/approach

With the systemic yoyo model and its methodology used as the road‐map, the traditional calculus‐based methods are employed.

Findings

From the angle of whole systemic evolution, an astonishing theorem is established, named the Theorem of Never‐Perfect Value Systems. It states that, no matter how a value system is introduced and reinforced, the system will never be perfect. Also, it is shown that, when a tender loving parent exists, his selfish child would take advantage of the parent by putting as little effort into his work as possible.

Originality/value

With recent development of systems research as the foundation, two brand new insights into household economics were discovered.
Definition and selection of fuzzy sets in genetic‐fuzzy systems using the concept of fuzzimetric arcs
Authors: Kouatli Issam
Published: March 2008

Purpose

This paper seeks to identify and propose a standard approach for the selection and optimization of fuzzy sets used in fuzzy decision‐making systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The design was based on two principles: selection and optimization. The selection methodology was based on the “Fuzzimetric Arcs” principle, which is an analogy of the trigonometric circle principle. This would allow an initial sinusoidal fuzzy set shape. Other shapes may also be selected using the described formula (trapezoidal, triangular, … , etc.). As the proposal methodology is based on the trigonometric circle, other trigonometric formulae can be applied. For example, linguistic hedges can be defined using standard trigonometric formulae. Regarding optimization, the initial fuzzy set selection was assumed to be of regular shape (sinusoidal, trapezoidal or triangular). An irregular shape may be required by some systems. Hence, a genetic algorithm was proposed as a methodology to optimize the performance of fuzzy systems by mutating different regular shapes.

Findings

A simplified business decision‐making application was described and the proposed selection methodology was explained in the form of an example. Currently, there is no standard for the selection of fuzzy sets as this is dependent on knowledge engineering and the type of application chosen. The proposed methodology offers an easy‐to‐use possible standard which all developers/researchers may adopt irrespective of their application field. Moreover, the proposed methodology may integrate well with object‐oriented technology.

Originality/value

The paper presents standardization of the fuzzy sets selection and optimization technique used in any type of management information systems. This will aid all developers and researchers to enhance their technical communication. It would also enhance the simplicity and effectiveness of optimizing the performance of such systems.
Developing innovative systems
Authors: Rudall B.H. , Mann C.J.H.
Published: March 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to review current developments in the production of innovative systems in cybernetics and management science.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach takes the form of a general review and survey of selected research and development topics.

Findings

The paper illustrates the multi‐ and trans‐disciplinary nature of cybernetics, systems and management sciences.

Practical implications

The choice of reviews provides an awareness of the current trends in these areas of endeavour.

Originality/value

The reviews are selected from a global database and give a studied assessment of present‐day research and development initiatives.
Digital patient; CYBCOM discussion
Authors: Andrew Alex M.
Published: March 2008

Purpose

This paper seeks to review a source of information on applications of digital technology in medicine and patient care. A recent period of lively discussion in the online discussion list associated with the American Society for Cybernetics, initiated by a question about the relationship of cybernetics to systems science, is partially reviewed.

Design/methodology/approach

The aim is to review developments on the internet, especially those of general cybernetic interest.

Findings

Modelling of human physiology and pathology, especially when patient‐specific, offers many benefits including novel procedures. Attention is also given to management of out‐patient appointments and to aids for the old and infirm. The discussion in the CYBCOM list raises many important and fundamental issues concerning the nature of cybernetics.

Practical implications

The applications of IT in medicine and patient care are of undoubted actual or potential value. The CYBCOM discussion reveals a diversity of attitudes, with general agreement that cybernetics offers deeper insights than alternative approaches.

Originality/value

It is hoped this is a valuable periodic review.
On the concept of the “control systems theory” as a new model of systemic consideration
Authors: Mlakar Tatjana , Mulej Matjaž
Published: March 2008

Purpose

This paper sets out to provide a new systems theory supporting requisite holism and innovation in organizations of the public sector, such as medical care.

Design/methodology/approach

Mulej's dialectical systems theory is applied.

Findings

Currently, the many existing systems theories are applied in separation rather than in synergy. Here, a fourth attempt to make a new systems theory in Slovenia is presented: after the dialectical system theory, the dialectical network thinking, and the business cybernetics this is the control systems theory.

Research limitation/implications

Research was limited to management of public health care and attainment of the requisite holism in it.

Practical implications

Managerial efficiency and processes in organizations with a rather small influence of the market pressure can be innovated more easily.

Originality/value

This is the first attempt, to the best of one's knowledge, to make a new synergy of the dialectical systems, living systems, and viable systems theories as potentially complementary systems theories and three methodologies supporting informal requisite holism of thinking, decision making and action.
A systemic critique of neoclassical utility theory
Authors: Johannessen Jon‐Arild , Olaisen Johan
Published: March 2008

Purpose

This paper seeks to use systemic thinking for the purpose of criticizing neoclassical utility theory.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the systemic‐theoretical ontology, epistemology and methodology are presented. Then the basis for the utility theory, and later spin‐offs, the decision theory and game theory, for which among others Jon Elster is a main agent, are criticized.

Findings

The psychological hypothesis, on which the utility theory is based, is rejected as untrue.

Originality/value

The fact that a theory can be explained in simple mathematical terms may make it popular, but this will hardly make it more scientific, despite its display of numerous mathematical terms. This paper's contribution has been to provide a critique of this concept.
The cybernetics of social change – and history
Authors: Nechansky Helmut
Published: March 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to show how basic cybernetics principles of the interaction of two or more goal‐oriented systems determine the possibilities of social change – and of history.

Design/methodology/approach

The starting‐point is the assumption of a social unit organized in two levels in which leaders and subordinated members share mutual goal‐values. As sources for differentiation within this unit diverging individual strivings and questions of leadership (i.e. defining goals, internal and external policy) are identified.

Findings

These sources for differentiation suffice to explain the emergence of individual, political and economic conflicts, as well as the necessary emergence of a multilevel hierarchical organization of society in order to deal with these conflicts. The options of how to deal with these conflicts are analyzed in detail.

Practical implications

To avoid the emergence of a proletariat, i.e. a fraction of a society whose interests are neither represented nor pursued by its leaders, is identified as crucial for the long‐term stability of a social unit.

Originality/value

The paper shows how a few cybernetic principles – primarily the cybernetics of decision making and Ashby's law – can explain complex social phenomena. Thus, it shows the applicability of elements of a cybernetic epistemology.
Prosthotology: the science of prosthetics and orthotics
Authors: Bache A.G.
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The present field of prosthetics/orthotics is an erratic agglomerate of vague guidelines, skills and knowledge. The author conceived prosthotology to clarify, expand and enlighten prosthetics/orthotics into a science with a solid foundation and clear framework. This paper seeks to present itself as an introduction to the field and its relationship with cybernetics and systems.

Design/methodology/approach

Prosthotology achieves this by disregarding the established barriers between the human body, mind and environment. This traditional scheme is replaced by focusing on goals and goal systems instead. A goal system consists of a goal former and a goal achiever. When a goal achiever cannot achieve a goal, it can be amended. If a goal achiever cannot initialise, a prosthesis may provide amendment. If a goal achiever cannot propagate, an orthosis may provide amendment.

Findings

This perspective enables one to focus on a person's needs, what exactly is inhibiting these needs, and how best to permit the needs to be granted. It does not assume that, in order to achieve a goal, only the human body can be used.

Practical implications

Prosthotology provides direction and advancement for prosthetics and orthotics. It also enhances integration of prosthetics and orthotics with other engineering disciplines.

Originality/value

So far one has only scratched the surface of the potential of prosthetics and orthotics, using prosthotology, this potential is obvious and a step closer.
Economic yoyos and Becker's Rotten Kid theorem
Authors: Lin Yi , Forrest Dillon
Published: March 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to establish a systemic yoyo model for economic entities so that the most recent developments in systems research can be applied to the study of economics and finance.

Design/methodology/approach

The concept and methods of whole systemic evolution are employed so that each economic entity, be it an individual, a family, a company, or any organization, can be analyzed with the help of systems research.

Findings

It is first shown that, in a market of free competition, a concept as fundamental as demand and supply is about mutual reactions and mutual restrictions of different forces under equal quantitative effects. Second, each economic entity is modelled and simulated as an economic yoyo or a flow of such yoyos. Owing to the wide applicable scope and practical significance of the Rotten Kid theorem and the excellent analysis of Bergstrom concerning the fact that this theorem is not generally true, after developing the yoyo model for various economic entities, in this paper the main result is established, a sufficient and necessary condition under which the Rotten Kid theorem holds true in general in light of whole systems evolution.

Originality/value

For the first time in history, the general structure of systems is employed to analyze topics in household economics and a long‐sought‐for sufficient and necessary condition is obtained successfully.
Solving a system of fourth‐order obstacle boundary value problems by differential transform method
Authors: Momani Shaher , Suat Ertürk Vedat
Published: March 2008

Purpose

This paper sets out to study a system of fourth‐order obstacle boundary value problems associated with obstacle, unilateral and contact problems.

Design/methodology/approach

Differential transform method was used to solve the system.

Findings

It is demonstrated that the proposed scheme validates for this type of problems.

Originality/value

It is the first time, to the best of one's knowledge, that the method is applied to obstacle boundary value problems. Also, the technique implemented in this study can be used for this type of physical length sensitive problems.
A B‐spline algorithm for the numerical solution of Fisher's equation
Authors: Şahin Ali , Dağ İdris , Saka Bülent
Published: March 2008

Purpose

This paper seeks to develop an efficient B‐spline Galerkin scheme for solving the Fisher's equation, which is a nonlinear reaction diffusion equation describing the relation between the diffusion and nonlinear multiplication of a species.

Design/methodology/approach

The solution domain is partitioned into uniform mesh and, using the quartic B‐spline functions, the Galerkin method is applied to the Fisher's equation.

Findings

The method yields stable accurate solutions. Obtained results are acceptable and in unison with some earlier studies.

Originality/value

Using the uniform mesh, quartic B‐spline Galerkin method is employed for finding the numerical solutions of Fisher's equation.
Application of wavelet transform analysis in medical frames compression
Authors: Maleknejad Khosrow , Sohrabi Saeed , Rostami Yasser
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper, with reference to compression of different images' portions with various qualities, is to obtain a high‐compression coefficient.

Design/methodology/approach

Usually, not all parts of a medical image have equal significance. Also, an image's background can be combined with noise. This method separates a part of the video which is moving from a part that is stationary.

Findings

This process results in the high‐quality compression of medical frames.

Originality/value

Separating parts of a frame using 2D and 3D wavelet transform makes a valuable contribution to biocybernetics.
A new technique for solution of a parabolic inverse problem
Authors: Lakestani Mehrdad , Dehghan Mehdi
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The main aim of this paper is to use the cubic B‐spline scaling functions for the numerical solution of the 1D parabolic inverse problem with temperature overspecification.

Design/methodology/approach

A 1D parabolic partial differential equation with given initial condition and known boundary conditions and subject to overspecification at a point in the spatial domain is solved using the cubic B‐spline scaling functions.

Findings

In this paper, a numerical technique is developed for solving an inverse parabolic problem.

Practical implications

The scheme described is efficient. The numerical results obtained using the new algorithm for a test problem show that the new method can solve the model effectively.

Originality/value

The problem investigated in this research has already been studied by several authors. However, to the best of one's knowledge this is the first time that the new approach has been employed to solve the given model.
Islamic world's development policy responses to the challenges of financial globalization
Authors: Iqbal Anjum Muhammad
Published: March 2008

Purpose – This paper aims to analyze the nature, mechanisms, conventional and modern instruments, dynamics, and the future possibilities of the contemporary phenomenon of financial globalization from the point of view of identifying and addressing the corresponding real politico‐economic challenges confronted by the contemporary Islamic world. In this context, the paper focuses on the institutional responses of the contemporary Islamic world to the challenges of financial globalization. Design/methodology/approach – The approach of the paper is to develop a theoretical treatise on its subject, in the light of research work of Ali Khan who points to the imperative of an Islamic institutional response to financial globalization, by treating the institution of Islamic banking as the concrete proxy of the Islamic financial institution, and to highlight the actual and prospective responses of the Islamic financial institutions to the challenges of financial globalization. Findings – Financial globalization is an evolving reality. Because of its atheistic, materialistic, undemocratic, non‐universal and interest‐based world view and character, financial globalization has been posing a serious challenge to the contemporary Islamic countries’ agenda of economically empowering and developing themselves through the integration of their economies along the universal Islamic lines exhibited in the form of one Islamic Ummah. Research limitations/implications – Research limitations are embodied in the overwhelming problem of finding the latest comprehensive set of data in the context of the relevant Islamic economic variables. Practical implications – The interest‐based Bretton Woods institutions and the conventional‐cum‐new instruments as well as the interest‐based mechanism of financial globalization are determined to be Islamically useless and irrelevant for the Islamic countries. Therefore, the Islamic countries are left with only the financial instruments of Islamic interest‐free foreign direct investment/workers’ remittances/equities along with the several additional Islamic instruments of financial globalization which have the potential of ensuring the Islamic countries’ development according to the Islamic ideals without compromising the sovereignty and integrity of the Islamic Ummah. Originality/value – The paper presents an objective Islamic critique of the capitalist financial globalizations as well as documenting a progressive institutional‐cum‐development policy response to the challenges of financial globalization from the point of view of ensuring the development and empowerment of both the Islamic Ummah and the whole of humanity in the Islamic universal frameworks.
Rise and fall of knowledge power: an in‐depth investigation
Authors: Salma Bee Hj Noor Mohamed Abdul Latiff Hjh , Hassan Abul
Published: March 2008

Purpose

Muslims as anummah(community) held knowledge power for more than 500 years and dominated in the field of historiography, religious texts, medicine, astronomy, mathematics, sciences, literature, geography and travel and many other areas during AD 750‐950 in world history. But the present Muslim world is far behind in knowledge power than the rest of the world despite the fact that it holds vast sources of economic resources. How Muslim knowledge powers became great and how they declined is a question that confronts today's researchers. The purpose of this paper is to identify the factors responsible for the rise and fall of Muslims’ knowledge power and the scope for its restoration.

Design/methodology/approach

An in‐depth analysis was made based on the information from secondary sources.

Findings

In order to restore the flagging knowledge power, six factors have been identified and analyzed in the light of presenting the scope for initiative to power the knowledge economy in the Muslim world.

Originality/value

The paper shows that the concept of knowledge power not only identifies circumstances in which the Muslim world can restore knowledge economy well but also in which it should come up with a realistic action plan in the area of higher education and human resources development.
Efficiency and competition of Islamic banking in Malaysia
Authors: Mokhtar Hamim S. Ahmad , Abdullah Naziruddin , Alhabshi Syed M.
Published: March 2008

Purpose

In an attempt to enrich the literature of the efficiency of Islamic banks, this study aims to empirically investigate the efficiency of the fully fledged Islamic banks as well as Islamic windows in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

This study measures the technical and cost‐efficiencies of these banks using the non‐parametric frontier method, data envelopment analysis (DEA).

Findings

The findings show that, on average, the efficiency of the overall Islamic banking industry has increased during the period of study. The study also revealed that, although the fully fledged Islamic banks were more efficient than the Islamic windows, they were still less efficient than the conventional banks. Finally, Islamic windows of the foreign banks were found to be more efficient than Islamic windows of the domestic banks.

Originality/value

The findings of this study will provide some empirical insights as to how these two modes of Islamic banks had fared in the competitive environment from 1997 to 2003.
Banking for the poor: the role of Islamic banking in microfinance initiatives
Authors: Wajdi Dusuki Asyraf
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper is to review the microfinance scheme and discuss how Islamic banks can participate in such an endeavour without actually compromising the issue of institutional viability and sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on an extensive review of microfinance with the objective of building a case for Islamic banking to participate in a microfinance initiative.

Findings

As reviewed in this paper, microfinance requires innovative approaches beyond the traditional financial intermediary role. Among others, building human capacity through social intermediation and designing group‐based lending programmes are proven to be among the effective tools to reduce transaction costs and lower exposure to numerous financial risks in relation to providing credit to the rural poor. This paper also suggests the use of a special purpose vehicle (SPV) as one of the possible alternatives for Islamic banks channelling funds to the poor.

Research limitations/implications

Islamic banks may benefit from the spectrum of Shariah‐compliant sources of funds and offer a wide array of financing instruments catering for different needs and demands of their clients. Furthermore, the use of a bankruptcy‐remote entity like SPV can protect Islamic banks from any adverse effect of microfinance activities.

Originality/value

The analysis here is valuable in drawing the attention of Islamic banking practitioners to the fact that they can actually practise microfinance without undermining their institutional viability, competitiveness and sustainability. This is evident from the proposed model to incorporate SPV into their microfinance initiatives.
Educational reform in Ghana: the leadership challenge
Authors: Zame Martin Y. , Hope Warren C. , Respress Trinetia
Published: March 2008

Purpose

Leadership is a key commodity in twenty‐first century organizations. This is especially true for school organizations. This paper aims to respond to six questions about head teachers and leadership of basic schools.

Design/methodology/approach

Head teachers responded to survey items about proficiencies required for effective leadership and those demonstrated in practice. The Greater Accra region of Ghana was the setting and head teachers constituted the sample. A survey with a unique identifier was distributed to head teachers at their schools. Analysis was conducted using SPSS and output was translated into frequencies and percentages.

Findings

A premise of the research was that heads of basic schools lacked leadership proficiencies because of the absence of school leadership preparation programs. Heads of basic schools lack professional preparation in leadership, and practice management and administrative behaviors rather than leadership.

Practical implications

Ghana has implemented several reforms with the intent of developing a quality education system; however, there has not been a focus on leadership. The literature is clear about the vital role head teachers have in effective schools and student achievement. This research calls attention to the leadership needs of head teachers in the Ghana education system.

Originality/value

This research reveals that Ghana faces a leadership challenge related to head teachers' professional development. The results are an alert to policy makers to institute educational reform that addresses head teachers' leadership in basic schools.