bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fast surfing, broad scanning and deep diving
Authors: Heinström Jannica
Published: March 2005

Purpose

To explore information behavior from a psychological perspective by relating information seeking to personality traits and study approaches.

Design/methodology/approach

The research design was quantitative and consisted of statistical analysis of three questionnaires, i.e. the NEO Five‐Factor Inventory measuring personality, the ASSIST test measuring approaches to studying, and a questionnaire regarding information behavior. A total of 305 university students who were in the process of writing a Master's thesis responded to the questionnaires.

Findings

Three information‐seeking patterns – fast surfing, broad scanning and deep diving – emerged from the statistical analyses. Fast surfing could be related to a surface study approach and emotionality, as well as to low openness to experience and low conscientiousness. Broad scanning was linked to extraversion, openness, and competitiveness, whereas deep diving was a search pattern typical of analytical students with a deep and strategic study approach.

Research limitations/implications

The results are based on descriptions of behaviour, not actual observations. Although the statistical results were significant, generalisable conclusions would have required more convincing figures. Further research is recommended in order to explore the three search styles in other populations and contexts.

Originality/value

Information‐seeking behaviour has not previously been studied in relation to the five‐factor model, which is regarded as the most modern personality theory to date. Understanding of the psychological reasons behind different information‐seeking styles is important for a holistic view of information behavior. These insights are valuable for researchers interested in user behavior as well as for practitioners like teachers and information professionals.
Towards a procedure model in terminology management
Authors: Kremer Stefan , Kolbe Lutz M. , Brenner Walter
Published: March 2005

Purpose

There is a lack of efficiency when dealing with information and searching for the right content. Aims to present a procedural model which in essence is a generalized approach to terminology management, with which to build and maintain glossaries and taxonomies.

Design/methodology/approach

In addition to an extensive literature review, analysis of three action research cases with several corporate partners is presented. The first case focuses on the introduction of a glossary for a Swiss insurance company. The second illustrates the results from setting up a corporate taxonomy at an international professional services firm. The third case combines glossary and taxonomy for document classification and retrieval.

Findings

Glossary and taxonomy are suitable for solving a wide range of terminological defects. Usage and maintenance processes play a central role in the management of terms and should be well defined. Only a well‐suited trade‐off between centralized and decentralized terminology management will be sustainable.

Research limitations/implications

Other means besides clearly defined processes have to be defined to clearly eliminate certain issues. Furthermore, there is the question of whether the implementation of terminology management could benefit certain types of companies in certain industry branches more than others.

Practical implications

Concrete actions that have to be taken into consideration when introducing glossary and taxonomy systems.

Originality/value

Proposes a procedural model for the introduction of glossary and taxonomy as well as the cultivation of a corporate terminology.
Understanding cultures, and IFLA's Freedom of Access to Information and Freedom of Expression (FAIFE) core activity
Authors: Sturges Paul
Published: March 2005

Purpose

Aims to explore an alternative approach to library and information service in multicultural communities, based on the principles of IFLA's Freedom of Access to Information and Freedom of Expression (FAIFE) Committee.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature‐based analysis of current approaches to multicultural services and the basis for a different approach.

Findings

The need in information and library services for multicultural communities is often described as if it is solely for members of minority communities to be able to obtain materials in their own languages and cultural traditions. A more considered view stresses the need for access to richly informative resources so that all members of a multicultural society can move towards a deeper understanding of each other. IFLA's FAIFE initiative implies more than just a campaign against the suppression and censorship of information and communication. It implies creating conditions for information access unhindered by prejudices, misconceptions and inadequate competences. FAIFE's role in facilitating removal of restrictions, combating suppression of information, fostering rights of access and supporting the development of information competences in all communities and in the information professionals who serve them, is potentially a major contributor to the enhancement of fair and harmonious relations in multicultural communities.

Research limitations/implications

There is no new research in the paper: it builds on sources already published.

Practical implications

A modified approach to multicultural library and information services based on FAIFE principles.

Originality/value

Addresses providers of multicultural services in libraries.
Democracy, eLiteracy and the internet
Authors: Joint Nicholas
Published: March 2005

Purpose

Argues that the internet has an important contribution to make to the improvement of the democratic process, but that this contribution can only be effective with advocacy and support from information professionals and educators; the cultivation of eLiteracy by such information professionals and educators is vital in delivering the democratic potential of the internet.

Design/methodology/approach

An opinion piece based on current and recent trends in thinking about digital citizenship, the internet and democracy.

Findings

Hopeful initial visions of the impact of internet technologies on democracy have been shown to be in some ways too optimistic. Many of the most notable social impacts of the internet on our collective well‐being have been harmful. The cultivation of eLiteracy as a democratic attribute of citizenship should enable us to make the most of the social beneficent potential of the networks.

Research limitations/implications

Purely an expression of belief about what may prove to be the likely social and political benefits of promoting eLiteracy as an aspect of enhanced citizenship. Offers potential for exploration via more in‐depth research.

Practical implications

Opens up an optimistic social and political purpose to the cultivation of eLiteracy in a broad mass of citizens.

Originality/value

Affirms an optimistic view of the democratic potential of the internet, but makes it clear that this potential will not emerge of its own accord. Citizens must engage intelligently with the social and political issues raised by the internet, in particular with the issue of how the new media enable the electorate to conduct dialogue with government. Information professionals have a particular civic duty to be aware of the democratic significance of their promotion of information literacy and, more specifically, of eLiteracy.
Information‐seeking behaviour of undergraduate biology students
Authors: Callinan Joanne E.
Published: March 2005

Purpose

To understand what differences exist between first year biology and final year biochemistry students in University College Dublin so that measures can be taken to address those needs. It examines student's awareness and use of different sources of information for their course‐work, their use of the (E‐) library, why they visited the university library, the type of assistance they had received in using the library as well as the type of instruction they would like to receive in the future.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was designed and administered to both sample groups to investigate the information‐seeking behaviour of these students in different years of their studies.

Findings

The study highlights the positive aspects of seeking information from the student's perspective as well as the barriers they encountered when seeking course‐related information. The findings show that there are differences in the extent to which sources of information are used by students in different years of their studies. Apart from web sites and web‐based lecture notes, lack of awareness is the primary reason why undergraduate biology students did not use the library's electronic databases.

Research limitations/implications

The study does not distinguish between third and fourth year students in the final year sample.

Practical implications

One of the key recommendations is that bibliographic instruction should meet the specific information needs of first year biology and final year biochemistry students as well as greater liaison between faculty and librarians in the area of collection development and information literacy.

Originality/value

This paper establishes the importance of a cross‐sectional study in understanding the difference in students' information needs in different years of their studies.
Cataloguing digital resources
Authors: Nero Lorraine M.
Published: March 2005

Purpose

The objective is to describe the cataloguing component of a digitization project conducted by the University of the West Indies, St Augustine campus.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a case study review of the planning and implementation phases of this project.

Findings

The account demonstrates that planning and continuous assessments are necessary elements for successful project completion.

Research limitations/implications

The paper highlights the need to adapt planning guidelines to fit a specific environment.

Practical implications

The paper puts forward a model for managing the cataloguing aspect of a digitization project. It also provides MARC 21 fields that can be used in coding digital records.

Originality/value

The paper emphasizes the value of team work, planning and assessment for managing cataloguing project.
Copyright law in the European Union, with special reference to Germany
Authors: Beger Gabriele
Published: March 2005

Purpose

To provide information about how changes to the Copyright Law in the European Union have far‐reaching implications for library services; and in particular to illustrate this by showing how library organizations in Germany have reacted to German legal implementation in such a way that they continue to provide services which their users have come to expect of them.

Design/methodology/approach

The mandates of the Copyright Law in the European Union are examined and the problems and positions of the various interest groups in amending the German Copyright Law are presented.

Findings

The presentation shows that German library organizations are striving to help create a legal framework in which the interests of the rightholders, the providers of services for users and the endusers are balanced. With the increased development of electronic means of storage and duplication and the uncertainty of what the future will bring, the fears of loss by the rightholders have created an atmosphere of mistrust, which makes it difficult to create legislation acceptable to all parties.

Research limitations/implications

The current status of the Copyright Law in Germany is in a state of flux. Depending on the final version of the Law, not only German libraries, but libraries all over the world may find themselves faced with restrictions in international inter‐library loan and thereby be faced with the need to reassess how and if they will be able to offer all the services they have in the past.

Practical implications

Any changes to Copyright Law have far‐reaching effects on the flow of information. Since libraries play an important role as intermediaries between endusers and rightholders, it is imperative that they are aware of the ramifications of any changes to these laws.

Originality/value

The paper examines the background for the current status of the Copyright Law in Germany, presents the positions of the various interest groups, indicates how the flow of information may be affected by any changes and makes a plea for a reasonable solution which will be acceptable to all parties involved.
An integrated approach to sensor engineering
Authors: Connolly Christine
Published: March 2005

Purpose

This paper reviews some of the applications addressed by a new company that specialises in the integration of sensors on assembly plants.

Design/methodology/approach

The company's expertise encompasses mechanical, electrical and electronic and optical engineering, and it is able to provide complete solutions, using off‐the‐shelf and bespoke elements as necessary.

Findings

The ability to integrate standard products from different suppliers gives Complete Sensing Solutions Ltd an edge over any single sensor producer. Its further skill in manufacturing bespoke elements – whether software or hardware – also gives it the unique advantage of providing complete systems.

Originality/value

Brings to the attention of production managers the existence of a sensor specialist able to design, build, integrate and install equipment on the plant.
Swiss collaboration yields novel, automated micro‐optic assembly technique
Authors: Bogue Robert W.
Published: March 2005

Purpose

This describes a new automated assembly technique, developed by Leica Geosystems and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, which allows the automated precision assembly of miniature optical components and subsystems.

Design/methodology/approach

Dubbed TRIMO‐SMD (three‐dimensional miniaturised optical surface‐mounted device), this new technique is designed for use with optical components of around 2 mm in diameter such as laser diodes. It uses six‐axis robotic motion, automated optical alignment with cameras and position sensors and laser‐reflow soldering to assemble photonic modules.

Findings

This development has been commercialised and is being used in a production environment by Leica Geosystems. It fixes the optical element into position in just 2 s and the placement accuracy of each component is repeatable to within 1 μm.

Practical implications

This technique has allowed novel micro‐optical assemblies to be produced automatically and has improved the performance and reduced the size and weight of certain precision optical products such as laser rangefinders and Lidar transceiver modules.

Originality/value

This is a new technique which, by allowing the automated, precision assembly of miniature optical components, will benefit companies involved with the manufacture of optical sensing, telecommunications, medical and other products.
Novel visual sensing systems for overcoming occlusion in robotic assembly
Authors: Kim J.Y.
Published: March 2005

Purpose

In precision robotic assembly visual sensing techniques have been widely used since they can detect large misalignments and also part's shape at a distance. Develops two novel visual sensing methodologies.

Design/methodology/approach

Both systems consist of four components: an inside mirror and an outside mirror, a pair of plane mirrors and a camera with a collecting lens. The difference between the two is that system A adopts a pyramidal mirror configuration, while system B employs a conic one. Owing to this configuration difference, system A can detect three‐dimensional measurements of objects with only one image capture, while in addition to this functionality system B is shown to be capable of detecting two omni‐directional image. The measurement principles are described in detail and compared with each other.

Findings

The image acquiring process is shown to easily detect the in situ status of each assembly action, while the recognition method is found to be effective to identify instantaneous misalignment between the peg and the hole. The results obtained from a series of experiments show that the proposed visual sensing methods are an effective means of detecting misalignment between mating parts even in the presence of self‐occlusion.

Practical implications

The proposed sensing methods will dramatically increase the rate of success when actually utilized in assembly processes.

Originality/value

Describes the development of two novel visual sensing methodologies.
LTCC technology for cost‐effective packaging of photonic modules
Authors: Heilala J. , Keränen K. , Mäkinen J.‐T. , Väätäinen O. , Kautio K. , Voho P. , Karioja P.
Published: March 2005

Purpose

The aim of the research was to evaluate the concept that utilizes structured planar substrates based on low temperature co‐fired ceramics (LTCC) as a precision platform for the passive alignment of a multimode fiber and wide‐stripe diode laser.

Design/methodology/approach

Presents the manufacturing process for realisation of 3D precision structures, heat dissipation structures and a cooling channel into the LTCC substrate. The developed methodology for 3D modelling and simulation of the system was used to optimize structures, materials and components in order to achieve optimal performance for the final product and still maintain reasonably low fabrication costs. The simulated optical coupling efficiency and alignment tolerances were verified by prototype realization and characterization.

Findings

The achieved passive alignment accuracy allows high coupling efficiency realisations of multimode fiber pigtailed laser modules and is suitable for mass production.

Research limitations/implications

Provides guidance in the design of LTCC precision platforms for passive alignment and presents a hybrid simulation method for photonics module concept analysis.

Practical implications

The three‐dimensional shape of the laminated and fired ceramic substrate provides the necessary alignment structures including holes, grooves and cavities for the laser to fiber coupling. Thick‐film printing and via punching can be incorporated in order to integrate electronic assemblies directly into the opto‐mechanical platform.

Originality/value

Introduces the LTCC 3D precision structures for photonics modules enabling passive alignment of multimode fiber pigtailed laser with high efficiency optical coupling. Demonstrates the hybrid simulation methodology for concept analysis.
An assembly sequence‐planning system for mechanical parts using neural network
Authors: Sinanoğlu Cem , Rıza Börklü H.
Published: March 2005

Purpose

In this paper, an assembly sequence planning system, based on binary vector representations, is developed. The neural network approach has been employed for analyzing optimum assembly sequence for assembly systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The input to the assembly system is the assembly's connection graph that represents parts and relations between these parts. The output to the system is the optimum assembly sequence. In the constitution of assembly's connection graph, a different approach employing contact matrices and Boolean operators has been used. Moreover, the neural network approach is used in the determination of optimum assembly sequence. The inputs to the networks are the collection of assembly sequence data. This data is used to train the network using the back propagation (BP) algorithm.

Findings

The proposed neural network model outperforms the available assembly sequence‐planning model in predicting the optimum assembly sequence for mechanical parts. Due to the parallel structure and fast learning of neural network, this kind of algorithm will be utilized to model another types of assembly systems.

Research limitations/implications

In the proposed neural approach, the back propagation algorithm is used. Various training algorithms can be employed.

Practical implications

The simulation results suggest that the neural predictor would be used as a predictor for possible practical applications on modeling assembly sequence planning system.

Originality/value

This paper discusses a new modelling scheme known as artificial neural networks. The neural network approach has been employed for analyzing feasible assembly sequences and optimum assembly sequence for assembly systems.
Optimal design of a flexible transferring system in press automation using fuzzy clustering
Authors: Rouhani Hossein , Fazlirad Alireza , Araabi Babak N. , Lucas Caro
Published: March 2005

Purpose

Modern day manufacturing has seen the replacement of manual transfer of parts between press machines with automatic transfer systems. Higher automation productivity demands greater flexibility of transfer devices. This paper deals with methods to improve the flexibility of fixtures designed to transfer parts between press machines.

Design/methodology/approach

Describes methods to improve the flexibility of fixtures designed to transfer parts between press machines in Press Shop 3 at Iran Khodro Company (IKCO). A fuzzy C means clustering‐based method is developed to optimize the number and arrangement of actuators for each fixture. Economical aspects of this novel design are addressed as well.

Findings

The simulation results suggest that application of a flexible fixtures system and use of linear motors was the best method of adding flexibility to the loader‐unloader system.

Originality/value

Provides evidence that flexible components are indispensable to increasing production speed and reliability in an automated system.
Online cutting stock optimization with prioritized orders
Authors: Ghodsi R. , Sassani F.
Published: March 2005

Purpose

To have all the required components of batches of product orders ready for timely assembly and delivery, the real time wood strip cutting patterns in a major solid wood furniture manufacturing plant has to be dynamically generated based on both the order priority and the minimum wood waste.

Design/methodology/approach

An adaptive fuzzy ranking method and a recursive function for pattern generation were integrated into an optimization procedure to solve the real time one‐dimensional multiple‐grade cutting stock problem when orders are prioritized.

Findings

The simulation results illustrate that the optimization algorithm produce considerably less waste than the current approach. If implemented in the industry, the saving in raw material could be in the range of 5‐10 percent.

Research limitations/implications

The optimization algorithm is for the cut‐to‐size decisions only with the consideration of the order priorities. The overall scheduling of the production shop floor is not addressed.

Practical implications

The algorithm can be used on the cutting machines as an online patterns generator and cutting optimizer.

Originality/value

There is no literature available for the real time one‐dimensional multiple‐grade cutting stock problem when orders are prioritized. The few commercial optimizers have unknown algorithms with unpredictable waste.
LAMDA: an example of a resource‐sharing document delivery service in UK Higher Education libraries
Authors: Goodier Rose
Published: March 2005

Purpose

Aims to describe the development of the LAMDA service, from its inception as an eLib project in 1995 to its current status as a commercial service.

Design/methodology/approach

Descriptions of the staff structure, turnaround times, equipment and software and the LAMDA Union list are all included.

Findings

Attention is drawn to LAMDA's influence on subsequent projects such as Docusend and SUNCAT.

Originality/value

The article concludes that the steep rise in electronic journal subscriptions in academic libraries has been a major factor in reducing the number of LAMDA transactions made in recent years.
Docusend: the one‐stop, integrated, document delivery broker service
Authors: Bower Gordon
Published: March 2005

Purpose

To provide an overview and analysis of a major JISC‐funded document delivery project.

Design/methodology/approach

The Docusend Project ran over a period of three‐and‐a‐half years. The article details how the original project plan was managed and how it was modified in the light of changes in the document delivery environment.

Findings

The findings from the project point to some of the issues likely to be faced in the design and implementation of a major document delivery system.

Research limitations/implications

Any future research in this area will benefit from this study, as it places the work of the project in the wider context of the many changes which are taking place in the document delivery environment.

Practical implications

The article will be useful to those thinking about how document delivery systems and services might be managed and to anyone contemplating the establishment of a new service.

Originality/value

The Docusend Project was one of the major initiatives looking at potential new patterns and services for document delivery in the UK.
E‐books in public libraries: a terminal or termination technology?
Authors: Berube Linda
Published: March 2005

Purpose

Aims to present a background to the use of electronic resources, especially e‐books, in public libraries, which appears to threaten some basic activities that define a reading culture dependent on the print book.

Design/methodology/approach

There are initiatives afoot which are working to integrate e‐books into the culture and process of resource‐sharing. This paper reviews some of the issues with e‐books, and specifically how the Co‐East partnership proposes to contribute to the initiatives concerned with improving accessibility.

Findings

It is important that public libraries do take that first step in implementing an e‐books service and take care in its promotion. Their traditional role, after all, is providing the bridge between rights holders and the public and, with the advent of “disruptive technology”, this role is more crucial than ever.

Originality/value

An important precedent for this project has been the findings from the Essex e‐books project, and especially user feedback. Although no one was asking about e‐books, users from all age groups were curious enough to participate in the project, and forthcoming in offering their opinion, much of it positive, about the reading experience and the mobile technology.
Patron‐initiated borrowing and traditional ILL: the cascade experience
Authors: Chmelir Lynn
Published: March 2005

Purpose

To report and analyze transaction data over a four‐year period for patron‐initiated borrowing via the Cascade union catalog as well as transaction data for traditional ILL in a consortium of six academic libraries in Washington State.

Design/methodology/approach

Transaction data for patron‐initiated borrowing via the Cascade union catalog were gathered from statistics produced by the Inn‐Reach software. Data for ILL were collected via a survey of libraries’ staff. Data for returnables and copies were analyzed at the consortium and institutional level.

Findings

In the third year of patron‐initiated borrowing, traditional ILL transactions for returnables had decreased 21 per cent consortium‐wide, the total number of transactions for returnables had increased 271.9 per cent, and the transactions for copies remained steady. Although the borrowing and lending patterns at the six libraries varied, each loaned and borrowed more returnables via patron‐initiated borrowing than via traditional ILL.

Research limitations/implications

This study describes activity at a single consortium of only six libraries. Since the Cascade libraries have now merged into a larger consortium, the Orbis Cascade Alliance, it would be interesting to collect and analyze new data from the larger group to see if patterns have changed.

Practical implications

The increased volume of returnables delivered to users in this consortium suggests that patron‐initiated borrowing is an effective method for resource sharing. Traditional ILL remains a necessary alternative for copies and books not available within the consortium.

Originality/value

This is the first study to examine consortium‐wide transaction data for both patron‐initiated borrowing and traditional interlibrary loan for a sustained period of time.
Interlending and document supply: a review of the recent literature – 51
Authors: McGrath Mike
Published: March 2005

Purpose

To provide a review of the most recent literature concerning document delivery and related matters.

Design/methodology/approach

The article is based on a broad range of published works, including papers, books, reports and web sites.

Findings

Finds that Open Access does not seem to have a great impact on document delivery at present but its influence is growing and may well accelerate.

Originality/value

This review is a useful source of information for librarians and others interested in document delivery.
Computation of view factors for surfaces of complex shape including screening effects and using a boundary element approximation
Authors: Mezrhab A. , Bouzidi M.
Published: March 2005

Purpose

This paper describes an approach for the automatic calculation of view factors between surfaces of arbitrary shape, when taking into account possible screening effects due to intermediate surfaces.

Design/methodology/approach

The specifically developed numerical code is based on the utilization of boundary elements to fit the surfaces of an algorithm solving the shadow effect and on a Monte Carlo method for the numerical integrations.

Findings

The code has been tested for a set of geometrical configurations. It was clearly shown that it obtains good results in terms of accuracy and computing time. Its accuracy increases when the mesh of radiative surfaces is finer.

Research limitations/implications

The use of the code is limited to opaque surfaces separated by an isothermal semi‐transparent medium which can be absorbent but not diffusing of the thermal radiation.

Practical implications

The study of the radiative exchanges between opaque surfaces with shadow effects due to intermediate surfaces may have concrete practical applications by using this code. Indeed, the code has been used for an industrial application, in order to evaluate view factors inside an enclosure, in the framework of studies concerned with the thermal comfort inside cars.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper lies in taking into account the surfaces of complex geometries by using a boundary elements approximation, the algorithm solving the shadow effect, based on the convexity of the quadrilateral in 2D or the polyhedron in 3D.
Application of a hexahedral mesh compression method in a 3D hot forging process for efficient analysis of a flash
Authors: Hong J.T. , Lee Y.K. , Lee S.R. , Yang D.Y.
Published: March 2005

Purpose

In the finite element analysis of a hot forging process with hexahedral elements, flash region is difficult to analyze because of the thin shape. In this paper, a hot forging process is effectively analyzed by constructing a locally fine mesh in the flash region.

Design/methodology/approach

When remeshing is decided by an error estimation and flash is generated, the boundary patch of the mesh is constructed and expanded in the normal direction of the flash region. After hexahedral mesh is constructed in the expanded patch with master grid approach, the boundary patch is compressed to the original shape and the nodes in the boundary are moved to the relative position of the boundary patch. Then, a locally fine mesh is constructed in the flash region. The quality of mesh on the boundary is again improved by adding surface element layer. Therefore, the hot forging process can be effectively analyzed by constructing the adaptive hexahedral mesh in the flash region.

Findings

The results show that the locally fine mesh can be constructed in the hexahedral mesh generation procedure by constructing mesh in the expanded patch and compressing the mesh according to the original boundary patch without affecting the compatibility of element. Then, it is applied to the analysis of a hot forging process and it has been shown that the analysis result of the proposed technique can save the analysis time remarkably relative to that of the fine mesh, while maintaining the analysis accuracy of the fine mesh.

Originality/value

In the finite element analysis of a hot forging process, the flash region is very difficult to analyze because it is difficult to construct locally fine mesh with hexahedral elements. A new adaptive mesh generation technique using hexahedral elements is suggested to overcome such difficulty and applied to the analysis of a hot forging process.
Soret driven thermosolutal convection in a shallow porous layer with a stress‐free upper surface
Authors: Er‐raki M. , Hasnaoui M. , Amahmid A. , Bourich M.
Published: March 2005

Purpose

Thermodiffusion or Soret effect is a phenomenon that can be encountered in many applications. However only little is known about this phenomenon, particularly in the case of sparsely packed media (i.e. Brinkman media). The aim of this paper is to study numerically and analytically the effect of thermodiffusion on the onset of natural convection in a horizontal Brinkman porous layer with a free‐stress upper boundary.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is performed by solving numerically the governing equations for different combinations of the governing parameters. An analytical solution is also developed in the case of a shallow layer using the approximation of a parallel flow in the core region to predict the critical conditions corresponding to the onset stationary, subcritical and Hopf convection.

Findings

The results obtained show that, in the presence of Soret effect, the numerical and analytical solutions agree well for long enough layers. The thermodiffusion parameter can affect considerably the supercritical and sub‐critical Rayleigh numbers and heat and mass transfer characteristics in the layer. It is also shown that the plane Le‐φ can be divided into three main regions with specific and different behaviours.

Originality/value

The Soret effect can play a stabilizing or a destabilizing role and this, depending on the sign of the separation parameter, φ.
Measuring the quality of e‐banking portals
Authors: Bauer Hans H. , Hammerschmidt Maik , Falk Tomas
Published: March 2005

Purpose

In the internet economy, the business model of web portals has spread rapidly over the last few years. Despite this, there have been very few scholarly investigations into the services and characteristics that transform a web site into a portal as well as into the dimensions that determine the customer's evaluation of the portal's service quality.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on an empirical study in the field of e‐banking, the authors validate a measurement model for the construct of web portal quality based on the following dimensions: security and trust, basic services quality, cross‐buying services quality, added value, transaction support and responsiveness.

Findings

The identified dimensions can reasonably be classified into three service categories: core services, additional services, and problem‐solving services.

Originality/value

The knowledge of these dimensions as major determinants of consumer's quality perception in the internet provides banks a promising starting point for establishing an effective quality management for their e‐businesses.
The relationship between consumer innovativeness, personal characteristics, and online banking adoption
Authors: Lassar Walfried M. , Manolis Chris , Lassar Sharon S.
Published: March 2005

Purpose

This paper explores the relationships between consumer innovativeness, self‐efficacy on the internet, internet attitudes and online banking adoption, while controlling for personal characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

The study integrates the technology acceptance model (TAM) and adoption of innovation framework to develop predictions of online banking acceptance. It distinguishes between innate consumer innovativeness, a generalized personality trait, and internet‐domain‐specific or actualized innovativeness in order to explore consumer characteristics' impact on adoption. Data are analyzed using logistic regression.

Findings

While results confirm the positive relationship between internet related innovativeness and online banking they also surprisingly show that general innovativeness is negatively related to online banking.

Research limitations/implications

Results may or may not differ according to whether consumers are using online, telephone banking, electronic funds transfer (EFT) or direct bill payment. Our results may generalize to telephone banking and EFT as these products, like online banking, require an active consumer role in using the product. With direct bill payment, consumers need only set up the process initially and then monitor it on a semi‐regular basis.

Practical implications

Findings suggest that the type of consumer innovation matters in understanding the adoption of e‐banking processes. This supports the notion that online shoppers are distinct from traditional non‐online shoppers or highlight the unique nature of purchasing financial versus non‐financial products. Banks offering e‐banking need to recognize the importance of internet‐specific consumer innovation characteristics.

Originality/value

This paper closes a research gap as the model tested provides insights toward understanding the consumer‐based phenomenon of e‐banking, and serves to evaluate the TAM in this context. In contrast to previous research the study utilized an actual measure of e‐banking adoption versus a measure of intention to use the technology.
Customer acceptance of internet banking in Estonia
Authors: Eriksson Kent , Kerem Katri , Nilsson Daniel
Published: March 2005

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study technology acceptance of internet banking in Estonia, an emerging east European economy.

Design/methodology/approach

The present paper modifies the technology acceptance model and applies it to bank customers in Estonia, because Estonia, a country with a developing economy, has focused on internet banking as an important distribution channel.

Findings

The findings suggest that internet bank use increases insofar as customers perceive it as useful. The perceived usefulness is central because it determines whether the perceived ease of internet bank use will lead to increased use of the internet bank. Put differently, a well‐designed and easy to use internet bank may not be used if it is not perceived as useful. We thus conclude that the perceived usefulness of internet banking is, for banks, a key construct for promoting customer use. We also suggest that models of technology acceptance should be re‐formulated to focus more on the key role of the perceived usefulness of the service embedded in the technology.

Research limitations/implications

Implications for banks are that they need to put much effort not only into making a user‐friendly internet bank, but also into explaining to their customers how the internet bank is useful to them.

Originality/value

Contributes to the literature on internet banking in an East European economy.
A software tool for estimation of PCB substrate utilisation efficiency statistics from scanned images
Authors: Hyslop S.M. , Palmer P.J. , Whalley D.C.
Published: March 2005

Purpose

Routing efficiency provides an estimate of the compactness of a specific PCB layout in comparison with the theoretical minimum size for the circuit design. This work describes a methodology for estimating the routing efficiency of existing PCB layouts from scanned images of either a manufactured PCB or the relevant PCB artwork. Measuring and maximising routing efficiency offers a powerful tool in the drive to minimise the size and cost of a PCB, as it provides a quantitative measure of the need to include costly features such as multiple signal layers and blind (or partial) vias.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology was proven as a manual method, before implementation as a software tool. This work describes the image processing techniques used to recognise traces and vias and describes how this information is processed to derive substrate utilisation statistics.

Findings

An initial survey suggests that trace routing efficiency has declined through time, indicating that many layouts are larger than necessary, or use more signal layers than are required by routing constraints alone.

Research limitations/implications

This work finds that digital logic circuits follow a more coherent trend than analogue or mixed technology circuits. The results are therefore much more applicable in the digital domain.

Practical implications

As the methodology is implemented using images of PCB layouts, it offers the potential to investigate the performance of routing capability for current and legacy applications where CAD data are not available.

Originality/value

Where CAD drawings exist, routing efficiency can easily be calculated from the data. However, the methodology for estimating routing efficiency retrospectively from circuit images is believed to be unique, and sidesteps the problems of gaining access to this information.
SAVIA, an advanced multi‐layer parallel lamination technique for high density, high performance printed circuit boards
Authors: Kim Taehoon , Mok Jee‐Soo , Song Chang‐Kyu , Park Jun‐Heyoung , Kim Kyung‐O , Sun Ben , Min Byung‐Youl
Published: March 2005

Purpose

To review a newly developed PCB fabrication process based on a parallel lamination technique.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper has been written to introduce the SAVIA process, a new parallel lamination technique for PCB fabrication. The basic concept of the SAVIA process has been described along with the individual process steps and the reliability issues. The advantages of SAVIA process have been also discussed in both economical and technological aspects.

Findings

It was found that the parallel lamination technique, a key process for SAVIA, was not only highly flexible and reliable but also a cost‐effective fabrication method for high performance PCB. With the SAVIA process, manufacturing lead‐times can be substantially reduced due to the nature of the parallel processing. It was also confirmed that a highly reliable metal alloy interconnection was created between the core and the adhesive layers during the lamination process. The formed metal alloy contacts showed excellent electrical and physical characteristics. The between layers was precise.

Originality/value

The value of this paper is to introduce a novel PCB fabrication process based on a parallel lamination technique that is superior to conventional build‐up processes from both technological and economical viewpoints. By applying a parallel lamination technique, it is expected that fabrication costs can be lowered due to reductions in manufacturing lead‐time.
Soldering considerations for lead‐free printed circuit board assembly – an Envirowise Guide
Authors: Goosey Martin
Published: March 2005

Purpose

To give an overview of the issues encountered, and changes that need to be made in the various types of soldering process when converting them from conventional to lead‐free assembly.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper has been written to provide a review of the lead‐free reflow, wave and hand soldering processes. Problem areas highlighted and methods for adjusting and optimising each type of soldering process for compatibility with lead‐free solders are described.

Findings

The move to lead‐free soldering in electronics assembly can lead to a number of issues that affect process performance, yields and reliability. Problems that are sometimes encountered with conventional lead‐bearing solders can exacerbated when moving to lead‐free. Many of the issues are associated with the higher melting points of the recommended lead‐free solders. Fortunately, these issues are now well known and, with care and attention to process optimisation, they can largely be avoided.

Originality/value

The value of the paper lies in its ability to provide information on the types of problems and issues encountered when moving to lead‐free solders and the advice it gives on how to avoid them. It also describes how to convert the various lead‐free soldering processes used in PCB assembly using a range of measures that can minimise defects, avoid common problems and optimise yields. Sources of additional assistance are also identified.
Whither research in marketing?
Authors: Saunders John , Lee Nick
Published: March 2005

Purpose

To introduce the contents of this special issue on research in marketing and comment on the development of the discipline in UK universities.

Design/methodology/approach

Relates each paper to a taxonomy of academic research and comments on their content. Examines major trends in higher education and relates them to the fortunes of marketing educators.

Findings

There are reasons to be cheerful about academic marketing in the UK: there are clearly opportunities to publish in the world's leading academic journals, increased funding for the discipline, the acceptability of a wide range of methodologies and the increasing influence of marketing. Less encouraging is the naïve and destructive competition between universities and the consequent destruction of academic development.

Research limitations/implications

This is a UK perspective that depends on limited knowledge of other than a few other countries.

Practical implications

There are good reasons to be positive about an academic career in marketing, but also a desperate need to tackle the naïve strategies of universities and to intervene to mend the gaps in the development of academic marketers.

Originality/value

Gives an insight in to the range of research in marketing, and an insight into the opportunities and pitfalls of a career in academic marketing research.
Beyond incommensurability? Empirical expansion on diversity in research
Authors: Davies Andrea , Fitchett James A.
Published: March 2005

Purpose

This paper is a practical attempt to contribute to the ongoing reappraisal of the dichotomies and categories that have become prevalent throughout marketing research.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews current literature on incommensurability and undertakes a comparative re‐examination of two studies.

Findings

How the authors view their research is constituted in retrospective terms through a marketing and consumption logic based on the principles of division, distinction and difference. Re‐examination of some empirical case material suggests that in practice the perceived duality separating research traditions is unsound. A misplaced reading of paradigm incommensurability has resulted in research practices appearing oppositional and static when they are essentially undifferentiated and dynamic. An over‐socialised research epistemology has raised the tangible outcomes of research activities to be dominant in directing research practice.

Research limitations/implications

The comparative analysis is illustrative rather than representative.

Originality/value

The paper offers an applied exposition of theoretical debates in marketing research concerning paradigm incommensurability.