bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Know your dose: RADDOSE
Authors: Paithankar Karthik S. , Garman Elspeth F.
Published: March 2010

The program RADDOSE is widely used to compute the dose absorbed by a macromolecular crystal during an X-ray diffraction experiment. A number of factors affect the absorbed dose, including the incident X-ray flux density, the photon energy and the composition of the macromolecule and of the buffer in the crystal. An experimental dose limit for macromolecular crystallography (MX) of 30 MGy at 100 K has been reported, beyond which the biological information obtained may be compromised. Thus, for the planning of an optimized diffraction experiment the estimation of dose has become an additional tool. A number of approximations were made in the original version of RADDOSE. Recently, the code has been modified in order to take into account fluorescent X-ray escape from the crystal (version 2) and the inclusion of incoherent (Compton) scattering into the dose calculation is now reported (version 3). The Compton cross-section, although negligible at the energies currently commonly used in MX, should be considered in dose calculations for incident energies above 20 keV. Calculations using version 3 of RADDOSE reinforce previous studies that predict a reduction in the absorbed dose when data are collected at higher energies compared with data collected at 12.4 keV. Hence, a longer irradiation lifetime for the sample can be achieved at these higher energies but this is at the cost of lower diffraction intensities. The parameter `diffraction-dose efficiency', which is the diffracted intensity per absorbed dose, is revisited in an attempt to investigate the benefits and pitfalls of data collection using higher and lower energy radiation, particularly for thin crystals.
Repositories and journals: are they in conflict?
Authors: Brown David J.
Published: March 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to bring together information on whether any evidence exists of a commercial conflict between the creation of digital archives at research institutions and by key subject centres of excellence, and the business of journal publishing.

Design/methodology/approach

Relevant publications, including articles published in refereed books and journals, as well as informal commentaries on listservs, blogs and wikis, were analysed to determine whether there is any evidence of a commercial relationship.

Findings

Most of the published comments are highly subjective and anecdotal – there is a significant emotional overtone to many of the views expressed. There is precious little hard evidence currently available to support or debunk the idea that a commercial conflict exists between repositories and journal subscriptions. The situation is made more difficult by the many technological, sociological and administrative changes that are taking place in parallel to the establishment of repositories.

Practical implications

Separating the key drivers and their impact is a major strategic challenge facing all stakeholders in the scholarly communication industry in future.

Research limitations/implications

This is an important area which requires close monitoring – the possible threat that the established journal publishing system could be eroded away by a new “free” scholarly information system needs attention. One significant study in this area is being undertaken by the PEER group, funded by the European Commission with hard evidence being collected by UCL's CIBER research group. The results from this impartial investigation will be very welcome.

Originality/value

The paper shows that relationship between repositories and journal subscriptions is vague.
Thematic description of audio‐visual information on television
Authors: Caldera‐Serrano Jorge
Published: March 2010

Purpose

This paper endeavours to show the possibilities for thematic description of audio‐visual documents for television with the aim of promoting and facilitating information retrieval.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve these goals different database fields are shown, as well as the way in which they are organised for indexing and thematic element description, analysed and used as an example. Some of the database fields are extracted from an analytical study of the documentary system of television in Spain. Others are being tested in university television on which indexing experiments are carried out.

Findings

Not all thematic descriptions are used on television information systems; nevertheless, some television channels do use thematic descriptions of both image and sound, applying thesauri. Moreover, it is possible to access sequences using full text retrieval as well.

Originality/value

The development of the documentary task, applying the described techniques, promotes thematic indexing and hence thematic retrieval. Given the fact that this is without doubt one of the aspects most demanded by television journalists (along with people's names). This conceptualisation translates into the adaptation of databases to new indexing methods.
Culture of open access in the University of Kashmir: a researcher's viewpoint
Authors: Gul Sumeer , Shah Tariq Ahmad , Baghwan Tariq Ahmad
Published: March 2010

Purpose

A survey of University of Kashmir scholars was undertaken in 2008 to ascertain their experience, attitudes and perceptions about the open access (OA) movement. The purpose of this paper is to report the survey's findings.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was based on data collected from scholars belonging to the Science and Social Science faculties at the University of Kashmir. A pre‐defined, closed‐ended, 14‐item questionnaire was distributed among 84 research scholars. The selection of scholars was based on stratified disproportionate sampling in which the sample size for the departments of both faculties was confined to four scholars, as only four research scholars were enrolled in the Department of Psychology.

Findings

The majority of the scholars consulted both open access as well as library‐subscribed resources. Of OA resource users, four‐fifths consulted journals and two‐fifths consulted books. Colleagues (57.14 per cent) were the main referral sources of OA awareness with the least intervention from library professionals. Scholars (95.23 per cent) retrieved OA content via search engines. About 21 per cent remarked above 60 per cent relevancy of OA content related to their research need. The majority of scholars considered OA useful to publish their work quickly, boost their productivity as an author and increase citations of their work. One third reported awareness of more than two OA journals. About 30 per cent reported OA journals as a source of publishing their work, whereas just 10 per cent deposited their works in OA repositories. Overall, Science scholars had the edge over their Social Science counterparts in acceptance of open access.

Research limitations/implications

The research highlights the viewpoints of only 84 scholars out of 326 registered scholars in the fields of Sciences and Social Sciences at the University of Kashmir.

Originality/value

Research of this kind has not been carried out before at the University of Kashmir. The paper discusses open access awareness among the researchers of the University of Kashmir with recommendations for information professionals and teaching faculty to acquaint researchers with the benefits of open access.
Technological and dietetic characteristics of probiotic acidophilus milk
Authors: Sarkar S. , Misra A.K.
Published: March 2010

Purpose

– Prophylactic characteristics of plain acidophilus milk could be further enhanced with the incorporation of certain probiotic or beneficial organisms. This research undertakes to evaluate the technological and dietetic characteristics of probiotic acidophilus milk containing Bifidobacterium bifidum and Propionibacterium freudenreichii subsp. shermanii during storage.

Design/methodology/approach

– The effects of incorporation of Bifidobacterium bifidum NDRI and Propionibacterium freudenreichii subsp. shermanii MTCC 1371 as microbial additives during the manufacture and storage of acidophilus milk made from skimmed milk at 8±1 °C for seven days were evaluated. Probiotic acidophilus milk was evaluated on the basis of various technological (titratable acidity, volatile acidity, diacetyl and acetoin production and extent of proteolysis) and dietetic (lactic acid content, lactose hydrolyzing activity, antibacterial activity, viable population of lactobacilli, propionibacteria, bifidobacteria) characteristics.

Findings

– Probiotic acidophilus milk obtained with the conjugated application of Lactobacillus acidophilus R, Propionibacterium freudenreichii subsp. shermanii MTCC 1371 and Bifidobacterium bifidum NDRI retained its dietetic characteristics up to seven days of storage at 8±1 °C and its consumption may be advantageous over plain acidophilus milk due to its enhanced prophylactic features.

Research limitations/implications

– Mineral and vitamin estimation of probiotic acidophilus milk, animal and infant feeding trials must be conducted.

Practical implications

– Conjugated application of Propionibacterium freudenreichii subsp. shermanii MTCC 1371 and Bifidobacterium bifidum NDRI as microbial additives during the manufacture of acidophilus milk may be suggested to enhance its prophylactic features.

Originality/value

– Conjugated application of P. freudenreichii subsp. shermanii MTCC 1371 and B. bifidum NDRI as microbial additives with L. acidophilus R during the manufacture of acidophilus milk is suggested to enhance the prophylactic features of plain acidophilus milk. Consumption of probiotic acidophilus milk as a dietary adjunct can be recommended.
The effects of risk-reducing strategies on consumer perceived risk and on purchase likelihood
Authors: Yeung Ruth , Yee Wallace , Morris Joe
Published: March 2010

Purpose

– Consumer perception of risk and its impacts on purchasing behaviour are critical aspects of food safety. Consumer risk management strategies influence, and respond to, the risk management strategies adopted by the food industry. This research, using poultry product as the focus, aims to identify the consumer risk-reducing strategies and their impact on perception of food safety-related risk and then on purchase behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

– By adopting a quantitative research paradigm with a quota sample of 200 respondents, a Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) model was built to assess the direct and indirect effects of strategies taken by consumers to reduce perceived risk and the consequences for purchase likelihood, utilising LISREL 8.30.

Findings

– The research reveals brand, information and quality assurance as influential risk-reducing strategies to reduce consumer perception of food safety risk and subsequently to facilitate purchase likelihood during a period concerned about microbiological contamination in chicken meat.

Practical implications

– The results provide guidance of both proactive and remedial actions that the food industry can follow and also help to evaluate the effectiveness of its marketing activities.

Originality/value

– The research provides an insight in assisting government agencies and the food industry to develop appropriate food-related risk management strategies to serve the interests of both consumers and producers.
Making information literacy relevant
Authors: Shenton Andrew K. , Fitzgibbons Megan
Published: March 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the problems of a one size fits all approach to information literacy (IL) teaching, and consider how to make the experience more relevant to the learner.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides a discussion based on an extensive analysis of the literature.

Findings

Isolated rote learning, without any self‐motivation on the part of the learner, will limit the degree to which information skills can be applied in other situations. If lifelong learning is the true goal of IL education, information specialists are ideally placed to impart skills that go beyond the ostensibly limited relevance (from a student's perspective) of academic assignments.

Research limitations/implications

The paper discusses alternative approaches to the teaching of IL based on a review of the literature. It offers new models for consideration for IL practitioners.

Originality/value

The paper discusses the role of the learner and their motivation and how librarians can make IL training more relevant to the individual. As such should be of interest to practitioners in educational institutions of all kinds.
Smart cameras tackle 3D industrial inspection
Authors: Connolly Christine
Published: March 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the technology and applications of 3D visual measurement systems.

Design/methodology/approach

A particular line profile sensor is used to explain the principle of laser triangulation, and further profilers are described. A grid projection technique is presented. Finally, a series of industrial 3D vision devices from SICK are described.

Findings

3D vision is becoming as convenient as 2D as a factory integration tool. Very high‐speed laser‐scan systems are now available, making up to 35,000 profiles per second. Grid projection systems can measure to 10 μm resolution.

Originality/value

The value of this paper is to make scientists and engineers aware of advances in the practicality of 3D vision systems.
Metrology and 3D trends: a snapshot in 2009
Authors: Shafi Adil
Published: March 2010

Purpose

Technological advances in recent years have led to the development and implementation of a variety of techniques and platforms in three‐dimensional (3D) metrology. These techniques include improvements in sensory capabilities, computational speed, flexibility in reporting, and ease of use. The purpose of this paper is to address several developments in this regard.

Design/methodology/approach

Metrology, or the science of measurement, continues to enjoy relevance and importance in the quality and handling of manufactured goods. In most instances, measurement requires a 3D quantification of an object's dimensions. These data are used for product quality or for robotic guidance applications.

Findings

As technology progresses, a snapshot of trends is presented in 2009. Notable amongst these trends are advances in sensory capabilities, computational speed, flexibility in reporting, and ease of use. These continuous improvements are helping to increase adoption curves in an ever‐competitive quality and cost driven, and increasingly international, manufacturing market. According to Paul Kellett, Director of Market Analysis at the Robotics Industries Association (www.robotics.org), there have been, in the past, typically three impediments to adoption: ease of use, cost, and performance of technology.

Originality/value

In conclusion, metrology and 3D trends are evolving continuously to equip manufacturers with enhanced tools for measurement, quality control, robot guidance and absolute accuracy. Much work lies ahead in the area of software for applications and specifically for vertical applications.
Optical tomography system using microprocessor and ethernet controller‐based data acquisition system
Authors: Abdul Rahim Ruzairi , Chiew Loon Goh , Hafiz Fazalul Rahiman Mohd. , Kok San Chan , Jon Fea Pang , Lai Chan Leong
Published: March 2010

Purpose

Owing to the high cost of data acquisition (DAQ) card in the market, the purpose of this paper is to develop a high speed, low‐cost microprocessor and ethernet controller‐based DAQ in optical tomography system.

Design/methodology/approach

Microprocessor is the main core to control the sensor circuitry while ethernet controller has the responsibility of transmitting data to PC and thus insuring the reliability of data.

Findings

The data transfer rate will be up to megabytes per seconds. In this optical tomography system, projection geometry combining two orthogonal and two rectilinear in one layer is modeled.

Originality/value

This paper presents a new application in optical tomography.
Test and analysis of the performance of capacitance vehicle weighing sensor
Authors: Mei Chen
Published: March 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a capacitance vehicle weighing device. The key part of this device is the capacitance vehicle weighing sensor. This paper discusses the static and dynamic performance test of capacitance vehicle weighing sensor with emphasis, and provides theoretical analysis, in order to provide the tests and theoretical basis for the popularization and application of the vehicle weighing device.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper gives an introduction to the weighing sensor in respects of the structure design and measuring principles, with the emphasis on the static and dynamic performance of the testing processes. Then, the paper provides the corresponding testing processes and data with theoretical analysis.

Findings

This weighing sensor can be applied to static as well as dynamic tests thus the capacitance vehicle weighing device is practical and worthy of promotion and popularization.

Originality/value

The capacitance vehicle weighing device is characterized by its simple structure, simple measuring circuits, strong reliability in anti‐interference, small size and low cost. The static performance is of little repetitive error, and the use of software may efficiently solve the problems of non‐linearity and hysteresis. In dynamic measurement, the speed, acceleration and vibration of the vehicle produce little effect on the result, which can be neglected, thus being able to overcome the disadvantages of the traditional weighing method which is of low speed and great errors.
Application of neural network and electrodynamic sensor as flow pattern identifier
Authors: Rahmat M.F. , Sabit H.A. , Abdul Rahim R.
Published: March 2010

Purpose

Solid particles flowing in a pipeline is a common mode of transport in industries. This is because pipeline transportation can avoid waste through spillage and minimizes the risk of handling of hazardous materials. Pharmaceutical industries, food stuff manufacturing industries, cement, and chemical industries are a few industries to exploit this transportation technique. For such industries, monitoring and controlling material flow through the pipe is an essential element to ensure efficiency and safety of the system. The purpose of this paper is to present electrical charge tomography, which is one of the most efficient, robust, cost‐effective, and non‐invasive tomographic methods of monitoring solid particles flow in a pipeline.

Design/methodology/approach

Process flow data are captured by fitting an array of 16 discrete electrodynamic sensors about the circumference of the flow pipe. The captured data are processed using two tomographic algorithms to obtain tomographic images of the flow. Then a neural network tool is used to improve image resolution and accuracy of measurements.

Findings

The results from the above technique show significant improvements in the pipe flow image resolution and measurements.

Originality/value

The paper presents electrical charge tomography, which is one of the most efficient, robust, cost‐effective, and non‐invasive tomographic methods of monitoring solid particles flow in a pipeline.
Mobile internet diffusion in China: an empirical study
Authors: Liu Yong , Li Hongxiu
Published: March 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the diffusion process of mobile internet use (MIU) in China and to explore the determinants driving MIU.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted to collect data to empirically assess the research model. In total, 736 usable responses were collected using a questionnaire derived from previous research. Both the structural equation model and partial least squares were used to study the model concerning different user groups.

Findings

The results indicate that there are significant differences in the users' perceptions of mobile internet usage during its different innovation diffusion stages. Of the determinants, perceived enjoyment is the most important predictor of MIU.

Practical implications

In addition to motivating users by making services more enjoyable, the findings suggest that practitioners should take the differences of adopter groups into account. Making the mobile internet easy to use and compatible with users' lifestyles would promote the use of technology as well.

Originality/value

Few studies have investigated the differences between user groups when studying mobile internet diffusion, especially in China, which is reaching a critical stage in this regard.
Outsourcing and information systems managers: an empirical study
Authors: Gonzalez Reyes , Gasco Jose , Llopis Juan
Published: March 2010

Purpose

Information systems (IS) outsourcing has grown dramatically in recent years, however few studies have dealt with the influence of outsourcing on the role of IS managers. In attempting to fill the gap, this study presents and analyzes the results of a survey among large Spanish firms. Also the paper analyzes these results along time. So, the main aim of the paper is to focus on the implications of outsourcing over IS managers and the evolution of these implications in recent years. Moreover, the paper presents a typology of firms according to how outsourcing has influence IS managers.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was administered to the IS managers of the largest Spanish firms, so outsourcing influence is analysed from the point of view of the own managers affected by outsourcing.

Findings

The paper concludes that outsourcing has benefited IS managers in the largest Spanish firms, enhancing their jobs and working as a valuable alternative to internal IS activity.

Originality/value

An important contribution made by this paper is the presentation of a typology of enterprises according to how outsourcing has influenced the professional activities of IS managers.
The evolutionary process and collaboration in supply chains
Authors: Cheng Hsiu‐Chun , Chen Mu‐Chen , Mao Chi‐Kuo
Published: March 2010

Purpose

The primary aim of this paper is to investigate the evolutionary process and collaboration within Taiwan's cut‐flower supply chains. The paper also go on to discuss the enablement of supply chain coordination through information technology (IT) adoption and network effects, as well as performance improvements achieved by the introduction of the wholesale information sharing hotline (WISH) system.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper examines the evolutionary process in Taiwan's cut‐flower supply chains from a macro‐study perspective, based upon primary data obtained from in‐depth interviews. The paper also applies multiple regression analyses from a micro‐study perspective, in order to gain insights into the evolution of market share within the supply chains, thereby facilitating the investigation of the effectiveness of the WISH system.

Findings

The results reveal that the auction houses are heavily dependent upon reliable sources of supply, and that in the earlier stages of the evolutionary process, they played a mediating role in the formulation of auction lines based upon retailer demand through the adoption of the e‐auction mechanism. Since then, the operational performance of the auction houses has been improved considerably, with horizontal coordination being supported by information sharing through the WISH system. The network effect is found to have a positive correlation with the number of participants within the system.

Originality/value

This paper focuses specifically on the evolutionary process of the cut‐flower supply chains in Taiwan, examining the simultaneous achievement of both vertical and horizontal collaboration through the advancement of IT.
Undergraduate search strategies and evaluation criteria
Authors: Currie Lea , Devlin Frances , Emde Judith , Graves Kathryn
Published: March 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine undergraduate students' information‐seeking behavior and their thought processes involved in, criteria applied to, and methods of, evaluating the results of their searches, in determining which information to apply to their research.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper observed, recorded and analyzed the processes and sources used by undergraduate students when seeking information on a given topic.

Findings

Students did not use as many of the criteria necessary for evaluating sources for a research paper as the authors had hoped to observe; therefore, the students identified relatively few scholarly sources.

Practical implications

Even though many of the students had had a course‐integrated library instruction session before participating in the study, it did not seem to increase their evaluative skills, leading the authors to think that research skills need to be integrated in the curriculum in more meaningful ways by teaching faculty.

Originality/value

The paper raises awareness of the search strategies and criteria that undergraduate students use to find information for their research papers.
Compute‐online designs of RFIC/MMIC passive components
Authors: Deng James T.Q. , Zhao H. , Yuan Y. , Zhang S. , Xu B. , Guo Y.N. , Zeng Y.L. , Ruan S.L. , Liu S.Q. , Chen G.W. , Chen X.Q. , Wu J.H.
Published: March 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a novel research area involved in fast compute‐online and electronic design automation (EDA) realization, so‐called COMPOL project or COMPOL software tool online (www.compute‐online.com) that is applied to designs of radio frequency integrated circuits/monolithic microwave integrated circuits (RFIC/MMIC) passive components.

Design/methodology/approach

This research work will present an interactive software package that has been fitted and verified by the results based on full‐wave full domain Lagrange differential (FDLD) method and experimental approach to realize EDA of RFIC RFIC/MMIC passive components. The developed web platform is based on browser/server pattern, by use of VisualStudio.NET and ASP.NET technologies.

Findings

Its functionality may include analysis, synthesis, optimization, interpolation, and modeling of spiral inductors and coplanar waveguide (CPW) with any shape on any material substrate for microwave and wireless applications. Through the complete online processing of the inductors and CPW designs, it is approvable to expand to design applications of other passive components such as resistor (R), capacitor (C), transmission line and connector, etc.

Originality/value

This compute‐online algorithm is first developed by the use of the originally established numerical method – FDLD makes one case design possible to be done online in the time range of seconds.
Performance estimation for an EDA tool‐based HW/SW co‐verification environment
Authors: Ruan A.W. , Liao Y.B. , Li P. , Li W.C.
Published: March 2010

Purpose

With the growing system‐on‐a‐chip (SOC) design complexity, SOC verification has become a major congestion. In this context, efficient and reliable verification environment is requested for SOC design before it is committed to production. The purpose of this paper is to judge whether the hardware and or software (HW/SW) co‐verification environment can handle SOC verification and provide the necessary performance in terms of co‐verification speed and throughput, power and resource consumption, timing analysis, etc.

Design/methodology/approach

A finite‐impulse‐response filter is utilized as a device‐under‐test to compare pure SW simulation, Modelsim simulator in this case, and HW/SW co‐verification approaches to decide on whether the HW/SW co‐verification environment can do work or not. In addition, the performance of the HW/SW co‐verification environment is estimated based on specifications such as co‐verification speed and throughput, power and resource consumption, and timing analysis.

Findings

From experiment results, conclusions can be drawn that the more complicated SOC is, the greater the potential speedup of the co‐verification approach over SW simulation is. However, the communication between SW and HW in HW/SW co‐verification system is a major congestion, which may offset the acceleration achieved by moving large computation from the SW to the HW side.

Originality/value

Performance estimation for the HW/SW co‐verification environment has been conducted in terms of co‐verification speed and throughput, power and resource consumption, timing analysis, etc.
Design of a control circuit for a user reconfigurable ROIC for IRFPA applications
Authors: Shen K. , Ruan A.W. , Hu B.
Published: March 2010

Purpose

There are a lot of applications available for infrared focal plane array (IRFPA). Thus, advanced functions are required to support a wide range of IRFPAs applications. The purpose of this paper is to present a control circuit for a user reconfigurable 320×256 readout integrated circuit (ROIC) designed for IRFPA applications.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to implement reconfigurable ROIC, several advanced functions can be realized by the control circuit such as global reset, capacitive transimpedance amplifier (CTIA) gain selectable, CTIA bandwidth selectable, random access opening (RAO), dynamic image transposition, selectable outputs, and adjustable power dissipation. These advanced functions can be implemented by loading corresponding control words into a 60‐bit control register. There are seven types of control words available with 14‐bit control words reserved for the realization of other functions in the future to control corresponding seven advanced functions.

Findings

Design and simulation of the control circuit based on CSMC 0.5 μm process technology have been conducted to confirm these functions. Based on these functions, wide scene dynamic range can be achieved, and the application of ROIC is more flexible.

Originality/value

This paper describes more functions such as CTIA bandwidth selectable, global reset, and also improved functions of RAO.
Analysis and design of a hairpin‐line bandpass filter
Authors: Wei Jiagui , Wu Jun , Wang Luyu
Published: March 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a new way to analyze the hairpin‐line bandpass filter and improve the stopband's attenuation of this filter.

Design/methodology/approach

The even‐odd and open‐short circuit stub mode method is used to analyze the proposed filter and the simulation and optimization are done using the computer‐aided design tools. A design example of a narrowband hairpin‐line filter is provided.

Findings

This improved structure is clearly increasing the stopband's attenuation, at the same time, the bandwidth is narrower.

Originality/value

The paper presents useful analysis of the hairpin‐line bandpass filter; proposes a simple method to analyze this structure, as well as optimization for stopband's attenuation of the hairpin‐line filter.
Analysis and design of a parallel coupled‐line quadrature coupler with lumped‐elements
Authors: Wu Jun , Wang Luyu
Published: March 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a broadband parallel coupled‐line quadrature coupler implemented with lumped‐elements.

Design/methodology/approach

The even‐ and odd‐mode method is used to compute the proposed coupler, and the analysis and optimization are done using the computer‐aided design tools. A design example of a broadband tunable quadrature coupler is provided.

Findings

This novel structure is clearly increasing the conductor spacing and decreasing the whole structure size, at the same time, the bandwidth is much wider.

Originality/value

This paper shows how a parallel coupled‐line quadrature coupler with lumped‐elements has been analyzed and designed, and proposes a simple and convenient method to calculate this structure. Compared with the normal parallel coupled‐line structure, the conductor spacing of this coupler is increased effectively, while the structure size is decreased. In addition, because of the tunable embedded capacitors, the bandwidth becomes much wider – a broadband up to 77 percent is achieved.
Scalable combined H.264/distributed video coding
Authors: Lv Rui , Qing Linbo , Yu Yanmei , He Xiaohai , Zeng Qiangyu
Published: March 2010

Purpose

The first purpose of this paper is to propose a scalable video coding scheme providing flexibility in video transmission, especially under wireless environment. The second purpose is to analyze the problem of lengthening the key frame interval in distributed video coding (DVC), and propose an approach to improve the rate‐distortion (RD) performance of DVC for long group‐of‐frames (GOF) size.

Design/methodology/approach

In the proposed scheme, a base layer is first obtained from an H.264 coder. When a DVC coder is then used to code the enhancement layer, information in processing the base layer is extracted and analyzed to make multiple side‐information available and reduce error accumulation for DVC coding, thus further improving the performance of the DVC coder.

Findings

By dividing video into base and enhancement layers, the combined video coding architecture enables a flexible video transmission. In addition, several methods are used to improve the RD performance in DVC coding. Simulation shows that the proposed scheme outperforms non‐scalable DVC for long GOF size.

Originality/value

Prediction from the decoding loop in base layer encoder largely reduces enhancement layer spatial redundancy. Multiple side‐information provides better estimation for DVC reconstruction. Long prediction loop is more reliable because error accumulation is effectively compensated.
A wireless sensor network of human physiological signals
Authors: Li Tansheng
Published: March 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a wireless sensor network system which can monitor human physiological signals of heartbeat rate and body temperature.

Design/methodology/approach

When physiological activity occurs, signals are generated. By measuring these signals, human activity can be monitored. With the help of a new network module named Waseda Hibikino Module‐2, which can transmit not only data, but also based of physiological signals, a wireless sensor network is established.

Findings

While measuring physiological signals, a stable system is required. From human body to the terminal in a hospital, data must be sent completely, especially for example the heartbeat rate. And a stable transmission protocol must be applied during this process of wireless transmission.

Originality/value

This technology represents a new real‐time monitoring system of human physiological signals. With single data processing, it can prevent different kind of situations before a bad status like a heart attack occurs.
Fault diagnosis of WSNs node based on wavelet neural network
Authors: Lin Lei , Xu De‐kai , Wang Hou‐jun
Published: March 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a new method of the fault diagnosis of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) node, which is based on wavelet neural network (WNN).

Design/methodology/approach

The approach uses WNN to diagnose the sensor module of the node.

Findings

The method based on WNN sensing parts of the WSN nodes in additional fault location is accurate feasible.

Research limitations/implications

The fault of WSNs node protean, it is necessary to establish even more fault model for the training of WNN.

Practical implications

The simulation results provide useful guidelines for the engineers faced with the detection the fault of the WSN node.

Originality/value

The WNN is well‐known. The innovation here is applying this method in order to diagnose the fault of WSNs node.
Systemic yoyo structures and dishpan experiments
Authors: Lin Yi
Published: March 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to systematically, but briefly, outline the theoretical and empirical foundations for the validity of the general systemic yoyo model in order to lay down a solid basis for future studies of this model and relevant applications in various traditional research areas as presented in this special issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is developed on the available theoretical knowledge from a wide range of areas, such as kinematics, fluid mechanics, vector analysis, quantitative representations of solenoidal rotations, geometry in curvature spaces, etc. and empirical facts from areas like quantum mechanics, astronomy, particle physics, meteorology, etc. The spirit of this work is truly systemic, where conclusions are drawn using cross‐disciplinary syntheses of conclusions and observations.

Findings

The paper develops a plausible and convincing series of evidence for the validity of the general systemic yoyo model and presents the relevant highlights of the dishpan experiment in order to pave the way for a follow‐up and detailed study of this yoyo model and its applications in natural and social sciences.

Originality/value

After the systemic yoyo model is initially proposed, this work is the first to develop the foundation of this useful model of systems research.
Particle yoyos and their quark structures
Authors: Lin Yi , He Xiaoya
Published: March 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate such fundamental concepts as mass, charge, and quark structure of the general systemic yoyo model so that this model could be more widely applied in studies of various scientific disciplines.

Design/methodology/approach

Laboratory experiments well documented in quantum mechanics and particle physics are employed as supporting evidence.

Findings

A yoyo model explanation for Stern‐Gerlach experiment is provided. The yoyo structures of an electron and a positron are established. Other than illustrating how a radioactive element is decayed, the paper provides an argument for why n‐quark yoyos can theoretically exist in the physical world, for any natural number n.

Originality/value

The paper shows how some properties of the general systemic yoyo model can be established and how some of these very properties can be employed to deepen the understanding of the elementary particles studied in particle physics.
The displacement currents of yoyos and Maxwell relationships
Authors: He Xiaoya , Lin Yi
Published: March 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to summarize the most important quantitative representations of electric and magnetic yoyo fields obtained on the basis of the general systemic yoyo model.

Design/methodology/approach

The traditional calculus‐based methods are employed in reference with the qualitative analysis and reasoning of spinning yoyo flows.

Findings

This paper presents an opportunity for us to see how theoretical and experimental results obtained in the conventional electromagnetic theory can be potentially generalized to the study of the general systemic yoyo model.

Originality/value

This paper looks at the well‐established laws of electromagnetic theory from the angle of systems studies with an eye on the possibility of first generalizing these laws to the situations of general systems, and second, the potential to employ these generalized laws to social science and humanity areas.
The life form of civilizations
Authors: Lin Yi , Forrest Bailey
Published: March 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reveal the mechanism underlying three fascinating problems that have been investigated by many first class scholars in sociology throughout history.

Design/methodology/approach

The thinking logic and figurative method of the general systemic yoyo model, combined with laboratory experiments, are collectively employed to present a brand new methodology for the study of three unsettled problems in the research of civilizations.

Findings

The paper provides novel explanations for such fascinating but unsettled problems as: what factors determine whether a civilization is to live or die? What brings prosperity to a specific geographic region? How does a new emerging or reviving civilization adopt elements of existing or other civilizations to build or reconstruct its own organizational structure?

Originality/value

This paper presents how laws and conclusions developed in systems science in general and the systemic yoyo model in particular can bring forward tangible results in social science with solid scientific merits. Considering the importance of the conclusions drawn in this paper, it is expected that this paper will produce results that can be truly useful for policy makers at national and international levels.
Lovelock interview, cybernetics sources, torture
Authors: Andrew Alex M.
Published: March 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review a variety of developments during the summer of 2009, with the most significant being an interview with James Lovelock in which he discusses dire predictions that appear in his latest book. Others refer to definitions and educational material on cybernetics. Comments are made on a debate about torture, on which cybernetics theory has been brought to bear. An appreciative comment on the early work of Vallée is noted, as is the sad passing of Barbara Vogl of the American Society for Cybernetics.

Design/methodology/approach

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

Findings

The main aim is to review significant items from ongoing discussions, sometimes with interpretation that is additional to the original material, especially in the torture context.

Practical implications

The interview with Lovelock has important implications for management of the ecology.

Originality/value

It is hoped this is a valuable periodic review.
National workshop on technical services in law libraries: an overview
Authors: Anyaogu Uluocha
Published: March 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the need for training and retraining of law librarians and other information professionals on the critical art of technical services. That exploration becomes even more critical in view of the exponential growth of available legal information in primary, secondary and web sources and the attendant change in legal information processing and management. The topic was discussed in a Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies' (NIALS) workshop in June 2007.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory research design was adopted. The method was to first examine the course objectives of the workshop to ensure that it is well packaged to empower and re‐equip law librarians and information professionals. The next approach was to discuss the NIALS as the apex Institute for research and advanced studies in law. Then, the general overview of the workshop was discussed.

Findings

Law libraries and law librarians are challenged to develop better retrieval tools that enable access to legal and other subject‐specific information needed by the library's critical public and clientele system – user community. This is being necessitated by the fact that computer and other electronic systems are now used in the provision of technical services such as the production of catalog cards, indexing and abstracting of legal materials, to mention but a few.

Originality/value

The paper's originality lies in its discussion that new law librarians and other information professionals often find it difficult to relate their academic library training to real‐life professionals practice situation, especially in the sophisticated discipline of law. Older professionals on the other hand need retraining to adapt to the new era of technology‐driven information handling methodologies.
Market orientation in universities
Authors: Hemsley‐Brown Jane , Oplatka Izhar
Published: March 2010

Purpose

The paper's purpose is to test: whether there are significant differences between England and Israel, in terms of perceptions of market orientation (MO) in higher education (HE); which MO dimensions (student, competition, intra‐functional) indicate more positive attitudes and whether the differences are significant; and the reliability of the instrument for using a larger sample of respondents internationally.

Design/methodology/approach

A comparative (online) survey of 68 academics in England and Israel was conducted during the academic year 2007. The MO questionnaire used comprises 32 factor items rated on a six‐point scale, categorised using three headings: market (student‐customer) orientation; competitor orientation; and inter‐functional coordination.

Findings

Overall, academics in both countries indicated that their HE institution is oriented towards meeting students' needs and desires, and cares for students' well‐being, teaching and learning. In addition, the respondents alluded to their contribution to internal marketing, i.e. to the promotion of their university through their own work tasks and performance.

Research limitations/implications

The study was restricted to a comparison of only two universities, one in Israel and one in England, and the sample size is small.

Practical implications

The meeting of student needs, and a student centred approach can be an institutional mission, as well as a government driven initiative imposed on universities through the introduction of a market.

Originality/value

As MO frequently underpins the development and implementation of successful organisation‐environment relationships, the current paper is a first attempt to trace the contextual determinants of this orientation by comparing its frequencies and elements in two different HE systems.
Using appreciative inquiry to create a sustainable rural school district and community
Authors: Calabrese Raymond , Hester Michael , Friesen Scott , Burkhalter Kim
Published: March 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to document how a doctoral research team applied an action research process to improve communication and collaboration strategies among rural Midwestern school district stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

An appreciative inquiry (AI) action research methodology framed as a qualitative case study using the AI 4‐D cycle over four consecutive weeks was facilitated with nine purposively selected stakeholders.

Findings

Findings suggest that the AI 4‐D cycle promoted greater respect and value of participants' strengths/assets through shared personal narratives; participants transformed their rural school district's culture from defensive, isolationist, and reactive to one that embraced internal and external collaboration, greater levels of trust, and hope; and participants increased social capital between the school district and community agencies as well as in the relationship among school district stakeholders.

Practical implications

Participants entered the process with strong expressions of powerlessness focused on school district and stakeholder deficits. They left the process empowered, with a plan to improve stakeholder communication, form district and community partnerships at many levels, and act immediately to initiate transformation projects. Participants became conduits of hope for their rural community and viewed themselves as assuming leadership roles to bring groups together to build generative capacity.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the importance of the highly participatory nature of school organizations as democratic institutions, and it demonstrates that educators are empowered when their focus is on a co‐constructed imagined future.