bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Library participation in a campus‐wide teaching program
Authors: Hoseth Amy
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to chronicle the participation of the Colorado State University Libraries in a campus‐wide teaching program sponsored by the campus center for teaching and learning, and discusses the opportunities provided by such participation for academic librarians in general.

Design/methodology/approach

The author uses a case study approach to explore one academic library's participation in a campus‐wide teaching program sponsored by the institution's center for teaching and learning. The aim of the article is to demonstrate how the program works, and to discuss the potential for similar programs at other libraries.

Findings

The library's participation in a campus‐wide teaching program has strengthened ties with the campus center for teaching and learning; improved the instructional skills and knowledge of faculty and professional staff; and highlighted the importance of teaching and learning within the library.

Practical implications

The author presents a blueprint for instructional collaboration with the campus center for teaching and learning, and suggests that such programs will greatly benefit reference and instruction librarians.

Originality/value

This article will benefit reference and instruction librarians who seek to improve their teaching skills. Relatively few articles have investigated collaborative relationships between libraries and centers for teaching and learning in which librarians participate as students.
An information literacy program built for relevance and purpose
Authors: Simard Stephanie
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the design and implementation of an information literacy program for the Faculties of Science and Engineering at McGill University.

Design/methodology/approach

Borrowing from the literature and Bloom's Taxonomy of Educational Objectives, a theoretical approach to audience characterization is used to generate learning outcomes aligned with American Library Association Information Literacy Standards for Science and Technology.

Findings

Results suggest that a learner‐centered program, addressing potential gaps between perceived and actual skills and needs, is well‐received by the student population.

Originality/value

This study, primarily focused on the description of a program, provides timely and useful information to academic librarians.
“I don't think it's harder, just that it's different”
Authors: Gronemyer Kate , Deitering Anne‐Marie
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate librarians' attitudes towards instruction in virtual reference transactions and to review relevant literature.

Design/methodology/approach

Librarians who provide virtual reference services are surveyed about attitudes towards providing instruction via virtual reference software. In addition to gathering demographic information respondents are asked to rate agreement or disagreement with statements about virtual references using a six‐point Likert scale.

Findings

The librarians surveyed see value in providing instruction during the virtual reference encounter, but also identify concerns and barriers. Discussion of Marchionini's concept of exploratory search and Madell and Muncer's study on control in computer mediated communication is used to highlight some characteristics of the virtual reference environment that might require unique pedagogy and reference practices.

Research limitations/implications

Most respondents are from academic libraries, potentially limiting its applicability to public or special library settings and the survey does not explore the attitudes of librarians who do not currently provide virtual reference.

Practical implications

Findings will be useful for institutional or consortial virtual reference training as well as improving individual practice. Findings may also have policy and/or staffing implications for virtual reference programs.

Originality/value

There is limited literature that focuses specifically on either information literacy instruction during the virtual reference transaction or on librarians' attitudes towards providing instruction in the virtual reference transaction.
Evidence‐based research in the applied social sciences
Authors: Paynter Robin A.
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to outline increased use of evidence‐based research strategies in the applied social sciences.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper documents an ideal procedure for researchers to follow. It also provides resources from which to find evidence.

Findings

Evidence‐based practice is emerging as an influential field within academic and professional applied social science fields; as such, reference librarians across various library types should become familiar with the search strategies and tools their users need in order to be successful evidence‐based practice researchers

Originality/value

The Campbell Collaboration's motto, “What helps? What harms? Based on what evidence?” neatly sums up the field of evidence‐based practice research
Age discrimination, sexual orientation and gender identity: UK/US perspectives
Authors: Sargeant Malcolm
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) elders suffer from particular discrimination when compared to that suffered by elders in general and heterosexual elders in particular, and to argue for specific consideration for those who suffer from discrimination based upon a combination of their age and sexual orientation or gender identity.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is the result of a desk study of US and UK material plus some interviews in the USA with LGBT organisations.

Findings

It is found that LGBT elders do suffer from particular discrimination when compared to that suffered by elders in general and heterosexual elders in particular.

Research limitations/implications

This research needs to be placed in a wider context of dealing with discrimination on intersectional grounds and is an example of how such an approach is needed.

Practical implications

This paper is a contribution to the debate around the newly published Equality Bill in the UK.

Originality/value

The paper contains no new empirical data, but existing material is brought together and is subject to analysis.
Metal signals and labour market disadvantage
Authors: Cameron Samuel , Collins Alan , Hickson Ford
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of visible body piercings (VBP) in explaining the extent of self‐reported workplace sexual orientation discrimination.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the 2002 wave of the UK Gay Mens’ Sex Survey, OLS and logit equations are estimated to analyse the extent of self‐reported denial of job opportunities.

Findings

The possession of visible body piercings is shown to increase the level of discriminatory activity. There is evidence that tongue piercings are the major contributory type of body decoration. The overall effect is seemingly ameliorated for those gay men who engage in more extensive concealment effort with regard to their sexual orientation.

Research limitations/implications

The sample is to some extent self‐selecting, which may affect the results. Further studies using alternative methodologies would be required to explore this issue.

Practical implications

This paper sheds light on the importance, or otherwise, of presumed visual clues such as body piercing in triggering discriminatory behaviour towards gay men.

Originality/value

This is the first study to examine the self‐reported experience of post‐entry discrimination by gay men using a major national survey comprising over 15,000 observations.
Supply‐side effect of non‐standard work options on elderly people employment in Japan
Authors: Bachmann Janika
Published: November 2009

Purpose

How to get people working longer and retiring later is a new research topic for contemporary social policy. Flexible work options could be one possibility, but are special shorter‐working‐hours‐for‐elderly workplaces really important in order to increase employment among the 65+ age group? The purpose of this paper is to argue, in the case of Japan, that increased availability of non‐standard work formats would not improve labour force participation among the elderly when it is driven by corporate objectives to reduce labour costs. On the contrary, supply‐driven increase in flexible work formats sends a signal of unfavourable labour market conditions and causes the elderly to stay out of labour.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper utilizes the Labour Force Survey, a nationally representative data set showing labour force participation and employment formats across all age groups.

Findings

It is true that non‐standard work formats are being progressively more used among elderly workers. However labour force participation rate has increased only in cases where the increase in flexible work formats was demand driven, meaning only to the point where both standard and non‐standard work options were equally available to the whole population. When economic conditions force companies to offer more non‐standard work options, increase in supply side takes place. This sends a signal of unfavourable labour market conditions to the elderly population, who are more elastic to labour market changes and by using a pension can easily withdraw from the workforce.

Research limitations/implications

This analysis suggests that policy objectives to create flexible‐elderly work formats in order to increase the employment rate and reduce costs for the retirement system will not bring expected the results.

Practical implications

Although policy objective is to increase the employment rate among the elderly, focusing only on elderly will provide moderate results. Elderly population would come along, but only with the working age population. The first point of reform should be placed on the overall labour market, by diminishing major differences between standard and non‐standard work formats. One way could be the act of applying social security and company benefits to non‐standard work formats. Or opposite to that, the act of diminishing social security and company benefits to standard work formats.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature by broadening understanding of elderly population behaviour in the labour market. With the increasing number of elderly people, retirement systems are looking for methods to postpone full‐retirement. Through analysis, the paper seeks to understand if and when flexible employment formats among the elderly are demand or supply driven.
Conference report: Gender inequalities in the twenty‐first century
Authors: Plagnol Anke C. , Scott Jacqueline
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the conference on “Gender inequalities in the 21st century” held 26‐27 March 2009 at Queens’ College, Cambridge, UK.

Design/methodology/approach

The conference included four plenary talks and 18 papers presented in themed sessions. The report is based on the presentations and papers.

Findings

This report summarizes research on gender inequalities in the twenty‐first century, including gender differences in individual pathways; the gender division of paid and unpaid labor, including time use and income; and policy responses to gender inequalities.

Originality/value

The papers presented at the conference included original qualitative and quantitative research by researchers from several social science disciplines.
Social and economic exchange in the employee‐organization relationship: the moderating role of reciprocation wariness
Authors: Shore Lynn M. , Bommer William H. , Rao Alaka N. , Seo Jai
Published: November 2009

Purpose

This paper examines the relationships that social and economic exchanges, two elements of the employee‐organization relationship (EOR), had with affective commitment, turnover intentions, employer trust, and altruism. The paper also aims to determine whether reciprocation wariness, reflecting fear of exploitation in reciprocation, moderated relationships that exchange elements had with outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 453 employees of a large Korean electronics organization completed a survey on their work attitudes, behaviors, and demographic characteristics.

Findings

Results showed that reciprocation wariness moderated relations that social exchange had with commitment, turnover intentions, and trust, and that economic exchange had with turnover intentions.

Research limitations/implications

The significance of examining social and economic exchange and of developing conceptualizations of the EOR that incorporate individual differences is discussed.

Practical implications

Organizational leaders need to consider how individuals may differ in responses to exchange elements of the EOR. Common assumptions about the EOR that social exchange is universally beneficial and that the necessity of economic exchange is accepted by all employees may not be accurate.

Originality/value

New theorizing and testing of the role of reciprocation wariness in the EOR contributes to an emerging literature on social and economic exchanges and how individuals may respond to these elements of the EOR.
Personality, motivation and job satisfaction: Hertzberg meets the Big Five
Authors: Furnham Adrian , Eracleous Andreas , Chamorro‐Premuzic Tomas
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The current study aims to investigate the extent to which personality and demographic variables contribute to motivation and job satisfaction as defined by the two‐factor theory.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 202 fulltime workers completed three questionnaires measuring their personality, work motivation and satisfaction.

Findings

Results demonstrate that between 9 and 15 per cent of the variance in motivation is accounted for by demographic variables and the Big Five personality traits. In line with previous findings (Judge et al.), conscientiousness and job status were both significant predictors of job satisfaction, and between 11 and 13 per cent of the variance was accounted for by personality and other demographic variables.

Research limitations/implications

This study was restricted to self‐report measure. It never took into consideration other potential confounds like a person's job history, level and responsibilities. It also showed personality factors accounted for very little evidence of the variance.

Practical implications

Implications are discussed in terms of attempts to improve employee attitudes without considering the effects of individual differences. An acknowledgement that individual differences can affect the success of an intervention, may contribute to the design of effective work reorganisation schemes that are better suited to the employees they seek to benefit.

Originality/value

The value of this paper was that it looked at how personality and demographic factors may influence a person's work satisfaction.
Simulation study on a novel high‐dynamic GPS software receiver
Authors: Shicheng Wang , Dongfang Yang , Zhiguo Liu , Dacheng Luo , Jinsheng Zhang , Taiyang Liu
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a novel scheme of high‐dynamic global positioning system (GPS) software receiver in order to improve the capturing speed and trading accuracy of GPS receiver.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the beginning of C/A code can be found through the delay and multiply approach. To solve the problems of estimating a certain satellite's Doppler shift from the signals of several visible satellites, the “delay and accumulation unit” is put forward, and besides, performance of inertial navigation system‐assisted tracking loop in high‐dynamic circumstance is analysed by means of mathematical modelling and simulation experiments, whose results verified the validity of the proposed tracking scheme.

Findings

In this paper, the two‐dimension searching process in conventional acquisition scheme is transformed into two one‐dimension searching processes, thus improving the capturing speed.

Research limitations/implications

This software receiver has only been verified by means of mathematical simulation, and the validity in hardware receiver is still obscured.

Originality/value

This paper presents a novel high‐dynamic GPS software receiver scheme, which can be seen as a reference of engineering application and simulation research.
Study of the deception effect of radar equipped with decoys
Authors: Zhou Wei‐guang , Luo Ji‐run , Jia Yu‐gui , Wang Hua‐bin
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a solution to investigate the deception effects of the radar equipped with decoys.

Design/methodology/approach

Since the attacking process of the anti‐radiation missile (ARM) is very complicated, numerical simulations are used here to analyze the effects of the operating parameters and the layout parameters of the radar and the decoys on the survival probabilities.

Findings

The survival probabilities of all the radar and the decoys can be over 99.5 percent when three decoys distribute near the radar in an appropriate way and the decoy level is set to some appropriate values.

Research limitations/implications

The movement model of the ARM is simple and should be improved further.

Practical implications

The numerical results may be applied directly in practice and the dynamic simulation algorithms may be as a reference of the radar‐decoy technique in the future works.

Originality/value

Some coordinate systems are built. Based on it, the models of the radar and decoys against an ARM are introduced, including the fields radiated by the radar and the decoys, the guidance signal and the movement of the ARM. Numerical simulations have been performed here. Some conclusions have been given.
New family of eighth‐order methods for nonlinear equation
Authors: Zhang Guofeng , Zhang Yuxin , Ding Hengfei
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a new family of iterative methods with eighth‐order convergence for solving the nonlinear equation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a family of eighth‐order iterative methods for solving nonlinear equation based on Kou's seventh‐order method.

Findings

This family of methods is preferable to Ostrowski's, Grau's and Kou's methods in high‐precision computations.

Research limitations/implications

This paper only deals with the nonlinear equations.

Practical implications

This paper is concerned with the iterative methods for finding a simple root of the nonlinear equation f(x)=0. One of the reasons for discussing the solution of nonlinear equation is that many methods for high‐dimensional optimization problems involve solving a sub‐problem which is a one‐dimensional search problem. And the nonlinear finite element problem, the boundary‐value problems appearing in Kinetic theory of gases, elasticity and other applied areas are also reduced to solving such an equation.

Originality/value

New methods of this family require three evaluations of the function and one evaluation of its first derivative and without using the second derivatives per iteration. This new family of methods as a new example agrees with Kung‐Traub's conjecture for n=4 and achieves its optimal convergence order 2n−1.
Parity information placement in the disk array model
Authors: Vicković Linda , Mudnić Eugen , Gotovac Sven
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The primary purpose of this paper is to explore possible locations for parity cache within disk array model and describe the disk array model development process.

Design/methodology/approach

A dynamic, discrete event simulation model, based on modular, bottom‐up approach, is initiated from a single disk, and then extended on disk array.

Findings

Parity information within array model cannot be stored on individual disk cache, instead it should be stored in array cache. If model is used for simulation of single disk array then an approach with separate parity cache should be used, while an approach where a parity cache is part of array cache should be used for simulation of more complex storage systems with numerous arrays.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed model does not include any read‐ahead cache policy, and only a full‐stripe writes can be performed. As a result, the model should be used only for sequential read or write of large files because then those limitations do not influence simulation output.

Originality/value

The novelty depicted in this paper is an approach, in array modelling, with parity cache merged into array cache. Also, the achieved bandwidth for the resulting simulation model differs from 1.05 to 1.7 per cent from the measured one on the experimental array.
An investigation into yard allocation for outbound containers
Authors: Mi Weijian , Yan Wei , He Junliang , Chang Daofang
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a yard allocation model via objective programming. This is initially postulated based on a rolling‐horizon strategy, which aims at allotting outbound containers into yard.

Design/methodology/approach

To resolve the NP‐hard problem regarding the yard allocation model, a hybrid algorithm, which applies heuristic rules and distributed genetic algorithm (DGA), is then employed.

Findings

It could be observed from the case study that this proposed approach is proven effective for resolving the container yard allocation problem. The total loading time onto vessels, the total horizontal transportation distance and the imbalance among blocks are improved.

Research limitations/implications

This paper does not deal with equipment scheduling.

Practical implications

This approach helps to minimize turnaround time; handling cost of vessels; the workloads among blocks are balanced for each vessel; and the total distance of container transportation.

Originality/value

This paper designs a hybrid algorithm, which integrates heuristic rules and DGA. In details, the heuristic rules are developed for generating feasible solutions, while the DGA was applied for optimizing these solutions.
Petri net‐based modeling and performance analysis of transaction scheduling in grid database
Authors: Han Yaojun , Jiang Changjun , Luo Xuemei
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a scheduling model, scheduling algorithms, and formal model and analysis techniques for concurrency transaction in grid database environment.

Design/methodology/approach

Classical transaction models and scheduling algorithms developed for homogeneous distributed architecture will not work in the grid architecture and should be revisited for this new and evolving architecture. The conventional model is improved by three‐level transaction scheduling model and the scheduling algorithms for concurrency transaction is improved by considering transmission time of a transaction, user's priority, and the number of database sites accessed by the transaction as a priority of the transaction. Aiming at the problems of analysis and modeling of the transaction scheduling in grid database, colored dynamic time Petri nets (CDTPN) model are proposed. Then the reachability of the transaction scheduling model is analyzed.

Findings

The three‐level transaction scheduling model not only supports the autonomy of grid but also lightens the pressure of communication. Compared with classical transaction scheduling algorithms, the algorithms not only support the correctness of the data but also improve the effectiveness of the system. The CDTPN model is convenient for modeling and analyzing dynamic performance of grid transaction. Some important results such as abort‐ratio and turnover‐time are gotten by analyzing reachability of CDTPN.

Originality/value

The three‐level transaction scheduling model and improved scheduling algorithms with more complex priority are presented in the paper. The paper gives a CDTPN model for modeling transaction scheduling in grid database. In CDTPN model, the time interval of a transition is a function of tokens in input places of the transition.
A new inverse controller for servo‐system based on neural network model reference adaptive control
Authors: Zhao Bo , Hu Hongjie
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a new inverse controller for servo‐system position tracking control based on neural network (NN) and model reference adaptive control (MRAC).

Design/methodology/approach

First, the model of general servo‐systems is analyzed. Then, a MRAC based on neural network control (NNC) is proposed with mathematical prove of stability. In addition, several simulation cases and experiments are listed to verify the usability of the control scheme.

Findings

This scheme consists of an MRAC, an online NN controller and a robust controller in velocity‐loop. For reducing influence which arose from modeling error, unknown model dynamics, parameter variation, and load changes, the NN controller is introduced to counteract the various influence mentioned above dynamically. MRAC, NNC, and robust controller adjust system to track the approximate velocity‐loop reference model. In this way, the position‐loop is not sensitive to the disturbance on velocity‐loop, and the whole velocity‐loop can be treated as a simple linear model when designing the other parts of the system. In addition, a novel inverse control method based on linear velocity signal filter is introduced to this scheme. In this case, the MRAC, NNC, and robust controller perform as an adaptive inverse controller, which keeps the velocity signal tracking the position loop controller output.

Originality/value

The paper presents a new inverse controller with NNC and MRAC which is practical and flexible.
Simulation on vehicle routing problems in logistics distribution
Authors: Fan Wenhui , Xu Huayu , Xu Xin
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to formulate and simulate the model for vehicle routing problem (VRP) on a practical application in logistics distribution.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the real data of a distribution center in Utica, Michigan, USA, the design of VRP is modeled as a multi‐objective optimization problem which considers three objectives. The non‐dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA‐II) is adopted to solve this multi‐objective problem. On the other hand, the VRP model is simulated and an object‐oriented idea is employed to analyze the classes, functions, and attributes of all involved objects on VRP. A modularized objectification model is established on AnyLogic software, which can simulate the practical distribution process by changing parameters dynamically and randomly. The simulation model automatically controls vehicles motion by programs, and has strong expansibility. Meanwhile, the model credibility is strengthened by introducing random traffic flow to simulate practical traffic conditions.

Findings

The computational results show that the NSGA‐II algorithm is effective in solving this practical problem. Moreover, the simulation results suggest that by analyzing and controlling specific key factors of VRP, the distribution center can get useful information for vehicle scheduling and routing.

Originality/value

Multi‐objective problems are seldom considered on VRPs, yet they are of great practical value in logistics distribution. This paper is mainly focused on multi‐objective VRP which is derived from a practical distribution center. The NSGA‐II algorithm is applied in this problem and the AnyLogic software is employed as the simulation tool. In addition, this paper deals with several key factors of VRP in order to control and simulate the distribution process. The computational and simulation results regarding VRPs constitute the main contribution of our paper.
Improvement to the second‐order rational functions approximation for hysteresis cycles of magnetic materials
Authors: Pagnola M.R. , Saccone F.D. , Ozols A. , Sirkin H.
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a simplified method, based on an improvement to the actual second‐order approximation to magnetic hysteresis curves, to calculate an estimation of quasi‐static hysteresis loops of ferromagnetic materials.

Design/methodology/approach

The addition of a new dB(B) function is proposed to second‐order rational approximation for the upward and downward magnetic quasi‐static hysteresis loop. The new semi‐empirical approach is tested with typical cycles of commercial Ni‐ferrites (ferroxcube) and Ni standards using a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM).

Findings

The model is simple and a fast tool to reproduce with reasonable accuracy the hysteresis loops based on appropriate parameters of materials under analysis. The proposed extension to the Rivas model has reduced the maximum difference between experimental and modeled values from 19 to 0.08 per cent in the approximation to different hysteresis cycles of the magnetic materials studied here.

Originality/value

This paper presents an improvement to second‐order rational functions approach for fitting of hysteresis loops with simple added functions.
A computation method for scenario studies in WDM network planning
Authors: Yiming Zhang James , Wu Jing , v. Bochmann Gregor , Savoie Michel
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the benefits of using the Lagrangian relaxation (LR) and subgradient methods in scenario studies for wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) network planning. The problem of WDM network planning for a given set of lightpath demands in a mesh topology network is to select lightpath routes and then allocate wavelength channels to the lightpaths. In WDM network planning, a scenario study is to find out the network performance under different lightpath demands and/or different network resource configurations.

Design/methodology/approach

A scenario study must solve a series of related static WDM network planning problems. Each static WDM network planning problem is an optimization problem, and may be formulated as an integer linear programming problem, which can be solved by the proposed Lagrangian relaxation and subgradient methods. This paper uses the Lagrange multipliers that are obtained from previous scenarios as initial Lagrange multiplier values for other related scenarios.

Findings

This approach dramatically reduces the computation time for related scenarios. For small to medium variations of scenarios, the method reduces the computation time by several folds. The proposed method is the first method that effectively considers the relations between related scenarios, and uses such relations to improve the computation efficiency of scenario studies in WDM network planning.

Practical implications

The method improves the efficiency of a scenario study in WDM network planning. By using it, many “what‐if” type of scenario study questions can be answered quickly.

Originality/value

Unlike other existing methods that treat each scenario individually, this method effectively uses the information of the relation between different scenarios to improve the overall computation efficiency.
Application of evolutionary algorithms with adaptive mutation to the identification of induction motor parameters at standstill
Authors: Orlowska‐Kowalska Teresa , Lis Joanna
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to obtain a preliminary off‐line identification of induction motor (IM) parameters at standstill in a reasonable calculation time, which will be useful for the initial adjustment of controllers and state observer parameters in the sensorless drive system.

Design/methodology/approach

The identification procedure of electrical parameters of IM equivalent circuit is performed at standstill and is based on the reconstruction of the stator current response to the forced stator voltage using evolutionary algorithms (EAs) with hard selection and different mutation schemes.

Findings

It is shown that an application of the EA with adaptive mutation mechanism based on simulated annealing method gives very good accuracy of parameters identification and the shortest execution time of the identification procedure as well in simulation as in the experimental tests.

Research limitations/implications

The investigation looks mainly at the minimization of the execution time of the identification algorithm and on the identification accuracy performance, taking into account the good approximation of the measured stator current response.

Practical implications

The proposed EA with the improved adaptive mutation scheme can be easily realised using modern digital signal processor (DSP), which is usually applied for control purposes of the sensorless IM drive system with vector control. The implementation is tested in experimental setup with floating point DSP used as the system controller.

Originality/value

The application of adaptive mutation with simulated annealing in the EA with hard selection for the fast, off‐line preliminary identification of the IM parameter at standstill.
Numerical field calculation of stator winding faults in synchronous machines
Authors: Rosendahl Jens , Kulig Stefan
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe a systematic investigation of the currents, torques and other electromagnetic quantities in a machine after different short circuits by the means of coupled numerical field and network calculation. The behaviour of a synchronous machine after a stator‐winding fault still is a little known issue. Nevertheless, the occurrence of winding faults can damage the stator winding of the machine severely and may also destroy the whole stator core. Therefore, there exists a strong need for reliable calculation methods for the evaluation of these faults, e.g. the reconstruction of the details of an accident.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses an analytical approach which calculates all possible winding connections when absence of nonlinear material behaviour is assumed and nonlinearity is only considered by adjusting the inductances after solving the differential equations. In the following, a more accurate method is given by the numerical field calculation, considering a two‐dimensional time variant permeability distribution on the cross‐section of an electrical machine.

Findings

First results of transient time‐stepping calculations of short circuits with special respect on winding currents and radial forces on the rotor are presented.

Practical implications

The approach presented in this paper can be applied in the field of R&D for the dimension of electrical machines and its protection system as well as for the investigation of possible sources of an occurred machine failure.

Originality/value

The bulk of publications that contribute to the topic of inner winding faults are comprised of derivations of analytical models with the assumption of linear material behaviour. The paper puts strong emphasis on the consideration of the nonlinearity.
Magnetic flux density and vector potential of linear polyhedral sources
Authors: Fabbri Massimo
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate analytically the magnetic flux density and the magnetic vector potential produced by a linear current density or a linear magnetization inside an arbitrary polyhedron.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to obtain expressions of the field and potential integrals in an intrinsic vector form, independently of any reference frame, the approach is to avoid the use of a local coordinate system to perform the integrations.

Findings

The expressions obtained contain only the same functions just needed for the uniform sources case, do not introduce any new singularity or discontinuity, and computed results illustrate their effectiveness.

Research limitations/implications

Being in intrinsic vector form the expressions obtained are well suited to cope with the data structures, i.e. faces‐edges and edges‐vertices incidence matrices, provided by unstructured polygonal meshes generators. Their use, especially when dealing with a generic mixed unstructured polygonal mesh, avoids the need of different routines, thus decreasing the complexity of the numerical code.

Practical implications

Besides, avoiding numerical integration, the results do not require usage of any function other than those already defined for the uniform sources case, and do not introduce any new singularity or discontinuity. Thus, the calculation of the magnetic flux density and the magnetic vector potential produced by linear sources needs nearly the same effort as the uniform sources one.

Originality/value

The closed‐form expressions obtained are in intrinsic vector form and can be implemented in a unique routine suitable for the calculation of the magnetic flux density and vector potential produced by any linear or uniform polyhedral source.
Up for sale: consumer medical information
Authors: Levy Marian , Royne Marla B.
Published: November 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to examine privacy breaches in personal health record information that expose consumers to unsolicited marketing.

Design/methodology/approach

Examples of: data theft by healthcare workers; sale of consumer health data by entities not covered by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA); and piracy of health data through sophisticated internet targeted marketing.

Findings

This paper finds that HIPAA's strict safeguards to medical privacy are not extended to database companies that aggregate data for electronic medical records, a source of highly profitable information that is purchased by advertisers. Similar health information is obtained by marketers through consumer “health surveys” completed on web‐based health information sites or at community health screenings.

Practical implications

Consumer education is warranted to ensure awareness of privacy breaches and vigilance against loss of personal and protected health information to marketers.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the areas for protecting consumers via identifying loopholes in HIPAA, as well as pointing out consumer behavior that can lead to subtle, yet systematic exploitation of their health information for profit via marketing.
Examining customer privacy concerns in dealings with financial institutions
Authors: Tsarenko Yelena , Rooslani Tojib Dewi
Published: November 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a customer typology based on consumer attitude towards information privacy and examine the driving factors of privacy concern.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 456 Australian consumers who have applied for a credit card or mortgage is used in this study. Consumer concern with privacy statements, the privacy legislation at the federal level, trust and the willingness to disclose personal information for some form of compensation are used as drivers of consumer privacy in regression analysis. These variables are used in cluster analysis in order to segment financial consumers.

Findings

The results indicate that that the level of privacy concern is primarily driven by trust that far outweighs any concerns with privacy statements and the provision of nationally legislated safeguards. Furthermore, a cluster analysis reveals three distinctive customer segments in the domain of financial services: the pragmatist, indifferent, and competent.

Originality/value

This study is undertaken to advance our knowledge on consumer privacy concerns in the context of financial services and to segment financial services customers in relation to the disclosure of personal information. The study contributes to the literature and enhances our understanding not only on drivers of consumer privacy but also on specific areas of privacy concern among various customer segments.
Preserving patient privacy in the quest for health care economies
Authors: Laric Michael V. , Pitta Dennis A.
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the threats to patient privacy inherent in the movement to reduce health care costs by digitizing health care information.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper applies relevant organizational theories to the health care information privacy arena, and predicts different privacy outcomes depending on the model organizations adopt to manage their information processing practices.

Findings

Public policy makers who value preservation of patient health care information privacy, can predict the relative safety of information based on the organizational model used by companies which handle that data. Propositions advanced by these theories to explain business processes are reviewed to the extent they help explore the relationships between the users and managers of the digitized health records, and the privacy of the patients' health‐records. The paper offers a series of implications for marketers based on the framework.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are most applicable to health care systems that do not already sacrifice privacy in the name of economy.

Practical implications

The findings can be used to insure the security of health care information.

Originality/value

The paper addresses a recent trend motivated by the need to make health care accessible to more people. Rising health care costs have forced lawmakers and marketers to seek more efficient processes to reduce costs. One unintended consequence is that economies sacrifice privacy.
Consumer privacy issues in mobile commerce: a comparative study of British, French and Romanian consumers
Authors: Gurău Călin , Ranchhod Ashok
Published: November 2009

Purpose

This paper aims on one hand to provide a comparison of mobile consumers' perceptions regarding privacy issues in three different national and cultural contexts (England, France and Romania), and on the other hand, to investigate the strategic approach taken by respondents for protecting their privacy.

Design/methodology/approach

Both secondary and primary data are collected and analysed. Secondary data collection focuses on the topic of consumer privacy issues in mobile commerce. Primary data collection was realised between March‐June 2008, when 300 mobile device users answered to a face‐to‐face questionnaire, in each of the three investigated countries.

Findings

Both the country of origin and the personal profile of users, are influencing their perception regarding privacy threats in the mobile commerce environment, as well as the privacy protection strategy they adopt.

Research limitations/implications

This study has an exploratory approach, the results being mostly descriptive. The findings can provide a useful insight for marketers, legislators and consumers regarding the privacy related concerns and behaviours in the mobile commerce environment.

Originality/value

This study realises a multi‐country comparative analysis regarding the perceptions of mobile device users, and investigates the influence of their profile on the personal privacy protection strategy adopted in the mobile commerce environment.
Modeling patronage behavior: a tri‐partite conceptualization
Authors: Yavas Ugur , Babakus Emin
Published: November 2009

Purpose

By using mall patronage behavior as its context, this study aims to develop and test a patronage model consisting of three dimensions.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for the study are collected through self‐administered questionnaires from residents in an MSA in the USA. Usable responses are obtained from 319 residents.

Findings

Results suggest that mall patronage behavior can be represented as a global construct with three viable components (utilitarian, hedonic and accessibility).

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to a particular sample. Replications among other samples in the study locale and elsewhere are needed to validate the current findings.

Practical implications

The results enable management to look at shoppers' patronage behaviors at three levels. At the individual attribute level (first level of abstraction), management may identify areas that need special attention. At the second level of abstraction (the latent construct), choice attributes can be combined into reliable and valid composite scores across dimensions and can reveal information that is not readily available by the individual attributes. At the third and highest level of abstraction, the one second‐order factor with three first‐order factors as its reflective indicators provides management with a single metric for comparing a mall with its competitors or other malls owned by the corporation.

Originality/value

The model tested here explicitly recognizes accessibility as a distinct patronage dimension and expands the domain of inquiry beyond the initial attribute level to the first‐order and the second‐order composite levels.
Introducing RefAware: a unique current awareness product
Authors: McKee Susan , Koltutsky Laura , Vaska Marcus
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review RefAware, a new current awareness product introduced to the University of Calgary in September 2008. Coinciding with the product's launch, a team of three librarians was established to develop expertise with RefAware and promote it within the library and across campus.

Design/methodology/approach

A brief overview of current awareness tools leads into a discussion of key features available in RefAware, supplemented by a detailed section guiding the user through the product. In addition to highlighting key promotional undertakings, comparisons are drawn between RefAware and Ingenta, one of the earliest current awareness services used by the University of Calgary Library.

Findings

Benefits of using this current awareness tool include access to current and reliable information, ability to search within multiple disciplines on a predetermined topic, the convenience of receiving alerts when new information becomes available, and direct export to RefWorks. Limitations include inability to combine search profiles into one search string, cumbersome source list creation tools, inconsistent functionality when exporting citations, and lack of clarity with regards to classification of source names.

Practical implications

While its capability to simultaneously search through many new electronic publications makes it a multi‐disciplinary electronic journal, RefAware should be viewed as a complement to other research tools, not as a replacement.

Originality/value

An objective review of this new current awareness product for librarians is provided.
Cloud computing and collaboration
Authors: Scale Mark‐Shane E.
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The trends in library systems today is to utilize Web resources and services that the library does not own to provide services and useful innovations for library users. This paper aims to explore the two concepts behind this new trend. Explored will be the concept of cloud computing and Web collaboration, the ideas that are revolutionizing library automation in the 21st century.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper focuses on the two ideas driving library automation innovations, Web collaboration enabled by cloud computing.

Findings

Cloud computing facilitates external collaboration, which in turn causes libraries to provide innovative Web services for users.

Originality/value

The paper showcases how library managers can provide new useful library services for users using Web software that are not necessarily owned by the library. The author also advocates a new approach to the online public access catologue (OPAC) utilizing the new library automation trends.