bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of nano-copper particles on the properties of Sn58Bi composite solder pastes
Authors: Zhang Hao , Liu Yang , Sun Fenglian , Ban Gaofang , Fan Jiajie 
Published: January 2017

Purpose
This paper aimed to investigate the effects of nano-copper particles on the melting behaviors, wettability and defect formation mechanism of the Sn58Bi composite solder pastes.

Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, the mechanical stirring method was used to get the nano-composite solder pastes.

Findings
Experimental results indicated that the addition of 3 wt.% (weight percentage) 50 nm copper particles showed limited effects on the melting behaviors of the Sn58Bi composite solder paste. The spreading rate of the Sn58Bi composite solder paste showed a decreasing trend with the increase of the weight percentage of 50 nm copper particles from 0 to 3 wt.%. With the addition of copper particles of diameters 50 nm, 500 nm or 6.5 μm into the Sn58Bi solder paste, the porosities of the three types of solder pastes showed a similar trend. The porosity increased with the increase of the weight percentage of copper particles. Based on the experimental results, a model of the void formation mechanism was proposed. During reflow, the copper particles reacted with Sn in the matrix and formed intermetallic compounds, which gathered around the voids produced by the volatilization of flux. The exclusion of the voids was suppressed and eventually led to the formation of defects.

Originality/value
This study provides an optimized material for the second and third level packaging. A model of the void formation mechanism was proposed.
Improve electromagnetic compatibility of electronic products with multivariate parametric design
Authors: Huang Chien-Yi , Chen Ching-Hsiang 
Published: January 2017

Purpose
Differing from previous studies trying to solve the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) issue by addressing single factor, this study aims to combine measures of shielding, filtering and grounding to design parameters with the Taguchi method at the beginning of product design to come up with the optimal parameter combination.

Design/methodology/approach
EMC-related performance such as radiated emission, conduction interference and electrical fast transient/burst immunity (EFT) are response variables, whereas the printed circuit board and mechanic design-relevant parameters are considered as control factors. The noise factors are peripherals used together with the tablet.

Findings
The optimal design parameter matrix based on results from the application and integration of multivariate analysis method of principal component grey relation and technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution suggests 14 grounding screw holes, cooling aperture of casing at diameter of 3 mm and staggered layout and 300O filter located at source of noise. Validation of this matrix shows around 10, 1 and 8 per cent improvement in radiation, conduction interference and EFT immunity.

Originality/value
The multivariate quality parameters’ design method proposed by this study improves EMC characteristics of products and meets the design specification required by customer, accelerating electronic product research and development process and complying with electromagnetic interference test regulations set forth by individual country.
Fabrication and characterization of piezoelectric nanogenerator based on Al/ZnO/Au structure
Authors: Zafar Mubeen , Naeem Awais Muhammad , Asif Muhammad , Razaq Amir , Amin Gul 
Published: January 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this research work is to harvest energy using the piezoelectric properties of ZnO nanowires (NW). Fabrication and characterization of the piezoelectric nanogenerator (NG), based on Al/ZnO/Au structure without using hosting layer, were done to harvest energy. The proposed method has full potential to harvest the cost-effective energy.

Design/methodology/approach
ZnO NW were fabricated between the thin layers of Al- and Au-coated substrates for the development of piezoelectric NG. To grow ZnO NW, ZnO seed layer was prepared on the Al-coated substrate, and then ZnO NW were grown by aqueous chemical growth method. Finally, Au top electrode was used to conclude the Al/ZnO/Au NG structure. The Al and Au electrodes were used to establish the ohmic and Schottky contacts with ZnO NW, respectively.

Findings
Surface morphology of the fabricated device was done by using scanning electron microscopy, and electrical characterization of the sample was performed with digital oscilloscope, picoammeter and voltmeter. The energy harvesting experiment was performed to excite the presented device. The fabricated piezoelectric-sensitive device revealed the maximum open circuit voltage up to 5 V and maximum short circuit current up to 30 nA, with a maximum power of 150 nW. Consequently, it was also shown that the output of the fabricated device was increased by applying the stress. The presented work will help for the openings to capture the mechanical energy from the surroundings to power up the nano/micro-devices. This research work shows that NGs have the competency to build the self-powered nanosystems. It has potential applications in biosensing and personal electronics.

Originality/value
The fabrication of simple and cost-effective piezoelectric NG is done with a structure of Al/ZnO/Au without using hosting layer. The presented method elucidates an efficient and cost-effective approach to harvest the mechanical energy from the native environment.
iDE in Nicaragua: quest for sustainability
Authors: Narapareddy Vijaya L. , Sampson Nancy , Vishwanath S.R. 
Published: January 2017

Synopsis
International Development Enterprises (iDE), a non-profit organization, won numerous awards for its poverty alleviation efforts through the sale of low-cost irrigation technologies to the Base of Pyramid (BoP) farmers around the world. This case discusses iDE’s entry into Nicaragua and the challenges this global social enterprise faced in bringing drip irrigation and other water technologies to the rural subsistence coffee farmers in Nicaragua. It presents the tough decisions it faced in 2012 regarding the future of its for-profit social business, iDEal Tecnologias, in Nicaragua. This case captures the tension in hybrid social enterprises.

Research methodology
This case was developed through the following primary sources as well as some secondary sources. Primary: discussions with iDE’s CEO Doerksen, Urs Heierli (Coordinator of iDE’s operations in Nicaragua), and Skype conversations with iDEal Tec’s Country Director, Nadja Kränzlin. Secondary: documents provided by the company and other publicly available sources.

Relevant courses and levels
This case is intended for use in undergraduate, graduate, and executive courses in: social entrepreneurship, non-profit management, and managing sustainable businesses. It may also be used in the sustainability module of courses in international business/management/marketing, and business strategy and policy. It would be best to position this case toward the middle or latter half of the course as it is an integrative case that challenges students to evaluate the sustainability of a social enterprise from multiple perspectives.

Theoretical bases
The theoretical bases for this case are: defining and implementing a sustainable strategy in hybrid social enterprises. Serving BoP customers with a vision of enabling prosperity.
Getting back on track: change management at AfrobitLink Ltd
Authors: Adeyinka Olugbenga , Foster Mary Kuchta 
Published: January 2017

Synopsis
AfrobitLink Ltd was an information technology (IT) firm with headquarters in Lagos, Nigeria. AfrobitLink started as a very small IT firm with less than two dozen staff. Within a few years of its founding, AfrobitLink established itself as a dependable organization known for delivering high-quality IT services. However, starting in 2004, AfrobitLink experienced rapid growth as it expanded to serve the telecommunications firms taking advantage of the deregulated market. This rapid expansion resulted in many challenges for AfrobitLink. The firm rapidly expanded into all 36 states in Nigeria, hiring a manager to oversee the company’s operations in each of the states. Poor hiring practices, inadequate training, excessive spans of control, low accountability, a subjective reward system, and other cultural issues, such as a relaxed attitude to time, resulted in low motivation, high employee turnover, poor customer service, and financial losses. By 2013, the firm was operating at a loss and its reputation was in shambles. Generally, the culture was toxic: employees did not identify with the firm or care about its goals, there were no performance standards, employees were not held accountable, self-interest and discrimination prevailed. The organization was in a downward spiral. Consultants were hired to help sort out the firm’s problems but these efforts yielded few results. Ken Wilson, the founder’s son, was hired in 2014 as VP of Administration to help get the firm back on track. As a change agent, Ken had to decide how to address the issues facing the firm and how to achieve profitable growth.

Research methodology
Primary sources included interviews with the company CEO, his wife, his son, and a volunteer staff member. Secondary sources included the company website. The names of the people and the firm in the case have been changed to provide anonymity.

Relevant courses and levels
This case is intended for use in graduate courses (although it can also be used in upper level undergraduate courses) in change management/organization development, organizational behavior, leadership, or international management. For graduate courses, students may focus on application or integration of several theories or concepts. For upper level undergraduate courses, students may focus on application of a single theory or concept. Below are suggested texts or readings for each type of student by subject.

Theoretical bases
Change management theories (e.g. Lewin’s force field analysis (Schein, 1996), Kotter’s eight-step change management process (Kotter, 2007), The change kaleidoscope approach (Balogun and Hailey, 2008)), social identity theory (Tajfel, 1981), attribution theory (Kelley, 1972), leadership theories (e.g. Hersey and Blanchard, 1969), intercultural/international management theories (e.g. Hofstede, 1980, 1991).
Governance and decision making at Carris Reels
Authors: Berry Daphne , Fitz-Gerald David 
Published: January 2017

Synopsis
Carris Reels, a reel-manufacturing company headquartered in Vermont, had long-standing goals of being employee owned and governed. They also had a strong organizational (ownership) culture. The Corporate Steering Committee (CSC), a committee composed of representatives from management and non-management employees, and the board of directors had a decision to make about adding two new members to the board. With these new members, the board of directors would be made up of both members of management and non-management employees. Was Carris forfeiting wiser outside counsel in favor of company insiders? What about for the future of the company?

Research methodology
The data for this case were collected from discussions and informal interviews with Carris Reels employees, and archival data from the company intranet which includes an archival of company newsletters, meeting minutes and announcements. Information on the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), board of directors, the CSC, and ESOP trustees from these sources were also used.

Relevant courses and levels
This case is suitable for strategic management, and social responsibility and social enterprise-focused courses for upper-level undergraduates and MBA students.

Theoretical bases
The sources, development, and outcomes of a strong organizational culture are important to this case. Schein (1989) and others (Harris and Ogbanna, 1999) address the role of a company’s founder in development of the company’s culture. Research addressing ownership and participation in the context of an ownership culture indicates positive outcomes to employees and to their companies (Logue and Yates, 2005; Ownership Associates, 1998).
IT assets, IT infrastructure performance and IT capability: a framework for e-government
Authors: Dahiya Deepak , Mathew Saji K. 
Published: January 2017

PurposeAlthough government investments in IT is growing, it is unclear how and what kind of IT investments lead to desirable E-Government performance. Several studies pertaining to the business value of IT have developed and tested frameworks for IT infrastructure, IT capability and business performance. However, E-Government-related IT investment outcomes cannot be measured by profits and hence requires a separate investigation. E-Government research using theoretical approach has been reported as very scarce in previous studies. This research aims to bridge the gap by developing a model to study IT infrastructure capability and E-Government performance in the emerging context of new IT service delivery models.Design/methodology/approachThis paper follows a case study method in this research witha prioriconceptual framework. The data were collected following an interview method used for deductive theory building.FindingsThe results identified a positive relationship between IT assets and IT infrastructure performance in the presence of service delivery channels and an anticipation of a positive influence of infrastructure performance variables on IT capability which in turn shows positive effect on E-Government performance.Research limitations/implicationsBecause the study followed a qualitative approach, the findings from this study are not useful for statistical generalization. However, the analytical framework provides sufficient ground to test E-Government performance.Practical implicationsThe study provides insights in the choice of IT infrastructure elements fitting an E-Government strategy.Social implicationsThis study provides an integrated framework for measuring E-Government performance, thereby making deployment of IT infrastructure accountable both in terms of IT performance and IT capability. This in turn will lead to improvement in citizen services.Originality/valueThis paper builds on the existing literature on IT assets, IT infrastructure performance, IT infrastructure capability and applies to the E-Government domain.
Trust and justice in the adoption of a welfare e-payment system
Authors: Azmi Anna , Ang Yen Dee , Talib Siti Aqilah 
Published: January 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to examine the interaction between citizens’ perception of justice and their trust in the government agency that provides e-services, in particular, those e-services with users who are particularly sensitive towards their interaction and exchanges with the government.

Design/methodology/approach
Analysis of 102 surveys completed by users of e-BR1M was conducted. Partial least squares regression, a form of structural equation modelling, was used for the data analysis.

Findings
This study found that distributive justice and procedural justice positively influence trust in government. Trust in government and convenience were also found to significantly influence the adoption of e-BR1M.

Research limitations/implications
Understanding the interaction between perceptions of justice (procedural and distributive justice) and trust can contribute to the willingness to adopt e-government services by a particular group of users who are particularly sensitive towards interactions with the government.

Practical implications
Findings from this study can help policymakers improve the way in which they interact with citizens so that the citizens’ perceptions of procedural and distributive justice are improved. This, in turn, will improve trust in government and will lead to an improved willingness of citizens to use e-government services.

Originality/value
This study examined the interaction between citizens’ perceptions of trust and justice in an e-government service, which users are particularly sensitive towards in their interactions with the government.
E-government and transformation of service delivery in developing countries
Authors: Siddiquee Noore Alam 
Published: January 2017

Purpose
Since 2009, e-government has been high on governmental agenda in Bangladesh. Seen as a vehicle for improving governance and service delivery, it is also presented as a key to fighting poverty and achieving the millennium development goals. Thus, the goals of e-government remain broad and ambitious. Can a developing country such as Bangladesh realize its e-government vision? The purpose of this paper is to explore this and other related questions seeking to draw lessons that the Bangladesh experience may offer.

Design/methodology/approach
The paper draws primarily on secondary information, complemented by primary data gathered from various sources. In addition to an extensive review of secondary sources, necessary information was derived from websites of relevant government departments/agencies and through interviews and conversations with selected government officials having intimate knowledge on e-government projects at the field and local levels.

Findings
The paper demonstrates the ways in which various e-initiatives have transformed traditional administrative systems and practices, notwithstanding the nation’s limited overall e-development. It also shows how e-innovations have helped tackle some complex challenges, thereby adding to convenience and benefits to service users. A major conclusion of the paper is that although e-government is yet to make a breakthrough in governance and service delivery, it has set the wheels of change in motion.

Practical implications
E-government must be seen as a long term project, it must attract high-level political support and it requires fruitful collaboration between the public, private and non-governmental actors.

Originality/value
This paper adds to the limited knowledge in the field. Lessons learned from the Bangladesh experience have much relevance to other developing countries with similar socioeconomic circumstances. The policymakers and practitioners are expected to benefit from the insights of the paper.
Strategic framework for e-democracy development and sustainability
Authors: Oni A.A. , Ayo C.K. , Oni S. , Mbarika V.W. 
Published: January 2017

Purpose
Information and communication technology has been identified as a viable tool to proffer solution to the societal problem of disconnect between democratic actors. The issue of sustainability and citizens’ acceptance of online public participation, however, remains a major issue of concern requiring adequate attention. This study therefore aims to develop a strategic framework for e-democracy implementation and sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach
Systematic qualitative review using Grounded Theory Method was adopted to develop the e-democracy strategic framework.

Findings
The strategic framework is generic and has the potential to serve as a spring board for e-democracy implementation. It abstracts existing strategies and best practice that can be adopted to add value to e-democracy implementation. Using this framework, developing nations can take advantage of their present level of technological development to give voice to the voiceless and improve their democratic system.

Practical implications
E-democracy implementation should be backed up with policy framework which explicitly states the vision, objectives, policies guiding e-democracy implementation and the oversight bodies responsible for monitoring and evaluation. The implementation plan should clearly identify the implementation approach, levels of engagement, roles of various stakeholders and tools and technology to be involved. Government willingness to harness citizens input and commit resource to e-participation is of paramount importance.

Originality/value
The framework developed is useful for the e-democracy research community and government in executing successful e-democracy implementation and evaluating its impact on democratic outcomes.
Effects of termite mounds on composition, functional types and traits of plant communities in Pendjari Biosphere Reserve (Benin, West Africa)
Authors: Gbeffe Alain K. , Houehanou Thierry D. , Habiyaremye Muhashy , Assede Emeline S. P. , Yaoitcha Alain S. , Janssens de Bisthoven Luc , Sogbohossou Etotépé A. , Houinato Marcel , Sinsin Brice A. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractUnderstanding the role of termite mounds in biodiversity and ecosystem functioning is a priority for the management of tropical terrestrial protected areas dominated by savannahs. This study aimed to assess the effects of termite mounds on the diversity of plant functional types (PFTs) and herbaceous’ net aboveground primary productivity (NAPP) in plant communities (PCs) of the Pendjari Biosphere Reserve. PCs were identified through canonical correspondence analysis performed on 96 phytosociological ‘relevés’ realized in plots of 900 m2. PFTs’ diversity was compared between savannahs and mounds’ plots using generalized linear models. In each plot, 7 m2 subplots were harvested and NAPP was determined. Linear mixed models were performed to assess change in herbaceous NAPP regarding species richness, graminoids’ richness, specific leaf area and termite mounds. There is no specific plant community related to mounds. However, the occurrence of termite mounds induced an increase of woody and forbs diversity while the diversity of legumes and graminoids decreased. These diversity patterns led to decreasing of PCs’ NAPP. This study confirms that termite‐induced resource heterogeneity supports niche differentiation theory and increased savannah encroachment by woody species.
Zika virus and pregnancy: An overview
Authors: de Carvalho Newton Sérgio , de Carvalho Beatriz Freitas , Dóris Bruna , Silverio Biscaia Evellyn , Arias Fugaça Cyllian , de Noronha Lúcia 
Published: January 2017

In May 2015, the first episodes of Zika virus infection of the Latin America were confirmed in Brazil, where currently 196 976 cases were reported. The main route of transmission occurs by Aedes mosquitoes, and the most common symptoms are maculopapular rash, fever, conjunctivitis, polyarthralgia, and periarticular edema. However, the infection is asymptomatic in 80% of the cases. The congenital infection is characterized when the transmission to the fetus occurs during pregnancy, but the mechanisms of how the virus infects the placenta remain unclear. Anatomopathological findings were described in first‐ and third‐trimester human placentas; however, the major affected tissue of the baby is the neural. Several clinical situations were listed in these fetuses, such as neurological, ophthalmological, auditory, and articular alterations. The World Health Organization proposed a new congenital syndrome caused by Zika virus. The virus has an important neurotropism and the main manifestation observed in the syndrome is microcephaly, which is usually severe and associated with other neurological injuries. The appearance of sudden rash in pregnant women determines immediate investigation through RT‐PCR and serological analysis. Moreover, the prevention consists in using repellents and avoiding endemic areas, considering that the vaccine is still under development.