bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multi-response optimization of tribological characteristics of aluminum MMCs using PCA
Authors: Siriyala Rajesh , Gopala Krishna A. , Rama Murthy Raju P. , Duraiselvam M. 
Published: August 2014

Purpose
– Since, wear is the one of the most commonly encountered industrial problems leading to frequent replacement of components there is a need to develop metal matrix composites (MMCs) for achieving better wear properties. The purpose of this paper is to fabricate aluminum MMCs to improve the dry sliding wear characteristics. An effective multi-response optimization approach called the principal component analysis (PCA) was used to identify the sets of optimal parameters in dry sliding wear process.

Design/methodology/approach
– The present work investigates the dry sliding wear behavior of graphite reinforced aluminum composites produced by the molten metal mixing method by means of a pin-on-disc type wear set up. Dry sliding wear tests were carried on graphite reinforced MMCs and its matrix alloy sliding against a steel counter face. Different contact stress, reinforcement percentage, sliding distance and sliding velocity were selected as the control variables and the response selected was wear volume loss (WVL) and coefficient of friction (COF) to evaluate the dry sliding performance. An L25 orthogonal array was employed for the experimental design. Optimization of dry sliding performance of the graphite reinforced MMCs was performed using PCA.

Findings
– Based on the PCA, the optimum level parameters for overall principal component (PC) of WVL and COF have been identified. Moreover, analysis of variance was performed to know the impact of individual factors on overall PC of WVL and COF. The results indicated that the reinforcement percentage was found to be most effective factor among the other control parameters on dry sliding wear followed by sliding distance, sliding velocity and contact stress. Finally the wear surface morphology of the composites has been investigated using scanning electron microscopy.

Practical implications
– Various manufacturing techniques are available for processing of MMCs. Each technique has its own advantages and disadvantages. In particular, some techniques are significantly expensive compared to others. Generally the manufacturer prefers the low cost technique. Therefore stir casting technique which was used in this paper for manufacturing of Aluminum MMCs is the best alternative for processing of MMCs in the present commercial sectors. Since the most important criteria of a dry sliding wear behavior is to provide lower WVL and COF, this study has intended to prove the application of PCA technique for solving multi objective optimization problem in wear applications like piston rings, piston rods, cylinder heads and brake rotors, etc.

Originality/value
– Application of multi-response optimization technique for evaluation of tribological characteristics for Aluminum MMCs made up of graphite particulates is a first-of-its-kind approach in literature. Hence PCA method can be successfully used for multi-response optimization of dry sliding wear process.
Resistance to weathering of wood-polypropylene and wood-wollastonite-polypropylene composites made with and without carbon black
Authors: Butylina Svetlana , Kärki Timo 
Published: August 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to study natural and accelerated weathering of wood-polypropylene (WF-PP) and wood-wollastonite-polypropylene composites made with and without carbon black.

Design/methodology/approach
– Natural weathering was conducted in Ruokolahti, Finland in the time of year when solar radiation was maximal. The accelerated weathering tests included exposure to a xenon-arc source with and without spray, and a cyclic test consisting of water immersion–freeze–thaw stages.

Findings
– Both the type of weathering and the formulation of the composite determined the degree of change in their properties. Weathering, including xenon-arc exposure with spray resulted in much higher changes of colour of non-pigmented composites compared to natural weathering or xenon-arc weathering without spray. Both UV irradiation and moisture had an adverse effect on the Charpy impact strength of non-pigmented composites. Carbon black containing composites performed better than non-pigmented composites.

Research limitations/implications
– This study is a part of an ongoing research on the development of wood-polymer composites (WPCs) suitable for outdoor applications in Finnish climatic conditions. Outdoor weathering limited to 1,000 h cannot be used for the prediction of the service life of composites and was used here solely for comparative purposes.

Originality/value
– This paper will help to understand the effect of different weathering factors on the behaviour of WF-PP and wood-wollastonite-polypropylene composites made with and without carbon black (as UV stabiliser). The study demonstrated that while accelerated weathering tests provided useful information on the resistance of WF-PP composites to different weathering factors, they cannot be used alone to predict the behaviour of WPCs meant for outdoor application.
Surface modification of iron oxide (Fe2O3) pigment particles with amino-functional polysiloxane for improved dispersion stability and hydrophobicity
Authors: A. Jadhav Sushilkumar , Bongiovanni Roberta , L. Marchisio Daniele , Fontana Daniela , Egger Christian 
Published: August 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of the present study is to use an amino-functional polysiloxane for the surface modification of red iron oxide (Fe2O3) pigment particles for their improved dispersion stability and hydrophobicity and to study the chemical interactions of polysiloxanes with the particle surface.

Design/methodology/approach
– Surface-treated red Fe2O3 pigment particles were prepared by treatment of the particles with different quantities of the (aminopropylmethylsiloxane)-dimethylsiloxane copolymer in concentrated suspensions in water. The samples were analysed with different instrumental and spectroscopic techniques to study the interaction of the polysiloxane with the particle surface and the effect of the surface treatment of the particles on their dispersion stability and hydrophobicity.

Findings
– Chemisorption of the amino-polysiloxane onto the surface of Fe2O3 particles resulted in stable layers which turned out to be helpful in improving greatly the dispersion stability of the particles as shown by the Static Light Scattering and Dynamic Light Scattering results. Formation of a polysiloxane coating onto the surface of the pigment particles was confirmed by studying the interactions of the polymer molecules with Fe2O3 surfaces by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy techniques.

Practical implications
– The surface-treated red Fe2O3 particles with improved dispersion stability can be important components of various formulations in applications such as the colouring of the cement or inorganic pigment-based paint formulations.

Originality/value
– The study provides mechanistic insights about the interactions of amino-polysiloxane with the red Fe2O3 particles. The process of surface modification of red Fe2O3 particles with the amino-functional polysiloxane showed increased hydrophobicity and dispersion stability which is an important requirement of the pigment-based formulations in real applications.
“Is an accreditation seal worth the effort?”
Authors: Niemelä Hanna , Okkola Taija , Nurkka Annikka , Kuisma Mikko , Tuunila Ritva 
Published: August 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to present observations of a EUR-ACE accreditation process in a Finnish university. The study demonstrates the effects (benefits, effort and resources required) of accreditation as seen by the university management and teaching staff.

Design/methodology/approach
– The material of the study was gathered by conducting an interview and questionnaire survey after the accreditation processes of six degree programmes at Lappeenranta University of Technology, Finland, in 2011.

Findings
– Besides certain shared views, the survey reveals some differences in opinions between the university management and the teaching staff: The management at all levels of the university valued the significance of accreditations somewhat higher than the teaching staff. Most of the interviewees found that accreditations have had an important effect on the curriculum work and thereby on the development of teaching and education. However, the effects on single courses were considered less significant.

Research limitations/implications
– The study focuses on one university with a limited number of responses and one accreditation agency only (ASIIN, Germany).

Originality/value
– The engineering degree programmes were the first ones to obtain a EUR-ACE accreditation both in Finland and in the Nordic countries. Thus, the results have a novelty value for Nordic universities and stakeholders in the education sector.
Accreditation and assessment of learning in the UAE
Authors: Priscilla Goby Valerie , Nickerson Catherine 
Published: August 2014

Purpose
– This paper aims to focus on the successful efforts made at a university business school in the Gulf region to develop an assessment tool to evaluate the communication skills of undergraduate students as part of satisfying the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation requirements. We do not consider the validity of establishing learning outcomes or meeting these according to AACSB criteria. Rather, we address ourselves solely to the design of a testing instrument that can measure the degree of student learning within the parameters of university-established learning outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach
– The testing of communication skills, as opposed to language, is notoriously complex, and we describe our identification of constituent items that make up the corpus of knowledge that business students need to attain. We discuss our development of a testing instrument which reflects the learning process of knowledge, comprehension and application.

Findings
– Our work acted as a valid indicator of the effectiveness of teaching and learning as well as a component of accreditation requirements.

Originality/value
– The challenge to obtain accreditation, supported by appropriate assessment procedures, is now a high priority for more and more universities in emerging, as well as in developed, economies. For business schools, the accreditation provided by AACSB remains perhaps the most sought after global quality assurance program, and our work illustrates how the required plotting and assessment of learning objectives can be accomplished.
Rethinking institutional entrepreneurship
Authors: Hamadache Karim , Brabet Julienne 
Published: August 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to enrich empirical studies on institutional entrepreneurship (IE), more specifically those focusing on the role of the IE in building a new field (here the orphan drug [OD] field). This research addresses the main paradoxes of IE theories: a deterministic vs free agent point of view; an individual hero vs a collective action approach; and a change vs reproduction perspective.Design/methodology/approach– A case study of the role of an IE in the building of the OD field in Europe conducted through interviews with the main actors and in-depth documentary research.Findings– The case highlights the IE resources as products of a dynamic historical process driven by values; the process of building the field as an interaction between framing issues, mobilizing agents and resources, transforming a policy window into a political opportunity. It relativizes the IE role: an indispensable catalyst of collective action that can also reinforce the hegemonic bloc while changing the rules.Originality/value– The paper highlights the necessity of longitudinal analysis to address the agent/structure paradox.
Football passion as a religion: the four dimensions of a sacred experience
Authors: Fulconis François , Pache Gilles 
Published: August 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to show that football as a sacred experience is often raised, but has never led to an argued approach. Professional football (soccer) is a genuine societal phenomenon, both through the medias’ interest they cause and through the financial stakes that are related to it. It is common to read that football, through the passions it unleashes, for example in terms of tribal violence, has become a type of religion, with its believers (the fans) and its place of worship (the stadiums).Design/methodology/approach– The authors reviewed the literature, research reports and electronic documents on professional football practices to understand the religious dimension of fan passion in Europe (ritualism, collective beliefs, using of totemic objects, etc.).Findings– The paper suggests a reading grid of religions, founded on four interdependent dimensions (the Community, the Law, the Way and the Experience) and applies it to professional football by underlying its relevance in the singular context of sports show.Originality/value– Beyond well-known economic stakes, the paper clarifies the football passion from a religious perspective and identifies the main pillars of the fan conversion process according to a heteronomous logic.
Social return on investment: three technical challenges
Authors: Pathak Pathik , Dattani Pratik 
Published: August 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this article is to explore three technical challenges and misconceptions involved in measuring social return on investment (SROI). Although there is considerable information available about the conceptual framework of SROI, its application is a relatively young discipline. As a result, there is great variability in how SROI is applied across interventions. This makes robust and consistent comparisons across social ventures difficult, while rendering the validity of SROI measures vulnerable to contestation. This article looks at some of the least discussed yet significant technical challenges and misconceptions in working with SROI, based on the authors
'
experience of measuring social investment returns.

Design/methodology/approach
– The authors
'
approach is economic, and they approach the misconceptions and challenges of using SROI from a technical standpoint. Specifically, they identify three technical issues: the use of discount values, the incorporation of overhead costs and determinations of the counterfactual.

Findings
– The authors offer some solutions to these technical challenges and highlight wider issues around the drive to isolate social impact to attract funding for social enterprise.

Research limitations/implications
– Limitations of the paper relate to the authors
'
own inability, at this stage, to test out their solutions to these technical challenges with case studies.

Practical implications
– The practical implications of this paper are that the authors offer social enterprises and social impact practitioners an understanding of little-understood technical challenges related to the SROI process. They also highlight how these might be solved through alternative methods.

Originality/value
– The originality of this paper is that the authors use an economic analysis to highlight little-understood technical challenges with SROI.
Loyalty program in Africa: risk-seeking and risk-averse adventurers
Authors: Mlozi Shogo 
Published: August 2014

Purpose– This article aims to test the relationship between expected attractiveness-satisfaction-loyalty for international adventure tourists visiting Tanzania. The proposed model is based on travel consumer behavior theoretical constructs extracted from the literature.Design/methodology/approach– This article aims to test the relationship between expected attractiveness-satisfaction-loyalty for international adventure tourists visiting Tanzania. The proposed model is based on travel consumer behavior theoretical constructs extracted from the literature.Findings– The findings for overall model differed from the moderating factors of high risk, low risk, first-time visit and repeat visit. Also, the results are interesting when satisfaction is tested as a mediator.Practical implications– Practitioners could consider the fact that repeat visits may change tourists’ perceptions toward destination and may even increase their inclination to take on risks. This may impact innovation of consumer products in tourism. Also, policy makers could benefit on how loyalty programs can be developed to increase performance.Originality/value– The study offers specific strategic recommendations toward different groups of tourists (i.e. first-time, repeat visitors, risk averse, risk seeking) and proposes logic for setting up a loyalty program as a long-term strategy for success.
Travel visa impacts on destination choice and perception
Authors: Duerrmeier Rizzi Marina 
Published: August 2014

Purpose
– This aim of this research was to discern the impacts that the visa application process has on destination perception and choice. Visas are used to respect border integrity, minimize illegal migration and reciprocate international relations.

Design/methodology/approach
– The research surveyed a sample of the Dubai resident population, targeting individuals who have previously been required to apply for travel visas.

Findings
– The outcomes of the research revealed that while visa application procedures were felt to be a “necessary bother”, certain factors such as: visa processing times and fees left participants with a negative perception of the destination, especially for travellers motivated by travel budgets, flight prices and visiting family and friends at the destination.

Research limitations/implications
– With available technology and the benefits of visa facilitation: cost savings, increasing tourism revenue and creating loyalty with legitimate visitors, today's nations have no excuse for not developing their policies and procedures in line with modern methods.

Originality/value
– For the first time, a measure of the impacts that visa application policies have on traveller destination perception and choice was assessed.
Effects of credit card usage on young Brazilians’ compulsive buying
Authors: Modesto Veludo-de-Oliveira Tania , Augusto Falciano Marcelo , Villas Boas Perito Renato 
Published: August 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this study is to assess the moderating and mediating roles of credit card usage in the relationship between money attitudes (i.e. power-prestige, retention-time, distrust and anxiety) and compulsive buying behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach
– The research design comprised a cross-sectional survey and two focus-group interviews. A structured questionnaire was completed by 365 young credit card users in São Paulo in Brazil, and two focus group discussions were conducted comprising six participants each.

Findings
– Results showed that misuse of credit cards significantly increased compulsive buying among individuals with high levels of anxiety. Credit card usage partially mediates the relationship between compulsive buying and three variables established in the literature: power-prestige, retention-time and anxiety. Credit card usage did not significantly mediate the effect of distrust (or price sensitivity) on compulsive buying behaviour. Respondents’ price sensitivity did not by itself reduce levels of usage, though it did have an effect on overspending in conjunction with the other factors studied. The key themes that emerged from the focus-group interviews enhanced the survey’s results with greater in-depth understanding.

Originality/value
– This study was the first to compare the moderating and mediating effects among the four elements of money attitudes and compulsive buying behaviour. It addresses the issue of financial literacy, money management and overspending – a special concern for today’s emerging economies – in a Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC) country.
Viability and α‐ and β‐galactosidase activity of Bifidobacterium breve and Lactobacillus reuteri in yoghurt products supplemented with shiitake mushroom extract during refrigerated storage
Authors: Hassan Osman A , AbuGhazaleh Amer A , Ibrahim Salam A , Isikhuemhen Omoanghe S , Awaisheh Saddam S , Tahergorabi Reza 
Published: August 2014

This study examined the impact of shiitake mushroom extract (ME) on the viability and α/β enzyme activity of Bifidobacterium breve ATCC 15701 and Lactobacillus reuteri DSM20016 in yoghurt during refrigerated storage. The presence of ME significantly enhanced the viability of both strains. L. reuteri DSM20016 exhibited better stability in yoghurt than B. breve ATCC 15701. L. reuteri DSM20016 showed the highest viability in yoghurt samples containing 4% ME, followed by B. breve ATCC 15701, and then control samples. Results suggest that ME can be used as a natural additive to dairy products to improve the growth and viability of L. reuteri DSM20016 and B. breve ATCC 15701 strains.
Surgical strategy for insulinoma: Analysis of a single‐institution experience with 48 cases
Authors: Guo Qiang , Lu Huimin , Li Ang , Hu Weiming 
Published: August 2014

AimThe aim of the present study was to investigate the appropriate surgical policy for different locations of insulinomas.Patients and MethodsThe medical records of 48 patients with a clinical and pathological diagnosis of insulinoma at West China Hospital from 2007 to 2012 were reviewed. The characteristics of clinical manifestation, the diagnosis and surgical strategy of patients with insulinomas were described.ResultsA total of 85 per cent of the patients had Whipple's triad, and 81 per cent of the patients had a plasma insulin/glucose value greater than 0.3 after a supervised 24‐h fast. Diagnostic sensitivity of transabdominal ultrasonography, computed tomography scan, magnetic resonance imaging, and intraoperative ultrasonography were 31 per cent, 75 per cent, 85 per cent and 100 per cent, respectively. Distal pancreatectomy and enucleation were performed in those patients, and pancreatic fistula rates were 37.5 per cent and 14.3 per cent, respectively (P = 0.115). The mean length of hospital stay, the mean length of hospital stay after surgery and the incidence of new‐onset diabetes were similar in the two groups; however, the incidence of new‐onset exocrine insufficiency was higher in the distal pancreatectomy group than in the enucleation group.ConclusionModern imaging has a high sensitivity of localization to avoid blind pancreatic resection. Complete surgical resection is the treatment of choice, and enucleation is as safe as distal pancreatectomy.