bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The place of the eurozone countries in the international economy
Authors: Maniatis Paraschos 
Published: May 2013

PurposeThis study aims to statistically investigate the place of the eurozone countries in the framework of the international economy and particularly within the most advanced non Euro‐currency countries; second it attempts to explain the eventual discrepancies in the performing of the eurozone from the most advanced non‐eurozone countries by the weaknesses of some eurozone members. The discriminant analysis as an investigation tool has been chosen as an as unbiased as possible investigation technique. Of course, every discriminant analysis requires classification criteria. The criteria adopted in this study result to more or less the same conclusions.Design/methodology/approachMost econometric studies prefer the popular econometric techniques employing classical regression techniques, while methods of multivariate statistics and non‐linear regressions occupy a minor place as statistical tools. Numerous and multivariate data call for multivariate techniques, which at the cost of losing information and details allow for better a perception of the data structure. Therefore, a great part of the statistical analysis focuses on multivariate techniques and non‐linear regression.FindingsThe study concludes that despite the present budget and debt crisis hitting some major and minor eurozone members the “real” economy of the eurozone posseses a first class place in the World economy – both in relative and absolute terms. During the course of the study effort was paid to balancing the tools of investigation and the fertility of the results, in particular to approach questions such as: what is present condition of the eurozone? How solid are the predictions for a hanging collapse of the euro currency and the eurozone? At the end of the study is given an apercu on the transition of the member countries to the eurozone and their economic status by the end of 2011 tries to soften the fears for the eurozone future.Originality/valueThis study tries to analyze the position of the eurozone countries from an arithmetic/objective perspective, ignoring as much as possible the (geo) political and national interests of the principal countries involved as an effort to check the solidity of the fears. Not all parameters of the economy can enter the study. The author has chosen a few variables, which to their opinion reflect the overall performance of an economy. Parameters relating to financial aspects have nowadays in great degree become autonomous and call for special inquiry. The study seeks to add to econometric studies carried out by national and international institutions and Universities. It mainly concerns the statistical techniques and to treat eurozone as a whole entity vs the rest of the developed non‐eurozone world. Indeed, the study tries to defend the eurozone using objective data against a multitude of gloomy predictions, raised by several world partners, for the performance and the future of the eurozone.
Local damage simulations of printed circuit boards based on in‐plane cohesive zone parameters
Authors: Filipp Fuchs Peter , Fellner Klaus , Pinter Gerald 
Published: May 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse, in a finite element simulation, the failure of a multilayer printed circuit board (PCB), exposed to an impact load, to better evaluate the reliability and lifetime. Thereby the focus was set on failures in the outermost epoxy layer.Design/methodology/approachThe fracture behaviour of the affected material was characterized. The parameters of a cohesive zone law were determined by performing a double cantilever beam test and a corresponding simulation. The cohesive zone law was used in an enriched finite element local simulation model to predict the crack initiation and crack propagation. Using the determined location of the initial crack, the energy release rate at the crack tip was calculated, allowing an evaluation of the local loading situation.FindingsA good concurrence between the simulated and the experimentally observed failure pattern was observed. Calculating the energy release rate of two example PCBs, the significant influence of the chosen type on the local failure behaviour was proven.Originality/valueThe work presented in this paper allows for the simulation and evaluation of failure in the outermost epoxy layers of printed circuit boards due to impact loads.
PCB base material qualifications: discrepancies between supplier recommendations, customer expectations and reality
Authors: Ehrler Sylvia 
Published: May 2013

PurposeToday a large variety of printed circuit board (PCB) base materials exists on the market and new ones are added frequently. The base material suppliers, having good original equipment manufacturer (OEM) marketing, usually present the materials in an early development stage to the end customers. The customers, on the other hand, expect from their PCB suppliers that the materials are fully characterized and that qualification samples are available immediately. In many cases, the process recommendations given to the PCB manufacturers are very generic (“like FR4”), insufficient, or not practicable (“8 hours baking time”). However, optimized processing ensures the reliability of the finished PCBs, starting from general leadfree compatibility to CAF testing. This demonstrates the importance of thoroughly verified process parameters and of very specific process recommendations to minimize the number of costly and time‐consuming iterations, and to be able to meet the goal of submitting qualification samples and functional PCBs in minimum time. The purpose of this paper is to show the minimum required PCB processing recommendations, and why these have to be fixed by the material supplier before commercialization of a new base material.Design/methodology/approachThe paper examines the base material suppliers' situation, customer expectations and reality and the PCB manufacturers' expectations.FindingsThe paper gives the reasons and consequences of early base material marketing.Originality/valueThe paper analyses today's PCB base materials market and shows the reasons and consequences of early base material marketing. Also, the minimum requirements by PCB fabricators concerning processing recommendations are given.
Experimental investigation of microdrilling of printed circuit board
Authors: Zheng Xiaohu , Liu Zhiqiang , An Qinglong , Wang Xibin , Xu Zongwei , Chen Ming 
Published: May 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the cutting mechanism of drilling printed circuit board (PCB) and to optimize the drilling parameters for decreasing burr size and thrust force.Design/methodology/approachAn experimental study was carried out to investigate the effect of drilling parameters on thrust force and burr formation. The drilling process of PCB was divided by the variation of drilling force signals. Analysis of variance (ANVONA) was carried out for burr size and thrust force. Desirability function method was used in multiple response optimization, to find the best drilling parameters.FindingsEnter burr and exit burr have different morphologies and types. The generation of enter burr is mainly caused by burr bending which can be observed in micrographs, whereas the generation of exit burr is more complicated than enter burr; both burr breakup and burr bending are observed in exit burrs. In the selected area, the optimized spindle speed and feed rate for drilling PCB is 12 krev/min and 6 mm/s, respectively.Research limitations/implicationsIn this paper, hole wall roughness and tool wear were not considered in the optimization of drilling parameters. The future research work should consider them.Originality/valueThis paper investigates the mechanism of burr formation and thrust force in drilling PCB and then optimizes the drilling parameters to decrease the burr formation and thrust force.
A novel method for colouration of cotton using clay nano‐adsorbent treatment
Authors: Parvinzadeh Gashti Mazeyar , Rashidian Rambod , Almasian Arash , Badakhshan Zohouri Ali 
Published: May 2013

PurposeIn recent years, the textile industry has been required to develop new methods and technologies through introduction of some new materials in various processes rather than employing the same conventional chemicals. The aim of this research was to investigate the changes induced on the cotton fibre by the nanoclay treatment using a pre‐treatment method.Design/methodology/approachThe fibres were dyed with basic and direct dyes after the nanoclay pre‐treatment. Technical measurements were studied including Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV‐visible spectrophotometer, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermal degradation analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), moisture regain measurement (MRM), tensile strength test (TST), reflectance spectroscopy (RS) and fastnesses evaluation.FindingsThe intensity of the major peaks in FTIR spectra of the nanoclay treated sample is in favour of the chemical changes of the cellulose functional groups. Basic dyes showed a higher dyeability on the clay pre‐treated samples compared to raw materials. The results of the colour measurements showed that the more concentration of the clay mineral was used, the darker the colour of the dyed sample was. Some interesting results were obtained in the research.Research limitations/implicationsThe nanoclay and a dispersing agent used in the present context were used as received. Besides, the type of the dispersing agent is important for preparation of a colloidal dispersion of nanoclay.Practical implicationsThe method developed in this research provides a simple and practical solution for improving the dyeability of cotton with direct and basic dyes.Originality/valueThe method for enhancing the dyeability of cotton is novel and can be used in cotton processing with new properties.
Anticorrosive efficiency of ion‐exchanged bentonites in chlorinated rubber paints
Authors: Ahmed Nivin M. , Emira Hassan S. , Tawfik Hesham M. 
Published: May 2013

PurposeIon‐exchange clays containing sodium such as bentonite and montmorillonite have the ability to exchange their cations. Few studies conducted with this type of ion‐exchange pigments are not conclusive about their anticorrosive efficiency. The present research aims to address the study on the anticorrosive efficiency of this type of pigments in chlorinated rubber paints. Sodium‐bentonite was exchanged with Zn, Sr and Zn‐Sr to be applied on low carbon steel specimens and study the anticorrosive performances of these new ion‐exchanged bentonites (IEBs) in anticorrosive paint formulations.Design/methodology/approachThe new pigments were characterised using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) to determine the CEC (cation exchange capacity) of the different exchanged cations. Evaluation of the ion‐exchanged and Na‐bentonite pigments using international standard testing methods (ASTM) was estimated. Paint systems manufactured with these ion‐exchange pigments have been subjected to adhesion, accelerated corrosion laboratory tests, and EIS in order to assess their anticorrosive behaviour.FindingsThe results of this work revealed that the ion‐exchange bentonite (IEBs) pigments showed high anticorrosive performance that can be arranged as follows: Sr‐bentonite was better than Zn‐Bentonite and both were better than the double Zn‐Sr‐bentonite indicating an antagonism behaviour between the two cations when present together.Practical implicationsThese pigments can be applied in other polymer composites, e.g. rubber and plastics as reinforcing agent and fillers.Originality/valueThese prepared pigments are environmentally friendly pigments which impart high anticorrosive behaviour to paint films with great economic savings.
Effect of annealing on photochromic performance of (E)‐dicyclopropylmethylene‐(2, 5‐dimethyl‐3‐furylethylidene)‐succinicanhydride doped in polyacrylic acid thin film
Authors: Asiri Abdullah M. , Alamry Khalid A. , Hussein Mahmoud A. 
Published: May 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of annealing on photochromic performance of (E)‐dicyclopropylmethylene‐(2, 5‐dimethyl‐3‐furylethylid‐ene)‐succinicanhydride doped in polyacrylic acid thin film.Design/methodology/approach(E)‐dicyclopropylmethylene‐(2,5‐dimethyl‐3‐furyl‐ethylidene)‐succinic‐anhydride (DMDFS‐E) fulgide doped in polyacrylic acid thin films was prepared. DMDFS‐E fulgide doped in polyacrylic acid thin films was heated at various annealing temperatures. Photocoloration, photobleaching and photochemical fatigue resistance for the desired DMDFS‐E fulgide doped in polyacrylic acid thin films were studied.FindingsUpon irradiation with UV light (366 nm), fulgide DMDFS‐E undergoes a conrotatory ring closure to the pinkish colored closed form C (523 nm). The later color was switched back to the original color when the films were irradiated with white light. The kinetics of photocoloration and photobleaching processes were followed spectrophotometrically by monitoring the absorbance of the ring closed product DMDFS‐C at its λmax of 523 nm. The first‐order plots of photocoloration reaction showed distinct linear line at different temperatures. The slope of these first‐order lines corresponding to the rate constants k. It was found that for photocoloration reaction, the rate constant of the photocoloration reaction was slower than the photobleaching reaction and both reactions decrease with increasing the annealing temperatures. It was found that there was almost improvement of photochemical fatigue resistance of fulgide DMDFS‐E doped in polyacrylic acid thin film at several of the annealing temperatures.Originality/valueThe results obtained in this work showed that the photochromic properties of DMDFS fulgide E were improved upon annealing the film at 100°C. Therefore, it would be recommended for improvement to apply fulgides as annealed polymer films.
Word‐of‐mouth amongst students at a New Zealand tertiary institution
Authors: Warring Susan 
Published: May 2013

PurposeThe aim of this case study was to investigate the extent of word‐of‐mouth influence amongst international students at a New Zealand tertiary institution and to review the literature for a valid and reliable conceptualisation and measurement of word‐of‐mouth.Design/methodology/approachLiterature suggests that opinion‐leading and seeking scales form a valid and reliable conceptualisation and measurement of word‐of‐mouth. Using these scales, a comparison was made between international students and two groups employing the t‐test, domestic students and decision‐makers for online learning management systems. Analysis of variance was employed to investigate differences in word‐of‐mouth between students of different nationalities.FindingsIndian students were more likely to give advice, but less likely to seek it, than Chinese students. Also, contrary to expectations, word‐of‐mouth influence was not higher for international than domestic students.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research should investigate the relationship between word‐of‐mouth and actual consumption decisions made by students. In addition, a random sample should be conducted with a wider sample frame of institutions so that findings can be generalised.Practical implicationsThis study forms a foundation for future research investigating whether and how to harness the potential of word‐of‐mouth amongst different nationalities. For example, internet social networking tools could harness Indian students’ higher propensity to give advice and Chinese students’ higher propensity to seek it.Originality/valueThe development and refinement of opinion leadership scales over time is reviewed to suggest valid and reliable scales which can be adapted to specific contexts.
Assessing leadership knowledge in a principalship preparation programme
Authors: Ng Foo Seong David 
Published: May 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess leadership learning in a principalship development programme.Design/methodology/approachThis case study adopted Popper's three worlds as an analytical framework to assess leadership learning in a principalship development programme. The unit of assessment of learning is knowledge – more specifically subjective and objective knowledge. The study involved participants in a principalship development programme called the Leaders in Education Programme (LEP). The LEP is designed and implemented by the National Institute of Education, Singapore with partnership from the Ministry of Education, Singapore. Since its inception in 2001, the LEP has developed more than 300 school leaders in Singapore schools.FindingsThrough the analyses linking the concepts of complexity theory and Popper's three worlds, valuable insights were gained into how participants developed practical knowledge in leadership and management.Originality/valueThe outcome of the analyses has implications for leadership programme design and for leadership development in countries with similar challenges to prepare a new type of school leaders for the 21st century.
Motivation among public primary school teachers in Mauritius
Authors: Keshwar Seebaluck Ashley , Devi Seegum Trisha 
Published: May 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to critically analyse the factors that affect the motivation of public primary school teachers and also to investigate if there is any relationship between teacher motivation and job satisfaction in Mauritius.Design/methodology/approachSimple random sampling method was used to collect data from 250 primary teachers who are members of the Government Teachers Union (GTU). Chi‐square test was used to test the hypotheses.FindingsThe findings have shown similar results to the integrated cognitive‐motivational model for the study of teachers’ professional motivation by Jesus and Lens. However, some results seem to contradict the literature review. On the whole, Mauritian primary teachers have a good motivational level.Research limitations/implicationsOwing to time and financial constraints, a larger sample size could not be taken to carry out the survey.Practical implicationsThere is a need for educational leaders to take immediate actions pertaining to the improvement of teachers’ motivation.Originality/valueDespite the fact that many research studies have been carried out on job satisfaction and motivation of teachers worldwide, there is hardly any study that has focused solely on the concept of motivation as far as the Mauritian context is concerned.
The influence of event quality on revisit intention
Authors: Ho Kim Tae , Jae Ko Yong , Min Park Chan 
Published: May 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the relationships between spectators’ event quality perceptions and revisit intention in both men's and women's basketball events by focusing on gender influence.Design/methodology/approachThe study utilizes structural equation modeling (SEM) on data collected by questionnaire survey from a total of 623 spectators of two college men's basketball events (n=292) and two college women's basketball events (n=331).FindingsThe results indicate that for men's basketball events, game performance and staff quality had a significant influence on the revisit intention of spectators, regardless of the spectator's gender. For women's basketball events, game performance and in‐game entertainment were significant determinants of spectator revisit intentions, again regardless of gender.Research limitations/implicationsThe current research collected data from division I‐A men's and women's basketball events in only one higher education institution. Further the current research adopted only four salient event quality factors (i.e., game performance, in‐game entertainment, staff quality, and physical surrounding). Finally, current research measured only revisit intention as a dependent variable.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that game performance was found to be the most significant event quality factor regardless of gender in both men’s and women’s sporting events. Furthermore, in‐game entertainment was another critical event quality factor for the revisit intention for women’s basketball events. In addition, females have more sensitive event quality perceptions in both men’s and women’s basketball events.Originality/valueThis study investigated the moderating role of gender in the relationship between specific event quality factors (i.e., game performance, in‐game entertainment, staff quality, and physical surrounding) and revisit intention for both men's and women's college basketball events. The study's findings yield insight into service research and offers meaningful implications to managers for future improvements of their services and development of marketing strategies in this context.
The impact of call centre stressors on inbound and outbound call‐centre agent burnout
Authors: Rod Michel , Ashill Nicholas J. 
Published: May 2013

PurposeThe aim of this study is to draw on various models of burnout and test hypotheses relating to anticipated differences in the burnout process between inbound versus outbound call centre agents. This is achieved by comparing the magnitude of the relationships in the sequence of customer stressors → emotional exhaustion → depersonalization → reduced personal accomplishment across a sample of inbound and outbound call centre agents working in a large retail bank call centre in New Zealand.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from inbound and outbound call centre agents of a large retail bank call centre in New Zealand via a self‐administered survey questionnaire electronically distributed to all 195 call centre agents working in the bank's two call centre locations. Data obtained from the call centre agents were analysed using the SEM‐based partial least squares (PLS) methodology.FindingsThe findings of the study reveal significant differences between inbound and outbound call centre agents in terms of the extent to which emotional exhaustion impacts depersonalisation as well as the extent to which depersonalisation influences feelings of reduced personal accomplishment.Practical implicationsThe research advances understanding of differences in the burnout process as perceived by inbound versus outbound call centre agents. Call centre management might consider improving the work environment to bring about greater job discretion/autonomy, greater job variety and performance monitoring in order to attenuate the stronger impact of these relationships in an inbound context.Originality/valueThese findings extend our understanding of these phenomena in the largely unexplored yet important context of call centre agent‐customer interaction in specifically highlighting differences between inbound and outbound call centre agent burnout.