bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unleash the power of mobile word‐of‐mouth
Authors: Shen Xiao‐Liang , Wang Nan , Sun Yongqiang , Xiang Li 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThis study aims to examine the effects of system and information characteristics in developing users' perceptions towards ubiquitous decision support systems (UDSS).Design/methodology/approachThe research model is empirically examined with survey data from 218 mobile users who have adopted a UDSS, i.e. mobile Dianping.com. A structural equation modelling approach is employed to assess the hypotheses.FindingsThe findings demonstrate that system characteristics of wireless networks, mobile devices and mobile applications significantly predicted system quality, which in turn determined system usefulness. Localisation, immediacy and customisation of mobile word‐of‐mouth were the major predictors of information quality, which in turn determined information usefulness.Originality/valueThis study contributes to our current understanding of ubiquitous commerce, especially mobile word‐of‐mouth, by presenting an integrated research framework, identifying system and information characteristics that are specific to the ubiquitous era, extending system quality and system usefulness from a single system to a combination of systems, and empirically examining the crossover effects between system and information factors.
The impact of ubiquitous decision support systems on decision quality through individual absorptive capacity and perceived usefulness
Authors: Wook Seo Young , Chang Lee Kun , Sung Lee Dae 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine a mobile delivery system as a working ubiquitous decision support system (UDSS) and determine whether it would improve decision quality.Design/methodology/approachUbiquitous mobility and context awareness are the two core functions of the UDSS. Hence the authors examined how they might influence individual absorptive capacity and perceived usefulness. Moreover the authors investigated how individual absorptive capacity and perceived usefulness might be related to decision quality. A total of 174 completed questionnaires were collected from delivery workers, and a financial incentive was provided to participants. To test the hypotheses the research model was analysed with the partial least square method.FindingsThe results reveal that all paths are statistically valid. Individual absorptive capacity and perceived usefulness were positively influenced by ubiquitous mobility and context awareness. In addition individual absorptive capacity and perceived usefulness have positive effects on decision quality.Research limitations/implicationsThis research model did not consider all the capabilities enabled by the UDSS. Future study should pay attention to nomadicity, proactiveness, invisibility, and portability as relevant antecedents within the model.Originality/valueIn the field of IS studies the impact of the UDSS on users' decision quality has remained unclear to date. The authors adopted a mobile delivery system as a working UDSS and applied it in their study. Thereby the authors found the mediating effects of perceived usefulness and absorptive capacity under a ubiquitous environment.
Improvement of surface properties of AISI 316L SS by oxygen and helium ion implantation
Authors: Muthukumaran V. , Senthil kumar M. , Selladurai V. 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to study effect of the implantation of oxygen and helium ions on the corrosion performance of the AISI3l6L stainless steel. It presents useful new results which allows one to draw conclusions as to the suitability of the helium and oxygen ion implanted AISI 316L stainless steel for biomedical use in the body.Design/methodology/approachThe implantation of oxygen and helium ions was done on AISI 316L SS at an energy level of 100 keV at a dose of 1×1017 ions/cm2, at room temperature. In order to simulate the natural tissue environment, an electrochemical test using cyclic polarization was done in a 0.9 percent sodium chloride solution at a pH value of 6.3 at 37°C. This was carried out on both the virgin and implanted AISI 316L stainless steel for the purpose of comparing performance. In addition to this, the hardness of the virgin and implanted samples was also studied using Vickers microhardness tester with varying loads. Besides, the surface morphologies of the implanted samples and the corroded samples were studied with XRD and SEM.FindingsFrom the study the following findings are made. First, the XRD and SEM results were found to be in accordance with the corrosion test results. Second, the general corrosion behavior showed a significant improvement in the case of both helium implanted (icorr=0.0689 mA/cm2) and oxygen implanted (icorr=1.104 mA/cm2), when compared to the virgin AISI 316L SS (icorr=1.2187 mA/cm2). The pitting corrosion showed a significant improvement for helium implanted (Epit=230 mV) when compared to virgin material (Epit=92 mV). The oxygen implanted has not shown any improvement (Epit=92 mV). The surface hardness is found to be 1202 HV for helium implanted and 1020 HV for oxygen implanted, while it is found to be 195 HV for the virgin material. The hardness of the helium and oxygen implanted samples is found to be increased by about 600 percent and 500 percent, respectively, when compared to the virgin samples. Helium implanted samples show better performance in terms of corrosion resistance and hardness when compared to those of the oxygen implanted samples.Originality/valueAlthough a number of authors have conducted many research on AISI 316L stainless steel, this work has original experimental results in terms of the oxygen and helium ion implantation parameters used and the specific tests: microhardness, electrochemical corrosion test, SEM and XRD that were used. It thus presents useful new results which allows one to draw conclusions as to the suitability of the Helium and Oxygen ion implanted AISI 316L stainless steel for biomedical use.
Durability and flexibility characteristics of latex modified ferrocement in structural development applications
Authors: Zailan Suleiman Mohd , Talib Roslan , Ramli Mahyuddin 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss the durability and flexibility characteristics of latex modified ferrocement in comparison with conventional ferrocement particularly when exposed to severe environmental conditions.Design/methodology/approachThe research programme encompasses the laboratory investigation on the structural, the deformation behaviour and characteristic of latex modified ferrocement elements cured in air and salt‐water environments. The tests include determination of load and deflection characteristics, moments, crack widths, crack spacing, and the number of cracks when subjected to static flexure.FindingsTest result indicates a significant improvement in reducing and bridging micro cracks, especially in the pre‐peak load region. Fracture toughness and deformability increased significantly. However, the post peak behaviour was quite similar to conventional ferrocement.Originality/valueThe results show that latex modification has improved the mechanical properties of cement mortars, particularly their flexural strength.
Redefining customer value in lean product development design projects
Authors: Gudem Martin , Steinert Martin , Welo Torgeir , Leifer Larry 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to suggest a redefinition of the functional product value calculation in lean product development (LPD). The proposed method integrates emotional customer value into the traditional model, which is based on minimizing operating costs and reducing time‐to‐market.Design/methodology/approachPerceptions of customer value among employees at a Norwegian boat manufacturer, customers, and competitors are investigated through a case study. Results are compared with principles for promoting value and minimizing waste in LPD.FindingsFindings from the case study suggest that a less‐than‐perfect match between customer needs and product offerings sometimes improves customer satisfaction. Furthermore, how customers perceive product value depends on experience that may be at variance with current needs. It is also suggested that deep understanding of customer‐defined value does not imply an ability to satisfy that value.Research limitations/implicationsUnderstanding the position of meaning‐driven and technology‐driven innovation in different types of industries represents a challenge for further research, as does the issue of whether these two are the only dimensions driving a sustainable innovation strategy. Actionable knowledge on how emotional value can be maximized is also needed.Originality/valueMaximizing customer value is a core principle in LPD, but the value definitions used tend to be based on logical reasoning rather than real‐life observations. This article presents empirical insights concerning different stakeholders' perceptions of customer value, and the resulting implications for the present lean framework.
Medical waste management: a case study in a small size hospital of central Italy
Authors: Giacchetta Giancarlo , Marchetti Barbara 
Published: March 2013

PurposeA measurement campaign was carried out for assessing the waste flow in a pilot hospital of a region in central Italy, with the purpose of having a complete overview of the waste stream and of the personnel behavior in managing and handling waste flow both internally and in outsourcing. The main aim of the work was to provide instruction for decreasing waste quantities, improving segregation and decreasing costs and environmental risks. Moreover an analysis of the effectiveness of outsourcing the waste management service in terms of cost reduction and efficiency improvements and of the limits has been performed.Design/methodology/approachA self‐assessment model was proposed for evaluating waste generation patterns, quantities and sources and identifying anomalies. The research team comprised the hospital administrator, the head physician and charge nurse of each hospital ward, the administrative in charge of the waste management documents, the head of the hospital pharmacy, the responsible for the external outsourcing company in charge of waste collection and disposal, and the research team of Università Politecnica delle Marche. The data were obtained through the questionnaires elaborated by the group and submitted to a selected sample of personnel; they were asked to provide information on waste management practices (generation, collection, segregation, cleaning, storage) and quantities.FindingsAnomalous behaviors were identified in the high amount of solid waste going into the medical waste stream; corrective actions have been proposed and their effectiveness has been monitored after implementation. The measures allowed a reduction of medical waste from 13 to 15 percent in two analyzed wards with a significant reduction of waste management costs.Originality/valueThis work has been requested and supported by the management of the healthcare structure analyzed, and represents a first step in the implementation of a policy that considers waste management as one of the fundamental processes for the proper functioning of the hospital.
Workplace stress interventions using participatory action research designs
Authors: McVicar Andrew , Munn‐Giddings Carol , Seebohm Patience 
Published: March 2013

PurposeComplex collaborative interventions are increasingly applied for stress management but outcomes are inconsistent. “Collaboration” is most highly developed in participatory action research (PAR). Future research might be guided by understanding features integral to successful PAR designs. The purpose of this paper is to present a review of PAR studies which had predominantly positive outcomes, in order to identify features of their designs.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 48 collaborative intervention studies (1982‐2010) were identified, and filtered according to positive outcomes (improved working environment, job performance, absenteeism, and stress levels), and PAR criteria for stakeholder engagement: 11 studies from six countries were selected for scoping review.FindingsOrganization size and sector was not important for PAR, but the extent of uptake of an intervention/change is and a “unit” of up to 100 employees was engaged in most of the studies reviewed. Study aims should not be over‐ambitious. Long‐term involvement of “change agents” or “action groups” in close communication with a steering group appears most effective in engaging employees over a long period of time, ideally 12+ months. Self‐report scales dominated evaluations (21 different scales; range 1‐7 per study) but this strategy is challenged by impacts of organizational change and staff turnover on response rates. Comparison with a non‐intervention group appears to strengthen the evaluation, but PAR also provides an opportunity to implement an innovative strategy sensitive to the workplace situation. PAR provides scope to engage managers as participants. The participatory process was least effective where this was unsuccessful.Research limitations/implicationsPAR has high potential for the engagement of management, and identification of a rigorous evaluation strategy, that would facilitate the efficacy of collaborative designs.Originality/valueInsights are provided into characteristics of highly collaborative, and demonstrably effective, PAR designs.
Older age and ill‐health: links to work and worklessness
Authors: Carmichael Fiona , Hulme Claire , Porcellato Lorna 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide insights on the relationship between health and employment in older age.Design/methodology/approachQualitative methods are used with some additional quantitative analysis to explore emergent themes. The qualitative analysis is based on interviews with 56 men and women between the ages of 50 and 68. This part of the study uses the respondents’ own words to explain how physical and mental ill‐health has impacted on labour market participation and vice versa. The quantitative analysis uses data from the British Household Panel Study and multivariate techniques.FindingsThe research highlights the complexity, individuality and two‐way causality underlying the relationships between health, work and worklessness in older age. The analysis also suggests that type of job and workplace conditions matter. The negative impact of the onset of ill‐health on employment participation only appears to be accentuated by age for women.Research limitations/implicationsThe two data sets are not directly comparable.Social implicationsPlanned rises in the age at which state pensions are payable need to be accompanied by policies that improve the health of older people and changes in workplace practices that facilitate longer working lives.Originality/valueThe paper has a specific focus on the relationship between ill‐health and employment in older age; uses qualitative methods to draw out the main issues and quantitative analysis to draw additional insights and make some comparisons with younger cohorts.
Genetic and evolutionary biometrics
Authors: Alford Aniesha , Adams Joshua , Shelton Joseph , Dozier Gerry , Bryant Kelvin , Kelly John 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to explore the value preference space associated with the optimization and generalization performance of GEFeWSML.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, the authors modified the evaluation function utilized by GEFeWSML such that the weights assigned to each objective (i.e. error reduction and feature reduction) were varied. For each set of weights, GEFeWSML was used to evolve FMs for the face, periocular, and face + periocular templates. The best performing FMs on the training set (FMtss) and the best performing FMs on the validation set (FM*s) were then applied to the test set in order to evaluate how well they generalized to the unseen subjects.FindingsBy varying the weights assigned to each of the objectives, the authors were able to suggest values that would result in the best optimization and generalization performances for facial, periocular, and face + periocular recognition. GEFeWSML using these suggested values outperformed the previously reported GEFeWSML results, using significantly fewer features while achieving the same recognition accuracies statistically.Originality/valueIn this paper, the authors investigate the relative weighting of each objective using a value preference structure and suggest the best weights to be used for each biometric modality tested.
Fully fuzzy linear systems of triangular fuzzy numbers (a,b,c)
Authors: Kumar Amit , Bansal Abhinav , Babbar Neetu 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study a nascent theory and an emerging concept of solving a fully fuzzy linear system (FFLS) with no non negative restrictions on the triangular fuzzy numbers chosen as parameters. Two new simplified computational methods are proposed to solve a FFLS without any sign restrictions. The first method eliminates the non‐negativity constraint from the coefficient matrix while the second method eliminates the constraint of non‐negativity on the solution vector. The methods are introduced with an objective to broaden the domain of fuzzy linear systems to encompass a wide range of problems occurring in reality.Design/methodology/approachThe design of numerical methods is motivated by decomposing the fuzzy based linear system into its equivalent crisp linear form which can be further solved by variety of classical methods to solve a crisp linear system. Further the paper investigates Schur complement technique to solve the crisp equivalent of the FFLS.FindingsThe results that are obtained reveal interesting properties of a FFLS. By using the proposed methods, the authors are able to check the consistency of the fuzzy linear system as well as obtain the nature of obtained solutions, i.e. trivial, unique or infinite. Further it is also seen that an n×n FFLS may yield finitely many solutions which may not be entirely feasible (strong). Also the methods successfully remove the non‐negativity restriction on the coefficient matrix and the solution vector, respectively.Research limitations/implicationsEvolving methods with better computational complexity and that which remove the non‐negativity restriction jointly on all the parameters are left as an open problem.Originality/valueThe proposed methods are new and conceptually simple to understand and apply in several scientific areas where fuzziness persists. The methods successfully remove several constraints that have been employed exhaustively by researchers and thus eventually tend to widen the breadth of applicability and usability of fuzzy linear models in real life situations. Heretofore, the usability of FFLS is largely dormant.
Nonlinear system modeling and identification of small helicopter based on genetic algorithm
Authors: Yang Fan , Chen Zongji , Wei Chen 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to build nonlinear model of a small rotorcraft‐based unmanned aerial vehicles (RUAV), using nonlinear system identification method to estimate the parameters of the model. The nonlinear model will be used in robust control system design and aerodynamic analysis.Design/methodology/approachThe nonlinear model is built based on mechanism theory, aerodynamics and mechanics, which can reflect most dynamics in large flight envelop. Genetic algorithm (GA) and time domain flight data is adopted to estimate unknown parameters of the model. The flight data were collected from a series of fight tests. The identification results were also analyzed and validated.FindingsThe nonlinear model of RUAV has better accuracy, the parameters are physical quantities, and having distinctly recognizable values. The GA is suitable for nonlinear system identification. And the results proved the identified model can reflect the dynamic characteristics in extensive area of flight envelop.Research limitations/implicationsThe GA requires much more computing power, to identify 12 unknown parameters with 30 iterations, will takes more than 18 hours of a four cores desktop computer. Because of this is an off‐line identification process, and has more accuracy, extra time is acceptable.Originality/valueGA method has significantly increased the accuracy of the model. The previous work of system identification used a ten states linear model, and using PEM identified 23 coefficients. By carefully building the nonlinear model, it has only 21 unknown parameters, but if the model is linearized, it will get a linear model more than 35 states, which shows nonlinear model contain more dynamics than linear model.
Swarm controlled emergence for ant clustering
Authors: Scheidler Alexander , Merkle Daniel , Middendorf Martin 
Published: March 2013

PurposeSwarm controlled emergence is proposed as an approach to control emergent effects in (artificial) swarms. The method involves the introduction of specific control agents into the swarm systems. Control agents behave similar to the normal agents and do not directly influence the behavior of the normal agents. The specific design of the control agents depends on the particular swarm system considered. The aim of this paper is to apply the method to ant clustering. Ant clustering, as an emergent effect, can be observed in nature and has inspired the design of several technical systems, e.g. moving robots, and clustering algorithms.Design/methodology/approachDifferent types of control agents for that ant clustering model are designed by introducing slight changes to the behavioural rules of the normal agents. The clustering behaviour of the resulting swarms is investigated by extensive simulation studies.FindingsIt is shown that complex behavior can emerge in systems with two types of agents (normal agents and control agents). For a particular behavior of the control agents, an interesting swarm size dependent effect was found. The behaviour prevents clustering when the number of control agents is large, but leads to stronger clustering when the number of control agents is relatively small.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough swarm controlled emergence is a general approach, in the experiments of this paper the authors concentrate mainly on ant clustering. It remains for future research to investigate the application of the method in other swarm systems. Swarm controlled emergence might be applied to control emergent effects in computing systems that consist of many autonomous components which make decentralized decisions based on local information.Practical implicationsThe particular finding, that certain behaviours of control agents can lead to stronger clustering, can help to design improved clustering algorithms by using heterogeneous swarms of agents.Originality/valueIn general, the control of (unwanted) emergent effects in artificial systems is an important problem. However, to date not much research has been done on this topic. This paper proposes a new approach and opens a different research direction towards future control principles for self‐organized systems that consist of a large number of autonomous components.