bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Monitoring and predicting natural hazards in the environment
Authors: Bogue Robert 
Published: January 2012

PurposeThis paper aims to provide a technical insight into the sensors and systems used to monitor and forecast certain natural hazards.Design/methodology/approachFollowing a short introduction, this paper describes the systems used to monitor and forecast earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes and tornadoes. The sensors used in these systems are considered in detail and some experimental techniques are also discussed.FindingsNumerous national and global systems are used to monitor and predict natural hazards. A wide range of sensors, together with radars and satellite‐based techniques, play a vital role in these. Many new techniques are under study and the most pressing need is for earthquake prediction.Originality/valueThis paper provides a technical review of the role of sensors in natural hazard monitoring and warning systems.
IMTS highlights how the quest for quality drives sensing innovation
Authors: Bloss Richard 
Published: January 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review the sensor technology innovations featured at the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS).Design/methodology/approachIn‐depth interviews with exhibitors of sensor products were undertaken.FindingsSensor technology continues to grow rapidly to keep up with manufacturing trends such as the need for better product quality, nano‐technology, automated testing, and an ever growing interest in 100 percent in process production testing.Practical implicationsManufacturers are finding answers to many quality assessment needs with the rapid advances being made by sensor device and inspection system suppliers to offer innovative ways to better inspect components.Originality/valueManufacturers are finding answers to many quality assessment needs with the rapid advances being made by sensor device and inspection system suppliers to offer innovative ways to better inspect components.
A review of in situ methods and sensors for monitoring the marine environment
Authors: Mills Graham , Fones Gary 
Published: January 2012

PurposeThis article aims to review the different devices that are available for the in situ monitoring of analytes found in the marine environment.Design/methodology/approachFollowing a short introduction to the topic, this paper discusses physical‐ and chemical‐based sensors, automatic analysers (flow injection, spectroscopic and spectrometric), electrochemical devices and biosensors.FindingsA wide range of in situ monitoring systems (and associated deployment apparatus) for measuring concentrations of various analytes (e.g. nutrients, organic chemicals and metallic elements) have been developed in recent decades. Many of these systems are still at the laboratory or prototype stage and are yet to be fully developed into commercially available products. The harsh conditions often found in the marine environment can further limit the utility and application of these sensors. Further development work is needed; however, the need now is for field deployments, validation and inter‐calibration between sensors and other analytical measurement techniques.Originality/valueThis paper provides up‐to‐date information on in situ technologies that are available, either at the laboratory and prototype stages or commercially, and are suitable for deployment in the marine environment. Applications of these sensing systems are discussed together with their associated advantages and disadvantages over other existing water monitoring methods.
DEPLOY: a long term deployment of a water quality sensor monitoring system
Authors: Lawlor Antóin , Torres Javier , O'Flynn Brendan , Wallace John , Regan Fiona 
Published: January 2012

PurposeDEPLOY is a successful technology demonstration project showing how state of the art technology can be implemented to achieve, continuous, real‐time monitoring of a river catchment.Design/methodology/approachThe DEPLOY system is a wide area network of monitoring stations delivering data in near real‐time. The demonstration sites chosen are based in the River Lee, which flows through Ireland's second largest city, Cork. The sites include monitoring stations in five zones considered typical of significant river systems and demonstrate the versatility of the technology available. Data were collected from stations at pre‐programmed intervals and transmitted to the DEPLOY servers either by short range ISM band radio or directly via the GSM GPRS network. The data were then processed and made available in a controlled manner at www.deploy.ie Findings – The project demonstrates the capability of multi‐sensor systems to remotely monitor temporal and spatial variations in water quality, through the identification of short‐term events. A system like DEPLOY could be used as a decision support tool by regulatory bodies in managing our aquatic environment with the potential to cut overall monitoring costs and provide better coverage representing long‐term trends in fluctuations of pollutant concentrations.Originality/valueThe demonstration of a truly heterogeneous water quality monitoring networked system was one of the first of its kind in Ireland. Based on the collected data DEPLOY can provide recommendations for water quality monitoring systems from various perspectives, technical, operational and strategic.
Fire detection in coal mines based on semiconductor gas sensors
Authors: Reimann Peter , Schütze Andreas 
Published: January 2012

PurposeDue to the environmental conditions, the detection and identification of hazardous situations in coal mines is a challenge. The purpose of this research is to focus on the underground fire detection, especially of smoldering fires, which are characterized by the outgassing of CO and C2H4.Design/methodology/approachThe study developed a system based on a single semiconductor gas sensor and sensors for relative humidity and temperature. With a high‐dynamic‐range hardware control and data acquisition platform a commercial semiconductor gas sensor is operated with an application‐optimized temperature cycle to improve stability and selectivity.FindingsA hierarchical evaluation strategy not only allows identification of smoldering fires signified by CO and C2H4 with a ratio of 100:1, but is also suitable for separating or quantifying typical interfering compounds such as CH4, CO, NOX or H2 thus helping to avoid costly false alarms. After promising laboratory pre‐tests, a system was built for field tests including test gases and re‐calibration algorithms. Currently the authors are working on a self‐monitoring strategy based on redundant data from impedance spectroscopy to improve the stability of the system.Originality/valueThis approach allows detection of C2H4 at sub‐ppm concentrations even in the presence of CH4 at levels up to 1 percent with only a single gas sensor. The system achieves classification reproducibility as well as robustness allowing the development of a cost‐efficient under‐ground fire detection system. The novel self‐monitoring strategy will further improve the reliability of the system.
FEM simulation of platinum‐based microhotplate using different dielectric membranes for gas sensing applications
Authors: Prasad Mahanth , Yadav R.P. , Sahula V. , Khanna V.K. 
Published: January 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to help reduce power consumption by using platinum‐based microhotplate with different dielectric membranes SiO2 and Si3N4 for gas sensing applications, and to develop platinum lift‐off process using DC sputtering method for fabrication of platinum resistor.Design/methodology/approachSemiconductor gas sensors normally require high power consumption because of their elevated operating temperature 300‐600°C. Considering the thermal resistant and sensitive characteristics of metal platinum as well as heat and electricity insulating characteristics of SiO2, Si3N4 and combination of both, a kind of the Si‐substrate microhotplate was designed and simulated using ANSYS 10.0 tool. Thermal oxidation of Si wafer was carried out to get a 1.0 μm thick SiO2 layer. Pt deposition on oxidized silicon substrate by lift‐off was carried out using DC sputtering technique.FindingsThe platinum‐based microhotplate requires 31.3‐70.5 mW power to create the temperature 348‐752°C for gas sensing applications. The SiO2 membrane can operate the gas sensitive film at higher temperature than the Si3N4 and combination of both the membranes at same power consumption. The paper also presents the FEM simulation of different heating elements like nichrome and tantalum and its comparison to platinum for microhotplate applications.Originality/valueBoth the simulation and experimental work provides the low cost, high yield and repeatability in realization of microhotplate. The design and simulation work provides the better selection of heating elements and dielectric membranes. The developed experimental process provides the easy fabrication of platinum resistors using DC sputtering technique.
Technological assessment of high temperature sensing systems under extreme environment
Authors: Ghoshal Anindya , Le Dy , Kim HeungSoo 
Published: January 2012

PurposePresently there exists no way to directly measure strain at high temperatures in engine components such as the combustion chamber, exhaust nozzle, propellant lines, and turbine blades and shaft. The purpose of this paper is to address this issue.Design/methodology/approachThermomechanical fatigue (TMF) prediction, which is a critical element for a blade design, is a strong function of the temperature and strain profiles. Major uncertainties arise from the inability of current instrumentation to measure temperature and strain at critical locations. This prevents the structural designer from optimizing the blade design for high temperature environments, which is a significantly challenging problem in engine design.FindingsBeing able to directly measure strains in different high temperature zones would deeply enhance the effectiveness of aircraft propulsion systems for fatigue damage assessment and life prediction. The state of the art for harsh environment, high temperature sensors has improved considerably over the past few years.Originality/valueThis paper lays down specifications for high temperature sensors and provides a technological assessment of these new sensing technologies. The paper also reviews recent advances made in harsh environment sensing systems and takes a peek at the future of such technologies.
A low‐power integrated electronic nose system
Authors: Crego‐Calama Mercedes , Brongersma Sywert , Karabacak Devrez , Van Bavel Mieke 
Published: January 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a novel approach for fabricating electronic nose (e‐nose) systems for adaptation into autonomous wireless sensor nodes. Such systems must fulfill a combination of requirements that currently cannot be met by existing technologies. The paper also contains an overview of the various application domains that are envisaged for such miniaturized electronic nose systems.Design/methodology/approachThe approach makes use of micromechanical systems that are an ideal technology for fabricating miniaturized sensor arrays for low‐power applications. An array of doubly clamped micromechanical beams with integrated piezoelectric transducers is presented.FindingsThe presented approach fulfills the requirements of sensitivity, arrayability, integratability and low‐power operation.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research is required to integrate the structures with low‐power analog readout circuits and to demonstrate simultaneous measurements from multiple structures.Practical implicationsThe presented technology makes use of established micromachining techniques and deploys commercial inkjet printing for functionalization of the individual detection elements. This enhances its potential adaptation by industry.Originality/valueThe innovative concept paves the way for autonomous electronic nose systems.
Environmental cleaning in UK healthcare since the NHS Plan
Authors: May Daryl , Pitt Michael 
Published: January 2012

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the policy and guidance that was issued, either as a direct result of the NHS Plan, or part of a subsequent initiative, surrounding cleaning in the NHS.Design/methodology/approachA literature review of the Department of Health and related agency web sites was completed. In addition there was a literature review of the relevant academic journals.FindingsThere is a growing evidence base on environmental cleaning in the NHS and more specifically the relationship between environmental cleaning and infection control. This paper has examined the contradiction in the evidence in the suspected correlation between infection control and environmental cleaning. However, one thing that does appear to be consistent is that a performance measure based on an observation (visual) assessment is not a sufficient tool to evaluate the environmental cleanliness of a hospital ward.Practical implicationsWhile the clinical community recognise the contribution of environmental cleaning and the impact on healthcare, more needs to be done to have the relevant studies published in the FM domain. Conversely there also needs to be work done to allow the FM community to have a “voice” in the infection control journals. The literature reviewed suggests that a usable technological solution is required to confirm satisfactory cleaning standards in healthcare facilities.Originality/valueThere is relatively little published work on the importance of cleaning to operations in the NHS, particularly in the FM domain.
The impact of hospital bed use on healthcare facilities operational costs
Authors: Boussabaine Halim , Sliteen Samer , Catarina Orlando 
Published: January 2012

PurposeThis paper aims to examine for the first time the impact of the intensity of hospital bed occupancy on healthcare facilities operational costs in France.Design/methodology/approachResearch methodology is based on empirical data collection from 19 short‐stay care acute and long‐term care hospital facilities in Paris, France, carried out during 2008. Statistic analysis was conducted to investigate the impact of bed occupancy on operational cost of health facilities. The purpose of the analysis is to determine the best practices and provide recommendations to the decision makers for operational cost budgeting purposes.FindingsThe main findings are the relationship between bed usage and operational costs of acute hospital facilities in France. An analysis of annual O&M (operation and maintenance) cost clearly indicated that type of medical activities had a major impact on O&M cost when the influence of all other potential factors, particularly, morphology, quality of construction and age, were excluded.Research limitations/implicationsData sample is limited to hospitals in the Paris region. Hence, extrapolation from the generated results to other regions in France is limited. Other facilities operational cost drivers, such as conditional surveys of buildings, need to be considered alongside the performance measures included in this study.Practical implicationsThe results will help in establishing best practices and benchmarking operational costs in heath care facilities in France. They will also assist in developing and planning strategic heath care operational budgets. One of the most important implications of the results is in assisting decision makers to develop facilities management improvement strategies.Originality/valueThe research described in this paper represents significantly advances in the understanding of the impact of medical activities on operation and maintenance costs of healthcare facilities in France.
Impacts of facility service procurement methods on perceived performance of hospital engineering services
Authors: Yik Francis W.H. , Lai Joseph H.K. , Yuen P.L. 
Published: January 2012

PurposeThe paper aims to describe a research study on the impacts of different facility service procurement methods on the perceived performance of hospital engineering services (HES). The procurement methods examined include in‐house organization by hospital staff and through a service level agreement with a government agency, each with and without outsourcing from private sector services providers works for some trades of HES.Design/methodology/approachPerformance of HES was measured by end‐users' perception obtained through a questionnaire survey. Statistical analysis of the perceived performance scores given in the 444 questionnaire returns was carried out to yield evidence in support of the hypotheses under test.FindingsThe main hypothesis tested was that given the unified management and monitoring system used among the hospitals and the low tolerance for inadequate HES performance in healthcare settings, there should be minimal differences in the perceived performance of the HES despite the fact that facility services for the HES were procured through different methods, which was shown to be largely valid by the survey findings. The second hypothesis tested was that good or poor performance would be dominated by the nature of different trades of HES, which was also validated by the survey findings.Research limitations/implicationsDue to the small number of users involved for some trades of HES, the uncertainties in some mean performance scores are relatively large.Practical implicationsThe findings allowed the hospital administration to focus on costs in measuring the cost effectiveness of HES provisions in its hospitals.Originality/valueA situation that involves co‐existence of different procurement methods is hard to find, and thus the findings are valuable. The performance scores found in the study can be used for benchmarking performance of HES in future.
Crisis brand management in emerging markets
Authors: Custance Paul , Walley Keith , Jiang Dongni 
Published: January 2012

PurposeThis paper seeks to address a gap in the literature relating to crisis brand management in emerging markets.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on secondary research and 15 qualitative depth interviews with mothers living in Beijing.FindingsThe study found that the Chinese infant milk powder incident significantly reduced confidence in domestic brands, altered perceptions of domestic brands, and had a profound effect on buying behaviour.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is based primarily on a consumer perspective and the findings cannot be generalised to a wider population with known levels of statistical significance because of the qualitative methodology and small sample size.Practical implicationsThe paper concludes that while crisis brand management requires managers to undertake similar actions whether they work in an emerging or a developed market, the cultural environment may cause them to actually take different actions.Originality/valueThis paper makes an original contribution to knowledge regarding crisis brand management in an emerging market via insight provided by the 2008 Chinese infant milk powder incident.
The moderating role of perceived risk in loyalty intentions: an investigation in a service context
Authors: Lai‐Ming Tam Jackie 
Published: January 2012

PurposeThe objectives of this study are twofold: to investigate the impact of service encounter quality dimensions on perceived value, customer satisfaction, and loyalty, and to examine the moderating effect of perceived risk on the relationship of loyalty with perceived value and customer satisfaction in high contact services.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire survey was adopted. Data were collected from customers who had used either hairdressing services or health care services in the past three months. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to evaluate the validity of the measures and structural equation modeling was used to assess the hypothesized relationships.FindingsTechnical quality and empathy were found to display a positive effect on satisfaction in both hairstylist and physician samples. Physical environment was found to display a positive effect on satisfaction in the physician sample, but not in the hairstylist sample, and its effect on perceived value was non‐significant in both samples. The results also showed that there was a significant difference between low and high perceived risk groups in both samples with respect to the relationship between satisfaction and loyalty, and the relationship between perceived value and loyalty.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was conducted in a professional and relational service context, thus the scope for generalization of the results to other contexts may be limited. Moreover, this study focused on performance risk.Originality/valueThis study provides empirical support for the moderating role of perceived risk in the relationship between satisfaction and loyalty, and the relationship between perceived value and loyalty.
A new conceptualization of salesperson's customer orientation
Authors: Singh Ramendra , Koshy Abraham 
Published: January 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to provide a new conceptualization of a salesperson's customer orientation, as a multi‐dimensional construct. The authors aim to base their new conceptualization on extensive evidence from literature review, and synthesis of the review of literature.Design/methodology/approachAn extensive literature review of the extant conceptualizations and operationalizations of salesperson's customer orientation is first carried out. Based on the review and synthesis of literature, a salesperson's customer orientation with six domain areas is conceptualized, through several propositions in the paper.FindingsThe findings of this study suggest that salesperson's customer orientation has six domain areas, namely, providing information to customers, understanding customer needs, fulfilling customer needs, creating and delivering customer value, sustaining customer satisfaction, and maintaining long‐term relationships with customers.Practical implicationsThe sales managers can now apply more specifically, any of the six domain areas of customer‐oriented selling, and understand the conditions under which a particular domain area is important for customers.Originality/valueSalesperson's customer orientation hitherto has been considered only as an application of the marketing concept. The domain of this construct, or its various sub‐domain areas were not clearly delineated so far in the literature. This paper clearly explicates the domain areas of the construct while defining customer‐oriented selling in the changed world of selling today.