bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Homelessness and access to the informational mainstream
Authors: Muggleton Thomas H. , Ruthven Ian 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThis paper aims to explore how homelessness affects access to information serving higher‐level needs such as identity formation and social interaction.Design/methodology/approachA multi‐disciplinary literature review informed the design of 18 semi‐structured interviews as well as their subsequent analysis. The interview data were intended to be qualitative and exploratory since they addressed a perceived gap in the information and library science literature.FindingsFindings present the ways in which interviewees managed to access information and the way such information helps socialisation and well‐being.Research limitations/implicationsThe study focused on individuals who were potentially more confident and resourceful. The study is also limited to Glasgow which has relatively good provision for the homeless. Further research in a different locale and among less confident individuals would be necessary to corroborate findings in this regard.Practical implicationsThe findings confirmed a fundamental research assumption that homeless individuals would pursue higher‐level needs alongside more basic physiological needs. This has practical implications for public libraries' service provision to homeless populations, and also suggests there is greater room for collaboration between libraries and homeless service agencies.Originality/valueThe paper addresses a gap in the literature concerning homelessness and higher‐level needs. This has implications for the provision of information and services within both public libraries and organisations serving the homeless. Findings also challenge widespread assumptions regarding the “otherness” or distinctiveness of people who are homeless.
Identification of lubricant contamination by biodiesel using vibration analysis and neural network
Authors: Carlos Gonçalves Aparecido , Rodrigues Padovese Linilson 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide information on lubricant contamination by biodiesel using vibration and neural network.Design/methodology/approachThe possible contamination of lubricants is verified by analyzing the vibration and neural network of a bench test under determinated conditions.FindingsResults have shown that classical signal analysis methods could not reveal any correlation between the signal and the presence of contamination, or contamination grade. On other hand, the use of probabilistic neural network (PNN) was very successful in the identification and classification of contamination and its grade.Research limitations/implicationsThis study was done for some specific kinds of biodiesel. Other types of biodiesel could be analyzed.Practical implicationsContamination information is presented in the vibration signal, even if it is not evident by classical vibration analysis. In addition, the use of PNN gives a relatively simple and easy‐to‐use detection tool with good confidence. The training process is fast, and allows implementation of an adaptive training algorithm.Originality/valueThis research could be extended to an internal combustion engine in order to verify a possible contamination by biodiesel.
Characteristics of high performing managers in The Netherlands
Authors: de Waal André A. , van der Heijden Béatrice I.J.M. , Selvarajah Christopher , Meyer Denny 
Published: February 2012

PurposeDespite the abundance of literature on management it seems that the quality of management has not improved enough to prevent scandals which have occurred in recent years. It could be that either the results of these studies have not been put to use in practice or that the results were biased because of the rather one‐sided focus on US managers in much of the leadership literature. As national cultures signal different determinants of high performance, there is a need for leadership research into the effectiveness characteristics of managers in non‐US countries. This article aims to develop an empirically validated profile of high performing managers in The Netherlands using a leadership framework developed in Asia.Design/methodology/approachBased on a sample of 808 Dutch managers and using the cross‐cultural framework of Excellent Leadership by Selvarajah et al., the profile of an excellent Dutch manager was derived.FindingsThe paper reveals that this profile can be described by a four‐dimensional factor structure consisting of managerial behaviours, environmental influences, personal qualities and organisational demands.Research limitations/implicationsThe main limitation of the research is that the findings are based on reports from a single source; namely managers' perceptions. Hence, common‐method effects may have inflated the correlations.Practical implicationsThe results of the research can serve as guidelines for developing an empirically validated profile of high performance managers (HPMs) in other Western countries. They also have practical implications in that organizations can use the HPM profile to tailor their management development programs, evaluation and coaching programs, and recruiting processes in order to improve the quality of their managers.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first time a leadership framework developed in the Eastern world has been applied on Western managers, making this research one of the first of its kind. This is important because, as stated before, there is a strong need for research which extends the theoretical and practical basis of leadership theories from a solely Western focus to a more balanced Western‐Eastern focus. The results from this type of research can provide guidance for improving quality of management worldwide.
Factor analysis of global trends in twenty‐first century leadership
Authors: Perrin Craig , Perrin Paul B. , Blauth Chris , Apthorp East , Duffy Ryan D. , Bonterre Michelle , Daniels Sharon 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine whether the nature of leadership in the early years of the twenty‐first century as conceptualized in the research literature is valid among real organizational leaders across four global regions.Design/methodology/approachA literature review of recent scholarly articles suggested that today's leadership best practices can be sorted into six categories, or zones: Reflection, Society, Diversity, Ingenuity, People, and Business. These six zones became topics for focus groups of organizational leaders that tentatively supported the six‐zone structure and provided qualitative data used to create a 42‐item measure, the AchieveGlobal Leadership Scale (AGLS). The AGLS was then employed to examine the degree to which 899 leaders in Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the USA felt that each zone was important in meeting their organizational challenges.FindingsThe data from the 42 items were analyzed using a confirmatory factor analysis, which suggested that the six zones all triangulated on and comprised the larger construct, Leadership in the twenty‐first century. Regional differences emerged in the importance that leaders attributed to the zones, in the degree to which leaders effectively demonstrated the zones, and in the order in which leaders ranked their organizations' top business challenges.Originality/valueThe six‐zone model of leadership and its differences by geographic region hold potential to help leaders examine and improve their own leadership abilities.
Validation of the adaptive reuse potential (ARP) model using iconCUR
Authors: Langston Craig 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThis paper aims to focus on the adaptive reuse of existing buildings that have become obsolete, an important strategy for sustainable development and a pertinent response to excessive resource usage resulting from typical destruction and redevelopment.Design/methodology/approachThis paper looks at the validity of earlier work to model adaptive reuse potential (ARP) using a new multiple criteria decision analysis tool called iconCUR. Based on a review of 12 case studies, the paper determines the extent of agreement between ARP and iconCUR evaluations that both claim to be useful in making decisions about reuse.FindingsThe results show a high correlation between these approaches, whether based on raw scores or on relative ranking, and match expert opinion concerning appropriate actions. This work represents the culmination of a three‐year study into the strategic assessment of building adaptive reuse opportunities.Originality/valueThe paper provides confidence in the modelling of future interventions to revitalise existing built assets using a triple bottom line perspective.
Feasibility study of a simple IAQ index for assessing air‐conditioned offices
Authors: Hui P.S. , Mui K.W. , Wong L.T. 
Published: February 2012

PurposeIt is costly to sample all air pollutants of a general community for continuous indoor air quality (IAQ) assessments. To optimize the resources for IAQ baseline monitoring for general facilities management, this study aims to investigate the feasibility of using a simple IAQ index as a screening parameter of a screening test to identify an asymptomatic air‐conditioned office with probable unsatisfactory IAQ.Design/methodology/approachThe IAQ index is determined from the fractional dose of some representative common indoor air pollutants of unsatisfactory IAQ, either by taking equal importance of the pollutants as a weighting factor or weighted by the regional failure rates with respect to the corresponding air pollutants. Specifically, a database of regional IAQ assessment results of 422 air‐conditioned offices was employed to justify the selected screening levels for the IAQ index.FindingsThe proposed IAQ index of a screening assessment was used for verifying, respectively, 58 and seven air‐conditioned offices of Hong Kong with satisfactory and unsatisfactory IAQ. The results showed that 57 satisfactory offices and two unsatisfactory offices were correctly identified by the unweighted and weighted IAQ indices respectively. Evaluation of the proposed index in further IAQ improvements of some offices showed that it would be a practical tool for preliminary IAQ screening assessment.Research limitations/implicationsThe screening test itself could not identify all the IAQ problems but could identify the office groups with higher risk of unsatisfactory IAQ with reduced effort.Practical implicationsThe study shows the usefulness of the proposed IAQ index to identify the unrecognized IAQ problems for air‐conditioned office environments. It could be adopted as a routine screening measure in facility management of which a wide‐ranging set of IAQ measurement is undesired.Originality/valueThis study presents a useful reference for policymakers, building owners and professionals for indoor environmental assessments.
Buyer‐supplier collaboration: the aim of FM procurement?
Authors: Plane Caroline V. , Green Andrew N. 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore the causal link between procurement route and ongoing buyer‐supplier relationship.Design/methodology/approachThe research draws on literature in the areas of: facilities management (FM) outsourcing; purchasing and supply chain strategy; and collaborative business relationship management. The research methodology is qualitative, and comprised semi‐structured interviews with buyers and suppliers of FM services.FindingsFindings suggest that in general clients are seeking more collaborative relationships and this may determine a more relational procurement process. Some organisations appear more practiced than others in defining the level of collaboration and business benefits sought. Results support the view that a relational procurement process provides greater clarity of service requirements and facilitates cultural alignment between the buyer and supplier. However, additional time, effort, and cost are incurred, and concerns arise regarding the maturity of the supplier‐market and the sincerity of client intentions to collaborate.Practical implicationsA major practical implication is that facilities managers should recognise the importance of determining relationship objectives and the benefits sought within the context of FM procurement activity and select a purchasing route which supports the achievement of those objectives.Originality/valueOriginality exists in the qualitative approach used to inquire into the causality between relationships and procurement routes. The study offers potential value to both buyers and suppliers of FM services through describing the attributes of a successful collaborative relationship and how they link to a given procurement process, and identifying the potential risks and rewards involved.
Explaining the variations in the pedestrian flow values of shopping centres
Authors: Lam Bonnie Y.M. , Chau K.W. 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify and analyse the crucial variables of pedestrian flow value of the shopping centres in Hong Kong.Design/methodology/approachThe study identifies the key determinants of pedestrian flow value (PFV) which is measured by net rental income per floor area per pedestrian flow. Based on the rental and pedestrian flow survey data of 146 shopping centres along the subway (Mass Transit Railway) stations in Hong Kong, the authors have estimated the marginal effects of these determinants on the PFV. The research explains different variations' impacts of pedestrian flow on the rental value of the shopping centres in Hong Kong.FindingsIt is found that shopping centres owned by the same owners tend to achieve a lower PFV, which suggests that owners of multiple shopping malls may adopt a uniform pedestrian flow management strategy that may not be ideal for each individual mall.Research limitations/implicationsThis study focuses on the shopping centres that are located along the railway stations. Researchers are encouraged to test the shopping centres that are less affected by the railway stations.Practical implicationsIt is useful for shopping centre owners and operators to determine the optimal strategy for managing pedestrian flow in their shopping centres.Originality/valueThe relationship between pedestrian flow and the shopping centre value is coined in the research as pedestrian flow value (PFV) which is to calculate the pedestrian flow effectiveness measured by net rental income per floor area per pedestrian flow.
Nonlinear analysis of RC shell structures using multilevel modelling techniques
Authors: Gopinath Smitha , Iyer Nagesh , Rajasankar J. , D'Souza Sandra 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present integrated methodologies based on multilevel modelling concepts for finite element analysis (FEA) of reinforced concrete (RC) shell structures, with specific reference to account for the nonlinear behaviour of cracked concrete and the other associated features.Design/methodology/approachGeometric representation of the shell is enabled through multiple concrete layers. Composite characteristic of concrete is accounted by assigning different material properties to the layers. Steel reinforcement is smeared into selected concrete layers according to its position in the RC shell. The integrated model concurrently accounts for nonlinear effects due to tensile cracking, bond slip and nonlinear stress‐strain relation of concrete in compression. Smeared crack model having crack rotation capability is used to include the influence of tensile cracking of concrete. Propagation and change in direction of crack along thickness of shell with increase in load and deformation are traced using the layered geometry model. Relative movement between reinforcing steel and adjacent concrete is modelled using a compatible bond‐slip model validated earlier by the authors. Nonlinear iterative solution technique with imposed displacement in incremental form is adopted so that structures with local instabilities or strain softening can also be analysed.FindingsProposed methodologies are validated by evaluating ultimate strength of two RC shell structures. Nonlinear response of McNeice slab is found to compare well with that of experiment available in literature. Then, a RC cooling tower is analysed for factored wind loads to study its behaviour near ultimate load. Numerical validation demonstrates efficacy and usefullness of the proposed methodologies for nonlinear FEA of RC shell structures.Originality/valueThe present paper integrates critical methodologies used for behaviour modelling of concrete and reinforcement with the physical interaction among them. The study is unique by considering interaction of tensile cracking and bond‐slip which are the main contributors to nonlinearity in the nonlinear response of RC shell structures. Further, industrial application of the proposed modelling strategy is demonstrated by analysing a RC cooling tower shell for its nonlinear response. It is observed that the proposed methodologies in the integrated manner are unique and provide stability in nonlinear analysis of RC shell structures.
A local remeshing procedure to simulate crack propagation in quasi‐brittle materials
Authors: Kuutti Juha , Kolari Kari 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a new simplified local remeshing procedure for the study of discrete crack propagation in finite element (FE) mesh. The proposed technique accounts for the generation and propagation of crack‐like failure within an FE‐model. Beside crack propagation, the technique enables the analysis of fragmentation of initially intact continuum. The capability of modelling fragmentation is essential in various structure‐structure interaction analyses such as projectile impact analysis and ice‐structure interaction analysis.Design/methodology/approachThe procedure combines continuum damage mechanics (CDM), fictitious crack approach and a new local remeshing procedure. In the approach a fictitious crack is replaced by a discrete crack by applying delete‐and‐fill local remeshing. The proposed method is independent of mesh topology unlike the traditional discrete crack approach. The procedure is implemented for 3‐D solid elements in commercial finite element software Abaqus/Explicit using Python scripting. The procedure is completely automated, such that crack initiation and propagation analyses do not require user intervention. A relatively simple constitutive model was implemented strictly for demonstrative purposes.FindingsWell known examples were simulated to verify the applicability of the method. The simulations revealed the capabilities of the method and reasonable correspondence with reference results was obtained. Material fragmentation was successfully simulated in ice‐structure interaction analysis.Originality/valueThe procedure for modelling discrete crack propagation and fragmentation of initially intact quasi‐brittle materials based on local remeshing has not been presented previously. The procedure is well suited for simulation of fragmentation and is implemented in a commercial FE‐software.
Comprehensive 3‐capacitors model for partial discharge in power cables
Authors: Haghjoo Farhad , Khanahmadloo Esmaeel , Mohammad Shahrtash S. 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThe paper proposes and presents a comprehensive and integrated circuit model for investigating the behaviour of partial discharges occurring in voids inside the solid insulations of medium and high voltage cables.Design/methodology/approachThe model is based on the well‐known three capacitors model, which is remarkably improved to handle physical parameters such as cavity size, position, shape and pressure, environmental parameters such as cable temperature, in addition to operational parameters such as the contributions of the avalanche of free electrons inside the cavity through considering stochastic time delays.FindingsA complete, flexible and reliable model for partial discharges in voids inside the solid insulation of medium and high voltage cables is presented whose output agrees with experimental reported results.Research limitations/implicationsThe proposed model deals only with single voids, and the semiconductor layers in the insulation of cables are not considered.Practical implicationsThe model can be used in different physical, environmental and operational conditions in order to investigate the characteristics of partial discharge signals to be used as the bases for partial discharge detection and classification in power cables.Originality/valueThis paper presents a novel comprehensive and integrated circuit model with controlling functions to propose the behaviour of partial discharge occurring in voids inside the solid insulation of power cables. The model provides the contribution of geometrical parameters of the void, and operational conditions such as cable temperature and source frequency in partial discharge analysis.
Experimental and numerical comparison between the output voltages of two novel switched reluctance generators
Authors: Sedigh Toulabi Mohammad , Torkaman Hossein , Afjei Ebrahim 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose a combination of two novel switched reluctance generators (SRG) as a suitable prototype to produce electrical energy using natural, renewable and variable speed energy resource. The paper focuses on the voltage generation analysis of two special SRGs.Design/methodology/approachTo evaluate the proposed configurations, their structures are introduced firstly, and the output voltages of both two generators are analyzed numerically via three dimensional finite element method. After that the obtained results are validated on laboratory set up. Moreover, the main parameters of each one causing the output voltages are studied. The proposed generators have been manufactured within a common physical framework. This framework consists of two magnetically independent stator and rotor sets (layers), where each stator set includes four salient poles, while the rotor comprises of two salient poles with almost equal arc lengths and no windings. The first generator called Field assisted SRG which has a stationary reel, and so the field coil wrapped around it, and it is placed between the two‐stator sets, whereas in the second type named Self excited SRG, there is no field coil.FindingsVia experimental and numerical analysis, it is substantiated that this interesting combination can help users to produce electrical energy from low speeds to high speeds of performance through employing each of these generators in special case of study and application separately.Originality/valueThis beneficial characteristic of two proposed SRGs can be noticed as a suitable trait in different industries such as aerospace, automobile and production of electrical energy via windmills.