bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dividend behaviour and smoothing new evidence from Jordanian panel data
Authors: Al‐Najjar Basil 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate dividend policy decisions in developing countries through studying Jordanian non‐financial firms. It aims to highlight the issue of dividend policy and the behaviour of dividends in Jordan as an emerging market.Design/methodology/approachThe paper examines the dividend policy situation in Jordan and compares the differences between developed markets and the emerging markets in the dividend policy context. It uses previous studies and it also covers the determinants of dividend policy.FindingsThe paper finds that the dividend policy in Jordan, as a developing country, is influenced by factors similar to those relating to developed countries such as: leverage ratio, institutional ownership, profitability, business risk, asset structure, growth rate and firm size. Furthermore, the factors affecting the likelihood of paying dividends are similar to those affecting the dividend policy. Finally, the results show that the Lintner model is valid for Jordanian data, and that Jordanian firms have target payout ratios and that they adjust to their target relatively faster than firms in more developed countries.Practical implicationsThe practical implication of the study is that investors and managers should consider the factors that affect the dividend policy when they make their profit distribution decision.Originality/valueThe paper investigates the factors that affect the dividend policy and also consider the behaviour issue of dividend payments.
Stock returns, size, and book‐to‐market equity
Authors: Simlai Pradosh 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to reinvestigate the performance of common stock returns with respect to two popularly known firm level characteristics: size and book‐to‐market ratio.Design/methodology/approachAll of New York Stock Exchange, American Stock Exchange, and National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations stocks between July 1926 and June 2007 are used, and divided into various size and book‐to‐market equity groups. The extension of the various versions of the simple Fama‐French model is implemented.FindingsFrom the findings, it is inferred that: two risk factors based on the mimicking return for the size and book‐to‐market ratio play a significant role in capturing strong variation in stock returns; and volatility persistence can significantly improve the common risk factors' impact in explaining the time series variation in size and book‐to‐market sorted portfolios.Research limitations/implicationsIn some sense, the model is based on only two firm level variables. In reality there exists plenty of other sources of average return anomalies. For a clearer understanding, an integration of various firm level characteristics would be an interesting issue to explore. A general equilibrium model that incorporates volatility exposure in a Fama‐French framework would be a challenging task as well.Practical implicationsThe approach will help scholars and investment professionals make robust quantification of risk and average returns with respect to various measures of fundamental value.Originality/valueThe patterns in the monthly and yearly average excess returns with respect to two firm level characteristics, which documented are consistent with earlier studies. Even though the important role of firm level characteristics on the average‐return anomalies of common stocks is widely known, the approach is the very first that extends its support with respect to volatility models.
Fabrication of integral ceramic mold for investment casting of hollow turbine blade based on stereolithography
Authors: Wu Haihua , Li Dichen , Guo Nannan 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a novel process of integral ceramic molds for investment casting of hollow turbine blades.Design/methodology/approachAt first, a resin pattern of a hollow turbine blade prototype is fabricated by stereolithography (SL). And then aqueous gelcasting process is utilized to fill the resin pattern with ceramic slurry of low viscosity and low shrinkage, through in situ polymerization of the slurry a ceramic mold is formed. At last, the ceramic mold for investment casting of hollow turbine blade is obtained by vacuum drying, pyrolyzing and sintering.FindingsAn integral ceramic mold is successfully fabricated by combining SL and gelcasting process, cores and shell are connected with each other and thus high relative position accuracy is guaranteed. Properties of integral ceramic mold at room temperature and high temperature satisfy the requirements of directional casting for complex‐shaped thin‐walled blades.Research limitations/implicationsBecause the integral ceramic mold is a close body, it is very difficult to directly measure its inner dimensions and the relative position accuracy of cores and shell, and the further research is needed.Originality/valueThis method enhanced the versatility of using SL prototype in the fabrication of integral ceramic mold for investment castings. Although this paper took a hollow turbine blade as an example, this method is also capable of fabricating integral ceramic molds for other complex investment castings.
Direct metal rapid casting: mechanical optimization and tolerance calculation
Authors: Bassoli Elena , Atzeni Eleonora 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to optimize the mechanical performances of parts produced by the ZCast Direct Metal Casting process varying the thermal treatment parameters. Adopting the optimized settings, a specific dimensional evaluation is planned to calculate the international tolerance (IT) grade ensured by the process.Design/methodology/approachCylindrical ZCast samples are manufactured and heat treated varying time and temperature. The baked parts underwent compression tests and the rupture surfaces are observed using the scanning electron microscopy. A regression analysis is performed on the results to optimize the baking process. For the dimensional assessment, a specific benchmark is designed, built and treated. It is measured before and after baking using a coordinate measuring machine and the results are processed to obtain the IT grade.FindingsThe results proved that in the heat treatment of ZCast parts time has a negligible effect on the compressive strength, whereas temperature can be optimized for best mechanical response. The IT grade is calculated for green and baked parts; separately in all three directions in space. Tolerance is proved to be fundamentally the same in every direction and independent on the heat treatment. The considered rapid casting process can be classified in IT15 grade.Originality/valueThe paper suggests an original approach to improve knowledge of the ZCast process. The study of the building phenomena is combined with macroscopic measurements to develop a solid understanding of the expected performances, which is fundamental in order to support the industrial application of the technology.
Laser powder deposition
Authors: Costa Lino , Vilar Rui 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review the state of the art of laser powder deposition (LPD), a solid freeform fabrication technique capable of fabricating fully dense functional items from a wide range of common engineering materials, such as aluminum alloys, steels, titanium alloys, nickel superalloys and refractory materials.Design/methodology/approachThe main R&D efforts and the major issues related to LPD are revisited.FindingsDuring recent years, a worldwide series of R&D efforts have been undertaken to develop and explore the capabilities of LPD and to tap into the possible cost and time savings and many potential applications that this technology offers.Originality/valueThese R&D efforts have produced a wealth of knowledge, the main points of which are highlighted herein.
Use of wire bunch electrodes in electric discharge machining
Authors: Dursun Kadir , Cogun Can 
Published: July 2009

PurposeIn electrical discharge machining (EDM) process, the production of separate electrodes for rough, semi‐rough and finish machining of dies and moulds having complex surfaces, results in high cost and long lead‐time in manufacturing. The purpose of this paper is to describe the machining performance of electrodes formed by using copper wire bunches (WBs) positioned to conform the surface to be machined was experimentally and theoretically analyzed. In the study, the variations in the machining rate, electrode wear rate, relative wear and workpiece surface roughness were examined for various discharge current and pulse‐time settings.Design/methodology/approachCopper WBs positioned to conform the surface to be machined in electric discharge machining. The variations in the machining rate, electrode wear rate, relative wear and workpiece surface roughness were examined experimentally for various discharge current and pulse‐time settings. The WB electrodes (WBEs) are proven to be satisfactory as electrodes for roughing operations in electric discharge machining.FindingsThe increase in number of wires and pulse energy result in decrease of relative wear for each wire in the electrode. The increase in number of wires in electrodes causes increase in machining area and in machining time in WBE method. With the increase of discharge current and pulse time, the electrode wear rate and material removal values increase and machining time decreases. By using the mathematical models obtained from the result of the experiments, the electrode wear rate, material removal rate, relative wear and the set length of wires for the desired cavity profile can be calculated. The labor cost of electrode manufacturing in the WBE method is lower compared to conventional solid electrodes. The use of WBE method for rough machining decreases machining cost and time. The use of WBE method decreases both the number of the electrodes required and the delay in starting machining due to the preparation of electrode in EDM.Originality/valueThis paper introduces the benefits of using WBE in electric discharge machining; wear and material removal characteristics of WBEs are introduced; the surface roughness characteristics of surfaces produced by WBEs are examined experimentally; and the effect of number of wires used in WBEs given (experimental findings).
Cross‐cultural comparison of customer satisfaction research: USA vs Japan
Authors: Sajid Khan M. , Naumann Earl , Bateman Rob , Haverila Matti 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a cross‐cultural comparison of customer satisfaction research in the USA and Japan.Design/methodology/approachThe Multinational Corporation (MNC) in this study applies a standardized research approach worldwide to measure satisfaction among customers for business services. Quantitative surveys are used to gather data from 707 senior managers in the USA and 700 senior managers in Japan.FindingsThe results of the analysis show that there are both similarities and differences across countries in the way customers conceptualize relevant construct, and evaluate supplier performance. The results also suggest that adaptation of research methodologies from country to country should be done.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper identifies key differences in the way customers both in the USA and Japan respond to survey research, but this paper has not identified reasons causing these differences.Practical implicationsConceptual models and research approaches developed in the USA cannot simply be applied cross culturally without modification. This study has implications in a business‐to‐business (B2B) services context only.Originality/valueMNCs play a major role in world trade, but over 30 years of discussion have failed to resolve the question of standardization vs adaptation in marketing across borders and consumer satisfaction research. The present study aims to address these concerns in a B2B services context and provide some useful insights for both managers and academics. The paper justifies that our US model in this study is only partially validated in Japan.
Application of a low‐glitch current cell in 10‐bit CMOS current‐steering DAC
Authors: Cui Zhi‐Yuan , Choi Joong‐Ho , Kim Yeong‐Seuk , Kim Shi‐Ho , Kim Nam‐Soo 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe the application of low‐glitch current cell in a digital to analog converter (DAC) to reduce the clock‐feedthrough effect and achieve a low power consumption.Design/methodology/approachA low‐glitch current switch cell is applied in a ten‐bit two‐stage DAC which is composed of a unary cell matrix for six most significant bits and a binary weighted array for four least significant bits (LSBs). The current cell is composed of four transistors to neutralize the clock‐feedthrough effect and it enables DAC to operate in good linearity and low power consumption. The prototype DAC is being implemented in a 0.35μm complementary metal‐oxide semiconductor process. The reduction in glitch energy and power consumption has been realized by preliminary experiment and simulation.FindingsCompared to conventional current cell, more than 15 per cent reduction of glitch energy has been obtained in this work. The DAC is estimated that differential nonlinearity is within 0.1 LSB and the maximum power consumption is 68 mW at the sampling frequency of 100 MHz.Originality/valueComparison with other conventional work indicates that the current cell proposed in this paper shows much better performance in terms of switching spike and glitch, which may come from the extra dummy transistor in cell and reduce the clock‐feedthrough effect.
Chemical characterization of failures and process materials for microelectronics assembly
Authors: Huang Chien‐Yi , Li Ming‐Shu , Ku Chen‐Liang , Hsieh Hao‐Chun , Li Kung‐Cheng 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss the chemical characterization of failures and process materials for microelectronics assembly.Design/methodology/approachThe analytical techniques used for chemical structures and compositions including Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy are conducted.FindingsThe residues on the golden finger are identified to be the flux used in the assembly processes. Besides, the contaminants on the processed and incoming connector pins are verified to be polyamides (–CONH functional groups) from housing material's residue. Three liquid fluxes used in wave soldering are analyzed by their chemical structure. One flux showing the OH groups at 3430 cm−1 indicates higher acid contents. This consists with the acidic values specified by the supplier. Also, the solder mask under study has ever appeared peeled‐off issue. The FTIR spectra results indicated 62.2 percent degree of curing while vendor's spec is above 70 percent.Originality/valueThe establishment of the Infrared spectra database for fluxes and process materials help determine the root cause of the contaminants to reduce re‐occurrence of similar problems and thus enhance the manufacturing capability. The infrared spectrophotometry technique can be used by professional original design manufacturing and/or electronics manufacturing service, providers to investigate board/component defects during product pilot run stage and volume production.
Effects of process variation in VLSI interconnects – a technical review
Authors: Verma K.G. , Kaushik B.K. , Singh R. 
Published: July 2009

PurposeProcess variation has become a major concern in the design of many nanometer circuits, including interconnect pipelines. The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive overview of types and sources of all aspects of interconnect process variations.Design/methodology/approachThe impacts of these interconnect process variations on circuit delay and cross‐talk noises along with the two major sources of delays – parametric delay variations and global interconnect delays – have been discussed.FindingsParametric delay evaluation under process variation method avoids multiple parasitic extractions and multiple delay evaluations as is done in the traditional response surface method. This results in significant speedup. Furthermore, both systematic and random process variations have been contemplated. The systematic variations need to be experimentally modeled and calibrated while the random variations are inherent fluctuations in process parameters due to any reason in manufacturing and hence are non‐deterministic.Originality/valueThis paper usefully reviews process variation effects on very large‐scale integration (VLSI) interconnect.
The EU clothing market in 2008 – opening the floodgates?
Authors: Curran Louise 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to briefly review the trends on clothing imports into the EU in 2008, the year when quantitative restrictions on all EU clothing imports lapsed.Design/methodology/approachThe paper looks at trade figures as reported by Eurostat and, in particular changes between 2004‐2008, the period during which clothing trade was liberalised.FindingsThe paper finds that clothing imports from China increased in 2008 as predicted by many actors. However the extent of this increase was less than might have been expected from the impact of earlier liberalisations. Several explanations are suggested for this observation. More broadly, the liberalisation of the EU clothing market seems to have had rather negative impacts on clothing suppliers in the EU neighbourhood, while amongst developing country suppliers the impacts have been rather varied, with Bangladesh and India showing quite strong performance while other, often smaller, suppliers have seen rather negative trends. The impact on the Asian tigers has been universally negative, with large falls in exports, especially in Hong Kong and Macao.Practical implicationsThe year 2008 was the first for decades that EU clothing imports were unrestricted by quotas. These trade figures therefore give us a good indication of the true situation in relation to competitive advantage within a sector in which trade has long been distorted by policy.Originality/valueThe trade figures for 2008 have only just become available, therefore this is the first chance to look at trade flows into the EU in an unrestricted context.
Investigation of leather industry competitiveness in Iran
Authors: Shafaei Rasoul , Shahriari Hamid , Moradi Morteza 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the competitiveness of the Iranian leather value chain (LVC) and compare that with those of nine other countries including China, Pakistan, Turkey, Republic of Korea, Indonesia, Spain, Italy, Brazil and the USA. The results presented in the paper seek to assist in assessing the competitive performance of the LVC in Iran. In addition, based on Porter's diamond of competitive advantages, the aim is to provide recommendations to improve the competitive performance of the industry.Design/methodology/approachAn economic method, i.e. revealed comparative advantage (RCA), as a well‐known approach, is used to investigate the competitive performance of LVC in Iran. The LVC products analyzed in this research include hide, skin, leather manufacture, trunks and cases, and footwear. In addition, in order to investigate the factors which affect the low competitive performance, a questionnaire based on Porter's diamond of competitive advantages was designed and completed by researchers and practitioners working in the field of leather industry. Finally the reasons for low competitive performance of the industry are discussed.FindingsThe results reveal that the competitiveness of the Iranian LVC is low, compared with those of some other countries. China and Italy have superior comparative advantages in the period studied. The results also indicate that except one product, Iran has no comparative advantage in LVC industry. In addition, Iran has mainly focused on the upstream sector of LVC whereas China and Italy compete more in the downstream sector which offers more value added products. The results also reveal that among the elements studied, specialized factors, availability of capital, quality of demand and stability of macroeconomics highly influence the competitive performance of LVC in Iran. This is followed by subsequent recommendations on how best to improve the competitive performance of the industry.Originality/valueThe results of the investigation presented in this paper give an insight into the competitiveness of the LVC in Iran compared with nine other countries which play an important role in this industry in the world. The results also confirm that RCA can be used as an effective approach to assess the competitive performance of industries. Furthermore, reommendations provided in this paper assist in improving the competitive performance of the industry. In general, the findings should prove useful for both researchers and practitioners.
Apparel consumers' body type and their shopping characteristics
Authors: Park Jaekyung , Nam Yunja , Choi Kueng‐mi , Lee Yuri , Lee Kyu‐Hye 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the relationships between consumers' body types and characteristics such as shopping orientation, past experience with fit problems, attitudes toward internet shopping and attitudes toward 3‐D body scanning.Design/methodology/approachThis study collected body data from 441 Korean females who participated in 3‐D body scanning. Using a hierarchical cluster analysis, the body scanning identified five body types. Then body types and shopping characteristics variables were analyzed.FindingsSlim respondents showed significantly higher hedonic shopping orientation and their attitude to internet shopping was positive, since they evaluated using the internet as being “fun”. By contrast, respondents with larger body types considered the convenience of internet shopping to be the most important feature. Respondents, regardless of their body types, regarded 3‐D body scanning as an enjoyable, futuristic and interesting experience. Moreover, respondents showed a high inclination to spend more money for customization services which utilize the 3‐D scanning technique.Originality/valueThis study analyzed Korean females' body shapes using 3‐D scanned body measurements. This study can contribute to integrate knowledge in the body measurement sector and the consumer behavior sector.