bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Non‐polynomial spline method for the solution of the dissipative wave equation
Authors: El Danaf Talaat S. , Abdel Alaal Faisal E.I. 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose a non‐polynomial spline‐based method to obtain numerical solutions of a dissipative wave equation. Applying the Von Neumann stability analysis, the developed method is shown to be conditionally stable for given values of specified parameters. A numerical example is given to illustrate the applicability and the accuracy of the proposed method. The obtained numerical results reveal that our proposed method maintains good accuracy.Design/methodology/approachA non‐polynomial spline is proposed based on the dissipative wave equation, which gives nonlinear system of algebraic equations; by solving these equations, the numerical solution is found.FindingsIt is found that the method gives more accurate numerical results for such nonlinear partial differential equations. The stability is good.Research limitations/implicationsAny nonlinear or linear partial differential equation can be solved by such method.Practical implicationsWe compare between the numerical and analytic solutions of the dissipative wave equation, also the error norms which were small.Originality/valueThis paper presents a new method to solve such problems.
Convective heat transfer prediction for an axisymmetric jet impinging onto a flat plate with an improved k‐ ω model
Authors: Kubacki S. , Dick E. 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to provide improvements to the newest version of the k‐ ω turbulence model of Wilcox for convective heat transfer prediction in turbulent axisymmetric jets impinging onto a flat plate.Design/methodology/approachImprovements to the heat transfer prediction in the impingement zone are obtained using the stagnation flow parameter of Goldberg and the vortex stretching parameter of Wilcox. The third invariant of the strain rate tensor in the form of Shihet al.and the blending function of Menter are applied in order make negligible the influence of the impingement modifications in the benchmark flows for turbulence models. Further, it is demonstrated that for two‐dimensional jets impinging onto a flat plate the stagnation region Nusselt number predicted by the original k‐ ω model is in good agreement with direct numerical simulation (DNS) and experimental data. Also for two‐dimensional jets, the proposed modification is deactivated.FindingsThe proposed modification has been applied to improve the convective heat transfer predictions in the stagnation flow regions of axisymmetric jets impinging onto a flat plate with nozzle‐plate distances H/D = 2, 6, 10 and Reynolds numbers Re = 23,000 and 70,000. Comparison of the predicted and experimental mean and fluctuating velocity profiles is performed. The heat transfer rates along a flat plate are compared to experimental data. Significant improvements are obtained with respect to the original k‐ ω model.Originality/valueThe proposed modification is simple and can be added to the k‐ ω model without causing stability problems in the computations.
What makes people decide to visit and use an internet‐delivered behavior‐change intervention?
Authors: Brouwer W. , Oenema A. , Crutzen R. , de Nooijer J. , de Vries N.K. , Brug J. 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore adults' cognitive deliberations in deciding to visit an internet intervention, to extend the visit to use and process the intervention's content, and to revisit the intervention.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative study was conducted consisting of five focus group interviews (n = 29, 25‐69 years). The interview transcriptions were subjected to systematic content analysis.FindingsThe results indicate that being motivated to change a health behavior and curiosity about the content were important factors in the decision to visit an internet intervention. To extend a visit, mainly intervention aspects were considered such as visual appeal, the number of questions needed to complete within the program, and the existence of a registration procedure. To induce revisits, regularly updated content and the possibility to monitor behavior change were important.Practical implicationsThese findings suggest that activities to promote use of internet interventions need to be directed at motivating adults to think about potential behavior change. Furthermore, intervention aspects need to meet various criteria, such as a professional appearance, concise and easy to understand texts and an explanation for the use of a registration procedure.Originality/valueThe results of this explorative study can be used as a basis for further studies aimed at improving dissemination and use of internet‐delivered behavior change interventions.
The usability of medicine education assignments for seven to nine year‐old children
Authors: Hämeen‐Anttila Katri , Honkanen Leena , Vainio Kirsti 
Published: October 2009

PurposeA medicine education web site was developed during a research project in 2002–2004 to help teachers in primary and junior secondary schools to teach children the proper use of medicines. However, there was a need to develop further the assignments for the youngest schoolchildren. The aim of this study is to evaluate the usefulness of three medicine education assignments created for seven to nine year‐old children, and to describe how children experienced them.Design/methodology/approachTriangulation of two methods was used: ten observed lessons and eight focus group discussions (FGD) with children (n=46). Two researchers observed medicine education lessons given by four primary school teachers. After these lessons, the children were interviewed in focus group discussions.FindingsTeachers used the assignments in various ways. It became clear in the observations that the children enjoyed the assignments and that they did not feel embarrassed about the topics discussed. During the FGDs, they discussed topics related to learning objectives generally in a good and extensive way. Moreover, the children remembered the main messages to be learnt.Originality/valueThe medicine education assignments developed for seven to nine year‐old children are useful and feasible, and furthermore, they are flexible and can be used in different situations with different groups of children.
Pre‐school overweight and obesity in England
Authors: Robinson Sally , Page Kirsty 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to provide a summary of current policy and research related to pre‐school overweight and obesity, and to provide a rationale for why early years settings are being placed at the forefront of strategies to address the problem.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on a narrative review of current research, policy and practice.FindingsToday 22.9 per cent of four and five year olds are overweight or obese. The Healthy Weight, Healthy Lives strategy is a cross‐government initiative, which aims to make England the first major country to reverse the obesity epidemic. The pre‐school period represents a critical time for interventions, which could prevent excess weight gain and its associated physical and psychological damage to health.Practical implicationsPractitioners in early years settings have a significant contribution to make to promoting the healthy weight of children.Originality/valueConcerns about overweight in childhood have received much attention. This paper seeks to raise awareness of the importance of the pre‐school period, and to provide a useful review of current research, policy and sources of support for those who are best placed to address the issue.
Promoting children's mental, emotional and social health through contact with nature: a model
Authors: Maller Cecily Jane 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to determine educators' perceptions about the benefits of contact with nature for children's mental, emotional and social health.Design/methodology/approachThe approach was exploratory using qualitative methods. Face‐to‐face interviews were conducted with school principals and teachers as well as professionals from the environmental education industry. Interviews focused on the perceived benefits for children's health from school activities involving hands‐on contact with nature.FindingsHands‐on contact with nature is perceived by educators to improve self‐esteem, engagement with school and a sense of empowerment, among other benefits. Different types of activities are perceived to have different outcomes. A model is proposed to illustrate the findings.Research limitations/implicationsActivities involving hands‐on contact with nature may have significant health outcomes for children. Further empirical work is needed to determine the extent of the benefits and provide further evidence.Practical implicationsFindings support the value of activities involving nature and provide further incentive to include such activities in teaching curricula. Activities involving hands‐on contact with nature at school may be a means of promoting children's mental, emotional and social health at a crucial time in their development.Originality/valueThis paper addresses two gaps in current knowledge: much research on contact with nature and health and wellbeing has focused on adults not children; despite the popularity of nature‐based activities in schools there has been no investigation into the potential of these activities to promote children's mental, emotional and social health.
The acceptance of blogs: using a customer experiential value perspective
Authors: Keng Ching‐Jui , Ting Hui‐Ying 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThis study is based on the interactivity and perceived similarity between blog readers and the others, and incorporates the concepts from customer experiential value. This paper aims to examine emotional experiences that internet users gain while reading blogs, that is, assesses the attitude of blog readers through their subjective experiences within the communication process.Design/methodology/approachAn empirical survey is used to test the hypotheses. The sample is 349 users who browse blogs frequently. Data are analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM) to understand the cause and effect of the entire model and to determine the goodness of fit of the conceptual model.FindingsEmpirical results demonstrate that: interpersonal interaction enhances browsers, aesthetic experiences as well as playfulness; machine interaction generates high aesthetics value which comprises visual and entertainment effects, service excellence, and CROI; perceived similarity by readers positively influences the four components of customer experiential value; and a positive correlation exists between user attitudes toward reading blogs and their experiential value in aesthetics, playfulness, and service excellence.Practical implicationsThe findings will help bloggers understand the factors key to success and allocate the appropriate resources to operate a blog and achieve success.Originality/valueThe value of this study is to establish the importance of customer experiential value theory. Previous research on customer experiential value primarily focuses on analysing consumer shopping behaviours and mostly on the utilitarian value of products. This research focuses on inner pleasure gained through reading blogs, such as aesthetic experiences and emotional reactions.
E‐government adoption in ASEAN: the case of Cambodia
Authors: Sang Sinawong , Lee Jeong‐Dong , Lee Jongsu 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the factors that influence e‐government adoption in Cambodia as one of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses the technology acceptance model (TAM), the extended TAM (TAM2), the diffusion of innovations (DOI) theory, and trust to build a parsimonious yet comprehensive model of user adoption of e‐government. The authors test the model with an empirical study. Data are collected from a total of 112 public officers in 12 ministries in Cambodia. The research model is then assessed with multiple regression analyses.FindingsThe findings in this study show that the determinants of the research model (perceived usefulness, relative advantage, and trust) are support. At the same time, the important determinants of perceived usefulness include image and output quality.Practical implicationsThe study would help government policy decision makers design and implement policies and strategies to increase the adoption of e‐government services in Cambodia as well as in other countries, particularly ASEAN member states that have a similar situation.Originality/valueThis paper is one of a few studies on e‐government adoption in ASEAN and the first study on e‐government adoption in Cambodia.
Mutual self‐disclosure online in the B2C context
Authors: Chou Yu‐Jen , Teng Ching‐I , Lo Shao‐Kang 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the relationship between company identity information disclosure, trust, and consumer self‐disclosure intentions during the first visit to a company website.Design/methodology/approachThis study conducts one‐factor (company identity information disclosure) between‐subject experiment design. Participants were randomly assigned into two groups: company identity information disclosure – high vs low. Furthermore, this study also uses LISREL to analyse the model.FindingsThe analytical results indicate that when a company website discloses much of its identity information, consumers trust the company more, and exhibit greater intentions to provide their personal information. Specifically, this study's results show that consumer's trust mediates the relationship between company identity information disclosure and consumer self‐disclosure intentions.Practical implicationsCompanies often invite consumers to disclose personal information on websites, and then use this information to build and maintain relationships with these customers. This study suggests that a company can disclose their information more on their website. Consequently, consumers trust more toward the company and then have higher disclosure intentions.Originality/valueTraditionally, most interpersonal communication research indicates when someone discloses more, the other communication participant also discloses more. Although previous research investigates the impact of online information disclosure on trust and consumer self‐disclosure, there are no studies that address the potential impact of a company disclosing information about its identity. This study examines the influence of company identity information disclosure and emphasises the important role of trust during the first visit to a website.
Top management team composition and views of viable strategies
Authors: Gallén Tiina 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to form propositions about the relationship between the cognitive composition of the top management team and its view of the viable strategy for a firm.Design/methodology/approachThe cognitive style of 58 members of ten top management teams were analyzed using the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and the strategy types based on Miles and Snow typology were defined using the paragraph approach. Descriptive statistics were used in the analysis.FindingsBased on data from the ten top management teams in the spa industry, this study proposes that the cognitive composition of the top management team affects the strategies they prefer. Further, it is proposed that intuitive‐thinking top management teams prefer either a prospector or an analyzer strategy. A defender or an analyzer strategy is preferred by sensing‐thinking top management teams. Defining the composition of the top management team using the cognitive style is proposed to be a more promising way to explain the homogeneity or heterogeneity of the team than traditional measures such as age or education in this context.Practical implicationsFor the top management teams, the results of this study emphasize the importance of knowing the cognitive composition of the top management team and especially taking it into consideration during strategic decision‐making.Originality/valueThis study extends existing research by illuminating the relationships between the cognitive composition of the top management team and the strategy type and also confirms several results drawn from previous studies concerning manager‐strategy relationships. This paper also attempts to inspire researchers to take cognitive composition into consideration when studying the influences the top management team has on a firm's strategy.
Relationship between emotional intelligence and transformational leadership of supervisors
Authors: Polychroniou Panagiotis V. 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the relationships between social skills, motivation and empathy (emotional intelligence components) and transformational leadership in Greek organisations giving emphasis on supervisor‐subordinate interaction on a team basis. In particular, this study aims to investigate employees' perceptions regarding their supervisor's emotional intelligence as well as transformational leadership.Design/methodology/approachParticipants were 267 managers working at various functional units and different hierarchical levels. Data were collected by means of questionnaires in a series of face‐to‐face structured interviews regarding subordinates' perceptions for the following: supervisors' emotional intelligence; and transformational leadership.FindingsResults provided support for the model which suggests that supervisors' emotional intelligence components such as social skills, motivation, and empathy are positively associated with transformational leadership increasing team effectiveness with subordinate.Research limitations/implicationsData were collected from convenience samples that might limit generalisability of results. Implications for management are discussed including the need for supervisors to use emotional intelligence competencies and transformational leadership, so that their subordinates are empowered to participate and increase team effectiveness.Originality/valueThis study contributes to our understanding of the linkage among emotional intelligence and transformational leadership of supervisors in Greek organisations and the impact on teamwork with their subordinates.
Team performance in negotiation: a relational approach
Authors: Koc‐Menard Sergio 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore how negotiation teams can rely on social networks to enhance their performance at the table.Design/methodology/approachThe paper examines the impact of social relations on team performance in the negotiation task. It conducts a selective review and integration of negotiation, small group and social network research.FindingsThe paper's main argument is that teams can rely on social relations to locate and get hold of resources that will augment their ability to manage the bargaining process. To tap into the value of social networks, teams need to look beyond their internal processes and develop strategies that actively manage their environment. The paper examines three such strategies: membership change, knowledge acquisition, and ambassadorial activity.Originality/valueThe paper outlines a relational approach to team negotiation. This approach has the potential to improve team negotiation practice by opening up a new way to design and manage negotiation teams.
The nature of workplace boundaries between Australians and Singaporeans in multinational organizations
Authors: Loh Jennifer (Min Ing) , Lloyd D. Restubog Simon , Gallois Cindy 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThis paper seeks to explore the nature of intercultural experiences of Australians and Singaporeans working in multinational organizations. Cultural differences are expected to influence how boundaries and boundary permeability are constructed which in turn affect how Australians and Singaporeans interact and communicate with each other.Design/methodology/approachQualitative interviews were conducted with 23 employees (ten Australians, 13 Singaporeans) working in multinational organizations in both Australia and Singapore. Grounded theory methodology was used to analyze interviewees’ intercultural experiences to determine the nature and composition of relevant boundary categories and permeability.FindingsSeven workplace boundary categories of varying degrees of permeability were identified. Singaporeans were perceived to create more impermeable boundaries than Australians. Impermeable boundaries were found to also restrict intercultural interactions.Research limitations/implicationsThe qualitative nature of the study, small sample size and interviewer's ethnicity could limit the generalizability of the results. Another limitation is that the data were based on self‐reports and participants may have reported socially desirable responses.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study have important practical implications for managers who seek to promote the value of shared group membership and group identity.Originality/valueThis study integrates social identity theory with cross‐cultural theories and extends its application into a collectivist culture (e.g. Singapore) to provide an in‐depth understanding of the nature of workplace boundaries and boundary permeability between Australians and Singaporeans.
Time affluence, material affluence and well‐being among Turkish managers
Authors: Burke Ronald J. , Koyuncu Mustafa , Fiksenbaum Lisa , Demirer Halil 
Published: October 2009

PurposeBased on US college student and adult samples, Kasser and Sheldon suggested that time affluence (TA) may be a more significant predictor of subjective well‐being than material affluence (MA). This paper aims to replicate and extend their findings to an employed sample from another country and culture.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from 877 men and women managers and professionals working in the manufacturing sector in Turkey using anonymously completed questionnaires.FindingsThis sample worked long hours and earned significantly less income than did the US samples. TA and MA were uncorrelated in this sample though positively and significantly correlated in the US samples. Income emerged as a significant predictor of MA but not TA. Hierarchical regression analyses, controlling for both personal demographics (e.g. age, education) and work situation characteristics (e.g. organizational level, organizational tenure) showed that TA and MA were significant predictors of most work outcomes (e.g. job satisfaction, job stress) and indicators of psychological well‐being (e.g. psychosomatic symptoms, life satisfaction).Research limitations/implicationsData were collected at one point in time so issues of causality cannot be addressed. Results suggest that further research on TA and MA should be carried out in countries having different values and levels of development than in North America.Originality/valueThese findings partially replicate US results and extend them to women and men working in a single occupation in another country. They suggest that further research on TA and MA should be carried out in countries having different values and levels of development than in North America.