bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of yttria nanoparticles using NIPAM/AAc copolymer
Authors: Fadaie Sh. , Kashani‐Motlagh M.M. , Maghsoudipour A. , Faridnia B. 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effect of copolymer and starting material concentrations in homogeneous precipitation synthesis of Yttria nanoparticles and red‐emitting nanophosphors Y2O3:Eu3+. N‐isopropylacrylamide and acrylic acid (NIPAM/AAc) and urea are used.Design/methodology/approachTo optimise synthesis condition of Y2O3:Eu3+ nanophosphor NIPAM/AAc copolymer was used as a modifier and the effect of various concentration of yttrium ions, urea and precipitation time on size, morphology and emission spectra were investigated.FindingsUsing NIPAM/AAc copolymer shows significant improvement on size and dispersion of nanoparticles. It is found that yttrium concentration, varying between 0.006 and 0.03 M, has a profound impact on the average size of particles, which systematically increases from 65 to over 165 nm. The rate of precipitation reaction, however, is shown to be independent of yttrium concentration. In contrast, as urea concentration increases from 0.2 to 5 M, the average particle size exhibits a gradual decrease from 183 to 70 nm. At extremely high urea concentration such as 5 M, a significant level of inter‐particle agglomeration is observed.Originality/valueBased on this paper, the authors have successfully prepared some promising nanophosphors. The nanoparticles are studied by X‐ray diffraction, transmission electronic microscopy, zeta sizer, Infra red and photoluminescence spectroscopy.
The effect of individualism on private brand perception: a cross‐cultural investigation
Authors: Tifferet Sigal , Herstein Ram 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe present study has three aims: to find out whether individualism affects consumers' preference for private versus national brands; to assess the effect of individualism on the perceived importance of brand image dimensions (country‐of origin, packaging design and manufacturer reputation); and to assess the degree of cross‐cultural differences in individualism within a specific country, Israel.Design/methodology/approachA total of 400 private brand customers participated in the study. Participants were students from eight universities and colleges in Israel. Students were carefully chosen to represent diverse cultural groups, based on their mother tongue: 100 students were native speakers of Arabic, 100 native speakers of Russian, 100 native speakers of Amharic and 100 native speakers of Hebrew.FindingsIndividualism predicted the inclination to purchase store brands better than demographic variables such as age, sex and income. Culture affected the importance of country of origin, and moderated the effect of individualism on the importance of manufacturer identity..Originality/valueThe paper documents research that is unique in studying psycho‐behavioral aspects of private brand consumers from the perspective of cultural differences, a venture that has rarely been taken in the past.
Vision effects: a critical gap in educational leadership research
Authors: Kantabutra Sooksan 
Published: July 2010

PurposeAlthough leaders are widely believed to employ visions, little is known about what constitutes an “effective” vision, particularly in the higher education sector. This paper seeks to proposes a research model for examining relationships between vision components and performance of higher education institutions, as measured by financial stability, student satisfaction and growth, process improvement, and learning and faculty satisfaction. The model proposes that vision attributes of brevity, clarity, abstractness, challenge, future orientation, stability, and desirability, and vision content relating to financial stability, student satisfaction and growth, process improvement, and learning and faculty satisfaction can affect performance through four vision realisation variables.Design/methodology/approachBased on a critical review of existing theoretical concepts and empirical evidence, a new research model, as well as research hypotheses, are developed for future research.FindingsWith future empirical support, the model will help university and college administrators to effectively improve their institutional performance.Originality/valueWhile vision is core to the prevailing vision‐based leadership theories, little is theoretically and empirically known about attributes for effective visions, particularly in the education sector. The paper proposes a model for future research to fill this gap.
Talent management in academies
Authors: Davies Brent , Davies Barbara J. 
Published: July 2010

PurposeAcademies are semi‐autonomous schools set up outside the normal local government structures with sponsors from business and charity groups to create new and innovative ways of creating and sustaining school transformation. The aim of this paper is to assist in a strategic conversation within the academy movement on talent development.Design/methodology/approachThe paper looks at talent identification, talent development and establishing a talent culture. It provides points in the text for readers to reflect on their own talent practice and provides case examples from current academies.FindingsThe paper shows that the longer‐term sustainability of the academy movement needs to address the key issue of developing leadership talent.Originality/valueThe paper provides an original and useful framework for developing talent management in academies.
Promoting Hong Kong's higher education to Asian markets
Authors: Cheung Alan C.K. , Yuen Timothy W.W. , Yuen Celeste Y.M. , Cheong Cheng Yin 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe main purpose of this study is threefold: to analyze the current conditions of higher education services offered in the three target markets; to conduct market segmentation analysis of these markets; and to recommend the most appropriate market entry strategies for Hong Kong's education service providers.Design/methodology/approachThe data for this project were obtained primarily by questionnaire survey and interviews. The research team collected 1,370 questionnaires and conducted a total of 121 individual and focus group interviews in the four studied cities – Mumbai, New Delhi, Jakarta, and Kuala Lumpur.FindingsThe study found that there was a high unmet demand for higher education overseas and that the visibility of Hong Kong's higher education was relatively weak in these Asian markets. In order to capture the continued rise of students in Asia, higher education institutions and the Hong Kong government need to work together to analyze the potential markets critically and employ marketing strategies sensibly. Several key recommendations have been provided based on the findings.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was undertaken in a few key cities in these three target markets. However, findings from the study may generate insights into other cities with similar characteristics in these countries and the Asian regions.Practical implicationsThe paper suggests that decision makers at the institutional level and government level seeking to enter these markets must pay attention to the importance of market segmentation and the 4P variables in formulating their marketing strategies.Originality/valueFew studies have examined the current condition of higher education services in these three emerging Asian markets. The study provides some useful marketing information to education decision makers in Hong Kong and elsewhere who may be interested in formulating marketing strategies in these markets.
A social network analysis of healthcare professional relationships in a French hospital
Authors: Boyer Laurent , Belzeaux Raoul , Maurel Olivier , Baumstarck‐Barrau Karine , Samuelian Jean‐Claude 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to describe relationships among healthcare professionals in a French public hospital using social network analysis (SNA) and to improve health service quality by strengthening health service management and leadership.Design/methodology/approachThis study was based on a questionnaire sent to randomly selected French public hospital professionals and administrators. Network composition measures were obtained using a name generator. Analysis focused on three main indicators: “centrality”, “prestige”, and “clique participants”. The SNA was carried out using UCINET® and statistical analyses were performed with SPSS version 15.0.FindingsA total of 104 questionnaires were returned and analysed. Centrality, prestige and clique indicators were highly correlated (all p‐value were less than 0.01). Physicians had the highest scores for the three indicators. Older age (≥45 years) was associated with higher centrality and clique numbers scores. Transversal activity was associated with higher scores than other specific activities (hospitalisation, ambulatory care), except for emergency care.Originality/valueThe paper shows how networks and SNA techniques provide novel and useful means to understand communication and collaboration between hospital professionals.
Improving patient safety culture
Authors: Hellings Johan , Schrooten Ward , Klazinga Niek S. , Vleugels Arthur 
Published: July 2010

PurposeImproving hospital patient safety means an open and stimulating culture is needed. This article aims to describe a patient safety culture improvement approach in five Belgian hospitals.Design/methodology/approachPatient safety culture was measured using a validated Belgian adaptation of the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture (HSOPSC) questionnaire. Studies before (autumn 2005) and after (spring 2007) the improvement approach was implemented were completed. Using HSOPSC, safety culture was measured using 12 dimensions. Results are presented as evolving dimension scores.FindingsOverall, 3,940 and 3,626 individuals responded respectively to the first and second surveys (overall response rate was 77 and 68 percent respectively). After an 18 to 26 month period, significant improvement was observed for the “hospital management support for patient safety” dimension – all main effects were found to be significant. Regression analysis suggests there is a significant difference between professional subgroups. In one hospital the “supervisor expectations and actions promoting safety” improved. The dimension “teamwork within hospital units” received the highest scores in both surveys. There was no improvement and sometimes declining scores in the lowest scoring dimensions: “hospital transfers and transitions”, “non‐punitive response to error”, and “staffing”.Research limitations/implicationsThe five participating hospitals were not randomly selected and therefore no representative conclusions can be made for the Belgian hospital sector as a whole. Only a quantitative approach to measuring safety culture was used. Qualitative approaches, focussing on specific safety cultures in specific parts of the participating hospitals, were not used.Practical implicationsAlthough much needs to be done on the road towards better hospital patient safety, the study presents lessons from various perspectives. It illustrates that hospital staff are highly motivated to participate in measuring patient safety culture. Safety domains that urgently need improvement in these hospitals are identified: hospital transfers and transitions; non‐punitive response to error; and staffing. It confirms that realising progress in patient safety culture, demonstrating at the same time that it is possible to improve management support, is complex.Originality/valueSafety is an important service quality aspect. By measuring safety culture in hospitals, with a validated questionnaire, dimensions that need improvement were revealed thereby contributing to an enhancement plan.
DOC questionnaire: measuring how GPs and medical specialists rate collaboration
Authors: Berendsen Annette J. , Benneker Wim H.G.M. , Groenier Klaas H. , Schuling Jan , Grol Richard P.T.M. , Meyboom‐de Jong Betty 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to assess the validity of a questionnaire aimed at assessing how general practitioners (GPs) and specialists rate collaboration.Design/methodology/approachPrimary data were collected in The Netherlands during March to September 2006. A cross‐sectional study was conducted among 259 GPs and 232 specialists. Participants were randomly selected from The Netherlands Medical Address Book. Specialists rarely contacting a GP were not invited to participate.FindingsExploratory factor analysis indicated that the questionnaire, consisting of 20 items, measured five domains: organisation; communication; professional expertise; image; and knowing each other. Cronbach's alpha coefficients ranged from 0.64 to 0.83 indicating sufficient internal consistency. Correlation coefficients between domains were all <0.4. All but “communication” clearly produced distinguishing scores for different respondent groups.Research limitations/implicationsThis study shows that the doctors' opinions on collaboration (DOC) questionnaire is valid and that it may have the potential to give feedback to both medical professionals and policy makers. Such feedback creates an opportunity to improve collaboration.Originality/valueThe DOC questionnaire is a useful instrument for assessing collaboration among GPs and specialists. It can provide feedback to both medical professionals and policy makers. Such feedback creates an opportunity to improve collaboration.
Effect of Bi on the microstructure and tensile behavior of Sn‐3.7Ag solders
Authors: He M. , De Leon N. , Acoff V.L. 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate a Pb‐free solder alternative, specifically the effect of Bi on the microstructure and tensile strength of Sn‐3.7Ag solders casted under different cooling rates.Design/methodology/approachSn‐3.7Ag solder paste was mechanically blended with different percentages of Bi particles (99.999 percent) to form composite solder pastes. The solder paste was cast under different cooling rates to form dog‐bone shape samples for tensile testing. The solder samples were subjected to tensile testing on an INSTRON 5543 tester with loading rate 10−3 s−1. Both the as‐cast and tensile‐tested samples were mounted, ground and polished for microstructure and fracture surface analysis. Scanning electron microscopy/Energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy was used to characterize the microstructure, morphology, and composition.FindingsThe tensile strength of Sn‐3.7Ag solder increased with increased Bi addition. However, elongation decreased with increased Bi addition. The tensile strength of Sn‐3.7Ag‐xBi (x=0, 1, 2, 3, 4 wt%) solders increased with increased cooling rates when Bi is lower than 3 wt%. The reason for improved strength of Sn‐3.7Ag‐xBi solders is the result of the combination of the solid solution strengthening and precipitation strengthening effects of Bi.Originality/valueTensile testing Bi reinforced Sn‐3.7Ag solder formed under different cooling rates is new in the paper. With the additions of Bi to Sn‐3.7Ag, the solder strength has been increased, which may be beneficial to the electronics industry and other researchers seeking a better replacement for Sn−Pb solder.
Experimental investigation on the failure of lead‐free solder joints under drop impact
Authors: Liu Fang , Meng Guang , Zhao Mei 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the mechanism of ball grid array (BGA) lead‐free solder joint failure under board‐level drop impact.Design/methodology/approachA round shaped test board was used. First, drop tests at three different heights were carried out. Then, dye stain testing and metallurgical analysis were performed in order to study the failure mechanism of lead‐free solder joints under drop impact.FindingsThe test results indicate that the combined effect of mechanical shock and printed circuit board bending vibration is the root cause of solder joint failure under drop impact. On the other hand, the fracture of BGA lead‐free solder joints occurs at the intermetallic compound interface near the package side, and the failure mode is brittle fracture.Originality/valueThese results are the same as those for JEDEC standard test boards. The round test board could take the place of the JEDEC standard test board when conducting drop testing.
Deviance or norm? Exploring corporate social responsibility
Authors: Ralston Ekaterina S. 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the body of cross‐disciplinary literature on corporate social responsibility (CSR), organizational structure, and organizational culture. The author suggests that the issue of social responsibility is a phenomenon both external and internal to organizations, as it lies on the cusp of organizational culture and social expectations.Design/methodology/approachThe paper bridges classical sociological thought and contemporary views on CSR to develop an argument about the deviant nature of CSR. It highlights the theoretical challenges to establish socially responsible behaviors of organization as a mainstream norm.FindingsThe paper suggests that CSR should be perceived within the context of the existing social norms and understood as an outcome of shared set of organizational norms and values. The review of existing theories of CSR is followed by a discussion of whether CSR is a deviant or a normative phenomenon.Originality/valueThe paper presents CSR as a deviant behavior and argues that in order for it to become a common organizational practice, ideas of socially responsible behaviors should be incorporated into the existing set of social expectations.
Extended regional dispatch for truckload carriers
Authors: Don Taylor G. , Whicker Gary L. 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine whether or not driver job satisfaction, carrier performance, and customer service can be improved as a result of the use of uniquely constructed, extended regional dispatching systems.Design/methodology/approachSimulation is used to examine regional dispatching systems that are extended in scope of dispatch by using integrated freight lanes. The results of extended regional dispatching systems are compared to traditional dispatching methods and previous experimentation with stand‐alone regional and lane dispatching.FindingsIt is shown that a carrier's adoption of extended regional dispatching can be beneficial to both trucking companies and drivers, while remaining relatively neutral to customers. Additionally, it is shown that this improvement can be obtained without significant degradation of the driving jobs that remain outside the regional dispatching network.Research limitations/implicationsA new method of dispatching has been developed in such a way that very attractive regional driving jobs can be extended to a much larger percentage of drivers than in more established regional alternatives. This reduces reliance on the less effective random, over‐the‐road dispatching systems that are typically utilized in the truckload trucking industry.Practical implicationsCarriers may be able to utilize extended regional dispatching systems as a means of improving driver satisfaction and retention.Originality/valueThis research extends knowledge in the area of alternative dispatching methods for truckload carriers in a way that drastically improves the quality of life for professional drivers.
A model of sedimentary delta growth: a novel application of numerical heat transfer methods
Authors: Voller V.R. 
Published: July 2010

PurposeUnderstanding the factors that contribute to the growth of sediment delta lobes in river systems has significant benefit towards protecting civil and social infrastructure from severe weather events. To develop this understanding, this paper aims to construct a three‐dimensional numerical model of a sediment delta depositing on to a two‐dimensional bedrock basement entering an ocean at a constant sea‐level.Design/methodology/approachThe approach used adapts and applies techniques and schemes previously used in building numerical heat transfer models of melting systems. Particular emphasis is placed on modifying fixed grid enthalpy like schemes.FindingsThe resulting model provides important insight on the features that control the partition of sediment delta deposition between the land and ocean domains. The model also illustrates how tectonic subsidence may control the rate of delta growth.Originality/valueThis is the first numerical heat transfer inspired model of a three‐dimensional sediment delta deposit over both land and ocean domains. The problem has scientific merit in that it represents a melting‐like moving boundary problem with two distinct moving boundaries and a space/time dependent latent heat. Further, this work is a necessary first step towards building a comprehensive understanding of how to restore delta systems to protect civil and social infrastructure.
A novel single domain approach for numerical modelling solid oxide fuel cells
Authors: Mauro A. , Arpino F. , Massarotti N. , Nithiarasu P. 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe two‐ and three‐dimensional numerical modelling of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) by employing an accurate and stable fully matrix inversion free finite element algorithm.Design/methodology/approachA general and detailed mathematical model has been developed for the description of the coupled complex phenomena occurring in fuel cells. A fully matrix inversion free algorithm, based on the artificial compressibility (AC) version of the characteristic‐based split (CBS) scheme and single domain approach have been successfully employed for the accurate and efficient simulation of high temperature SOFCs.FindingsFor the first time, a stable fully explicit algorithm has been applied to detailed multi‐dimensional simulation transport phenomena, coupled to chemical and electrochemical reactions, in fluid, porous and solid parts of a SOFC. The accuracy of the present results has been verified via comparison with experimental and numerical data available in the literature.Originality/valueFor the first time, thanks to a stabilization analysis conducted, the AC‐CBS algorithm has been successfully used to numerically solve the generalized model, applied in this paper to describe transport phenomena through free fluid channels and porous electrodes of SOFCs, without the need of further conditions at the fluid‐electrode interface.