bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impacts of adaptive attacking and defending strategies on mitigation of intentional threats
Authors: Zhang Jing , Shen Shifei , Yang Rui 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to focus on resource allocation and information disclosure policy for defending multiple targets against intentional attacks. The intentional attacks, like terrorism events, probably cause great losses and fatalities. Attackers and defenders usually make decisions based on incomplete information. Adaptive attacking and defending strategies are considered, to study how both sides make more effective decisions according to previous fights.Design/methodology/approachA stochastic game‐theoretic approach is proposed for modeling attacker‐defender conflicts. Attackers and defenders are supposed both to be strategic decision makers and partially aware of adversary's information. Adaptive strategies are compared with different inflexible strategies in a fortification‐patrol problem, where the fortification affects the security vulnerability of targets and the patrol indicates the defensive signal.FindingsThe result shows that the intentional risk would be elevated by adaptive attack strategies. An inflexible defending strategy probably fails when facing uncertainties of adversary. It is shown that the optimal response of defenders is to adjust defending strategies by learning from previous games and assessing behaviors of adversaries to minimize the expected loss.Originality/valueThis paper explores how adaptive strategies affect attacker‐defender conflicts. The key issue is defense allocation and information disclosure policy for mitigation of intentional threats. Attackers and defenders can adjust their strategies by learning from previous fights, and the strategic adjustment of both sides may be asynchronous.
Comparison of solution combustion and co‐precipitation methods in synthesis of iron zircon coral pigment
Authors: Moosavi A. , Aghaei A. 
Published: July 2010

PurposeIt is essentially valuable to use simpler methods for making the protected pigment by inclusion of hematite in a transparent zirconium silicate crystal. The purpose of this paper is to compare solution combustion and co‐precipitation methods as two different routes for synthesis of zircon‐based coral pigment.Design/methodology/approachX‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and simultaneous thermal analysis were used to characterise and evaluate the precipitated zircon and Fe2O3 phases. The synthesised samples were incorporated into a suitable ceramic glaze and then their L*, a* and b* colour parameters were measured via Commission Internationale de I'Eclairage colorimetric method.FindingsThe results revealed that partial reduction of hematite (α‐Fe2O3) to maghemite (γ‐Fe2O3) destroyed the quality of the pigment obtained from the combustion processing method. Nevertheless, it is found that co‐precipitation would be an appropriate method for synthesis coral pigment.Research limitations/implicationsIt is found that the solution combustion method is not able to directly synthesise a zircon‐based coral pigment during combustion reaction. Furthermore, the presence of carbon has led to partial reduction of hematite resulting in unwanted crystalline maghemite phase. This reveals that solution combustion method is not suitable to obtain zircon‐based coral pigment.Practical implicationsThe conventional method to synthesise ceramic pigments is a solid‐state reaction that requires high temperature and long processing time. The products are usually coarse and inhomogeneous so this method requires further processing like wet or dry milling in order to produce fine powders. Diffusion barrier in solid‐state processing prevents the control of the microstructure and the reactivity of the system. Soft‐chemical routes such as solution combustion and co‐precipitation methods are better choices to get finer powders and to achieve the desired phases at lower temperatures in shorter time as well.Originality/valueCo‐precipitation synthesis of iron‐zircon coral pigment using sodium silicate (water glass) as Si source and its comparison with solution combustion method is valuable and has not been reported until now.
Soy flour adhesive modified with urea, citric acid and boric acid
Authors: Li F. , Li X.P. , Wang W.H. 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate an adhesive prepared from soy flour (SF) modified with urea, citric acid and boric acid as an environmentally friendly product for the wood industry.Design/methodology/approachUrea solution was prepared at 30°C and then SF was added and stirred at 30°C for 2 hours. Citric acid solution was added and stirred for another 0.5 hours and then boric acid solution was added and heated at 30°C for a further 0.5 hours. The resulting adhesive was used to bond poplar veneers. Shear strength was measured to evaluate the bonding property of the adhesive. Viscometry and FT‐IR spectrometry were used to test the viscosity and chemical changes, respectively.FindingsSoy protein has potential value in the preparation of adhesives because of its unique functional characteristics. The optimum formulation was 100 g of soy powder treated with 9 g of citric acid at 30°C for 0.5 hours in the presence of sodium dihydrogen phosphate (NaH2PO4). After addition of 6 g of boric acid the resulting adhesive exhibited a shear strength of 0.82 MPa when bonded samples were treated with water, indicating that boric acid improved the water resistance via the formation of a chelating polymer.Research limitations/implicationsCompared to synthetic resin such as urea formaldehyde, the SF adhesive exhibited lower water resistance. Further modification methods and optimum chemical reagents still need to be investigated.Originality/valueA new formulation for an environmentally friendly adhesive prepared from SF is identified for the panel industry. The bonding potential of soy protein was developed without any synthetic resin, which will promote industrial utilisation of an agricultural by‐product.
Rethinking the TAM model: time to consider fun
Authors: Saber Chtourou Mohamed , Souiden Nizar 
Published: July 2010

PurposeIt is widely agreed that usefulness of new products is one of the most considered factors by innovators to justify the adoption of new devices. However, the fun aspect of the product is rarely considered as a predictor of innovation adoption. The current study intends, therefore, to examine the effect of the fun aspect on consumers' adoption of technological products.Design/methodology/approachThree competing models mainly derived from the technology adoption model (TAM) were tested in two markets (Canada and France) that present two different maturity stages. A survey of 367 actual users of mobile devices was used and analyzed by a structural equation model.FindingsThe results show that fun is an important antecedent of the attitude toward the act (use of mobile devices for surfing the internet). Fun was also found to mediate the effect of usefulness on attitude. This implies that the impact of emotions goes beyond the consumption of hedonic products and extends to the adoption of technological ones.Research limitations/implicationsThe small sample size of the current study did not allow deeper statistical analyses. A larger sample could allow testing the model separately in each market. Also, the current study focused only on the use of mobile devices to surf the internet. Further studies might apply the model to other products/services/industries.Practical implicationsThe results suggest that product designers should develop interfaces and products that not only satisfy utilitarian needs but also hedonic and enjoyment motivations.OriginalityThe present study finds its originality at two levels: first, it tests the technology adoption model using a sample from two countries (France and French Canada) which are different in terms of mobile market maturity stage. This may allow further generalisation of the TAM model. Second, in comparison to previous research on the adoption of mobile devices, the present study uses a non student sample. This is important especially when studying innovation adoption because students are thought to lean to the adoption of new habits.
What a community will bear: leadership and the change process
Authors: Curry Barbara , Lowery Lillian M. , Loftus Dennis 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThis paper seeks to explore the dynamics between innovators and the communities they attempt to change.Design/methodology/approachThe paper offers brief case studies/vignettes that demonstrate the theoretical construct: “what communities will always negotiate to what they can bear during the change process.”FindingsExperiences of the practitioners featured give some credence to the theoretical construct.Originality/valueThe paper provides an original and valuable lens through which change can be considered and navigated.
Tenure, functional track and strategic leadership
Authors: Eacott Scott 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate whether the demographic variables of tenure and functional track have a moderating effect on the strategic leadership of school leaders.Design/methodology/approachUsing a conceptual framework developed by the researcher, a static/cross‐sectional questionnaire‐based study on a convenience sample of public primary school principals in NSW, Australia, was used to collect data. Analysis included ANOVA and correlations.FindingsDespite few statistically significant differences in the data set, there is evidence to suggest that, based on the small sample size, the demographic variables of tenure and functional track have a moderating effect on the strategic leadership and management of public primary school principals.Research limitations/implicationsThe study serves as little more than a scoping project. The small sample size limits the generalisability of the findings; however, the results do indicate that there is something to be made of the general thesis of the paper.Practical implicationsAs education systems across the globe are faced with a crisis in filling school leadership positions with the mass retirement of the baby boomers, the potential implications of tenure and functional track on school leadership is of vital importance to all involved in schools.Originality/valueThe paper makes use of tenure and functional track in relation to strategic leadership, a combination rarely seen in the field. The very concept of functional track is original to the field and has the potential to uncover much needed insight into school leadership.
Investigation of Sn‐Zn‐Bi solders – Part I: surface tension, interfacial tension and density measurements of SnZn7Bi solders
Authors: Bukat K. , Moser Z. , Sitek J. , Gąsior W. , Kościelski M. , Pstruś J. 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe purpose of Part I of this paper is to investigate the influence of Bi additions on the surface tension, the interfacial tension, and the density of SnZn7Bi alloys (Bi=1 and 3 percent by mass) as a continuation of similar previous studies on Bi and Sb additions to the binary Sn‐Zn alloy. The main aim of Part I is to indicate that the lowering of the surface tension and interfacial tension is not sufficient for practical applications. However, knowledge of the interfacial tension between the soldering flux and the solder is necessary to convert the wetting force into the contact angle. This will be documented in Part II.Design/methodology/approachThe maximum bubble method was applied for the surface tension and the Miyazaki method was applied for the surface tension and the interfacial tension, using the density values from the dilatometric technique. The experimental surface tension results are compared with the Butler's thermodynamic modeling results and are discussed by means of the analysis of variance (ANOVA).FindingsOn the basis of previous studies on Sn‐Zn‐Bi‐Sb alloys, the addition of Bi to SnZn7 slightly decreased the surface tension measured in an Ar+H2atmosphere, similarly to the Butler's modeling results. Also, a similar slight decrease of the surface tension from the Miyazaki method measured in air and in nitrogen was observed, as well as a more significant lowering of the interfacial tension with the use of a flux in nitrogen. There was also a slight influence of the temperature on the numerical values of the surface tensions and the interfacial tension. In the ANOVA, taking into account the Bi content, the temperature of measurements, the atmosphere and the flux, the flux used was shown as the most important, and also, to a lesser extent, the atmosphere.Research limitations/implicationsIt is intended (the purpose of Part II of this paper) to verify the positive influence of Bi additions in SnZn7 alloys on the surface tensions and the interfacial tensions via the contact angles from the interaction with Cu on printed circuit board with different lead‐free finishes.Practical implicationsIt is suggested that further studies on more efficient fluxes are necessary for the practical application being in agreement with the ANOVA and the literature information.Originality/valueA slight improvement of the wettability with the use of Bi additions in the SnZn7Bi alloys in the course of various experimental techniques is proven, similar to results reported in various references. The obtained results will enlarge the SURDAT database of lead‐free soldering materials.
Effect of ENIG deposition on the failure mechanisms of thermomechanically loaded lead‐free 2nd level interconnections in LTCC/PWB assemblies
Authors: Nousiainen O. , Kangasvieri T. , Kautio K. , Rautioaho R. , Vähäkangas J. 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of electroless NiAu (ENIG) deposition on the failure mechanisms and characteristic lifetimes of three different non‐collapsible lead‐free 2nd level interconnections in low‐temperature co‐fired ceramic (LTCC)/printed wiring board (PWB) assemblies.Design/methodology/approachFive LTCC module/PWB assemblies were fabricated and exposed to a temperature cycling test over a −40 to 125°C temperature range. The characteristic lifetimes of these assemblies were determined using direct current resistance measurements. The failure mechanisms of the test assemblies were verified using X‐ray and scanning acoustic microscopy, optical microscopy with polarized light, scanning electron microscope (SEM)/energy dispersive spectroscopy and field emission‐SEM investigation.FindingsA stable intermetallic compound (IMC) layer is formed between the Ni deposit and solder matrix during reflow soldering. The layer thickness does not grow excessively and the interface between the layer and solder is practically free from Kirkendall voids after the thermal cycling test (TCT) over a temperature range of −40 to 125°C. The adhesion between the IMC layer and solder matrix is sufficient to prevent separation of this interface, resulting in intergranular (creep) or mixed transgranular/intergranular (fatigue/creep) failure within the solder matrix. However, the thermal fatigue endurance of the lead‐free solder has a major effect on the characteristic lifetime, not the deposit material of the solder land. Depending on the thickness of the LTCC substrate and the composition of the lead‐free solder alloy, characteristic lifetimes of over 2,000 cycles are achieved in the TCT.Originality/valueThe paper investigates in detail the advantages and disadvantages of ENIG deposition in LTCC/PWB assemblies with a large global thermal mismatch (ΔCTE≥10 ppm/°C), considering the design and manufacturing stages of the solder joint configuration and its performance under harsh accelerated test conditions.
Towards holding transnational corporations responsible for human rights
Authors: Carasco Emily F. , Singh Jang B. 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a general review of international efforts to hold transnational corporations (TNCs) responsible for human rights. It tracks the evolution of international conventions related to TNCs and human rights and assesses their effectiveness.Design/methodology/approachThe paper describes and analyzes efforts over the last four decades by the United Nations (UN), the Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development, the International Labour Organization and non‐governmental groups to provide guidelines and encourage TNCs to aspire to international standards in human rights.FindingsThe early attempts to regulate TNCs internationally lacked any form of the robust compulsion, systemic monitoring and effective enforcement mechanisms necessary to deal with the magnitude of the global investment arena. However, during the last decade, there has been explicit recognition on the part of the UN that action is necessary and the most recent convention emanating from the UN, theNorms, may evolve into a binding instrument on TNCs.Originality/valueThis paper, by mapping the development of global ethical conventions up to the UNNormson the responsibilities for TNCs and other business enterprises with regards to human rights, informs corporate officers of the state of global discussions on this issue and lays the groundwork for further scholarly analysis of theNormsin the future.
Ethical relativism vs absolutism: research implications
Authors: McDonald Gael 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe constructs of relativism and absolutism have a significant role to play in the development of ethical theory; however, they are commonly simplified in their depictions and are philosophically more complex than we give them credit for. The purpose of this paper is to undertake an in‐depth examination of ethical relativity and ethical absolutism before concluding with a discussion of which research implications warrant further investigation.Design/methodology/approachA descriptive, historical, anthological approach has been taken.FindingsEthical relativism is regrettably subject to a proliferation of related terminology and, in many instances with different meanings ascribed to similar terms. In addition, ethical relativity appears to attract different research perspectives that are heavily dependent on their academic origins. A clear distinction needs to be made between ethical and situational relativity. It is suggested that relativism is present in the process of moral justification and that ethical relativism should be analyzed from three levels: the individual level, the role and group level, and the cultural levels. The over‐riding objection to ethical relativism rests on the consequences of accepting relativism, which undermines the existence and strength of global moral standards and the inherent positioning of ethical absolutism. Absolutism does not deny the existence of multiple moral practices evident around the world, but proposes that variations in ethical actions could still be rooted in common universal moral standards based on our requirements as human beings and the necessities of long‐term survival.Research limitations/implicationsThe ensuing discussions of relativism and absolutism open up a rich vein of research opportunities and suggest caution is required in regard to research methodologies. From a methodological perspective, care needs to be taken. For example, using hypothetical ethical dilemmas that are often unrelated to a specific industry or cultural setting has resulted in many researchers observing situational relativity rather than true ethical relativity.Originality/valueThis paper specifically examines whether there are differences in underlying and basic moral standards even though similarities in ethical behaviour have been determined, or whether differing ethical actions could, as the absolutists believe, originate from common universal standards despite apparent differences in perceptions and actions across cultures.
A new method of HACCP for hospitality: changing behaviour and proving success
Authors: Taylor Joanne 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to prove the effectiveness of a new method of HACCP for the hospitality industry that was developed, piloted and validated by the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) and the University of Salford between 2002 and 2005. It is the fifth article in the second Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes issue of the International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management presenting a new method of HACCP for the hospitality industry and proof of its utility.Design/methodology/approachIn 2003, in‐depth narrative interviews, supported by documentary analysis, were carried out in 22 hospitality businesses in Greater Manchester. The new method was implemented in these businesses, and the research method was replicated at six month and three year periods to assess change.FindingsThe findings show notable improvements in food safety knowledge, attitude and behaviour, and a reduction or elimination of all 21 previously identified barriers, as a result of implementing the new method. They also show these are maintained over time with no external pressure or involvement.Originality/valueBased on the evidence of success provided through this research, the paper shows that the new method has been extended and published as Menu‐Safe, a system for hospitality businesses of all types and sizes. It has also been shortened and developed by the UK FSA into a ready‐to‐use package called Safer Food Better Business (SFBB) for very small hospitality businesses, and implemented nationwide.
B2B eCommerce: an empirical investigation of information exchange and firm performance
Authors: Porterfield Tobin E. , Bailey Joseph P. , Evers Philip T. 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the performance effects of information exchange by observing actual information exchange between industrial trading partners. Information exchange facilitates coordination through sharing both order cycle and enhanced information. Increased exchange may lead to closer relationships with the expectation of improved performance. This study moves away from perceived measures of information exchange and firm performance by integrating two datasets: one capturing historical firm performance and the second capturing electronic information exchange data.Design/methodology/approachQuantitative data of electronic information exchange between firms are observed and compared with operational performance results. Longitudinal regression analyses are conducted using data gathered from an electronically‐mediated industrial exchange network. This unique dataset provides distinct insights into the application and performance outcomes related to information exchange.FindingsResults show that information characteristics vary by firm and the position of the firm within the supply chain. Manufacturers benefit from exchanging more basic information and from stability in their trading partner portfolio. Retailers enhance performance when there is more turnover in their trading partner portfolio and when information is exchanged reciprocally with suppliers.Practical implicationsResults from this study provide insight into the potential performance outcomes of sharing information within industrial relationships. The study demonstrates how greater information exchange changes the nature of supply chain relationships. Closer supply chain relationships may improve firm performance, but the extent of this varies based on the firm's position within its supply chain. Consequently, firms should consider the strategic implications of the way in which they exchange information with their trading partners.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature by identifying and testing specific information characteristics using actual observed exchanges of information between firms. The data set supports the measurement of information exchange between multiple firms and trading partners which allows for testing at a level of granularity beyond existing studies.