bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ring‐shaped composite fields
Authors: Lin Yi , He Xiaoya 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to reach two goals: one is to generalize the well‐studied theories of electricity and magnetism to the enrichment of deepened understanding of the general systemic yoyo model, and the other is to employ the established yoyo model to provide more refined explanations for some of the known experimental observations in physics.Design/methodology/approachThe general structure and the field characteristics of the general systemic yoyo model are employed as the basis of our exploration in this paper. Then, methods of quantitative analysis are introduced to address some of the problems encountered.FindingsAmong several new results, many important concepts, such as ring‐shaped electric fields, cylinders of equal potential intensities, yoyo resistances, yoyo capacitors, etc. are introduced and studied in some detail. Several important Laws in electromagnetic theory, such as Ohm's law, Kirchhoff's laws, etc. are generalized to the case of the general systemic yoyo model. The refined theory is applied to provide theoretical explanations for some laboratory‐observed phenomena that cannot be well illustrated by either Faraday's theory of electromagnetic induction or Lenz's law.Originality/valuePhenomena related to electricity and magnetism are explained the first time in history by using a unified model: the systemic yoyo model. At the same time, some well established Laws in physics are generalized to scenarios of this general mode with the hope that these new Laws can be applied equally well to natural and social sciences in the coming years.
A new theory for modern electrical marbles
Authors: Lin Yi , He Xiaoya 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate how the new theory on the general systemic yoyos can be plausibly employed to provide novel explanations for some of the well‐known laboratory experiments of physics and how a different theory that is more refined than the currently accepted theories can be established for illustrating phenomena that have not been completely explainable by using the traditional theories.Design/methodology/approachThe general field structures of systemic yoyos, combined with some of the well‐known laboratory observation of physics, are employed as the basic methodology for the current paper.FindingsOwing to the co‐existence of magnetic fields and ring‐shaped negative electric fields, all possible ways for an electromagneton to be fired into a stable, uniform‐intensity magnetic field are investigated. How such an electromagneton could be traveling under the mutual influence of the fields is described with details.Originality/valueThe value of this paper lies on the fact that it points out a brand new and practically applicable theory for looking at some of the well‐recorded phenomena of electromagnetism.
Motional meridian motive forces
Authors: He Xiaoya , Lin Yi 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate yoyo potential difference and induction of electric yoyo flows by using the general systemic yoyo model and available quantitative tools.Design/methodology/approachEmpirical laws and well‐known laboratory experiments of physics are revisited in light of the spinning yoyo method and thinking logic. When appropriate, relevant quantitative methods are established.FindingsBy generalizing the concept of electromotive force, the paper introduces that of meridian motive forces (MMF). By considering two possible cases when electric yoyo flows can be induced within a return circuit, the paper uses specific examples to compute yoyo potential differences, the forces needed to pull a conductive wire in a magnetic yoyo field, and the total flux of magnetic yoyo field passing through a return circuit. When the paper tries to address the questions of how an electric yoyo current in a circuit is produced and what force could get around the resistance of metals to make electric yoyo charges move around inside return circuits, the paper successfully establishes a theoretical explanation for why Lenz's law about the direction of induced electric currents holds true. At the end, the paper develops a quantitative formula for practically calculating desired MMF.Originality/valueThis paper provides the first ever theoretical explanation for why Lenz's law could be true. It is expected that this explanation would be equally applicable in the study of social systems.
Quantitative properties of the general systemic yoyo model
Authors: He Xiaoya , Lin Yi 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to establish quantitative properties for the general systemic yoyo model so that this model can be readily employed to study problems from various disciplines of knowledge, be they from natural science or social science.Design/methodology/approachFigurative analysis combined with calculus‐based methods is applied in this research, in order to achieve the goal that whatever is obtained theoretically, here can be practically used in various applications.FindingsThe paper introduces the concepts of gravitation, potential energy, and yoyo potentials for general spinning yoyos and look at the structure of yoyo fields with relevant quantitative representations developed for practical computation purposes. The paper shows how the spin field of a yoyo can be decomposed into eddy and meridian fields and why spinning yoyos have the tendency to line up in such a way that their axes of spin are parallel to each other and their like polarities face the same direction. When looking at yoyo flows and resistances, the Kirchhoff Junction and Loop Laws are generalized to the most general case of systemic yoyos. By considering the concept of yoyo fluxes, it is possible to rewrite the Gauss's law in the relevant most general language.Originality/valueThis work is the first of its kind to develop quantitative methods for studying various properties of systems on a unified footing: the general systemic yoyo model. As shown in this special issue, the results of this work have been and will continue to be applied to address many difficult problems that have been encountering scholars in the areas of modern science and humanities.
Picturing your community: Flickr use in public libraries
Authors: Forsyth Ellen , Perry Leanne 
Published: March 2010

PurposeFlickr is being used by an increasing number of public libraries for providing access to collections and services for their communities. Public libraries are also using Flickr to build community engagement. Local communities are participating in building collections on Flickr, adding context and their own stories to images. The purpose of this paper is to explore public library expectations and strategic objectives for using Flickr.Design/methodology/approachThis paper uses Flickr statistics from public libraries around the world as well as qualitative survey feedback to analyse the impact of Flickr on public libraries.FindingsThe paper explores public library expectations and strategic objectives for using Flickr, what the libraries have observed about their presence on Flickr, how Flickr relates to the other social networking tools they are using, what is the tagging, commenting, favouriting activity like, and how the libraries have responded to the use of their images on Flickr.Research limitations/implicationsThis information will enable public libraries to plan more effectively for their presence via Flickr and how to use it with other web 2.0 developments.Originality/valueThis paper usefully investigates the increased public library use and impact of Flickr that had not been evaluated in any depth.
Access to agricultural information and millennium development goals
Authors: Adewale Oduwole Adebambo , Nancy Okorie Chichi 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThe millennium development goals (MDGs) emerged from the Millennium Declaration adopted by all Member States of the United Nations. The MDGs are international objectives on poverty reduction adopted by the world community in 2000. This paper examines provision of agricultural information to rural dwellers/farmers in meeting the MDG 1: eradicating poverty and hunger in the world.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is drawn from the authors' interaction /interviews with a group of farmers in Abeokuta, Ogun State.FindingsMethods of disseminating information to farmers identified include the use of electronic and print media, village square meetings, church and mosques as well as market places.Practical implicationsStudy recommends the support of pro‐poor policies by the developed countries as this will allow people living in the developing world to break out of the poverty, hunger and malnutrition trap in which they find themselves.Originality/valueAgricultural information required by farmers, among others, includes pest and disease control and management, services available from government/private organizations and information on high yielding varieties of crops and animals.
The Singapore Global Schoolhouse
Authors: Tee Ng Pak , Tan Charlene 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThis paper seeks to analyse the Singapore government's recent attempt to make Singapore a “Global Schoolhouse” by transforming its tertiary education sector. It aims to examine the government's attempt to promote greater diversity and autonomy in the tertiary education landscape; it also aims to examine the government's systems of state funding and accountability for the tertiary education sector.Design/methodology/approachThe paper utilises a policy analysis approach to examine the development of the “Global Schoolhouse” in Singapore. In particular, it examines a case study of the setting up and subsequent sudden pull‐out of the University of New South Wales Asia (UNSW Asia) to highlight the increasing challenge faced by the government in this undertaking.FindingsDespite the government's promotion of greater diversity and autonomy in the tertiary education landscape, the government maintains centralised control through systems of accountability to, and funding from, the state. The case study of UNSW Asia shows that it is a paradoxical challenge for the government to engineer a tertiary education “market economy” with private foreign players while maintaining centralised control over the achievement of its strategic agenda within its stipulated time frame.Research limitations/implicationsThe analysis of the Singapore “Global Schoolhouse” effort is limited to a general review of the higher education scene in Singapore and a case study.Practical implicationsThe study of Singapore serves as a mirror to other developing countries in understanding the challenges in developing a “Global Schoolhouse” while trying to maintain centralised control.Originality/valueThis paper provides an analysis of the recent developments in the Singapore “Global Schoolhouse” effort.
Mathematics achievement in middle school level in Pakistan
Authors: Tayyaba Saadia 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThe general objective of this paper is to investigate the mathematics achievement of middle grade students in Pakistan. Specifically: to determine whether mathematics achievement varies systematically across students and schools; to what extent the mathematics curriculum and frameworks are implemented in schools; to what extent gender and location account for differences in mathematics achievement (at item and test scores levels); to what extent student demographics, home background, and homework variables predict mathematics achievement; to what extent schools' physical and academic resources predict mathematics achievement; and to what extent student‐ and school‐level variables interact to predict achievement indirectly.Design/methodology/approachThe approach was to undertake a quantitative survey of 14,440 students from 770 schools across the country. The analytic strategy included item‐level Rasch analysis, DIF analysis across gender and regional location, and MLM analysis to test various student‐ and school‐level models.FindingsRasch analysis indicated that students were able to pass low‐rigour items requiring simple mathematical skills. The DIF analysis indicated that items favouring female students in either content domain belonged to knowledge of concepts to recall basic facts, terminologies, numbers, and geometric properties. Items favouring male students in either domain belonged to the problem solving level. MLM analysis revealed that at the student level, gender, location, and some home background and homework variables contributed towards mathematics achievement. At the school level, availability of learning resources and better physical facilities were found to be associated with increase in achievement scores.Research limitations/implicationsOnly a few major variables with policy and research implications were tested to keep the interpretations clear and simple. The next stage of this study could examine the more complex pattern of relationships and interactions among relationships for subgroups.Practical implicationsThe study has implications for a review of the gender gap in school enrolment, the national curriculum for mathematics, homework policy, the role of regional languages as a medium of instruction in schools, the provision of school resources, and learning aids in schools.Originality/valueThe paper shows that the estimated models were successful in explaining the variation in average achievement in terms of proportion of variance explained and significance of estimates of the effects.
Issues of e‐learning standards and identity management for mobility and collaboration in higher education
Authors: Alves Paulo , Uhomoibhi James 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThis paper seeks to investigate and report on the status of identity management systems and e‐learning standards across Europe for promoting mobility, collaboration and the sharing of contents and services in higher education institutions.Design/methodology/approachThe present research work examines existing e‐learning standards and the tools and processes applied to managing the identity of learners registered for programmes of study in higher education. The paper draws on recent developments and argues that the creation of identity management federations is mandatory to provide the mobility of users and to permit the exchange of contents and services between institutions.FindingsIt is revealed that it is crucial to create identity management federation to provide for ease of mobility and facilitate collaboration and sharing information amongst staff and students in higher education.Research limitations/implicationsThe challenges arising from language, culture and differences in systems for the regions require consideration. Future work intends to incorporate some of these issues, to examine and report on them from the diverse perspectives, taking into account, the impact of globalisation.Originality/valueThis paper presents the main features of e‐learning standards and how they can be used in conjunction with identity management systems to create collaborative learning objects repositories to promote a more effective learning experience and a more competitive European space for higher education, with respect to the requirements of knowledge‐based societies.
The impact of sponsorship announcements on shareholder wealth in Australia
Authors: Johnston Margaret A. 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of 51 sponsorship announcements upon the stock prices of firms sponsoring in Australia. The research examines the broader question of whether sponsorship has the potential to transcend cultural boundaries and contribute to financial performance in regional markets.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology is based on the event study technique which is applied to the estimation of excess returns that arise in response to announcements of corporate sponsorship made by leading industrial stocks trading on the Australian Stock Exchange. Regressions examine whether the cost and duration of sponsorship signal information of importance to investors regarding the financial prospects of sponsoring firms.FindingsA small, fleeting positive increase in wealth effects is observed indicating that economically, sponsorship expenditure in Australia is more or less value neutral. While investors appear indifferent to sponsorship cost, they value short‐term sponsorships of less than two years in particular.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research needs to examine the role of associated variables such as contract size and length, and the type and level of sponsorship investment.Originality/valueFor firms, the study indicates that sponsorship in smaller regional markets should be valued by investors especially when firms keep the duration of the sponsorship as short. As stock prices tend to rise briefly following sponsorship announcements, marketers should leverage sponsorships immediately to gain the attention of investors. For a regional market, short and sharp sponsorships appear to be the optimal approach.
Alcohol consumption motivations and behaviours in Hong Kong
Authors: Pettigrew Simone , Charters Steve 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the way Hong Kong drinkers have internalised the meanings associated with alcoholic beverages and how these meanings influence the motivation to drink. Also of interest was how symbolic meanings and motivations are similar or different to those in Western nations and the implications for the marketing of alcohol products.Design/methodology/approachAn ethnographic approach comprising participant observations and interviews is used to generate data relating to alcohol consumption. Observations are conducted at 11 venues including pubs, clubs, restaurants, and a convention centre. More than 40 h of observations yield data pertaining to public drinking while the interview data also provides insight into the nature of private drinking in Hong Kong.FindingsAlcohol consumption in Hong Kong may be primarily a function of the need to convey desired images to specific and generalised others. The finding that product symbolism dominates taste considerations supports previous research relating to beer consumption but varies somewhat from identified motivations for wine consumption in developed markets.Practical implicationsAlcohol marketers may benefit from adapting their products to suit the specific taste preferences of Chinese consumers, although care would need to be taken to ensure the symbolic value of the beverage is not diminished in the process. A focus on the situational context and moderate consumption in promotional messages may increase perceived salience.Originality/valueLittle previous research on alcohol consumption motivations has been conducted in Hong Kong. The findings provide insight into likely characteristics of the future alcohol market in mainland China.
Developing countries in the ITO and GATT negotiations
Authors: Scott James 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThe literature examining the participation of developing countries in the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and International Trade Organisation (ITO) negotiations generally sees their attitudes towards these projects as having been driven exclusively by a commitment to import substitution. This commitment, it is argued, led developing countries to oppose many aspects of the GATT/ITO project, particularly the requirement for reciprocal tariff cuts. The purpose of this paper is to focus on examining the critical period around the ultimately doomed negotiation of the Charter for an ITO and the process of creating the GATT.Design/methodology/approachThis paper draws from GATT documents and from the literature on economic history to give a more comprehensive account of the motivating ideas underpinning developing countries attitudes to the post‐war negotiations.FindingsThis paper argues that this view misconstrues and caricatures the ideas and motivations underpinning developing countries' attitudes towards the GATT and ITO. Though import substitution and the related objective of industrialisation each played a part in shaping developing countries' attitudes, they are only aspects of a more complex set of aims and ideas. Developing countries were drawing from a range of key experiences and ideas beyond simply import substitution in forming their attitude towards the GATT/ITO project, in particular the volatility in commodity markets that preceded the negotiations, the legacy of colonialism and the lessons provided by the ninetieth and twentieth centuries on trade policy. Finally, this paper argues that the first round of GATT negotiations shows that developing countries were substantially less opposed to reciprocal tariff concessions than has previously been argued.Originality/valueThese findings are important for anyone who wants to understand the evolution of the GATT and the role developing countries played in it, and the difficulties between the rich and poor nations that continue to characterise negotiations in the World Trade Organisation.
International trade law and trade theory
Authors: Warburton Christopher E.S. 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze the potential for tariff reduction under the most favored‐nation (MFN) provision of international trade law as it is written, lex lata.Design/methodology/approachThe paper analyzes differences in average tariff rates applied to imports under the MFN provision of international trade law. Two empirical methods are used; an analysis of variance to estimate significant differences in tariff rates between high‐income members and least‐developed members of the World Trade Organization (WTO); and fixed‐effects regression model to determine the effect of national output on the marginal propensity to import (MPM).FindingsThe paper finds that there is a significant difference in the margins of import tariffs that are applied to imports by the high income and the least‐developed members and that the MPM is significantly dependent on output for the high‐income members, but not for the least‐developed members.Practical implicationsThe findings indicate that international trade law must be developed with the aim of increasing national earnings capacity and not just creating enabling conditions for tariff reduction or the harmonization of municipal law with international trade law. When circumstances change in a fundamental way (rebus sic stantibus), WTO members must be measured in their approach to attain the law that is sought (lex ferenda).Originality/valueThe paper argues that multilateral trade arrangements for tariff reduction and fair trade must integrate enabling conditions with arrangements for earnings capacity to increase national income and reduce tariffs.
Distance is a friction to Pacific Island countries' trade with the USA
Authors: Gani Azmat 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate if distance is a friction to Pacific Island countries (PICs) trade with the USA.Design/methodology/approachA gravity model is used to estimate trade flows using time‐series cross‐country data for period 1981‐2005.FindingsThe empirical findings utilizing panel data estimation procedures here provide confirmation that distance imposes significant regressive effect on PICs exports to the USA.Originality/valueThis paper expresses the view that distance can impose regressive effects on PICs commodity exports to the USA.