bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Theoretical and experimental studies on concave mirror‐based fiber optic displacement sensor
Authors: Yang H.Z. , Harun S.W. , Ahmad H. 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate, theoretically and experimentally, a concave mirror‐based fiber optic displacement sensor performance for three‐axes directional measurements.Design/methodology/approachMathematical model is constructed based on spherical mirror properties of the concave mirror and the simulated result is found to be in good agreement with the experimental results.FindingsBoth theoretical and experimental results show that the focal length and radius of the concave mirror make significant influence to the displacement response. In the x‐axes measurement, six linear slopes are obtained with four of them are located in the vicinity of the position, two times of the focal length. The maximum measurement range of about 20 mm is obtained using a focal length of 10 mm. In the y‐ and z‐axes displacement measurements, the linear range increases as the diameter of concave mirror increases. The longest linear range of 8 mm is achieved at mirror radius of 10 mm.Originality/valueThis is the first demonstration of three axes directional displacement measurements using a concave mirror as a target
Zero drift NDIR gas sensors
Authors: Wong Jacob Y. , Schell Mike 
Published: January 2011

PurposeOutput stability or drift overtime has long been a major performance deficiency for gas sensors irrespective of what technology or methodology is used for their conception. Software correction may alleviate the problem somewhat but it is not always applicable. It has long been the objective of many researchers in this field to overcome this problem fundamentally and for good. The purpose of this paper is to show that this objective has now finally been achieved.Design/methodology/approachConventional non‐dispersive infrared (NDIR) dual beam methodology utilizes the ratio of signal channel output over reference channel output for signal processing. The signal filter overlaps the absorption band of the gas of interest while the reference filter does not. However, this ratio changes as the source ages. The current methodology uses an absorption bias between signal and reference channel outputs. This absorption bias is created by using a path length for the signal channel greater than that for the reference channel. Both the signal and reference detectors carry an identical spectral filter overlapping the absorption band of the gas to be measured.FindingsImplementation of the currently patented NDIR gas‐sensing methodology has been carried out in different gas sensor configurations for over a year in the laboratory. Performance results for these sensors showing insignificant output drifts overtime have been repeatedly demonstrated via simulated aging for the source.Originality/valueThe paper puts forward the view that the recent breakthrough of the Near Zero Drift methodology for NDIR gas sensors will very quickly change the hierarchy of technology dominance and utility for gas sensors at large.
High‐performance substrate based on a highly filled thermoplastic polymer
Authors: Apeldorn Thomas , Wolff‐Fabris F. , Altstädt V. 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate and present the properties of a new substrate material based on thermoplastic polymers (so‐called LuVo Board) for high‐frequency applications.Design/methodology/approachThe thermal, mechanical and electrical properties of a new thermoplastic substrate are investigated and compared to conventional substrates for printed circuit board (PCB) applications.FindingsThe new LuVo Board exhibits similar properties to commercially available high‐performance substrates. The main advantage of the LuVo Board is a reduction of manufacturing costs in comparison to conventional substrates, as a highly automated manufacturing process can be employed. Moreover, the LuVo Board exhibits some further advantages: the material is inherently flame resistant and can be thermally shaped after the assembly process.Originality/valueThis paper presents an entirely new thermoplastic substrate, which can be employed in high‐frequency applications. In comparison to standard materials, a further advantage of the thermoplastic substrate is lower production costs.
Experimental study on drilling force in printed circuit board micro drilling process
Authors: Shi Hongyan , Song Fumin , Fu Lianyu 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a system for accurately measuring drilling force in the printed circuit board micro drilling process and to characterize the drilling force to provide a better understanding of the micro drilling process.Design/methodology/approachThe drilling force measurement system was established first. Then the drilling force in printed circuit board micro drilling process was characterized experimentally. In particular, the drilling forces in drilling halogen‐free and lead‐free assembly compatible printed circuit boards and the drilling force characteristics in ultra small hole drilling were investigated.FindingsA drilling force measurement system, with the key component of a KISTLER 9256C2 dynamometer, can accurately measure the drilling forces in the printed circuit board micro drilling process. The micro drilling process can be characterized by drilling force. Meanwhile, drilling force is very sensitive to drill breakage and drilling force can be utilized to detect drill breakage in the micro drilling process.Originality/valueThe paper presents a system for accurately measuring the drilling force. Drilling force provides fundamental information for the optimal design of micro drill bits. Drilling force can also characterize the micro drilling process, especially the ultra small hole micro drilling process.
An innovation in horizontal processing
Authors: Lymn Peter , Bishop Ken 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to detail an innovative new equipment enhancement for use in the horizontal processing of printed circuit boards (PCBs).Design/methodology/approachThe paper describes a non‐contact laminar or streamline flow process chamber. It also describes a transport and guiding method suitable for both thick and thin materials and expands on the mechanics and fluid dynamics that further reduce equipment length and operating cost.FindingsThe new process chamber and its related enhancements result in a faster and more uniform chemical reaction than is obtainable with conventional flood chambers. This enables the equipment to have reduced length and to offer reduced operating costs.Originality/valueThe paper presents a new approach to horizontal processing that can offer reduced equipment footprints and reductions in operating costs.
Printable electronics: towards materials development and device fabrication
Authors: Das Rabindra N. , Lin How T. , Lauffer John M. , Markovich Voya R. 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThere has been increasing interest in the development of printable electronics to meet the growing demand for low‐cost, large‐area, miniaturized, flexible and lightweight devices. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the electronic applications of novel printable materials.Design/methodology/approachThe paper addresses the utilization of polymer nanocomposites as it relates to printable and flexible technology for electronic packaging. Printable technology such as screen‐printing, ink‐jet printing, and microcontact printing provides a fully additive, non‐contacting deposition method that is suitable for flexible production.FindingsA variety of printable nanomaterials for electronic packaging have been developed. This includes nanocapacitors and resistors as embedded passives, nanolaser materials, optical materials, etc. Materials can provide high‐capacitance densities, ranging from 5 to 25 nF/in2, depending on composition, particle size, and film thickness. The electrical properties of capacitors fabricated from BaTiO3‐epoxy nanocomposites showed a stable dielectric constant and low loss over a frequency range from 1 to 1,000 MHz. A variety of printable discrete resistors with different sheet resistances, ranging from ohm to Mohm, processed on large panels (19.5×24 inches) have been fabricated. Low‐resistivity materials, with volume resistivity in the range of 10−4‐10−6 ohm cm, depending on composition, particle size, and loading, can be used as conductive joints for high‐frequency and high‐density interconnect applications. Thermosetting polymers modified with ceramics or organics can produce low k and lower loss dielectrics. Reliability of the materials was ascertained by (Infrared; IR‐reflow), thermal cycling, pressure cooker test (PCT) and solder shock testing. The change in capacitance after 3× IR‐reflow and after 1,000 cycles of deep thermal cycling between −55°C and +125°C was within 5 per cent. Most of the materials in the test vehicle were stable after IR‐reflow, PCT, and solder shock.Research limitations/implicationsThe electronic applications of printable, high‐performance nanocomposite materials such as adhesives (both conductive and non‐conductive), interlayer dielectrics (low‐k, low‐loss dielectrics), embedded passives (capacitors and resistors), and circuits, etc.. are discussed. Also addressed are investigations of printable optically/magnetically active nanocomposite and polymeric materials for fabrication of devices such as inductors, embedded lasers, and optical interconnects.Originality/valueA thin film printable technology was developed to manufacture large‐area microelectronics with embedded passives, Z‐interconnects and optical waveguides, etc. The overall approach lends itself to package miniaturization because multiple materials and devices can be printed in the same layer to increase functionality.
Correction of FPC solder position error based on mutual information entropy
Authors: Huang Jie‐xian , Ye Feng , Dong Zhi‐Jie , Li Di 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the application of advanced computer image processing techniques for solving the problem of solder position error correction for flexible printed circuit (FPC) solder.Design/methodology/approachTo correct position error, image information is defined according to information theory, and the mutual information entropy (MIE) is applied in evaluating the correlation between the images. A reference image is acquired which is used to evaluate the correlation with the inspecting image. The MIE increases as the FPC solder positioning accuracy increases. When the referent and inspecting FPC solders are aligned with the same place, the MIE is at a maximum. According to the principle, a genetic algorithm integrated with MIE as a fitness function is applied to search for the best optimal correction parameters to improve positioning accuracy.FindingsThe method is verified by a simulation and applied to the inspection system. As a result of experiment using four FPC solder samples, it has been demonstrated that the method can correct position errors.Research limitations/implicationsThe method of defective detection is not involved, although that of searching for and locating FPC solder is presented.Originality/valueThe method of correcting position error based on MIE has high flexibility and can help improve positioning accuracy. In particular, it provides a new way to correct position error and can be implemented on any sort of target which is regular or irregular based on image technology.
Organisational factors and teachers' professional development in Dutch secondary schools
Authors: Evers Arnoud T. , van der Heijden Béatrice I.J.M. , Kreijns Karel , Gerrichhauzen John T.G. 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report on a study that investigates the relationship between organisational factors, Teachers' Professional Development (TPD) and occupational expertise.Design/methodology/approachA survey was administered among 152 Dutch teachers in secondary education.FindingsAnalysis of the data revealed that of the organisational factors, in particular, the availability of organisational facilities contributes positively to the amount of TPD (that is, in training programmes, and social networks). Furthermore, participation in social networks appeared to have a positive influence on the development of occupational expertise.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is cross‐sectional (all data have been collected at one point in time), and data have been gathered in one country, i.e. The Netherlands. It would be interesting to examine the proposed model in a longitudinal study, in order to address issues of causality. More research is also needed to explore the extent to which the findings would generalise to other occupational settings and/or to other countries. Owing to the relatively small sample size, a mediation model was not empirically tested. Future research using larger sample sizes is needed in order to test whether participation in learning activities (partially) mediates the relationship between organisational factors and occupational expertise.Practical implicationsIt is important that HRM departments and HRD managers in schools offer organisational facilities for teachers. These facilities should focus not only on the traditional formal training activities, but also on creating opportunities for participation in social networks. This study indicates that, particularly, participation in intra‐ and extra‐organisational social networks enhances occupational expertise. Managers can stimulate participation in these social networks by providing enough social support.Originality/valueAlthough teachers' professional development is increasingly perceived as being important in school settings, until now little empirical research has been available that investigates the relationship between organisational factors, TPD, and occupational expertise.
Organizational training across cultures: variations in practices and attitudes
Authors: Hassi Abderrahman , Storti Giovanna 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a synthesis based on a review of the existing literature with respect to the variations in training practices and attitudes across national cultures.Design/methodology/approachA content analysis technique was adopted with a comparative cross‐cultural management perspective as a backdrop to address the occurrence of differences in practices and attitudes across various national cultures.FindingsMost of the extant literature remains distant from providing a systematic and analytical repertoire on the subject. In efforts to bridge this gap, a synthesis of the literature has been elaborated, identifying a range of variations that have been grouped around the following categories: importance of organizational training; access to organizational training; different types of training provided to employees; actors involved in organizational training; and organizational support for training.Research limitations/implicationsThe heterogeneity of the literature impeded the use of a theoretical training management framework for the present review.Practical implicationsOrganizations operating overseas and HRM/HRD practitioners should consider the complexity of diverse cultural differences, while managing employee training in culturally diverse settings. Nations ought to be aware of training practices abroad to observe trends and changes caused by globalization, as they may influence the shaping of national training practices and regulations. From a theoretical point of view, it is important to undertake conclusive research by further examining training practices and attitudes through the various national cultures with the objective of better circumventing the differences and by highlighting their prominent characteristics and implications.Originality/valueThe present contribution is the first documented synthesis of the literature on the subject.
Establishing a formal cross‐cultural mentoring organization and program
Authors: Kim Sewon , Egan Toby 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to offer potential insight regarding formal cross‐cultural mentoring organization and program development in higher education contexts and beyond, by elaborating regarding the founding and programmatic efforts of an International Student Mentor Association (ISMA) at a large university in North America.Design/methodology/approachThe research approach used was an exploratory case study. Data were collected from various secondary sources. As ex‐post factor reporting, data analysis was also based on memory and experiences recalled by the first author – one of the ISMA founding members.FindingsISMA was distinctive in employing cross‐cultural mentoring. International, cultural components were embedded in the overall organization structure, board and team designs, paired mentor system, mentor and protégé matching, training content, and multilevel mentoring activities. Organization and program flow charts were identified.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research should examine dynamics of cultural dimensions, such as age, gender and other cultural orientations, in the cross‐cultural mentoring relationships and programs.Practical implicationsHuman resource development (HRD) practitioners can use formal cross‐cultural mentoring to facilitate cultural adjustment and exchange as well as psycho‐social and career supports in multinational or multicultural organizations. Employing multilevel mentoring relationships can further social network and capital of an organization and its members.Originality/valueThis is one of the few studies in formal cross‐cultural mentoring organization and program development. Organization establishment process, organization structure, matching system, and program flow charts can be used as a potential guidance for implementation of other cross‐cultural mentoring organizations and programs.
Provision of public service infrastructure – the use of PPPs in the UK and Australia
Authors: Ball Robert 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify key similarities and differences between the approach to employing public‐private partnerships (PPPs) for provision of infrastructure in the UK and Australia.Design/methodology/approachThe paper provides a comparison of published studies together with semi‐structured interviews with academics and state government representatives.FindingsThere are a number of issues on which similar debates are taking place in both countries and which are summarised in the paper. Such issues include the use of the public sector comparators, the process of initiating PPPs, choice of discount rate and differences in costs of capital between conventional procurement and PPPs. There are, however, also significant differences in that there tends to be fewer social projects in Australia which has a strong emphasis on transportation projects. Importantly there is much more discretion about whether to use PPPs in Australia than in the UK.Research limitations/implicationsThere are considerably fewer schemes in Australia.Practical implicationsThe main practical implications are that both countries need to at least reconsider their policies in a number of areas, but particularly the issue of the higher cost of borrowing in PPPs. UK government should consider the advantages of the more flexible approach towards adopting PPPs shown in Australia. This should also mean that the evaluation process will be taken more seriously.Originality/valueThere are a significant number of articles about PPPs in both the UK and Australia. The author has never come across a report of a comparative study. There are important insights that can be gained from such a comparative study.
Towards a theory of collaborative advantage for the sports tourism policy arena
Authors: Devine Adrian , Boyle Emily , Boyd Stephen 
Published: January 2011

PurposeCollaboration is now an important part of public sector management. The purpose of this paper is to examine the factors that have helped shape the relationships between public agencies involved in sports tourism.Design/methodology/approachUsing critical case sampling 54 in‐depth interviews were conducted with public officials in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.FindingsThe authors have produced the “Theory of collaborative advantage in relation to sports tourism”. This model captures the dynamics of collaboration in the sports tourism policy arena. A total of 12 practitioner themes and four cross‐cutting themes were identified and although each theme and the issues and tensions identified within it can affect inter‐organizational relationships in a particular way, the model illustrates how each theme is interlinked and is part of a larger, more complex picture.Research limitations /implicationsLike all empirical research, this paper has its limitations but if the issues that affect collaboration are not identified then they cannot be addressed. Although no two collaborative settings are the same, public sector managers need to be aware of the factors that affect, or may affect, inter‐organizational relationships so that they can pre‐empt problems and maximise the use of resources.Practical implicationsHopefully this paper will, in some way, lead to better planning and management of sports tourism and encourage those involved in sports tourism policy to adapt a collaborative, rather than an isolated, approach.Originality/valueThis study has contributed to knowledge by providing a better understanding of the inter‐relationships in the sports tourism policy arena.
Organisational amnesia: a serious public sector reform issue
Authors: Wettenhall Roger 
Published: January 2011

PurposeHowever well‐intentioned are public sector reform movements, they are often compromised by misunderstandings about meanings and directions and by the organisational amnesia that comes from too rapid change and too little attention to the past. A better appreciation of these problems is needed. This paper aims to address these issues.Design/methodology/approachThe paper combines discussion about factors that inhibit successful outcomes of many reform programmes with examples drawn mostly from the Australian experience.FindingsReform programmes are likely to have better outcomes if they are designed with these possible impediments in view. Similarly theoretical understandings will be safer and sounder if more attention is given to administrative history and more care is taken to reconcile conflicting views.Originality/valueThe paper focuses on issues that have not been given much attention in the literature of public sector reform.