bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How do we explain the capital structure of SMEs in sub‐Saharan Africa?
Authors: Abor Joshua , Biekpe Nicholas 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the determinants of capital structure decisions of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Ghana. The issue is very relevant considering that SMEs have been noted as important contributors to the growth of the Ghanaian economy.Design/methodology/approachRegression model is used to estimate the relationship between the firm level characteristics and capital structure measured by long‐term debt and short‐term debt ratios.FindingsThe results of the study suggest that variables such as firm's age, size, asset structure, profitability, and growth affect the capital structure of Ghanaian SMEs. Short‐term debt is found to represent an important financing source for SMEs in Ghana.Originality/valueThe findings of this study have important implications for policy makers and entrepreneurs of SMEs in Ghana.
Oil prices and competitiveness: time series evidence from six oil‐producing countries
Authors: Jahan‐Parvar Mohammad R. , Mohammadi Hassan 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the potential loss of competitiveness due to higher oil prices through the monetary channel in a group of six oil producing countries.Design/methodology/approachA dynamic time series methodology, Dynamic Simultaneous Equations, is applied to Vector Autoregressive Moving Average model with exogenous variables.FindingsMixed evidence was found of loss of competitiveness due to high oil prices in the sample.Practical implicationsFindings are useful both for academic researchers in international finance or development economics. Policy makers will find the results useful for implementing stabilization or neutralization policies.Originality/valueThe empirical work extends earlier research in several directions including extension to six oil‐producing countries, use of data over the flexible exchange rate period, and a more suitable technique, which estimates the model in a dynamic setting.
Using professional forums to assess historians' e‐resource needs
Authors: Anderson Jill E. 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThis article seeks to suggest that pedagogical forums published in two major professional associations' publications can contribute to the literature on collection for academic historians.Design/methodology/approachThe author surveys the literature on historians' information needs and surveys articles published in the pedagogical forums for what they reveal about historians' use of electronic resources.FindingsThe forums provide useful bibliographic information regarding e‐resources for faculty and collection officers alike; additionally, they provide a useful starting point for discussions of desired learning outcomes, leading to better support for teaching/curricular needs.Research limitations/implicationsFindings are limited to academic historians and are also skewed toward US historians, since more articles on e‐resources appeared in the forum dedicated to US‐historical pedagogy than in the forum encompassing historians of all areas.Practical implicationsSimilar research could be done on pedagogical forums in other academic fields.Originality/valueThis paper examines a field's pedagogical methodology to draw conclusions about collections management for that field.
Collection analysis to enhance funding for research materials
Authors: Culbertson Michael , Wilde Michelle 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the use of the WorldCat Collection Analysis tool and other measurements to analyze the strengths of collections supporting doctoral programs in a Carnegie Class 1 research university in order to enhance budgetary support for these collections.Design/methodology/approachIn 2006 the Colorado State University (CSU) Libraries were asked to assess the library's support of doctoral programs in 12 key discipline areas. Peer institutions were selected and permission was obtained to access relevant statistics from their collection at the Libraries using the Collection Analysis tool, and relevant metrics for analyzing journal holdings. Use of the metrics for analysis of monograph and journal holdings and comparison of holdings between institutions is examined.FindingsThis case study analyzes how results obtained through use of the Collection Analysis tool and measurements of journal holdings were integrated with results from the broader analysis to achieve a valid comparison between strengths of collections. The authors then look at how this analysis was translated into requests for additional funding for access to materials that would support doctoral level research.Originality/valueThis paper shows how currently available tools for collection management can be used to educate a university community about the budgetary requirements of building graduate research level collections and to make a case for increased funding to support these collections.
2008 Poetry Publication Showcase: selected titles
Authors: Romanos Michael 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present an annotated bibliography of the new poetry volumes from the Poet's House 2008 Poetry Showcase.Design/methodology/approachThe titles were selected from the Poet's House 2008 Poetry Showcase as titles that are both challenging and accessible.FindingsThis list provides the librarian and reader with a guide to collection development in poetry.Originality/valueThis is one of the few lists of its kind showcasing contemporary poetry.
Meeting collection development needs in resource poor settings: the University of Zambia Medical Library experience
Authors: Wamunyima Kanyengo Christine 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to take stock of the current state of information resources and approaches used to meet collection development needs at the University of Zambia Medical Library.Design/methodology/approachA case study methodological approach accompanied by a review of the literature, annual reports and official documents was usedFindingsThe findings indicate that the UNZA Medical Library has not had adequate funding since the early 1980s and its collection cannot meet the information needs of its users without the support of other organizations.Practical implicationsDwindling financial resources are a scenario that is common to libraries all over the world but more pronounced in Sub‐Saharan Africa, where libraries have seen major reductions in their funding levels over time. The library has devised alternative strategies, other than funding from the parent institution, for meeting its collection development requirements.Originality/valueLessons learned over time and best practices that can be of use to other libraries that are facing funding problems are highlighted.
How to make a dollar out of fifteen cents: tips for electronic collection development
Authors: Price Apryl C. 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to provide tips for electronic collection development for libraries with a meager budget.Design/methodology/approachThe information provided in this article is based on research on electronic collection development practices and the author's experience with electronic resources at small and large university libraries.FindingsThere are many useful electronic resources available for free because of the open access movement. Old ideas such as consortia and negotiating still help to keep costs at a manageable level for libraries.Practical implicationsLibraries will be able to maintain or reduce the costs they are spending on electronic resources, but still retain sources that fulfill their collection needs.Originality/valueThis paper combines new and old ideas and resources for electronic collection development into a short and easy‐to‐follow source.
Wind ensemble literature in the music library: a core bibliography
Authors: Stock Matt 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThe paper seeks to provide a selective bibliography for librarians responsible for music collections and resources pertaining to the history and literature of the wind ensemble, an area frequently underrepresented in our collections.Design/methodology/approachA range of resources of value to music students and faculty are described to enable librarians and students to make selections appropriate for their needs. The works are divided into two sections: history and literature, and scores.FindingsInformation is provided about each work, including publisher.Originality/valueThis paper offers practical suggestions for librarians responsible for music collections.
Why existing customers are so valuable
Authors: Bishop Derek 
Published: January 2009

PurposeIn the current economic climate, attracting new customers is becoming even more challenging and so businesses should now be looking within their business to understand the behavior of their existing customers.Design/methodology/approachCustomer Service and Outsourcing Specialist Derek Bishop explains why it is crucial to explore the reasons why customers leave organizations and in doing so take their business elsewhere.FindingsThe paper suggests different ways in which to look at an organizations customer service, and in doing so, evaluate an existing customers needs and behavior.Originality/valueThe paper looks at why customers leave organizations, and in fixing these reasons it is likely to cost far less than attracting new customers.
Terahertz imaging: a report on progress
Authors: Bogue Robert 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide details of recent developments in terahertz (THz) imaging technology and its applications.Design/methodology/approachThis paper first discusses the properties, perceived imaging uses and sources of THz radiation. It then describes passive and active imaging systems through reference to commercial products and their applications. Finally, it considers future prospects and key technological developments.FindingsThis paper shows that the commercialisation of passive and active imaging systems has been gradual but uses are emerging in a range of security, material testing and healthcare applications. Market development has been hindered in part by the high cost of systems and certain technological and operational limitations. Research which aims to overcome these problems is widespread and much involves the development of improved sources and detectors.Originality/valueThe paper provides a detailed insight into the present state of THz imaging technology and its applications and identifies and describes critical technological developments.
Driver assistance systems aim to halve traffic accidents
Authors: Connolly Christine 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to reveal how technology is being applied to augment drivers' skills and improve road safety throughout Europe.Design/methodology/approachThe paper begins with a description of the European Commission's car safety initiatives, and why they are necessary. Then three driver‐assistance systems are examined in detail: adaptive cruise control, lane departure and lane‐changing systems, and driver vigilance monitoring.FindingsRadar, lidar, and imaging sensors are being used and sometimes fused to build highly intelligent driver assistance equipment. The response of the system is crucial to its acceptance and success: false alarms or over‐violent actuation would lead to rejection. Neither must the system encourage over‐confidence. It is estimated that drowsiness detection could prevent 30 per cent of fatal motorway crashes.Originality/valueThe paper alerts engineers and drivers to a long‐term Europe‐wide project to develop and deploy driver assistance technologies.
Analysis of microscopic images
Authors: Connolly Christine 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate technologies improving image quality and understanding in life‐science microscopy.Design/methodology/approachThe new technique of high‐content analysis is described, along with the equipment available from various manufacturers. Advances in fluorescence imaging and confocal microscopy are then addressed. The paper concludes by reporting a powerful 3D visualisation package, and equipment for networked viewing of high‐resolution microscopy images.FindingsHigh‐content analysis has developed rapidly in the last four or five years, due largely to improvements in the software interface. Automation and powerful software acquire and manage vast quantities of data, allowing scientists experiment afresh on archived images. Improvements in laser scanning techniques and the emergence of microLED arrays assist microscopy imaging of live cells, whilst techniques giving high‐spectral discrimination improve image understanding.Originality/valueThe paper describes how image‐processing technologies are assisting the work of cell biologists. Stresses the importance of software and hardware design to user uptake, which is relevant for all engineers.
Al alloy weld pool control of welding robot with passive vision
Authors: Kong Meng , Chen Shanben 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe work aimed to control the Al alloy welding penetration through the passive vision for welding robot.Design/methodology/approachFirst a passive vision system was established. The system can capture the Al alloy welding image. Based on the analysis of the characteristic of the welding image, the composite edge detectors were developed to recognize the shape of the weld seam and the weld pool. To realize the automatic control of the Al alloy‐weld process, the relation between the welding parameter and the quality of the weld appearance was established through the random welding experiment. The wire feed was chosen with PID controller adjusting the wire feed rate according to the weld gap variation.FindingsThis paper finds that the passive vision system can be captured the clear weld seam and weld pool image simultaneously. the method of composite edge detectors can be effectively and accurately recognize the weld seam edges. The wire feed rate controller ensured the welding robot to adjust the wire feed rate according to the gap variation.Research limitations/implicationsThis system has been applied to the industrial welding robot production.Originality/valueThe weld seam and weld pool image can be simultaneously captured by the passive vision system. The composite edge detectors have been developed for the passive vision method. The controller has been set up for Al alloy welding process based on the neural network.
Self powered wireless sensors for condition monitoring applications
Authors: Owen Thomas H. , Kestermann Stefan , Torah Russel , Beeby Stephen P. 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the feasibility of using kinetic energy harvesting to power wireless condition monitoring sensors.Design/methodology/approachThe system presented duty cycles its operation depending upon the energy being harvested. The harvested energy is stored on a supercapacitor and the system samples sufficient vibration data to enable an FFT to be performed at the receiver.FindingsThe results of this study show it is perfectly feasible to power practical wireless condition monitoring sensors entirely from the vibrations of the machines being monitored.Originality/valueEnergy harvesting techniques can be used to power wireless sensors in a range of applications. Removing the need for a battery power supply presents obvious environmental benefits and avoids the need to periodically replace batteries.
Embedded system based optical tomography: the concentration profile
Authors: Abdul Rahim Ruzairi , Kok Thiam Chiam , Pusppanathan Jaysuman , Shaan‐Li Susiapan Yvette 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to view the flow concentration of the flowing material in a pipeline conveyor.Design/methodology/approachOptical tomography provides a method to view the cross sectional image of flowing materials in a pipeline conveyor. Important flow information such as flow concentration profile, flow velocity and mass flow rate can be obtained without the need to invade the process vessel. The utilization of powerful computer together with expensive data acquisition system (DAQ) as the processing device in optical tomography systems has always been a norm. However, the advancements in silicon fabrication technology nowadays allow the fabrication of powerful digital signal processors (DSP) at reasonable cost. This allows the technology to be applied in optical tomography system to reduce or even eliminate the need of personal computer and the DAQ. The DSP system was customized to control the data acquisition of 16 × 16 optical sensors (arranged in orthogonal projection) and 23 × 23 optical sensors (arranged in rectilinear projections). The data collected were used to reconstruct the cross sectional image of flowing materials inside the pipeline. In the developed system, the accuracy of the image reconstruction was increased by 12.5 per cent by using new hybrid image reconstruction algorithm.FindingsThe results proved that the data acquisition and image reconstruction algorithm is capable of acquiring accurate data to reconstruct cross sectional images with only little error compared to the expected measurements.Originality/valueThe DSP system was customized to control the data acquisition of 16 × 16 optical sensors (arranged in orthogonal projection) and 23 × 23 optical sensors (arranged in rectilinear projections).
Wireless collection and data fusion method of strain signal in civil engineering structures
Authors: Yu Yan , Ou Jinping 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe a wireless strain sensor system which will allow easier collection of accurate strain signals in civil engineering structures. The sensor system is developed by integrating with resistance strain gauge, and the data fusion method is proposed based on batch estimation theory.Design/methodology/approachThe principle of resistance strain gauge is discussed and the project of wireless acquisition system of strain signal is given. Wireless strain sensor is integrated with modularization method. Based on batch estimation theory, the data fusion method of strain signal is described. The experiment of wireless strain sensor system is finished on a typical concrete beam structure, the measure data processed by using the data fusion method and the arithmetic average value method is compared and analyzed.FindingsThe research result shows that the wireless strain sensor can be installed easily and thus is applied compatibly to local monitoring in civil engineering. The strain signal processed by the data fusion method is more accurate than the one processed by the arithmetic average value method, and thus the proposed data fusion method is fit for processing such slowly‐changing signals as strain.Originality/valueIn this paper, the innovation is shown from two views: one is applying wireless technique to collect strain signals; another is that data fusion with wide application can make measurements more precise and reliable by eliminating uncertain value than using the arithmetic average value method. In general, the developed wireless sensor system and the proposed data fusion method are fit for local monitoring.
Development of colorimetric sensor instrument for quantitative analysis of methyl parathion
Authors: Sharma Amit Kumar , Gaur M.S. , Sharma Pradeep , Tiwari R.K. , Bhadoria Seema 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a sensitive and cost effective colorimetric sensor for detection of methyl parathion (MP) using simple circuitry. A simple and sensitive concept of colorimetric sensor instrument represents a rapidly expanding field of sensor techniques to monitor MP neurotoxins is described within certain conditions of producing color in samples. The variation of intensity of color with concentration provides discrimination between different concentrations of MP. The colorimetric instrument displays well‐defined signals towards hydrolyzed samples of MP.Design/methodology/approachThe principle of light intensity measurement has been applied to measure various concentrations of MP based on Lambert‐Beer theory. This device and its processes are useful for quantitative analysis of MP. The detection limits were found within a range of 0.1‐1.5 ppm.FindingsThe experiments from sophisticated analytical techniques are costly and time‐consuming processes that validate the proposed system.Practical implicationsThis paper's original proposition of using quantification of MP with colorimetric sensor instrument obtained promising results.Originality/valueThe colorimetric sensor instrument provides a new method for quantification of MP in unknown samples within detection limits.
Exploring women's academic careers in cross‐national perspective
Authors: Le Feuvre Nicky 
Published: January 2009

PurposeIn recent years, several countries and/or higher education institutions have adopted equal opportunity policies to promote women's access to the upper levels of the academic career structure. The purpose of this paper is to argue that there is no universal solution to the glass ceiling that women face within academia. Insofar as the feminisation process evolves according to a variety of models, according to national and occupational context, the solutions adopted in one context may prove to be ineffective elsewhere.Design/methodology/approachAnalysis of the different models of occupational feminisation is based on a secondary analysis of the sociological literature on the subject, combined with recent data on women's access to academic positions in France and Germany.FindingsAlthough there are similarities in the structure of the academic labour market across countries and in the rate of feminisation of the most prestigious academic positions, the precise mechanisms through which women gain access to an academic career vary significantly from one national context to another. This cross‐national variation would tend to suggest that there will also be variation when it comes to defining the most effective policy measures for increasing women's access to the upper echelons of the academic hierarchy. Indeed, different models of gender equality in academia may lead to very different results with regard to existing gender relations.Originality/valueThe paper uses the available sociological literature on the feminisation process to examine how different measures adopted to promote women's access to the highest echelons of the academic career structure may have different effects on the reproduction and/or transformation of the dominant sex/gender system.