bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evolution of a wiring concept – 30 years of flex‐rigid circuit board production
Authors: Wille Markus 
Published: July 2006

PurposeSeeks to answer the question: have the reasons for using flex‐rigid circuit boards changed through the years?Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents the development of flex‐rigid circuit board construction techniques from the first applications to the current status of a modern interconnection system. The paper discusses that it was the military and avionic industry that in the past required an interconnection technique that was reliable under environmental stress but compact and lightweight. Today it is the automotive and communication industry that is driving the development of printed circuit board technology.FindingsFinds that wiring and interconnection must be cheap, reliable, light in weight, and must fit into very small housings. The demand for complex interconnection solutions like the flex‐rigid circuit technique is rising with the increased level of integration of more functions into electronic devices. The reasons for using flex‐rigid circuitries are nearly still the same as in the beginning.Originality/valueShows how the flex‐rigid circuit board technology has developed during the last 30 years.
Occupational exposure and environmental emissions related to nickel plating: a sample of the UK nickel plating sector
Authors: Ghyoot Wouter , Green Rebecca , Fisher Bryan 
Published: July 2006

PurposeMetallic nickel and four nickel compounds are undergoing a risk assessment in the European Union. The outcomes of this risk assessment may be used for a revision of existing or introduction of new occupational exposure limits (OELs) and environmental quality standards (EQS). This study aimed at determining the impact on the nickel plating industry of reduced nickel OELs and EQS, these should be proposed in the future.Design/methodology/approachSeven companies involved in nickel plating were visited. These companies were selected to provide a reasonable cross‐section of the UK nickel plating industry.FindingsConcerning occupational exposure it would appear that most companies could comply with a reduced maximum exposure limit (MEL) for soluble nickel of 0.05 mg Ni/m3. There is a need to be better informed on the state‐of‐the‐art monitoring methods for airborne nickel species in the workplace. Companies need to be encouraged to start measuring their workplace exposure levels to build up a realistic database. This can be of value when discussing new proposals for exposure limits. In relation to environmental emissions it was concluded that discharge of residues to landfill sites is becoming more difficult. For emissions to water all companies met their consent limit although a reduction in consent limits would place a burden on many companies. Atmospheric nickel emissions from extraction systems appeared to be of minor importance.Originality/valueThe value of the paper lies in the collection of data during site visits, the cross‐section of nickel plating industry studied and the identification of further needs. All data and information presented in this study were collected during site visits and discussions with the operators and managers involved. The 16 companies visited provided a reasonable cross‐section of the UK nickel plating industry which is demonstrated with a discussion of the process information. The paper clearly identifies the areas where further actions are needed.
A variant of conductive filament formation failures in PWBs with 3 and 4 mil spacings
Authors: Rogers Keith L. , Pecht Michael G. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo show how the use of conductor spacings below 4 mil in printed wiring boards (PWBs) can introduce an unanticipated failure mechanism, leading to current leakage and short circuit failure.Design/methodology/approachThe tests in this study were conducted in accordance with IPC‐TM‐650 2.6.25, using boards designed with conductor spacings between plated through holes (PTHs) ranging from 6 to 3 mil and from 8 to 3 mil between PTHs and ground planes. The board types and conductor spacings were selected to include current and future printed circuit board fabrication technology.FindingsFor PWBs that may be used in harsh environments where the relative humidity and temperature may approach those of the test environments, even for relatively short periods of time, spacings of 4 mil or less in the materials tested may not be appropriate. However, it is unlikely that the 85°C and 85 percent RH conditions are the minimum conditions to induce this failure mechanism. More tests at lower temperatures and relative humidity combinations should be conducted to evaluate conditions at which this type of failure begins.Originality/valueThe value of the paper lies in that the tests show that the IPC industry standard for conductive filament formation (CFF) testing of PTH‐PTH conductor spacings of 4 mil or less, at 85°C/85 percent RH can introduce a CFF variant failure mechanism, and therefore, may need to be modified to ensure that the test conditions accelerate the CFF mechanism and not other low resistance paths.
Making printed circuit boards (PCBs) using an LPKF plotter
Authors: He D.F. , Itozaki H. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo present the steps for creating printed circuit boards (PCBs) using Protel and an LPKF plotter.Design/methodology/approachThe LPKF ProtoMat C20 plotter and three kinds of software (Protel99se, CircuitCam, BoardMaster) were used to rapidly produce PCBs.FindingsSmall quantities of PCBs can be created in the laboratory using a mechanical plotter, giving a fast method that generates no chemical pollution.Originality/valueThe paper highlights the file formats and steps needed to produce PCBs using an LPKF plotter.
Funding and managing agricultural research in a developing country
Authors: Omuru E. , Kingwell R. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo illustrate problems a developing country faces in generating and managing agricultural R&D funds and to portray some practical solutions to these problems.Design/methodology/approachA case study of cocoa and coconut R&D in Papua New Guinea is used to illustrate the problems and solutions associated with funding and managing agricultural R&D in a developing country context.FindingsSeveral problems associated with donor funding, unreliability of funding and corruption are outlined. Solutions to these problems include fund diversification, commercial activity by the R&D provider to generate their own source of R&D funds, changes to national legislation to provide greater security of national funding for agricultural R&D and introduction of some performance‐based incentives for scientists.Research limitations/implicationsBeing a case study limits the ease of generalizing its findings.Practical implicationsThe issues of generating R&D funds and their governance are widespread problems in developing countries. This study shows some practical solutions to these problems.Originality/valueThis paper offers some practical solutions and insights about improved management of agricultural R&D funds in a developing country. Its findings have possible relevance for many other developing countries.
Conscience as a deterrent to free riding
Authors: Eisenhauer Joseph G. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is threefold: conceptually, to demonstrate that ethical behavior is rational; theoretically, to illustrate that conscience can be readily incorporated into an expected utility framework; and empirically, to investigate whether conscience is an effective and economically important deterrent to free riding.Design/methodology/approachAn analogy to risk aversion demonstrates the rationality of ethical behavior. An expected utility model of tax evasion is then augmented by a conscience parameter and calibrated using recent empirical data from a transition economy.FindingsTaxpayers in Moldova are estimated to have engaged in roughly 10‐33 percent as much tax evasion as predicted by a model of amoral preferences. The difference amounts to between $11 million and $19.6 million in government revenues annually between 1997 and 2000.Research limitations/implicationsThe model is calibrated with aggregate data and consequently the empirical results are approximate. Replications with disaggregated data sets would provide useful confirmation of the findings.Practical implicationsEconomic models of individual decision‐making which assume amorality and ignore conscience vastly overestimate the level of free riding. In practice, compliance with taxation and other social regulation may be amenable to moral suasion as well as law enforcement.Originality/valueContrary to the predominant neoclassical paradigm of amoral self‐interest, this paper highlights the importance of ethical preferences in modeling and measuring economic behavior. Researchers can more accurately predict and policymakers can more effectively influence individual decision‐making by taking account of moral sentiments.
Factors that influence choice of major: why some students never consider economics
Authors: Noble Calkins Lindsay , Welki Andrew 
Published: July 2006

PurposeIn the fall of 1996, Walstad suggested that the economics profession needed to obtain the students' perspective on the choice of major. The purpose of this paper is to examine the factors that influence the choice of major.Design/methodology/approachTo recruit majors and to address Walstad's concern, economics and non‐economics majors were surveyed to determine which factors they consider important when choosing a major and to better understand why some students never consider economics.FindingsThe results suggest that interest in the subject, expected marketability, performance in major classes, and the approachability and teaching reputation of the faculty are influential to the choice of major.Originality/valueThe results may help the profession address enrollment issues, including the disproportionate number of women in the major.
Circulation economics – a turn towards sustainability
Authors: Ingebrigtsen Stig , Jakobsen Ove 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis paper is an attempt to advance the critical discussion regarding environmental and societal responsibility in economics and business.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents and discusses as a holistic, organic perspective enabling innovative solutions to challenges concerning the responsible and efficient use of natural resources and the constructive interplay with culture. To reach the goal of sustainable development, the paper argues that it is necessary to make changes in several dimensions in mainstream economics. This change of perspective is called a turn towards sustainability. To illustrate the theoretical discussion, the paper gives some practical examples from the reprocessing industry in Norway.FindingsThe paper finds, first, effective and efficient use of natural resources is necessary to implement circular value chains. Second, sustainable development presupposes a perspective integrating economic, natural and cultural values. Third, to organize the interplay between all stakeholders we introduce an arena for communicative cooperation.Originality/valueThe paper concludes that circulation economics presupposes a change in paradigm, from a mechanistic to an organic world view.
Is child labour a substitute for adult labour?
Authors: Bhukuth Augendra , Ballet Jérôme 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to highlight that child labour is complementary to adult labour in the brick kiln industry.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents a case study of bonded labourers in the brick kiln industry of Southeast India.FindingsThe paper finds that child labour is used by parents in the moulding process in order to avoid falling into debt bondage. In this industry, brick making is organized as a home‐based enterprise. Thus, child labour increases the family productivity and consequently its income. In case of a ban on child labour bonded parents will be worse‐off. NGOs can play an essential role by preventing families from falling into bondage and by improving their living standards.Originality/valueThe results may help the NGOs address child labour issues in the developing world.
Stock market crises and portfolio diversification in Central and Eastern Europe
Authors: Patev Plamen , Kanaryan Nigokhos , Lyroudi Katerina 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo investigate the Central and Eastern European (CEE) equity market co‐movements before, during and after major emerging market crises. To examine the impact of the crisis on the gains of international portfolio diversification in CEE.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on the concept of co‐integration. The daily US dollar returns are analyzed for the period August 28, 1996 to August 2, 2001. The whole period is split into three sample periods. The first one is the pre‐crisis period from August 28, 1996 to May 30, 1997. The crisis period is from June 2, 1997 to January 31, 1999. The third period is the post‐crisis from February 1, 1999 to August 31, 2001.FindingsIndicates no long‐run relationship between the US and the four Central European stock markets. Demonstrates a feedback effect and causality in one direction during and after the crisis period. Confirms a decrease of portfolio benefits in the crisis period and an increase of portfolio benefits in the post‐crisis period.Research limitations/implicationsIt is based on econometrics tests that quantify market integration and measure opportunities for international portfolio diversification. Employment of asset pricing models is viewed as a future research.Practical implicationsA very useful source of information for investors in Central and Eastern Europe.Originality/valueOne of the first papers investigated the benefits from portfolio investments in Central and Eastern Europe stock markets during financial crises.
Stock returns behavior during holiday periods: evidence from six countries
Authors: Picou Armand 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe study is a test for the existence of an international stock market anomaly.Design/methodology/approachTo test for holiday anomalies over a ten year period, the study examines six major international indices using dummy variable regressions with continuous data and simple regression analysis with discrete data points.FindingsEvidence is presented both for the existence of an ex‐post holiday anomaly for all exchanges tested and for the international effect of the ex‐post holiday reaction on other exchanges. The results differ from all prior holiday anomaly studies in finding a significant holiday reaction following, not preceding, the holiday.Practical implicationsFuture holiday periods may be used to capture profits from closed markets.Orginality/valueThe findings are of value to international portfolio managers and investors.
The early performance of American depository receipts listed on the New York Stock Exchange
Authors: Schaub Mark , Uma Rao S.P. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis study examines the initial two‐week excess performance relative to the S&P 500 Index of American Depository Receipts (ADRs) listed on the New York Stock Exchange from January 1987 to September 2001 to determine whether short‐term wealth effects exist.Design/methodology/approachStandard intial public offering methodology is used to test for significant excess performance.FindingsResults for the entire sample of 281 ADRs suggest the initial excess performance was not significant. However, after segmenting the sample, emerging market ADRs significantly outperformed the S&P 500 by over three per cent while developed market ADRs underperformed by 0.92 per cent. Also, Latin American ADRs outperformed the market index by nearly five per cent during the first two weeks after issue while European ADRs underperformed the market by nearly one per cent. Asia Pacific ADRs underperformed the S&P 500, but not significantly in the early trading.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings suggest emerging market ADRs, particularly those from the Latin American region, perform well in the early trading while developed market ADRs do not. Future research may identify variables that affect or explain ADR excess returns.Originality/valueThe paper provides insights into the types of ADRs that accumulate wealth in the short term investment horizon.
Dividend smoothing vs dividend signalling: evidence from UK firms
Authors: Goddard John , McMillan David G. , Wilson John O.S. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeWe test for the validity of the smoothing and signalling hypotheses of dividend determination.Design/methodology/approachUsing a VAR framework we examine the dynamic behaviour of share prices, dividends and earnings for 137 UK manufacturing and service companies, observed over the period 1970‐2003.FindingsThere is strong evidence of a contemporaneous relationship between prices, dividends and earnings, and little evidence of independence between these variables. Some evidence in favour of both the smoothing and the signalling hypothesis is obtained from causality tests, with perhaps more support for the latter hypothesis. However, there is considerable diversity in the causal relationships between prices, dividends and earnings.Research limitations/implicationsNo single hypothesis regarding the determination of dividends, and the predictive power of dividends for earnings and prices appears to dominate.Originality/valueThe results presented here are of interest to markets agents in that while they suggest there is no single transition mechanism linking prices, dividends and earnings, nevertheless these three variables are strongly correlated and exhibit varying degrees of causality.
A temporal analysis of non‐executive director appointments to UK firms: 1990‐2000
Authors: Hamill Philip A. , McGregor Pat , Rasaratnam Symaralah 
Published: July 2006

PurposeWhile existing UK studies conduct a cross‐sectional analysis, this paper seeks to argue that the ratio of Executive Directors to non‐executive director (NED) on the boards of UK firms, coupled with a gradual appointment process, motivated by firms’ desire to comply with the recommendations of the Cadbury report, has the potential to produce a temporal effect.Design/methodology/approachData for this study were collected from January 1990 to May 2000.FindingsThe empirical analysis suggests that a temporal pattern does exist. Two distinct periods were identified. In the initial period, prior to March 1998 the market viewed NED appointments favourably. After March 1998 NED appointments were no longer significant economic events. Overall, it appears that the market viewed the appointment of NEDs to the boards of FTSE 350 firms favourably; suggesting that such appointees were viewed as a significant input by firms as they attempted to achieve an optimal corporate governance mix.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the small body of literature on the market's perception of the value of non‐executive, outside, director appointments to FTSE‐350 firms from 1990 to 2000.
Senior public librarians looking to the future
Authors: Mullins John , Linehan Margaret 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore senior public librarians' views on medium‐term and long‐term plans for the provision of library services. The paper also aims to extend work in the literature of public librarianship studies, which up to recently has largely been an under‐researched area.Design/methodology/approachA total of 30 in‐depth interviews were conducted with senior public librarians in Ireland, the UK and the USA. A semi‐structured interview format was used, and the grounded theory approach was used to analyse the data.FindingsHalf of the contributors to the current study articulated that their five‐year vision would include the maintenance and development of the core services in which they were already engaged together with introducing innovative expansion of services. Of the respondents, 90 per cent expressed optimism for the survival of public library services through the middle of the twenty‐first century.Practical implicationsThe librarians repeatedly made the case that they are very different from managers in the private sector and from other public sector managers. They believe that they are managers of institutions that are fundamentally making a difference to the lives of people. They also believe that they and their libraries are major catalysts of change in the social environments.Originality/valueBy locating this study in a transnational context, the study contributes in an innovative way to an under‐researched topic. The primary domain to which this study contributes is librarianship. Within the domain of librarianship, the specific focus is on senior management, addressing an acknowledged gap in that field, as the literature on librarianship has traditionally shown very little attention to management within librarianship.
Provision of research methods teaching in UK LIS departments
Authors: Morris Anne 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo review the provision of research methods teaching across UK institutions teaching accredited information and/or library science postgraduate programmes.Design/methodology/approachContent analysis of institutional web sites was undertaken followed by telephone interviews with research method tutors. Information was obtained on what, how and when research methods are taught, the type of coursework expected, the usage of virtual learning environments and discussion boards, the key texts, electronic sources, other teaching materials recommended to students and the emphasis placed on quantitative versus qualitative methods.FindingsAll institutions in the UK teach research methods on LIS‐accredited programmes. Research methods modules have different weighting, are taught in various formats, short and fat, long and thin, and cover a variety of topics. Some tutors place more emphasis on qualitative techniques than qualitative methods, while for others it is the other way around. Most stress the practical side of doing research. The use of virtual learning environments and discussion boards feature prominently in some institutions for the teaching of research methods.Research implicationsThis research will provide impetus for some institutions to modify their research methods teaching provision.Originality/valueThe sharing of knowledge and innovative teaching practices for research methods.
Bringing users back to the library: a case history
Authors: Gust Kara J. , Haka Clifford H. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo provide a description of renovation and promotional efforts applied by the Michigan State University Libraries during the 1990s in an attempt to bring users back into the physical library.Design/methodology/approachA number of specific steps taken by the Michigan State University Libraries to reorient and refurbish the first floor of its main library are described in detail and supported with evidence from other studies and library renovation projects. Each section focuses on a different aspect of the renovation: relocating reference, adding a café, adding new carpeting and furnishings, expanding library hours, providing alternatives for coming to the library, and greatly increasing computer technology.FindingsProvides information about each step taken in the renovation project, along with considerations for taking each action. Recognizes that these actions may not ultimately alone result in increased patron usage of the library's physical location, but have increased patron activity and numbers in the MSU main library and have made it a more welcoming environment.Practical implicationsProvides very useful information for university library administrators who may be facing the challenges of declining library usage and looking for ways to encourage users back into the library through renovation or promotional means.Originality/valueThis paper fulfills a need for practical solutions to administrators of large university libraries looking to make building improvements to increase both the usage and aesthetics of their library's physical space.