bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Going beyond journal classification for evaluation of research outputs
Authors: Basu Aparna , Lewison Grant 
Published: January 2007

PurposeSeeks to characterise world astronomy research during the last decade by an analysis of papers in the Science Citation Index identified with a special filter and to study Indian output in order to identify the leading institutions and authors.Design/methodology/approachLists of specialist journals and title words of papers were selected to create a filter giving high precision and recall for astronomy papers. Some biology papers were erroneously retrieved because of ambiguous title words. Potential citation impact was determined from journal citation scores, and multiple regression was used to evaluate leading countries.FindingsTitle words added almost a quarter to the list of papers in specialist journals, and the final file contained over 96,000 papers. Potential impact increased with more authors per paper and more addresses; it was greater for papers from Canada, the UK and the USA, and less for papers from China, India and Russia; for other countries the effects of the author's location on potential impact were not statistically significant. Indian astronomy output has increased in potential impact, partly through greater international co‐authorship, but also through indigenous papers.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was confined to one subject area, and impact was determined on the basis of journals, not of individual papers.Practical implicationsUse of title words in addition to journal lists is essential to sub‐field definition in order to have high precision and recall. Because of the confounding effects of authorship numbers, it is necessary to use multiple regression analysis in order to see whether research from a given country is significantly better or worse than average.Originality/valueCharacterises world astronomy research during the last decade by an analysis of papers in the Science Citation Index identified with a special filter.
Scholarly communication in the digital environment
Authors: Rowlands Ian , Nicholas David 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to make a substantial contribution to the ongoing debate about the potential of open access publishing and institutional repositories to reform the scholarly communication system. It presents the views of senior authors on these issues and contextualises them within the broader framework of their journal publishing behaviour and preferences.Design/methodology/approachA highly representative online opinion survey of more than five and half thousand journals authors, building on an earlier (January 2004) benchmarking study carried out by CIBER.FindingsSenior researchers are rapidly becoming more informed about open access publishing and institutional repositories but are still a long way off reaching a consensus on the likelihood that these new models will challenge the existing order, nor are they in agreement whether this would be a positive or a negative development. Disciplinary culture and, to a less extent, regional location are key determinants of author attitudes and any policy response should avoid “one‐size‐fits‐all” solutions.Research limitations/implicationsThis survey reflects the opinions of senior corresponding authors who have recently published in a “top” (i.e. ISI‐indexed journal) with 95 per cent confidence. The findings should not be generalised to represent the views of all authors in all journals, open access or otherwise.Originality/valueThe journal publishing sector is facing enormous challenges and opportunities as content increasingly migrates to the web. The value of this research is that it provides an objective, non‐partisan, assessment of the attitudes and opinions of more than 5,000 senior researchers, a key stakeholder group, and thus contributes both to the development of public policy as well as more realistic commercial strategies.
Is Google enough? Comparison of an internet search engine with academic library resources
Authors: Brophy Jan , Bawden David 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of the study was to compare an internet search engine, Google, with appropriate library databases and systems, in order to assess the relative value, strengths and weaknesses of the two sorts of system.Design/methodology/approachA case study approach was used, with detailed analysis and failure checking of results. The performance of the two systems was assessed in terms of coverage, unique records, precision, and quality and accessibility of results. A novel form of relevance assessment, based on the work of Saracevic and others was devised.FindingsGoogle is superior for coverage and accessibility. Library systems are superior for quality of results. Precision is similar for both systems. Good coverage requires use of both, as both have many unique items. Improving the skills of the searcher is likely to give better results from the library systems, but not from Google.Research limitations/implicationsOnly four case studies were included. These were limited to the kind of queries likely to be searched by university students. Library resources were limited to those in two UK academic libraries. Only the basic Google web search functionality was used, and only the top ten records examined.Practical implicationsThe results offer guidance for those providing support and training for use of these retrieval systems, and also provide evidence for debates on the “Google phenomenon”.Originality/valueThis is one of the few studies which provide evidence on the relative performance of internet search engines and library databases, and the only one to conduct such in‐depth case studies. The method for the assessment of relevance is novel.
Electronic books: a survey of users in the UK
Authors: Gunter Barrie 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis study provides insights into the early market for e‐books in the UK through survey research with members of a large online panel.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from an online panel established by a leading commercial internet research company. Members of the panel are signalled each week to take part in web surveys. Respondents completed an online questionnaire posted on the company's web site. Questions explored awareness, trialling, purchase and borrowing of e‐books, examining the frequency of such behaviour and types of publications accessed and/or obtained.FindingsA significant proportion of respondents (85 per cent) were aware of e‐books. Among these respondents, around half (49 per cent) had made trial use of them, nearly four in ten (38 per cent) had bought at least one e‐book, and one in seven (13 per cent) had borrowed an e‐book from a library. Technical books and non‐fiction publications related to hobbies and interests were among those most popularly used and bought. The main perceived advantages of e‐books are that they can be obtained more conveniently than going via a bookstore and they are often cheaper than hard copy versions.Research limitations/implicationsThis online survey was dependent on respondent self‐selection. This meant that there was no central control over the return sample profile.Originality/valueThis survey provided an early look at the e‐book market in the UK. Findings indicated the market potential of e‐books given that the equipment needed to read them is regarded neither as too expensive nor too difficult to use. It is clear, however, that early e‐book users regard electronic reading as something to use primarily for reference work than for more extended reading for leisure and entertainment. Most e‐book users (56 per cent) still preferred not to read extended passages of text from a screen. Nonetheless, for dipping in and out of reference works e‐books have the advantage of being easier to search and easier to annotate.
The evolution of goal‐based information modelling: literature review
Authors: Boyd Andrew John 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe first in a series on goal‐based information modelling, this paper presents a literature review of two goal‐based measurement methods. The second article in the series will build on this background to present an overview of some recent case‐based research that shows the applicability of the goal‐based methods for information modelling (as opposed to measurement). The third and concluding article in the series will present a new goal‐based information model – the goal‐based information framework (GbIF) – that is well suited to the task of documenting and evaluating organisational information flow.Design/methodology/approachFollowing a literature review of the goal‐question‐metric (GQM) and goal‐question‐indicator‐measure (GQIM) methods, the paper presents the strengths and weaknesses of goal‐based approaches.FindingsThe literature indicates that the goal‐based methods are both rigorous and adaptable. With over 20 years of use, goal‐based methods have achieved demonstrable and quantifiable results in both practitioner and academic studies. The down side of the methods are the potential expense and the “expansiveness” of goal‐based models. The overheads of managing the goal‐based process, from early negotiations on objectives and goals to maintaining the model (adding new goals, questions and indicators), could make the method unwieldy and expensive for organisations with limited resources. An additional challenge identified in the literature is the narrow focus of “top‐down” (i.e. goal‐based) methods. Since the methods limit the focus to a pre‐defined set of goals and questions, the opportunity for discovery of new information is limited.Research limitations/implicationsMuch of the previous work on goal‐based methodologies has been confined to software measurement contexts in larger organisations with well‐established information gathering processes. Although the next part of the series presents goal‐based methods outside of this native context, and within low maturity organisations, further work needs to be done to understand the applicability of these methods in the information science discipline.Originality/valueThis paper presents an overview of goal‐based methods. The next article in the series will present the method outside the native context of software measurement. With the universality of the method established, information scientists will have a new tool to evaluate and document organisational information flow.
Using information and communication technology with special educational needs students
Authors: Williams Peter 
Published: January 2007

PurposeA research study into the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in a special educational needs (SEN) environment, as part of a larger project to develop a multimedia learning environment for this group. Benefits and barriers of ICT usage in this environment were examined, and attitudes and experiences of SEN teachers were explored. An enquiry into the information and other needs of the teachers formed part of the study, and the working environment was also researched, for contextual information.Design/methodology/approachQualitative depth interviews were undertaken in the working locations of the SEN teachers and assistants.FindingsThe SEN working environment was found to have changed greatly in recent years. There was now a more formal and structured curriculum, and many attempts at activities designed to foster inclusion. Difficulties faced by teachers included a lack of and poorly functioning equipment, a paucity of appropriate learning materials, and unusual challenges posed by the differing needs of learners. The needs of teachers included ways of facilitating evidence of progress, lesson plans classified according to cognitive and accessibility levels, and administrative information. Advantages of using ICT ranged from enhancing the learning experience by offering a more personalised environment, to “liberating pupils” from problems such as physical cutting and pasting.Originality/valueMost literature on using ICT for those with SEN focuses on physical rather than cognitive disabilities. There has been almost no literature on the views or needs of SEN staff, with regard to this topic.
The use and users of scholarly e‐journals: a review of log analysis studies
Authors: Jamali Hamid R. , Nicholas David , Huntington Paul 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo provide a review of the log analysis studies of use and users of scholarly electronic journals.Design/methodology/approachThe advantages and limitations of log analysis are described and then past studies of e‐journals' use and users that applied this methodology are critiqued. The results of these studies will be very briefly compared with some survey studies. Those aspects of online journals' use and users studies that log analysis can investigate well and those aspects that log analysis can not disclose enough information about are highlighted.FindingsThe review indicates that although there is a debate about reliability of the results of log analysis, this methodology has great potential for studying online journals' use and their users' information seeking behaviour.Originality/valueThis paper highlights the strengths and weaknesses of log analysis for studying digital journals and raises a couple of questions to be investigated by further studies.
Research in the Department of Information Studies, University of Wales Aberystwyth: an overview
Authors: Ellis David , Urquhart Christine 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of research in the Department of Information Studies at the University of Wales Aberystwyth and an introduction to the papers in the special issue.Design/methodology/approachA narrative review of the previous research activities and contemporary research environment of the Department of Information Studies.FindingsThere is more to be learnt about the future of the research assessment exercise, whether it is moving to a metrics‐based system, or whether the system will look more favourably on departments that attract a range of research funding.Originality/valueIdentifies how changes in the scope of research activities in a department reflect changes in research funding and structures for the information sector, as well as changes in staff interests.
Preserving the cultural heritage
Authors: Spence Jaqueline 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to assess the Open Archival Information System (OAIS) model from the perspective of small organisations and to offer a tentative methodology for the provision of a standard framework to serve the movement and preservation of digital materials and associated metadata between organisations, maintaining OAIS compliance throughout.Design/methodology/approachStructured analysis of the INGEST function, moving through three scenario‐based transfers of digital materials, using Lavoie's economic models for digital preservation to demonstrate the relevance of the function and sub‐functions.FindingsProvides a conceptual example of how the OAIS model can be used in a multiple transfer context, working through three scenarios for one function of the standard. Describes how the research will be carried forward to complete the analytical framework and test with a real digital deposit.Practical implicationsProvides a means by which small organisations can begin to consider the preservation of their digital assets and assess their position in relation to the OAIS model.Originality/valueThis paper addresses the difficulties of practical implementation of the OAIS model and suggests a way forward for achieving seamless transfer of digital records that can be used by both small donor organisations and larger receiving institutions.
Users' experiences of the People's Network workstations in Conwy Public Libraries
Authors: Roberts Ruth , Evans Geraint 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to explore usage of the People's Network in Conwy Public Libraries in Wales, concentrating on the motivation for use and users' reaction to general and specific issues related to the People's Network and the library environment.Design/methodology/approachA mixture of qualitative and quantitative methods were used to build up a rounded picture of levels of usage as well as the subjective experience of the user. The prime instrument for data gathering was a self‐completion questionnaire distributed to 82 users.FindingsIndicates that usage levels have increased and at times, demand is high. Data gathered as a base for the investigation shows that the computers are being used legitimately and purposefully. Although reactions to the People's Network are overwhelmingly positive, disadvantages such as disruption, lack of privacy, technical problems and having to wait for computers are identified.Practical implicationsA useful exercise in measuring the reaction to the People's Network in one library authority, complementing similar studies in other public library authorities.Originality/valueThis paper offers methods for evaluating user reaction to service development and highlights problems and solutions to the introduction of the People's Network in one library authority in Wales.
Use of library and information science journals by Master's students in their dissertations
Authors: Tedd Lucy A. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to report on research undertaken into the use made of library and information science (LIS) journals in dissertations written by students undertaking the Master's course in Information and Library Studies at the University of Wales Aberystwyth.Design/methodology/approachAnalysis of the citations of 100 (post 2000) dissertations submitted gives an indication of the range of material used in dissertations. In addition, responses to questionnaires from students provide information about how relevant papers are found from LIS journals.FindingsJournals with a practical bias were cited more than research‐oriented journals. Lists of the most “popular” journal titles are included.Originality/valueThe research provides a “snapshot” of the use made of LIS journals by Master's students in their dissertations.
Monitoring of gas pipelines – a civil UAV application
Authors: Hausamann Dieter , Zirnig Werner , Schreier Gunter , Strobl Peter 
Published: January 2007

PurposeIt is in the interest of any gas company to maintain the value of its pipelines and to protect them effectively against damage caused by third parties. Aims to address this issue.Design/methodology/approachAs a result of global progress in high‐resolution remote sensing and image processing technology, it is now possible to design natural gas pipeline monitoring systems with remote sensors and context‐oriented image processing software.FindingsRecent developments in UAV technology show that UAVs provide the appropriate platforms for a remote sensing‐based inspection system: appropriate small and medium size UAV have been developed, their operation is technically feasible in an controlled as well as in uncontrolled airspace.Research limitations/implicationsThe data and information processing system still has to be developed to an operational standard. A total operational system consisting of UAV platform, sensors, data processing and alarm detection has to be demonstrated in a complete mission. The certification and operation standards for a safe and efficient operation of UAVs do not yet exist.Originality/valueTwo different scenarios for a UAV‐based gas pipeline monitoring system are discussed.
Design challenges associated with development of a new generation UAV
Authors: Goraj Zdobysław 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo provide an overview of design activity undertaken within the CAPECON Project supported by European Commission and devoted to development of HALE UAV being proposed for long endurance flights.Design/methodology/approachSelected research methods devoted mainly to the improvement of dynamic stability of unmanned aerial vehicles have been described and their application into design optimisation are shown. The main goal of this research was to improve an economic effectiveness, safety and a modular arrangement of on‐board systems, especially with respect to sensors being easy replaceable for different missions.FindingsThe research and design process included an aerodynamic optimisation of swept wing, stability analysis, weight balance, some on‐board redundant systems, reliability and maintability analysis, safety improvement, cost and performance optimisation. A number of design iterations were performed to achieve the required aircraft performances and characteristics. This iteration number was relatively moderate (four cycles only) due to employing a modern software and the essential role of theoretical analysis performed parallel to the design and redesign process.Research limitations/implicationsAnalysis and design methodology is limited to surveillance, high altitude long endurance platforms, where the design objectives are high reliability, safety and low cost of production and operation.Practical implicationsA very useful source of design information and patterns to follow, especially for engineering students and engineers dealing with unmanned aviation.Originality/valueThis paper offers practical help for designers being involved with an unmanned platform to be well optimised for high altitude long endurance mission, giving a lot of practical information about many aspects of longitudinal and lateral stability of Blended Wing Body configuration, on‐board sensors and systems integrated with loading structure.
Observation of induction motor parameters
Authors: Bahi Tahar , Rais Toufik , Eddine Debbache Nasr 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to present an observer application for a squirrel cage induction motor, which is a complex non‐linear system with parameter variations.Design/methodology/approachProposes a non‐linear observer with a great profit to follow up in real time the flux and rotor resistance of a squirrel cage induction motor.FindingsThe robustness of induction motors encourages their use in the industry. But, to assure a reliable working and to detect probable breakdowns, it is necessary to control some important parameters in real time. The Park model of induction motors is non‐linear. The results of the different simulations are presented in order to evaluate the performance of the proposed method.Originality/valueProvides information on an effective industrial application.
Maneuvers and vibration suppression of flexible spacecraft with input nonlinearities
Authors: Hu Qinglei , Ma Guangfu 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo provide an approach to vibration reduction of flexible spacecraft which operates in the presence of various disturbances, model uncertainty and control input non‐linearities during attitude control for spacecraft designers, which can help them analyze and design the attitude control system.Design/methodology/approachThe new approach integrates the technique of active vibration suppression and the method of variable structure control. The design process is twofold: first design of the active vibration controller by using piezoelectric materials to add damping to the structures in certain critical modes in the inner feedback loop, and then a second feedback loop designed using the variable structure output feedback control (VSOFC) to slew the spacecraft and satisfy the pointing requirements.FindingsNumerical simulations for the flexible spacecraft show that the precise attitude control and vibration suppression can be accomplished using the derived vibration attenuator and attitude control controller.Research limitations/implicationsStudies on how to control the flywheel (motor) under the action of the friction are left for future work.Practical implicationsAn effective method is proposed for the spacecraft engineers planning to design attitude control system for actively suppressing the vibration and at the same time quickly and precisely responding to the attitude control command.Originality/valueThis paper fulfills a useful source of theoretical analysis for the attitude control system design and offers practical help for the spacecraft designers.