bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Studies on high temperature corrosion reactions involving metal oxides and sodium sulfate
Authors: Mobin M. , Hasan S.K. 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present the results of studies on the reaction of metal oxides such as Cr2O3 and Al2O3 with Na2SO4 in flowing SO2 (g) at 1,100 and 1,200 K.Design/methodology/approachThe oxides chosen for the studies were initial scaling products during the oxidation of industrial alloys and invariably are involved in hot‐corrosion reactions in the presence of molten salts. The thermo‐gravimetric studies for the system were carried out as a function of Na2SO4 in the mixture. The different constituents in the reaction products were identified by XRD analysis and morphologies of the reaction products were discussed on the basis of optical metallography and scanning electron microscopic studies. The pH and conductivity of the aqueous solutions of reaction products were measured and an attempt made to functionalize these parameters with Na2SO4 concentration in the mixture. Quantitative estimation of the soluble metal was carried out using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The formation of products was investigated by thermodynamic computation of free energies of the reactions and the study of relevant phase stability diagrams.FindingsLooking at the complex nature of the reactions, it is difficult to generalize the conductance studies, as many complex species are liable to hydrolyze in the aqueous solution. However, the break in few curves at certain mole fraction of Na2SO4 indicates the presence of soluble complex species.Originality/valueThe paper provides information regarding the reaction between a pertinent oxide and Na2SO4 and proper identification of reaction products, useful for understanding the occurrence and importance of fluxing reactions and in the interpretation of hot corrosion mechanism and the development of new protective materials.
The effect of acetic acid and acetate on CO2 corrosion of carbon steel
Authors: Liu Dong , Chen ZhenYu , Guo XingPeng 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to consider the effect of acetic acid and acetate on the anodic and cathodic reactions of carbon steel present in CO2 corrosion.Design/methodology/approachThe corrosion behaviour of carbon steel (N80) in CO2‐saturated 1% NaCl solution at 50°C and 0.1 MPa was investigated by using weight‐loss tests, electrochemical methods (polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy) and surface analysis (scanning electron microscopy).FindingsThe results indicated that: both HAc and Ac− significantly increased the corrosion rate of carbon steel, and the surface chemical reactions of cathodic reduction were enhanced in the presence of HAc and Ac−. Because adsorbed HAc could be reduced directly in the presence of Ac−, the corrosion rate increased, even though the pH of the solution increased. Ac− played an important role in the anodic dissolution processes, which mainly affects the formation/adsorption of intermediates, and acts to form more soluble corrosion products.Originality/valueThe results of this work clarify the role of acetic acid or acetate in the anodic and cathodic reactions of CO2 corrosion.
Building collaborative agri‐food supply chains
Authors: Leat Philip , Revoredo‐Giha Cesar 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the attitudes and experiences of Scottish farmers in marketing their beef and sheep, and the nature of their marketing relationships. As such, it seeks to identify the challenges that the recently revised Forward Strategy for Scottish Agriculture may face with respect to the wider establishment of collaborative supply chains and the strengthening of links between beef and sheep farmers and other parts of the meat supply chain.Design/methodology/approachThe approach involved a postal survey of beef and sheep producers throughout Scotland, with a sample which was representative in terms of regional and farm size distribution. In total 1,778 questionnaires were mailed, with a response rate of 34 per cent (n=611). In addition, interviews were held with major meat processors and retailers in order to provide a “reality check” for the information from the survey.FindingsThe results from the survey show that there are low levels of customer awareness amongst farmers in the red meat chain, and low levels of trust of other chain participants, particularly in relation to price.Originality/valueThe wisdom of developing collaborative supply chains is widely acknowledged throughout the European Union (EU), but such moves need an understanding of the attitudes and circumstances of the various supply chain participants. This paper is of value to practitioners (government, consultants and academia) as it highlights empirical issues that may hamper the development of collaborative supply chains.
The value of guanxi for small vegetable farmers in China
Authors: Lu Hualiang , Trienekens Jacques H. , Omta S.W.F. (Onno) , Feng Shuyi 
Published: May 2008

PurposeFollowing a guanxi value – buyer‐seller relationship quality – marketing behaviour scheme, this paper aims to explore how traditional guanxi supports small vegetable farmers in modern markets in China.Design/methodology/approachFieldwork was performed in Jiangsu Province, PR China. A stratified random sample of 167 vegetable farmers provided data for empirical testing with partial least squares analysis.FindingsThe findings suggested that the value of guanxi networks is an antecedent to buyer‐seller relationship quality and marketing behaviour in China. Guanxi networks improve the quality of buyer‐seller relationships in terms of interpersonal trust and satisfaction. Buyer‐seller relationships influence smallholders' transaction relationships, their participation in modern markets and choice for formal contracts. Guanxi networks not only support Chinese small‐scale vegetable farmers to get access to modern high‐value markets (e.g. supermarkets and international markets), but also encourage informal transactions in the vegetable business.Practical implicationsGuanxi networks play a critical role in the modern marketing environment in China. Marketing strategies based on personal relationships should be further enhanced in order to increase participation of smallholders in modern markets.Originality/valueQuantitative evaluation of the effects of the Chinese cultural embedded concept of guanxi in the Chinese agrifood sector fills in an important research gap.
Cottesbrook's New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc wine to Tesco
Authors: Tipples Rupert 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this case study is to explore how a relatively economically insignificant business can gain and maintain access to a major supermarket chain on the other side of the globe in a world oversupplied with fine wines.Design/methodology/approachBased on the approach to case studies recommended by Lyons (2005), this case study is built on semi‐structured interviews with key informants, previous experience, observations, documentary and web resources, combined in a process of triangulation to ensure reliability and content validity.FindingsThe nature of the problems facing a small wine producer are described, followed by an account of how access to Tesco was achieved and maintained. Personnel with previous Tesco contact were found to be vital to gaining access. Providing exactly what the supermarket wanted, when it wanted it and with reliability to continue supply over time were found to be critical as was the role of the channel coordinator. Supplier/supermarket loyalty was able to survive opposition. Maintaining good relationships in the supply chain was supported at all levels by active participation of the supplier's principals, in all stages of the chain, both personally and in developing solutions to the supermarket's problems.Originality/valueThe case study describes the first successful export of wine from New Zealand to Britain for sale in Bag‐in‐Box containers and how this is far more efficient in “food miles”.
Trust and governance of global value chains
Authors: Marques Vieira Luciana , Traill W. Bruce 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to offer an exploratory case study comparing one Brazilian beef processor's relationships supplying two different distribution channels, an EU importer and an EU retail chain operating in Brazil.Design/methodology/approachThe paper begins with a short review of global value chains and the recent literature on trust. It gives the background to the Brazilian beef chain and presents data obtained through in‐depth interviews, annual reports and direct observation with the Brazilian beef processor, the EU importer and the retailer. The interviews were conducted with individual firms, but the analysis places them in a chain context, identifying the links and relationships between the agents of the chains and aiming to describe each distribution channel.FindingsExecutive chain governance exercised by the domestic retailer stimulates technical upgrading and transferring of best practices to local suppliers. Consequently, this kind of relationship results in more trust within the global value chain.Practical implicationsThere are difficulties and challenges facing this Brazilian beef processor that are party related to the need to comply with increasingly complex and demanding food safety and food quality standards. There is still a gap between practices adopted for the export market and practices adopted locally. The strategies of transnational retailers in offering differentiated beef should be taken in account.Originality/valueThe research outlines an interdisciplinary framework able to explain chain relationships and the kind of trust that emerges in relationships between EU importer/retail and a developing country supplier.
Dynamics of the retail driven higher end spot market in fresh food
Authors: Mondelaers Koen , Van Huylenbroeck Guido 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to exemplify, by means of a Belgian case study, the transition of multiple certification schemes currently employed in the food sector towards a single retail driven higher end spot market.Design/methodology/approachData were obtained by means of focus group sessions, a survey, in depth interviews and a literature review. The theoretical framework builds upon institutional economics, the competitive forces as identified by Porter, and the theory of system innovations. The article illustrates the current institutional setting of certification, the drive towards a premium spot market and the consequences for the participants in the schemes.FindingsThis paper illustrates that a shift towards a premium spot market is indeed apparent. The paper furthermore argues that the dynamics of certification schemes are characterized by processes of contraction (mergers) followed by relaxation (diversification). The paper concludes that the retail sector is the primary beneficiary of the shift towards a single premium spot market. For the remainder of the food chain members, it is less clear whether the overall effect is positive.Originality/valueThe question of multiple certification schemes merging into a single retail driven scheme is approached from different stakeholders' point of views. Furthermore, the different factors steering this transition are elucidated and empirically confirmed. Both elements make this paper a valuable contribution to the existing literature on certification and coordination mechanisms in the food chain.
Horizontal alliances amongst small retailers in Brazil
Authors: Ghisi Flávia A. , da Silveira José A.G. , Kristensen Tore , Hingley Martin , Lindgreen Adam 
Published: May 2008

PurposeApplication of the horizontal alliance paradigm has particularly relevance to small retailers. It is a powerful mechanism for independents and non‐integrated chain retailers to develop competitive advantage, maintaining and improving their performance. The purpose of this article is to analyse the theory of alliance in the context of the retail sector.Design/methodology/approachBoth quantitative and qualitative research was carried out with horizontal retail alliances in Brazil.FindingsFocusing on the alliances among independents and non‐integrated chain retailers, our discussion covers specifically the following issues: the reasons for forming a strategic alliance in retail; minimum criteria for the alliance activity amongst retailers; steps that managers must take to create a competitive retail alliance; critical core competencies to be developed on the retail alliance; types of retail alliances; and, finally, forms of strategic retail alliances and stages/steps to develop a retail alliance over time.Research limitations/implicationsThe study considers horizontal alliances in a Brazilian retail context, which is in some ways unique, however, key principles and findings are very much transferable.Practical implications/implicationsThe study is of value not only to researchers of retail horizontal alliances, but offers retail practitioners specific experience and guidance.Originality/valueIt was identified from the literature that there have been relatively few theoretical and practical studies available that analyse the relationship between the outlined themes concerned with alliances and small retailers. The discussion in our paper provides useful information and new insights to both academics and practitioners.
Cultural values, workplace behavior and productivity in China
Authors: Wright Philip C. , Berrell Mike , Gloet Marianne 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of the Chinese cultural architecture on motivating workplace behaviour for enhanced productivity in Chinese workplaces.Design/methodology/approachThe paper describes the Chinese cultural architecture and presents a cursory review of the substantive literature in this field. Based on this review, a conceptual framework for managing within Chinese organizations is presented, based on the first‐hand experience in the field as well as anecdotal evidence provided by practitioners in international management.FindingsIn the light of research, which suggests that the realities about motivation in the context of Chinese workplaces are more complicated than originally thought, this paper moves away from viewing Chinese workplace behaviour from a purely systems‐based perspective. Although ideas about collectivism and individualism certainly explain important aspects of workplace behaviour, an orientation to practicality and the emotive side of life in Chinese workplaces also affects behaviour in quite subtle ways.Research limitations/implicationsWhile the development of a conceptual framework for practicing managers provides a guide to managing in China, work that is more empirical is necessary to test the resilience of the framework.Practical implicationsThe paper offers practical steps to improve the performance and productivity of both managers and employees in Chinese organizations.Originality/valueThe framework presented utilizes the conventional collectivism/individualism dichotomy with notions of practicality and emotion in Chinese workplaces. This is one potential step forward to the development of a more motivating management style in China.
A marathon not a sprint
Authors: Arwel Jones R. 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to provide an overview of developments in digitisation policy and practice at the National Library of Wales (NLW) from 1995 to 2007 and drawing out the lessons learnt.Design/methodology/approachA chronological overview of developments focusing on the pilot phase, policy statements of 2001 and 2005 and on specific projects that have been undertaken during this period.FindingsProvides a comprehensive view of digitisation at NLW and its evolution over time as well as identifying some key strategic decisions and some important lessons learnt.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper aims to outline developments as they occurred at NLW and does not aim to place those developments, or any current or future strategies, in a wider context.Originality/valueThis paper provides the digitisation community with an account of how digitisation was adopted as a core function (at a relatively early stage) by a national repository and can be of value to those still considering implementing digitisation in earnest for the first time or are looking anew at their digitisation strategy.
Library web OPACs in Pakistan: an overview
Authors: Mahmood Khalid 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to analyse features and functions of indigenously developed web‐based catalogues of academic, special and national libraries of Pakistan.Design/methodology/approachThe assessment of 16 OPACs is based on a 91‐item checklist developed with the help of previous studies conducted in other countries.FindingsThe paper finds that indigenous web OPACs are at an initial stage of development and only offer basic facilities to their users. They do not offer facilities many OPACs in advanced countries already offer. Their shortcomings include the absence of MARC format and Z39.50 protocol, which are indispensable for shared cataloguing. A very few catalogues can accommodate non‐Roman scripts like Urdu and other local languages.Originality/valueThe comparison of features and functions of web OPACs can be useful to understand the level of OPAC development in Pakistan. It can also be helpful for future improvements in this regard.
Digital initiatives and metadata use in Thailand
Authors: SuKantarat Wichada 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to provide information about various digital initiatives in libraries in Thailand and especially use of Dublin Core metadata in cataloguing digitized objects in academic and government digital databases. Design/methodology/approach – The author began researching metadata use in Thailand in 2003 and 2004 while on sabbatical from the University of Vermont. A small number of government libraries were in the process of building up their digital databases. These were identified from a survey conducted by the author at that time. The author continues to monitor the development of digital initiatives and has identified several new digital initiatives created by academic institutions since then. The digital initiatives operated by Thai government agencies and academic institutions that existed in 2007 are presented, along with one example of a metadata record randomly selected from each of these projects. These examples illustrate Dublin Core metadata use and cataloguing practice employed in these digital databases. The author's current research on the development of digital initiatives is included. Findings – This paper presents what the author feels are some significant technical and legal issues facing Thai digital initiatives. A major copyright issue in Thailand, the ineffective enforcement of intellectual property laws relating to access rights, is presented. Also discussed is the significant obstacle to record retrieval created by the structure and complexity of the Thai language. Originality/value – This paper identifies important issues and problems related to Thai digital initiatives and offers suggestions and comments aimed at enhancing the development and progress of digital initiatives both in the Thai library community and internationally.
Ergonomic evaluation and energy requirements of bread‐baking operations in south western Nigeria
Authors: Jekayinfa S.O. 
Published: May 2008

PurposeIn Nigeria, local fabricators of agro‐processing equipment have designed and manufactured various improvised versions of imported bread‐baking machines without due ergonomic considerations. Also, most of the processes of bread baking in Nigeria largely involve manual materials handling, which continues to represent a major loss source in the work place. The manual operations besides being uncomfortable are characterized by low output and unhygienic products. A study was therefore conducted in three southwestern states of Nigeria with the purpose of evaluating the energy requirements and man‐machine relationships in bread‐baking operations.Design/methodology/approachThe study, which lasted over one year, involved the use of three fuel sources namely, firewood, electricity and cooking gas during bread baking operations. Questionnaire and physical measurements were employed for data collection from 50 bakeries randomly selected within the study area. The data points include the environmental and body temperatures, anthropometrical data, bio data, injury data, metabolic and production measurements.FindingsThe results of the study revealed that bread‐baking with wood as energy source required the highest energy (6.15 kJ/min) compared with 3.37 kJ/min and 1.52 kJ/min obtained with gas and electricity as sources of energy, respectively. The cost of energy per kg of baked bread was 7.58 with cooking gas followed by 6.05 for electricity and 5.05 for wood in that order. The average baking rate (BR) using firewood, gas and electricity as energy sources were, respectively, 11.92, 17.97 and 20.58 kg/h. Analysis of metabolic data showed moderate (not to a lethal level) increase in the subjects' body temperatures, blood pressures and heart rates after bread‐baking operations.Originality/valueThe study suggests that bread‐baking operations could be categorized as a light grade work and that the use of electricity as energy source is the most appropriate in terms of bread‐BR and unit energy requirement.
Searching for cultural psyche in body type variance: American vs Japanese body type estimations
Authors: Kobayashi Futoshi 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate cross‐cultural differences between American and Japanese college students' body type under/overestimation regarding their own bodies within the framework of self‐construal theory.Design/methodology/approachInformation from 137 American college students and 160 Japanese college students was collected in using a survey method. Their height, body weight, gender, and self‐estimated body types from three different options (underweight, normal weight, and overweight) was collected in order to assess the relationship between self‐estimated and real body types of these participants. The real body type based on one's body mass index and the self‐estimated body type were compared for each participant.FindingsJapanese students were found to be more in the underweight category and less in the overweight category than American students. It was also found that Japanese students, and female students in general, were more likely to overestimate their body types and American students, and male students in general, were more likely to underestimate their body types.Research limitations/implicationsThe present study used self‐report survey method and should be considered a pilot study. In future research, the height and weight of participants should actually be measured to obtain more reliable data. Future research should investigate other possible psychological factors for creating different body types between different cultures.Originality/valueThe present study was the first cross‐cultural study regarding body type under/overestimation regarding their own bodies between American and Japanese college students.