bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Informational topology and globalisation process
Authors: Otlacan Eufrosina , Otlacan Romulus‐Petru 
Published: October 2006

PurposeTo explain the objectivity of the globalisation process by using the mathematical theory of topological structures.Design/methodology/approachAfter a brief presentation of the history and features of the globalisation phenomena, there are presented the basic notions of the mathematical concept of topology. Besides geometrical distance and geometrical topology, the authors define informational distance and informational topology. An informational neighbourhood of a person P is the informational medium that he/she masters, a set of persons with whom P communicates in a well‐determined interval of time. There is presented a hierarchy of informational topologies which structured human life on Earth. Nowadays, the world benefits from the finest topology, the topology of communication by the internet (TCI).FindingsThe possibility to conceive the globalisation process as a multidimensional vector function defined on the set of the world population. The projections of this vector function on the subsystems of human life refer to the political, economic, military, cultural or religious life. The continuity of this function in the TCI sense expresses the possibility for the globalisation phenomenon to be controlled.Practical implicationsThe very understanding of the objectivity of the globalisation process and an important conclusion: the control of the situation only on a compact geographic area cannot ensure the stability of this area; it must have control over a neighbourhood of the informational topology. This means possessing informational instruments so as to be able to manage the economic, political and social activity and to avoid catastrophe.Originality/valueConcept of mathematical topological structure applied to a complex social phenomenon.
The quantum turn in cybernetics
Authors: Lunca Marilena 
Published: October 2006

PurposeThe aim is to identify and demonstrate the paradigmatic changes that quantum information science engenders in observing and the cybernetics thereof. The new paradigm obviates articulation nodes between the physical and non‐physical worlds (in the sense of Penrose).Design/methodology/approachUsing modal/conditional heuristics, falsification, and consistency analysis, the study designs a formal approach to operating distinctions and (re‐)unifying them through their (formal) languages. To be able to introduce new concepts, consequences of key theses in cybernetics, information, and quantum information science are discussed.FindingsThe observer's observer turns into a quantum observer through extending both the how‐controls to what‐why‐controls, and cybernetics' competence of conveying control across disciplines. This turn confines successive‐orders cybernetics to particular applications, but enables the observing to become nearly as self‐generative as information or knowledge is. Quantum observer and cybernetics are shown to be tight in a mutual learning circularity.Research limitations/implicationsImmediate implications concern the framework for unifying observation‐based disciplines with those relying on knowledge generated formally. A limitation is that the framework is necessarily incomplete. At the far‐end, formalisms that solve problems of observer‐dependent complexities are expected to result.Originality/valueThe approach and findings are reported here for the first time. These and the philosophy/epistemology behind cross‐, or non‐disciplinary observers‐languages are crucial for designers of research programmes as well as for actualising sociocybernetics' potential of becoming a unifier.
Systems approach to complex systems modelling with special regards to tourism
Authors: Jere Lazanski Tadeja , Kljajić Miroljub 
Published: October 2006

PurposeThe importance of context dependent modelling of complex systems, depending on the observer's point of view will be discussed. Thus, context is synonymous for the content of a problem in a frame of the goals, starting points and ways to achieve these aims. In this light, difficulties of model validation and a general method how to overcome them was discussed. The relations among subject – object – model in the light of a systems approach; Charles Sanders Peirce's triad principle and the semiotic principle of communication was presented.Design/methodology/approachThe appropriateness of a system dynamics methodology, which is due to its transparency and clarity an excellent tool for modelling of complex systems.FindingsIn the paper the equivalence of different methodologies was shown, whose differences and similarities can be judged only in context of a problem and the aims of researches. For illustration, the methodology is applied to a tourism system, which possesses the typical properties of global and local organisations. A verbal description of a tourism problem is followed by a causal loop diagram, which helps to discuss the problem categorically.Practical implicationsAs the methodology is implemented using quantitative model and POWERSIM tools; it offers the solution of national tourism strategy implication, selected from different scenarios.Originality/valueThis paper presents a simulation model of the tourism in a frame of system dynamics, developed from qualitative models, as an illustration of the discussed methodology.
Data fusion: a study of adaptative combinations with incomplete certainty qualification
Authors: Oussalah Mourad 
Published: October 2006

PurposeIn previous work, the algebraical properties of this rule and its relationship with other generalized operator was studied. In this paper, the aim is to focus on one of the previous steps, which consists in certainty qualification, and it is investigated how this factor influences the behavior of the induced combination rule.Design/methodology/approachDubois and Prade have proposed an adaptive combination rule that moves gradually from a conjunctive mode to a disjunctive mode as soon as the conflict between the sources increases. The proposal can be viewed as a result of some rational steps. This includes: conjunctive combination; re‐normalization of a subnormal result that may results from conjunctive operation where the lack of normalization is interpreted as a conflict; certainty qualification; restriction of the conflict influence; generalization to more than two sources.FindingsAlgebraical properties of the proposals have been investigated and illustrations of some special cases are highlighted and evaluated. Further studies continue in Part II.Originality/valueNew functional adaptive rules are put forward based on Residual implicators andt‐conorm operators.
Effects of acetophenone‐formaldehyde resin on the degradation of high‐density polyethylene by UV‐irradiation
Authors: Yildiz Y. , Kizilcan N. , Uyanik N. 
Published: October 2006

PurposeProposes to examine acceleration of photo‐oxidative degradation of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) by using photosensitive acetophenone‐formaldehyde resin (AFR).Design/methodology/approachDegradation of HDPE by UV light was investigated in the presence of photosensitive AFR on natural weathering. The experiments were done at constant temperatures (40, 65 and 90°C). The results were determined by FT‐IR spectrophotometric and viscometric methods. Measurement of the rate of formation of carbonyl groups on the FT‐IR showed the evidence of degradation. The carbonyl indices of photo‐oxidation of HDPE with/without AFR were determined by FT‐IR spectroscopy. The molecular weights of the samples (Mη values) were measured by viscometry.FindingsThe amount of carbonyl present in the AFR containing HDPE samples and the changes in their molecular weights were found to depend on the irradiation period, temperature and amount of AFR in the mixture. The improvements in UV performance have been observed by using 1 per cent photosensitive AFR in the mixture. Photo‐oxidative degradation also appeared to be accelerated by heat.Research limitations/implicationsThis study can be focused on using photosensitive resins for the polymer degradations just as powder mixture, but the HDPE sample used did not contain antioxidants. From this point of view, commercial HDPE and AFR must be mixed as a film‐former and the AFR concentration will be higher than those of this work.Practical implicationsThis work provides technical information for the application of photosensitive resins for easy degradation of HDPE packaging materials.Originality/valueThe method in which a photosensitive resin is used in the polymer degradation may be a reference for other relevant studies.
Preparation and characterisation of silicon dioxide obtained via emulsion method
Authors: Jesionowski Teofil 
Published: October 2006

PurposeProposes to investigate preparation of amorphous silica via precipitation reaction from aqueous solution of sodium metasilicate and hydrochloric acid in emulsion medium, focusing on determination to optimise the dispersive and morphological properties of silicas studied.Design/methodology/approachThe silicas obtained were analysed using modern research techniques, such as scanning electron microscopy for studies on particle surface morphology and dynamic light scattering technique for studies on particle structure and their tendency for agglomeration. Moreover, the sedimentation characteristics of the silica powders were evaluated.FindingsThe properties of silicas precipitated from emulsion systems depend on several variables but the amount and concentration of the applied reagents and pH of the emulsion are of critical importance. Using 16, 14 or 12 wt% solution of sodium metasilicate (per SiO2 content) and 5.0, 4.3 or 3.7 wt% solution of hydrochloric acid, the particles obtained were of best dispersive parameters. Mean diameter, polydispersity, shape and sedimentation of particles reflect the applied preparation procedure. Several of the silicas obtained manifest tendency for formation of secondary agglomerates and aggregates. The pH of the solution obtained from two mixed emulsions exerts a pronounced influence on quality and properties of the prepared silica. The best silica is obtained at pH 6‐7. In the cases where the emulsion has been dosed with “pure” sodium metasilicate solution, particles of irregular shape of high mean particle diameters, with a tendency to form large particle accumulations, have been formed.Research limitations/implicationsIn the precipitation reaction, aqueous solution of sodium metasilicate, hydrochloric acid and emulsifiers in the form of non‐ionic surfactants were used as substrates. The organic phase involved cyclohexane. Alternatives could be explored.Practical implicationsThe method developed provides a novel and practical solution to precipitation of hydrophilic/hydrophobic silica fillers.Originality/valueThe method for obtaining amorphous types of silica could find numerous applications, particularly as polymer fillers.
Specular reflectance and derivative spectrometric studies on lac‐melamine formaldehyde (MF) resin blends
Authors: Bhatia D. , Sarkar P.C. , Alam M. 
Published: October 2006

PurposeTo find out the molecular level changes in lac‐MF blends, occurring due to the effect of thermal stress on the blends at elevated temperature and at different intervals of baking time.Design/methodology/approachFilms of lac‐MF blends, applied on tin panels were baked at 200°C for different time intervals. The baked films were examined by specular reflectance spectroscopy, as they were otherwise difficult to examine through conventional IR techniques, using KBr pellet method, due to their amorphous and tacky nature. The results obtained were compared and reported.FindingsOn baking the blends of lac‐MF resin at 200°C for different time intervals, cross‐polymerisation sets in via esterification and condensation. In addition to this, etherification may take place among different molecules of lac and MF resin. In terms of different physico‐chemical parameters, blends of 7:3 (w/w) lac:MF and of 1:1 (w/w) lac:MF were found to be better than blends of 3:7 (w/w) lac:MF, baked at 200°C for different time intervals.Research limitations/implicationsChemical researches on lac‐synthetic resin blends have been typically limited due to the complex nature of resins and also due to the lack of suitable modern tools and techniques. This has been solved using state‐of‐the‐art instrumentation and computational techniques, which may prove to be useful to industry and for research.Practical implicationsLac and its blends retain their significance in diverse fields of applications, ranging from surface coatings and food applications, to the formulation of lacquers, varnishes and in the finishing industry. Findings made in this study could have significant application for such industries from an application point of view.Originality/valueTo date, there is no record of specular – reflectance and derivative spectrometric studies on lac‐synthetic resin blends. This paper represents the first attempt to obtain and correlate reflectance data on such blends. It also highlights the convenience of the method and the scope of sophisticated data analysis, including derivative spectrometry.
How our adolescent children influence us as parents to yield to their purchase requests
Authors: Shoham Aviv , Dalakas Vassilis 
Published: October 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the influence tactics used by adolescent children and parental yielding to these tactics outside North America.Design/methodology/approachParents of children ages ten to 18 in Israel were surveyed. The questionnaire included questions on adolescents' influence tactics for two products – breakfast cereals and athletic shoes. It also included items to assess parental yielding.FindingsThe findings indicate that Israeli adolescents use rational tactics more often than emotional tactics for both products. Parental yielding follows the same pattern – it is highest for rational tactics and lowest for emotional tactics for both products.Research limitations/implicationsSome ways to improve on this kind of research in the future are using a non‐convenience sample with more balanced gender composition of adolescents and collecting data from multiple countries.Practical implicationsOne important implication of our findings is that, given that parents are more likely to respond to rational rather than emotional tactics, marketers' efforts toward parents need to use similar appeals. Another practical implication pertains to how parents can handle constant purchase/consumption requests by their children. The findings suggest that parents can find comfort in the fact that not yielding to emotional tactics like guilt trips is quite common (and, therefore, okay) among parents in different places in the world.Originality/valueAn important contribution of this research is that it examines an important issue, children's influence on family decision making, in a culture outside North America. Children's influence on family purchases continues to grow, both within the USA and elsewhere. Yet, with a few exceptions, most empirical studies were conducted in the USA and less is known about children's influence elsewhere.
What Is RSS and How Can Libraries Use It to Improve Patron Service?
Authors: Holvoet Katherine 
Published: October 2006

PurposeThe aim is the provide an introduction to RSS feeds.Design/methodology/approachDescription of the basic disc‐based audio‐video technologies.FindingsProvides the baseline for types of RSS feeds and readers such as which are one of two categories, web‐based, or desktop based.Originality/valueThis paper is useful for information management professionals who seek greater understanding of the RSS feeds, uses in libraries and how to get started.
The changing landscape of supply chain management, marketing channels of distribution, logistics and purchasing
Authors: Gundlach Gregory T. , Bolumole Yemisi A. , Eltantawy Reham A. , Frankel Robert 
Published: October 2006

PurposeThe paper seeks to examine the changing landscape of supply chain management, marketing channels of distribution, logistics and purchasing.Design/methodology/approachThe authors examine and take stock of the changing nature and landscape surrounding the related disciplines of supply chain management, marketing channels of distribution, logistics and purchasing. This examination highlights the considerable evolution and significant advances occurring within and between these disciplines.FindingsThe authors find that this new landscape provides both opportunities and challenges for future scholarship and practice in these related disciplines.Originality/valueThe examination and findings should be of value to those attempting to understand the evolving nature and interrelationship of these fields, and those who currently practise within them.
Information leaflet used in out‐patient clinics
Authors: Rajasundaram Ramanan , Phillips Steve , Clay Nigel R. 
Published: October 2006

PurposeTo assess patients' attitude towards information leaflets, their understanding of the given information, and the time factor involved in an out‐patient clinic set‐up.Design/methodology/approachA total of 50 patients who received depot preparation of Methyl Prednisolone as local injections in an out‐patient hand‐clinic were given 15 minutes to read the patient information leaflet and were simultaneously asked to answer a questionnaire.FindingsPatients want to be informed and are willing to spend more time and effort on information leaflets. Their ability to grasp and retain the relevant information is highly variable. Excess of information, poor presentation/format, lack of time, irrelevant data are factors which seem to adversely affect the effectiveness of information leaflets.Originality/valueThis study gives recommendations to those providing patient care. Emphasises the need for a careful review of all written information with respect to patients' better understanding of the treatment they will receive for the condition being treated.
Re‐engineering healthcare pipelines
Authors: Towill Denis R. 
Published: October 2006

PurposeTo demonstrate that effective re‐engineering of healthcare pipelines requires selecting both the “best” process (how we shall do it in the future) and the best trajectory for change (how we get from here to there).Design/methodology/approachExploitation of Braess' Paradox to identify strategic factors necessary to enable change in the re‐engineering of NHS healthcare pipelines.FindingsRoute to maximising the chance of achieving effective change is displayed via a Johari Window. Each cell is then related to no change (despite significant investment); failure; or successful implementation.Research limitations/implicationsThe demonstrator pipeline is an NHS cataract repair supply chain. However, via the “Power of Analogy” concept the NHS scenario is readily related to a substantial number of industrial case studies.Practical implicationsThe need to understand both process and trajectory is the key to effective re‐engineering of pipelines. All “actors” in re‐engineering programmes should acquire this knowledge and benefit from the new way of doing things.Originality/valueFormalises the strategic route to enabling healthcare delivery “best practice”.
Retail employee theft: a theory of planned behavior perspective
Authors: Bailey Ainsworth A. 
Published: October 2006

PurposeOne area of concern for retailers is the impact of employee theft on retailing profit margins and operations. It is possible that the application of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) to the employee theft could shine some light on the problem and possibly offer some assistance to retailers. The purpose of this paper is to apply TPB to this phenomenon.Design/methodology/approachA model and series of propositions are developed. The propositions are open to empirical verification and can form the basis for a research stream on retail employee theft.FindingsThe model incorporates certain individual difference factors that are likely to influence intentions to engage in retail theft. The model proposes that variables such as organizational commitment and an employee's moral norm are likely to have an impact on retail theft.Research limitations/implicationsThe propositions stemming from the model have to be tested empirically. The model incorporates certain individual difference factors that are likely to influence intentions to engage in retail theft. There are additional individual and external factors that will have direct and indirect on the variables in the proposed model.Practical implicationsBefore efforts can be undertaken to stem employee theft, retail managers need to understand the phenomenon. The application of the TPB to this phenomenon is a step in that direction. It can provide insights to retail management on the nature of employee theft and who is likely to engage in it. In addition, information can be obtained for use in human resources efforts such as pre‐employment screening.Originality/valuePrior work on retail employee theft has not applied the TPB in an effort to understand the phenomenon. This is an initial effort to do so.
Scoping the contextual issues that influence shrinkage measurement
Authors: Chapman Paul , Templar Simon 
Published: October 2006

PurposeMeasures and measurement systems must reflect the context to which they are applied, requiring that the contextual issues relating to retail shrinkage must be identified as a necessary precursor when measuring shrinkage. Without considering these issues any decision on which method of shrinkage measurement to employ will be uninformed, arbitrary and at best intuitive. The objective of this paper is to scope out and summarise the contextual issues surrounding retail shrinkage in Europe's grocery sector and to offer a view on the implications of these issues to shrinkage measurement.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology adopted was a scoping study of the key issues that influence shrinkage measurement, drawing these from prior research and exposing these findings to the informed opinion of a review panel for critique and to highlight areas for further investigation.FindingsThe findings from the study were to identify a range of contextual issues relating to shrinkage and to summarise these issues into four categories, namely: stewardship and performance improvement; cost reduction and sales improvement; local effects of systemic issues; and the detailed nature of retailing.Practical implicationsThe implications of these key issues are significant to the measurement of shrinkage in terms of the scope across the business from which shrinkage needs to be considered. This finding highlights the need to consider shrinkage as a systemic issue that extends across a business from design, through planning to operational execution. It also identifies the impact of shrinkage on increasing cost and depressing sales and considers the responsibility of management teams in addressing these matters.Originality/valueThis paper is theoretically original and thus of value to the academic community. It is also of value to the practitioner community in grocery retailing where shrinkage and its measurement is of worldwide strategic importance.