bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Autonomous welding of large steel fabrications
Authors: Mulligan Stephen , Melton Geoff , Lylynoja Ari , Herman Keith 
Published: June 2005

PurposeDevelopment and demonstration of an autonomous, mobile welding robot capable of fabricating large‐scale customised structures.Design/methodology/approachAn autonomous welding robot has been developed under the EC Framework V Growth program. The system comprises a global vision system for part location and orientation, and a robot transport vehicle (RTV) which carries a 6‐axis robot, robot controller, welding equipment, and local sensors at the welding torch. The RTV path, robot arm motion and weld process programming are performed automatically using sensors and specially customised simulation software.FindingsThe technology developed within the project was demonstrated, in November 2004, to be capable of identifying and welding large scale customised structures as found in the earth moving equipment and bridge fabrication industries.Research limitations/implicationsThe project demonstrated that current sensor technology is capable of being applied successfully to autonomous robots, but further developments in sensor technology are required to improve accuracy and joint access.Practical implicationsThe NOMAD concept of autonomous mobile robots provides an alternative solution to welding mass customised structures.Originality/valueThis project demonstrated, for the first time, the capability of autonomous robots to weld large scale customised structures.
Prospects of GSM technology for academic library services
Authors: Catherine Fatoki Olayinka 
Published: June 2005

PurposePoor telecommunication infrastructure has been generally identified as a hindrance to most library activities in Nigeria. However, with the emergence and spread of wireless technologies, especially the global system of mobile communications (GSM), this paper seeks to consider the implications of this event on library services, with suggestions on the possible applications to academic libraries.Design/methodology/approachA background study of information and communication technology status past and present in Nigeria was carried out, especially the impact of wireless technologies on the global scale and in the country.FindingsThe GSM technologies acceptance and growth rate among the Nigerian populace has serious and great potentials for enhancing the communication and information technology‐related services in libraries and information centers in Nigeria. However, information managers need to fully exploit the opportunities presented by this relatively new phenomenon with a view to providing improved products and services to the library users, especially in the academic sector.Originality/valueThis paper highlights the use of GSM technologies library services. It targets librarians and information managers who have been limited in the past by inadequate telephone/telecommunications infrastructure. Encourages the professionals to exploit the opportunities presented by these expanding technologies.
Information technology applications to cataloguing in Nigerian university libraries
Authors: Oduwole A.A. 
Published: June 2005

PurposeThe study aims to examine the information technology used in cataloguing in Nigerian academic libraries.Design/methodology/approachTo elicit the necessary information, a four‐part questionnaire was sent to cataloguers in 33 Nigerian university libraries: 22 were returned and found usable, constituting a 66.7 per cent response.FindingsAnalysis of the returned questionnaire revealed that 16 federal universities and two state universities have automated their cataloguing processes using the TINLIB software, while two others use the LC and CD‐ROM database to aid the cataloguing. Automation of the cataloguing process has increased the efficiency of the cataloguing processes in the Nigerian university libraries, which in turn has resulted in increased productivity. The high cost of maintenance of the TINLIB software was identified as the major constraint to the use of the software. Other constraints include poor computer literacy on the part of the librarians, incessant power‐cuts and lack of infrastructures.Practical implicationsThe study recommends that librarians be consulted before acquisition of software by the government, retraining of librarians in software use, acquisition and wider use of the X‐LIB software developed by the Raw Materials Research and Development Council Library, Abuja, Nigeria and provision of standby electricity generators solely for library use.Originality/valueOffers recommendations to improve application of information technology to cataloguing activities in Nigerian university libraries.
Strengthening information provision in Nigerian university libraries through information communication technologies
Authors: Okiy R.B. 
Published: June 2005

PurposeTo review the current state of information communication technologies (ICT) application for information provision in Nigerian university libraries and make suggestions to enable them take fuller advantage of ICT facilities to provide information more effectively to users.Design/methodology/approachRecent library and information science literature on university libraries and ICT application in Nigeria is reviewed to expose the state‐of‐the‐art and hence the problems which beset the university libraries in Nigeria as regards ICT application.FindingsIdentified obstacles militating against effective application of ICT in university libraries to include inadequate funding, inadequate electricity supply, shortage of competent manpower for operation and maintenance of ICT facilities, lukewarm attitude of the Nigerian government towards the provision of ICT facilities and low level of computer literacy among Nigerians.Research limitations/implicationsPhysical visits were not paid to the university libraries; conclusions drawn are based on experience and evidence from current librarianship literature on Nigeria.Practical implicationsA very useful source of information on how to ameliorate the problem of low level of ICT application for information provision in university libraries in Nigeria.Originality/valueProvides very useful and practical suggestions to enable university libraries in Nigeria take advantage of ICT facilities to provide information more effectively to their users. These include massive infusion of funds into purchase of ICT facilities, provision of constant electricity supply, greater commitment of university library staff to computerization efforts in their libraries, training and retraining opportunities for librarians in computer literacy and involvement of libraries in cooperative acquisition of electronic information resources through consortia.
Dimensions of service quality in developed and developing economies: multi‐country cross‐cultural comparisons
Authors: Malhotra Naresh K. , Ulgado Francis M. , Agarwal James , Shainesh G. , Wu Lan 
Published: June 2005

PurposeDespite the rapid growth and internationalization of services, marketers of services realize that to successfully leverage service quality as a global competitive tool, they first need to correctly identify the antecedents of what the international consumer perceives as service “quality.” This paper aims to examine the differences in perception of service quality dimensions between developed and developing economies.Design/methodology/approachParasuraman et al. proposed a framework consisting of ten determinants or dimensions of service quality: reliability, access, understanding of the customer, responsiveness, competence, courtesy, communication, credibility, security, and tangible considerations. The authors propose 14 hypotheses emphasizing differences in the perception of these dimensions between developed and developing economies by linking these with economic and socio‐cultural factors. Extensive survey data are collected in the context of banking services from three countries: USA, India, and the Philippines and statistically tested using multivariate analysis of variance.FindingsOf the 14 hypotheses, 13 were supported (five partially) in that the results for the USA were systematically and significantly different from those for India and the Philippines in the predicted direction.Research limitations/implicationsWhile almost all of the hypotheses are supported, future research should look at multiple service sectors and include alternative service quality models to further validate this study.Practical implicationsDespite limitations, current results have significant implications for international marketing in service strategy formulation, service development, pricing, communications, and service delivery.Originality/valueInternational service managers need to understand the value of environmental differences between countries in terms of economic development and cultural value system and accordingly emphasize the various dimensions of service quality differentially.
The analysis of antecedents of customer loyalty in the Turkish mobile telecommunication market
Authors: Aydin Serkan , Özer Gökhan 
Published: June 2005

PurposeCorporate image, perceived service quality, trust and customer switching costs are the major antecedents of customer loyalty, and loyal customers may buy more, accept higher prices and have a positive word‐of‐mouth effect. Also we know that the cost of selling to new customers is much higher than the cost of selling to existing customers. Although this fact is apparent to everyone, many companies are still losing customers at a formidable rate. In this context the main aim of this paper is to examine the relationships between these factors and customer loyalty, and the relationships among these factors in the Turkish GSM sector.Design/methodology/approachData was obtained from 1,662 mobile phone users in Turkey via questionnaire. The data was analyzed by structural equation modeling (SEM) in order to test all the relationships between variables in the model.FindingsThe findings supported the proposed hypotheses, which are consistent with the theoretical framework. Analysis results showed that perceived service quality is a necessary but not sufficient condition for customer loyalty.Research limitations/implicationsIn order to generalize the findings from the paper, the model should be studied in different sectors. The contribution of this paper is to model all the relationships between customer loyalty and its antecedents, and to test these relationships simultaneously.Practical implicationsIn order to better understand customer loyalty, as well as perceived service quality, corporate image, perceived switching costs and trust should be taken into consideration. Lately, technological change has shifted competition in the GSM sector from price and core service to value‐added services. Therefore, operators should differentiate their services and guarantee their services' quality because of this shift in competition.Originality/valueIn this paper, the effects of all the factors on customer loyalty are analyzed simultaneously via SEM.
Collaborative digitization programs: a multifaceted approach to sustainability
Authors: Middleton Ken 
Published: June 2005

PurposeTo provide an introduction to the eight articles in the issue that deal with collaborative digitization programs.Design/methodology/approachThis introduction summarizes the articles within the context of sustainability.FindingsIn addition to business planning, efforts to build collaborative networks, empower content providers, and engage end‐users are central to developing sustainable programs.Originality/valueReaders gain a quick overview of some of the key issues that digitization programs face.
Ohio Memory Online Scrapbook: creating a statewide digital library
Authors: Gemmill Laurie , O'Neal Angela 
Published: June 2005

PurposeTo provide a model for statewide collaborative digitization projects, based on the development of the Ohio Memory Online Scrapbook.Design/methodology/approachUsing Ohio Memory as a model, this paper establishes a three‐pronged approach to creation of a digital library. Creation of content, development of tools and a focus on outreach were critical to the success of Ohio Memory, a statewide digitization project involving 330 historical societies, libraries and museums throughout Ohio.FindingsThis paper establishes a three‐pronged approach to digitization. Creation of content, development of tools and a focus on outreach were critical to the success of Ohio Memory. The collaborative nature of the project is an underlying aspect of Ohio Memory, it led to the creation of a standardized, central point of access for digitized primary source materials relating to Ohio's history.Practical implicationsThis paper provides helpful advice to organizations considering digitizing their collections and details a model framework for statewide collaborative projects.Originality/valueAs more organizations establish digital libraries to enhance access to collections, this paper offers an example of a successful project. It also details significant considerations to take into account when building a digital library.
The IP's guide to the galaxy of portal planning
Authors: Augustyniak Rebecca H. , Aguero Dawn B. , Finley Amy M. 
Published: June 2005

PurposeThis article is the first in a four‐part series that aims to illustrate the processes involved in planning a portal and creating a portal definition document.Design/methodology/approachBased on a review of the academic and industry literature and using a case study, the authors share their experience in planning the Florida ExpertNet Research portal.FindingsPortal development is a complex and costly endeavor that requires meticulous planning and design. As with any system development initiative, the time and energy spent in the planning process is reflected in the success or failure of the end product. Creating a portal vision is the first step in developing the portal definition document and includes the following areas: mission statement, objectives, needs assessment, creative layout, benefits, and funding and sponsorship.Originality/valueThis series will be useful to the information professional who is contemplating portal development and may be used as a model in developing a blueprint – the portal definition document. Whether the information professional is considering doing the development or outsourcing, it is important to understand the architectural requirements of a portal.
Sequencing shop floor operations: a practical approach
Authors: Yeh Chung‐Hsing 
Published: June 2005

PurposeThe work sequence indicated by a production schedule generated by existing scheduling techniques may not necessarily meet the need for efficient sequencing of day‐to‐day shop floor operations in a dynamic job shop environment. The purpose of this paper is to present a new practical approach to efficiently sequencing day‐to‐day shop floor operations of a job shop.Design/methodology/approachA color coding and priority system is introduced to identify production jobs that are to be processed at work centers which have a work sequence preference for performing various jobs. Based on a realistic production schedule, a three‐phase sequencing method is developed to create a truly feasible shop schedule, with the most efficient work sequence possible.FindingsSpecific features of the approach are presented and illustrated with a numerical example. It enables production jobs to be run in the best possible way at individual work centers. Various options of implementing the approach in practical applications are discussed.Research limitations/implicationsThe approach serves as an enhanced supplement to a job shop operations scheduling system for efficient sequencing of shop floor operations. It is to be implemented at the shop floor level.Practical implicationsThe approach can be implemented as a real‐time computer integrated shop dispatching system to ensure an efficient work sequence for shop floor operations of job shops in actual industrial settings.Originality/valueThe paper addresses the need for effectively coordinating production jobs of varying routings on the shop floor, which cannot be met by existing scheduling techniques or shop dispatching practice. It provides manufacturing practitioners with a structured approach for managing shop floor operations.
Comparative study of CD34, α‐SMA and h‐caldesmon expression in the stroma of gynaecomastia and male breast carcinoma
Authors: Kalekou H , Kostopoulos I , Milias S , Papadimitriou C S 
Published: June 2005

Aims : To address the fibroblastic/myofibroblastic nature of stroma in gynaecomastia and in male breast carcinoma, the expression of CD34, α‐smooth muscle actin (SMA) and h‐caldesmon in the stromal cells was investigated by immunohistochemistry.Methods and results : Representative archival paraffin blocks were collected from male patients with gynaecomastia (32 cases) and mammary carcinoma (24 cases) between 1984 and 2004 and CD34, α‐SMA and h‐caldesmon were assessed immunohistochemically using a streptavidin–biotin method. Thirty cases of gynaecomastia showed a CD34+, α‐SMA– and h‐caldesmon– immunophenotype with different CD34 staining intensity in the various histological subtypes. Positivity for α‐SMA and negativity for CD34 and h‐caldesmon was found in a case of florid gynaecomastia relating to reactive fibrosis due to previous surgical intervention. Acquisition of α‐SMA expression by stromal fibroblasts but absence of CD34 staining was identified in 22 cases of male breast carcinoma.Conclusions : The immunophenotype of periductal connective tissue stroma in gynaecomastia appears to parallel the phenotype of normal breast stroma. In male breast carcinoma the stromal cell immunophenotype is similar to that of its female counterpart showing myofibroblastic differentiation. However α‐SMA+ and CD34– are not specific to malignancy because such findings are also encountered in reactive fibrosis.
Expression of augmenter of liver regeneration (ALR) in human liver cirrhosis and carcinoma
Authors: Thasler W E , Schlott T , Thelen P , Hellerbrand C , Bataille F , Lichtenauer M , Schlitt H‐J , Jauch K‐W , Weiss T S 
Published: June 2005

Aims : To determine the expression of a protein termed augmenter of liver regeneration (ALR), recently found to have a specific and beneficial effect on the process of liver regeneration in normal and diseased human liver.Methods and results : ALR expression in normal and cirrhotic human livers with various underlying diseases as well as in tissue samples of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocellular carcinoma (CCC) was analysed by immunohistochemistry and quantitative reverse transciptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). Expression analysis of ALR in total liver protein extracts by Western blotting showed mainly dimeric ALR protein. Immunohistochemically, cytosolic and perinuclear immunosignals were found in hepatocytes and cholangiocytes in normal, cirrhotic or cancerous liver tissue and only weak signals in some endothelial cells in normal livers. Quantitative mRNA analysis revealed significantly increased ALR expression in cirrhosis compared with normal liver tissue. In HCC and CCC ALR mRNA expression was also significantly enhanced compared with normal liver tissue, but expression levels did not differ from the matching non‐neoplastic tissue in the same patient.Conclusions : The findings suggest an important role for ALR in hepatocellular regeneration in liver cirrhosis as well as in hepatocarcinogenesis and therefore its potential value in the clinical diagnosis of hepatic cirrhosis and cancer.
Systemic chemotherapy in patients with indwelling ureteral stenting
Authors: OH SEUNG‐JUNE , KU JA HYEON , BYUN SEOK‐SOO , LEE SANG WOOK , JEON HWANG GYUN , KIM HYEON HOE 
Published: June 2005

Abstract  Background:  We investigated whether systemic chemotherapy increased episodes of acute pyelonephritis (APN) in patients with an indwelling double‐J stent due to non‐urological malignant ureteral obstruction.Methods:  A retrospective study was performed on a total of 74 patients (16 men and 58 women; median age, 53.0; range, 34–84 years) with non‐urological malignant ureteral obstruction, who were managed by double‐J stenting between October 1997 and December 2001. The patients were divided into those who received (33 patients, group I) and those who did not receive systemic chemotherapy (41 patients, group II) during the stent indwelling period (median, 7.0; range, 1–44 month). Routine antibiotic prophylaxis was not administered to any patient. Median follow‐up was 10.5 (range, 1–45) months. Clinical features, including the incidence of febrility and APN, were compared between the two groups.Results:  Of the 74 patients, 18 patients (24.3%) experienced acute febrile episodes during ureteral stenting, but only five (6.8%) patients were diagnosed as having APN. No significant difference in the incidence of fever or APN was found between the two groups (P = 1.000 and P = 0.651, respectively). Univariate logistic analysis indicated that only the duration of follow‐up was a risk factor for an episode of fever. Other parameters had no clinical significance.Conclusion:  Our findings suggest that systemic chemotherapy may not predispose the risk of acute pyelonephritis in patients with an indwelling ureteral stent due to non‐urological malignant ureteral obstruction.