Keryn Lian, Manes Eliacin, Robert Lempkowski, Marc Chason, Matthew O'Keefe and James Drewniak
The purpose of this paper is to present a new class of printed circuit board (PCB)‐based, radio frequency micro‐electro‐mechanical systems (RF‐MEMS) switches and to describe the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a new class of printed circuit board (PCB)‐based, radio frequency micro‐electro‐mechanical systems (RF‐MEMS) switches and to describe the packaging method and evaluate performance.
Design/methodology/approach
Traditional PCB materials and processes were combined with photolithographic high‐density interconnect (HDI) and MEMS to form 3D high‐performance RF switches.
Findings
A new type of MEMS RF switch has been developed on a PCB platform. Using processes analogous to those used for silicon MEMS, PCB, and HDI technologies were utilized to fabricate these 3D structures. The PCB‐based microstructures are “mil‐scale” rather than the “micro‐scale” of silicon MEMs. A co‐fabrication packaging method for the MEMS RF switch was also developed. The PCB‐based MEMS switches have demonstrated excellent RF performance and “hot‐switching” RF power‐handling capability. PCB‐based MEMS RF switches have the advantages of low cost and amenability to scale‐up for a high degree of integration.
Research limitations/implications
Further development on photo imageable dielectric materials will enable this technology to improve yield and processability.
Originality/value
The paper describes the development of PCB‐based MEMS RF switches. These elements will enable new applications and enhance the functionality of PCBs. They are also more amenable to system integration compared with silicon MEMS.
Details
Keywords
Rafał Drewniak and Robert Karaszewski
The purpose of this paper is to present modern marketing tools used by today’s businesses to maintain or strengthen the value of their brands in the conditions of deteriorating…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present modern marketing tools used by today’s businesses to maintain or strengthen the value of their brands in the conditions of deteriorating economic situation. The specific purpose is an analysis of activities that might be attempted by companies in emerging markets in order to increase the strength of their brands.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper presents the determinants of the development of brand value. An analysis has also been made of activities connected with the development of the brand based on the experience of the best brands in the world. Considerations are based on secondary sources, from national and international journals, books, magazines and specialist reports, as well as were supported by research results of the most valuable brands in the world.
Findings
The paper provides the insight of marketing activities, that may favor building brand value in the time of recession. It was suggested that recession may be a good time for some companies to invest in the brand. However, today’s competition conditions are forcing companies to used more modern marketing techniques in order to build a positive brand image. In addition, customers increasingly expect to be able to engage in brand and wish to influence its image.
Practical implications
The paper includes implications for companies in emerging markets, through which it is possible to effectively manage brand value in the time of crisis. These proposals are an important course of action for companies from emerging markets, which tend to increase the strength of its brand.
Originality/value
Due to the fact that the considerations in the paper relate to general proposals for action, the results can constitute a starting point for in-depth research in the future. An interesting issue would be to assess the effectiveness of the proposed activities in emerging markets.
Details
Keywords
This paper conceptualised the distinctive capabilities system and tested its relationship between small and medium enterprise (SME) non-financial and financial performance…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper conceptualised the distinctive capabilities system and tested its relationship between small and medium enterprise (SME) non-financial and financial performance, encompassing leadership and learning orientation as mediators, moderators and moderators’ mediators.
Design/methodology/approach
The research design is exploratory, quantitative and cross-sectional. The study employed partial least squares path modelling for testing the direct, mediation and moderation effects, and, for testing moderated mediation, the author adopted PROCESS analysis. Before testing the hypotheses, a confirmatory factor analysis procedure was applied to the measurement model validity test.
Findings
Our empirical findings confirm that (1) learning orientation has a positive and significant implication as a moderator between the distinctive capabilities system and SME performance; (2) the distinctive capabilities system has a significant relationship with leadership and learning orientation, and leadership has a significant relationship with learning orientation and (3) the distinctive capabilities system has no direct impact on performance. These findings suggest that, by nature, the distinctive capabilities system has an indirect impact on SME performance, which must be understood as a consequence of living “far-from-equilibrium” and being forced to learn and adapt to come up with better market configurations.
Originality/value
This study intends to contribute to the existing literature in three ways: (1) it proposes the distinctive capabilities system definition; (2) it highlights the system’s features and benefits that make it a core construct for SMEs surviving and thriving and (3) it shows the causal relationship between the leadership capability and learning orientation and the distinctive capabilities system and performance.
Details
Keywords
Emanuele Pontali, Nicoletta Bobbio, Marilena Zaccardi and Renato Urciuoli
– The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the prevalence of HBV and/or HCV co-infection among HIV-infected inmates entering the correctional facility.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the prevalence of HBV and/or HCV co-infection among HIV-infected inmates entering the correctional facility.
Design/methodology/approach
Prospective collection of data of HIV-infected inmates entered the institution over a ten-year period.
Findings
During study period 365 consecutive different inmates were evaluated. HCV co-infection was observed in more than 80 per cent of the tested HIV-infected inmates, past HBV infection in 71.6 per cent and active HBV co-infection was detected in 7.1 per cent; triple coinfection (HIV, HCV and HBs-Ag positivity) was present in 6 per cent of the total.
Originality/value
This study confirms high prevalence of co-infections among HIV-infected inmates. Testing for HBV and HCV in all HIV-infected inmates at entry in any correctional system is recommended to identify those in need of specific care and/or preventing interventions.