bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atmosphere–ocean dynamics in the Western Indian Ocean recorded in corals
Authors: Zinke J. , Pfeiffer M. , Timm O. , Dullo W.–C. , Davies G. R.
Published: November 2004

We present a set of
Porites
coral oxygen isotope records from the tropical and subtropical Western Indian Ocean covering the past 120–336 years. All records were thoroughly validated for proxy response to regional climate factors and their relation to large–scale climate modes. The records show markedly different imprints of regional climate factors. At the same time, all coral records show clear teleconnections between the Western Indian Ocean and the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). The multi–proxy site analysis enables the detection of the covariance structure between individual records and climate modes such as ENSO. This method unravels shifts in ENSO teleconnectivity of the Western and Central Indian Ocean on multi–decadal time–scales (after 1976). The Seychelles record shows a stationary correlation with ENSO, Chagos corals show evidence for non–stationary d
18
O/ENSO relationships and the Southwestern Indian Ocean corals show a strong relationship with ENSO when the forcing is strong (1880–1920, 1970 to present).

Our results indicate that the coral δ
18
O, in combination with other proxies, can be used to monitor temporal and spatial variations in the sea–surface temperature and the fresh water balance within the Indian Ocean on interannual to interdecadal time–scales.
Halocarbon and dimethyl sulphide studies around the Mascarene Plateau
Authors: Smythe-Wright D. , Boswell S. M. , Lucas C. H. , New A. L. , Varney M. S.
Published: November 2004

Air–sea exchange is thought to be one of the major routes by which halocarbons and dimethyl sulphide reach the troposphere and stratosphere. Once there, in different ways, they participate in chemical reactions that have implications for ozone depletion and climate change. The gases are released by phytoplankton and other algae, but our present understanding of the sources and sinks is insufficient to establish a balanced global budget. Published data suggest that there are regions of coastal and ocean waters that constitute a major source, but, for halocarbons, in other regions the ocean is a net sink. For example, in many open oceanic areas, the rate of degradation of methyl bromide outweighs production. Here we present data from the Central Indian Ocean, a region considered to be low in terms of biological productivity. Little is known about trace–gas release from the Central Indian Ocean and without such data it is impossible to even hazard a guess at the global ocean source to the atmosphere.
Shallow marine benthic invertebrates of the Seychelles Plateau: high diversity in a tropical oligotrophic environment
Authors: Mackie Andrew S. Y. , Oliver P. Graham , Darbyshire Teresa , Mortimer Kate
Published: November 2004

Soft sedimentary biotopes are extensive in the shallow Western Indian Ocean, especially on the Seychelles Plateau and Mascarene Ridge, yetpro ratacompared with coral reefs the research effort devoted to them has been minimal. In this study we examine the benthic mollusc and polychaete worm assemblages of the shallow waters (11–62 m) around Mahé, in the Seychelles, and make direct comparisons with the temperate Irish Sea area and subtropical waters of Hong Kong, China (using identical methodology). Two assemblages were recognized, characterized by depth and sediment type. Of these, assemblage A (in shallow carbonate sands) was the most diverse, with diversity and richness measures exceeding those from the Irish Sea or Hong Kong. Hong Kong generally had the poorest fauna. Considering the Bivalvia alone, estimates of taxonomic distinctness showed this to be least for Seychelles assemblage A. The degree of conformity of the results to the concept of the latitudinal gradient in species richness and the possible underlying causes are discussed. Comparisons with other data suggest that the Seychelles support a benthic fauna at least as diverse as any other described from the tropics. A tentative examination of total bivalve species richness suggests a total of 400–500 for the Seychelles. This is in keeping with other Indian Ocean localities, but higher than known figures for continental east Africa. The findings of this paper support the case for widespread ecological and taxonomic studies of the Western Indian Ocean benthic invertebrates.
Research, assessment and management on the Mascarene Plateau: a large marine ecosystem perspective
Authors: Payet Rolph
Published: November 2004

Management of marine resources over the large ocean areas provides a great challenge, albeit one with hope for sustainable governance. Despite extensive studies in many of these large ocean areas, the interaction of physical and biological processes in large shallow mid–oceanic areas, such as the Mascarene Plateau in the Western Indian Ocean, is not yet well enough understood to influence management practices.

The Mascarene Plateau arches across the Western Indian Ocean from the Seychelles down to Mauritius, with water depths up to 100 m. Such a large shallow mid–oceanic area supports a wide diversity of ecosystems with potential for exploitable resources. A recent marine research programme by the Royal Geographical Society of London led to the establishment of a research framework for long–term research and assessment of the Mascarene Plateau. This paper presents an extension to this approach, with a particular focus on the management, governance and socio–economics of this area.
Coelacanth genome sequence reveals the evolutionary history of vertebrate genes
Authors: Noonan James P. , Grimwood Jane , Danke Joshua , Schmutz Jeremy , Dickson Mark , Amemiya Chris T. , Myers Richard M.
Published: November 2004

The coelacanth is one of the nearest living relatives of tetrapods. However, a teleost species such as zebrafish or Fugu is typically used as the outgroup in current tetrapod comparative sequence analyses. Such studies are complicated by the fact that teleost genomes have undergone a whole-genome duplication event, as well as individual gene-duplication events. Here, we demonstrate the value of coelacanth genome sequence by complete sequencing and analysis of the protocadherin gene cluster of the Indonesian coelacanth, Latimeria menadoensis. We found that coelacanth has 49 protocadherin cluster genes organized in the same three ordered subclusters, α, β, and γ, as the 54 protocadherin cluster genes in human. In contrast, whole-genome and tandem duplications have generated two zebrafish protocadherin clusters comprised of at least 97 genes. Additionally, zebrafish protocadherins are far more prone to homogenizing gene conversion events than coelacanth protocadherins, suggesting that recombination- and duplication-driven plasticity may be a feature of teleost genomes. Our results indicate that coelacanth provides the ideal outgroup sequence against which tetrapod genomes can be measured. We therefore present L. menadoensis as a candidate for whole-genome sequencing.
Intraspecies sequence comparisons for annotating genomes
Authors: Boffelli Dario , Weer Claire V. , Weng Li , Lewis Keith D. , Shoukry Malak I. , Pachter Lior , Keys David N. , Rubin Edward M.
Published: November 2004

Analysis of sequence variation among members of a single species offers a potential approach to identify functional DNA elements responsible for biological features unique to that species. Due to its high rate of allelic polymorphism and ease of genetic manipulability, we chose the sea squirt, Ciona intestinalis, to explore intraspecies sequence comparisons for genome annotation. A large number of C. intestinalis specimens were collected from four continents, and a set of genomic intervals were amplified, resequenced, and analyzed to determine the mutation rates at each nucleotide in the sequence. We found that regions with low mutation rates efficiently demarcated functionally constrained sequences: these include a set of noncoding elements, which we showed in C. intestinalis transgenic assays to act as tissue-specific enhancers, as well as the location of coding sequences. This illustrates that comparisons of multiple members of a species can be used for genome annotation, suggesting a path for the annotation of the sequenced genomes of organisms occupying uncharacterized phylogenetic branches of the animal kingdom. It also raises the possibility that the resequencing of a large number of Homo sapiens individuals might be used to annotate the human genome and identify sequences defining traits unique to our species.
Moving from “typical products” to “food‐related services”
Authors: Nosi Costanza , Zanni Lorenzo
Published: November 2004

In the last years the market of typical food products (TFP) has been characterized by many changes showing the rise of a new paradigm of consuming and offering. The object of this case study is to underline the nature of these changes and the implications in terms of marketing strategies. The Slow Food experience is quoted here as a good example of this modernization process. This paper attempts to underline the characteristics of an interpretative model of the TFP business in order to understand the changes within the supply‐ and the demand‐side of the market. The proposed interpretation model is both contextualized and evolutionary.
The enhancement of the typical products value: from commodity to experience
Authors: D'Amico Augusto
Published: November 2004

The profound transformations taking place in the world economy pose the need for all businesses, of whatever size and sector, to review their production processes and reorganise their value chain. Recently, competition has become much more intense and all‐encompassing, particularly regarding commodities or other poorly differentiated goods, not only of an agricultural or agro‐industrial nature. For such products, cost is a critical factor in their success, encouraging decentralisation to areas where production, and especially labour conditions, allow the realisation of particularly strong economies. In particular, market globalisation is applying pressure to standardise the tastes of consumers, who are no longer used to the flavours of typical products, and to reduce biodiversity at a productive level. This globalisation is, thus, often experienced as a threat, which forces European agro‐food producers and consumers to defend and protect those products and brands, which express the identity of their traditions. However, this process of market homogenisation may actually represent a factor of development for businesses producing typical products. In fact, the progressive unification of consumption models and the possibility of having typical products available on a global level will enable such products to rid themselves of the “provincial” image which often characterises them. In this context, also the businesses producing typical products should thus develop and implement strategies to improve their offer, which hinge not only on their products’ intrinsic features but, above all, on their extrinsic aspects.
Market orientation in Indian organizations: an empirical study
Authors: Aggarwal Navdeep , Singh Raghbir
Published: November 2004

This article investigates the extent of market orientation in a country about which most readers of Marketing Intelligence & Planning will know little, at least in the marketing context. In India, the need to deliver superior value to consumers has assumed paramount importance, as globalization increases at a fast pace and local consumers become more demanding day by day. This empirical study of 22 Indian firms is based on the antecedents and determinants of market orientation, and hence of continuous superior performance, proposed by Narver and Slater. It finds that they exhibit some key features of market orientation, but fall short on others, notably internal communication and senior management's attitude to risk. The overall outcome is a commitment to intelligence gathering and dissemination, but a comparative lack of responsiveness to the market environment.
An applied e‐business approach for reinsurance services
Authors: Czuchry Andrew J. , Yasin Mahmoud M. , Sallmann Florian
Published: November 2004

This article reports a practical application of intelligence gathering and strategic planning online. Firms in the reinsurance industry (defined in the text) face changed market realities and new challenges. As they attempt to chart new strategies and apply innovative business models in response to the changing marketplace, information technology can make a significant contribution. Internet‐based e‐business strategies and related business models have proven utility, which has greatly benefited many organizations in the service sector. The question is not whether e‐business‐based strategic business models will work for firms in this industry, but how to make them work effectively. The field study reported here proposes and tests a practical and systematic framework, finding it to be highly effective and applicable.
WebStra: a web‐based intelligent system for formulating marketing strategies and associated e‐commerce strategies
Authors: Li Shuliang
Published: November 2004

This paper reports a web‐based intelligent system, called WebStra, for the formulation of marketing strategies and associated e‐commerce strategies. In the paper, the architecture and functional components of the WebStra system are described. The system's effectiveness and efficiency are also evaluated. WebStra can be applied to support real‐world strategic marketing decision making. It may also be used as a useful tool for training and consultancy purposes.
Co‐opetition: the organisation of the future
Authors: Zineldin Mosad
Published: November 2004

This article predicts that strategic planners in organisations of the future need to consider the potential benefits of collaborating, co‐operating and co‐ordinating with others serving the same markets, rather than pursuing conventional “competition”. The author defines this new mindset as “co‐opetition”. It has been observed that the competitive psychology represents oneself as being better than others, and stresses the winning of more resources at their expense. The antithesis is active co‐operation, wherein one embraces competitors in partnership to the benefit of all. It is argued that the new business environment demands new kinds of business relationships, and that “co‐opetitive” partnerships have emerged as a more effective response to changed environmental threats and opportunities. Co‐opetition can deliver synergy if carefully planned, managed and controlled, and preconditions for achieving this outcome are examined. Equally, weak management of a relationship can produce the opposite effect, so preconditions for survival are also discussed. The conclusion is that, on balance, co‐opetition deserves marketing planners' close attention.
The utilisation of an intranet as a knowledge management tool in academic libraries
Authors: Mphidi Hamilton , Snyman Retha
Published: November 2004

The intranet has emerged as one of today's most effective tools for knowledge management. This article reports on the extent to which three South African academic libraries, selected by means of the purposive sampling method, utilise the intranet as a knowledge management tool. Based on the literature, knowledge management and an intranet are briefly defined. The advantages of the intranet as a knowledge management tool as well as the content of an intranet are discussed. The opinions about knowledge management and the utilisation of the intranet as a knowledge management tool in the three academic libraries are weighed up against the findings in the literature. It is clear that a strong awareness exists of the importance of knowledge management and the value of the intranet as a knowledge management tool. However, the potential of the intranet as a knowledge management tool is not utilised fully.
Model validation in the presence of uncertain experimental data
Authors: Deraemaeker A. , Ladevèze P. , Romeuf T.
Published: November 2004

In this paper, we discuss the application of the constitutive relation error (CRE) to model updating and validation in the context of uncertain measurements. First, a parallel is drawn between the CRE method and a general theory for inverse problems proposed by Tarantola. Then, an extension of the classical CRE method considering uncertain measurements is proposed. It is shown that the proposed mechanics‐based approach for model validation is very effective in filtering noise in the experimental data. The method is applied to an industrial structure, the SYLDA5, which is a satellite support for Ariane5. The results demonstrate the robustness of the method in actual industrial situations.
Optimal minimax algorithm for integrating fast oscillatory functions in two dimensions
Authors: Zotsenko K.N. , Melnik R.V.N.
Published: November 2004

In this paper, we give a complete description of efficient formulae for the numerical integration of fast oscillating functions of two variables. The focus is on the case encountered frequently in many engineering applications where an accurate value of the Lipschitz constant is not available. Using spline approximations, we demonstrate the main idea of our approach on the example of piecewise bilinear interpolation, and propose optimal‐by‐order (with a constant not exceeding two) cubature formulae that are applicable for a wide range of oscillatory patterns. This property makes the formulae indispensable in many engineering applications dealing with signal processing and image recognition. Illustrative results of numerical experiments are presented.
Impersonalisation of electronic money: implications for bank marketing
Authors: Singh Supriya
Published: November 2004

This paper examines the mismatch between the impersonality of electronic money on the one hand and Australian customers’ desire to have a personal banking relationship on the other. This gap is illustrated by a critical appraisal of literature relating to the sociology of money, the adoption of information and communication technologies and self‐service technologies. The paper argues that bank‐marketing professionals adopt an activity‐centred social marketing strategy. This strategy places customers and their activities at the centre to help ensure a fit between payment activities, services, and values relating to money within different cultural contexts. The strategy has managerial implications for, when payments services are tracked according to customers and activities, the data required are different from data generated by following customer segments and products. An activity‐centred social‐marketing strategy has the potential to increase trust in banks and halt the shift of financial relationships to intermediaries such as brokers and financial planners.
A firm's role in the marketplace and the relative importance of market orientation and relationship marketing orientation
Authors: Tse Alan C.B. , Sin Leo Y.M. , Yau Oliver H.M. , Lee Jenny S.Y. , Chow Raymond
Published: November 2004

A study was conducted to determine the relationship between a firm's role in the competitive environment and the appropriate strategies to use. Using firms sampled from China, it was found that market‐oriented and relationship marketing‐oriented strategies are both important for market leaders, and market‐oriented strategies are the best for market challengers, while relationship marketing‐oriented strategies serve market followers and market nichers best.
The effect of word of mouth on services switching
Authors: v. Wangenheim Florian , Bayón Tomás
Published: November 2004

The effects of word of mouth (WOM) on the receiver's attitudes and intentions have been studied at length, but the question under which conditions WOM leads to a behavioural outcome (such as a purchase or switching decision) has received less attention. This paper studies the effects of WOM in the context of service provider switching. An empirical study is presented which researches whether perceived influence of a switching referral is related to subsequent switching behaviour, and whether the variables that have an effect on perceived influence of the switching referral also predict switching. Results show that the strength of WOM influence is determined by perceived communicator characteristics. Perceived risk dimensions, in turn, moderate these effects.
A “critical” time for HRD?
Authors: Sambrook Sally
Published: November 2004

Human resource development (HRD) is a concept associated with human resource management, and, by this association, one component of the broader concept of management. Much work has examined management practices from a critical stance and this article provides a brief review. However, HRD is a more recent concept, still emerging and finding space in both academic and practitioner spheres. This article begins a critical examination of HRD by applying some of the strands of critical thinking to HRD practices and discourses. It also critically examines the attempt to conceptualise HRD as a social and discursive construction to connect ways of thinking, talking about and practising HRD to help academics and practitioners reflect critically on their occupational activities. By examining discourses associated with “being critical” as well as the emerging and eclectic discourses of “HRD”, this article contributes to a deeper understanding by evaluating whether this is indeed a critical time for HRD.
Challenging the learning turn in education and training
Authors: Holmes Leonard
Published: November 2004

The “learning turn” that has occurred in discussions of education and training is here subject to critique. The change of discourse signifies more than mere change of linguistic style, with claims being made to a new paradigm by proponents of what may be termed “learnerism”. The claims made by the advocates of learnerism for its rationality are subjected in this article to critical examination and shown to be untenable. The discourse of learnerism is further examined in terms of its rhetorical, ideological character. From this it is concluded that, far from being emancipatory, the discourse is oppressive.
Developing managers: a view from the non‐profit sector
Authors: Myers Jan
Published: November 2004

This paper is rooted in practitioner experience of working within the non‐profit sector. It is both underpinned by Master’s level research and built on as part of an on‐going sense‐making process for the author in terms of her doctoral research. Focusing on a specific part of the sector – local development agencies, explores how personal theories emerge and the rules of thumb chief executives of such agencies use to develop their practice. This paper draws on fieldwork involving interviews with 20 chief executives and considers the roles of chief executives in relation to learning and development needs. As such, this is not a search for “truth” or for blueprints for managers, but represents a concern for and interest in how people – “puzzled” individuals who have to deal with ambiguous situations day‐by‐day – juggle multiple realities, and what informs their (thinking and) actions.
New perspectives on action learning: developing criticality
Authors: Anderson Lisa , Thorpe Richard
Published: November 2004

This article discusses the role of criticality in action learning and in Master's level management education; examines approaches to developing criticality through social constructionist approaches to learning and illustrates how a heightened consciousness of language use by managers can be used to develop critical reflection. Examines critical management pedagogy and critical reflection and their relationship to action learning. Discusses the nature of Master's level management education and the role of criticality in the pursuit of “scholarship”. Reviews social constructionist approaches to management learning and examines the use of critical management language in a Master's programme at a UK university. Shows how social constructionist approaches to management development can lead to critical reflection. This was a regional sample, requiring more geographical coverage. Provides information and ideas for management developers using action learning who wish to develop critical thinking. Gives a new and additional perspective on social constructionist approaches to learning.
Chuck out the chintz? “Stripped floor” writing and the catalogue of convention
Authors: Harvey Brendon
Published: November 2004

Contends that the conventions of writing about management inquiry limit the choices for creativity, and potential wider audiences. Using examples taken from teaching and PhD research, critical incidents are explored to demonstrate different forms of writing that offer the potential for alternative ways of sense making. Research indicates the strength of discourses managers encounter in modern‐day workplaces that restricts their capacity to act differently, the same forces are present in the researchers own work environment within a UK university business school. These discourses have resulted in a paring down of behaviours amidst a clamour for improvement and advancement. Experimentation with different forms of writing – journal keeping, poetry, creative writing to stimulate conversations, metaphor – have more potential to address the practising manager or researcher's “lived experience”.
Management control in audit firms
Authors: Sweeney Breda , Pierce Bernard
Published: November 2004

Audit firms face a constant conflict between the business of auditing and the profession of auditing, which is manifested at audit senior level in the pressure to perform quality work within specified time limits. Prior quantitative studies have reported high levels of quality‐threatening behaviour (QTB) at senior level and the importance of examining contributory factors has been highlighted. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with audit seniors in four of the (then) Big Five firms and findings suggest that key variables (time pressure, participative target setting, and style of performance evaluation) have been inadequately operationalised in previous studies and that two distinct forms of QTB exist: deliberate and inadvertent. Propositions are developed for variables associated with both forms of QTB, which provide direction and focus for future research.
Temporal leadership
Authors: van der Erve Marc
Published: November 2004

The situation with Enron illustrates that leaders have been tempted to stretch their company's image of growth and success beyond acceptable limits. Even with the best intentions, leaders keep their organization in a stranglehold by reinforcing behaviors that match their comfort zone. However, when these behaviors no longer respond to the needs of an organization, leaders should face up to the limits of their rule. In fact, leadership should become much more sensitive to the temporal (time‐related) needs of companies and their organizations. How does this affect the qualities of leaders? Does leadership style bring resolve or is it something else? And, what kind of a leader are you? A conceptual framework is needed as much as a practical approach. In a holistically learning organization, leadership, in its broadest sense, must accept the existence and limits of so‐called temporal comfort zones. In fact, an adequate management process requires the adoption of a triple‐loop learning process.
The influence of socio‐economic status on the long‐term effect of family‐based obesity treatment intervention in prepubertal overweight children
Authors: Langnäse Kristina , Asbeck Inga , Mast Mareike , Müller Manfred J.
Published: November 2004

The objective of this paper is to assess the effect of the socio‐economic status (SES) on long‐term outcomes of a family‐based obesity treatment intervention in prepubertal children. A total of 52 overweight and 26 normal weight children were investigated. Nutritional status, intake of fruit, vegetables and low fat foods, in‐between meals, sports club membership, frequency of exercise and daily television viewing were measured before intervention (t0 and after a mean period of 1.3 years (t1. The result obtained indicate that a low SES may serve as a
barrier against family‐based intervention. The data provide evidence for the idea that there is need for social stratification of future measures of health promotion within families.
Implementing The Rock Challenge: teacher perspectives on a performing arts programme
Authors: Jones Mathew , Murphy Simon , Salmon Debra , Kimberlee Richard , Orme Judy
Published: November 2004

The Rock Challenge is a school‐based performing arts programme that that aims to promote healthy lifestyles amongst secondary school students. This paper reports on teacher perspectives on the implementation of The Rock Challenge in nine English schools. This study highlights how performing arts programmes, such as The Rock Challenge, are unlikely to have a simple relationship between guidance and practice in spite of their being popular and sustainable.
Health promotion in university: what do students want?
Authors: Dunne Cathy , Somerset Maggie
Published: November 2004

This qualitative research was designed to investigate students' health needs and their views on health promotion in a University. A total of 31 students participated in focus group discussions. Inductive analysis revealed two central themes: student health concerns and health promotion in a University setting. The former included issues associated with adjustment to life at University, health‐related lifestyle behaviours and provision of support services. The key areas highlighted for health promotion were alcohol and drug use, healthy eating and mental health. Participants' views on health promotion centred on the use of campaigns, which were felt to be a proactive and suitable means of targeting students with health messages; however, numerous recommendations to improve their efficacy emerged. Additional interventions to complement rather than replace campaigns were considered appropriate. By identifying the health concerns of students, this research has highlighted the areas on which future health promotion activity should focus and has suggested methods by which it could be delivered.
Improving strategic oversight: the CIMA strategic scorecard
Authors: Lees Gillian
Published: November 2004

Enterprise governance is an emerging concept which emphasizes the importance of balancing the corporate governance and performance management aspects of the organization. In the light of recent corporate scandals, there has been considerable pressure worldwide to improve standards of corporate governance through new codes of best practice and legislation. While necessary, there is a danger that with so much attention on control issues, the need for companies to create long‐term wealth and to pursue the right strategies to achieve this is overlooked. Research has shown that a particular challenge for boards is to maintain effective oversight of the company’s strategic position and progress. In response to this “gap” in oversight, The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants has developed a strategic scorecard. The scorecard is currently under development but is introduced here as a potentially valuable strategic management framework.
Developing a performance measurement audit template – a benchmarking study
Authors: Bauer J. , Tanner S.J. , Neely A.
Published: November 2004

Benchmarking is a powerful tool that, when applied properly, provides an organization with invaluable insights to support the achievement of their objectives. This paper describes how the results of a consortium benchmarking study on performance measurement were used to develop an audit template. A recognized benchmarking methodology was used consisting of five phases: plan, collect, analyze, adapt and review. The resulting performance measurement audit template can be used as a basis to examine and improve performance measurement in organizations.
A “scorecard” for service excellence
Authors: Ryder Jones Christopher
Published: November 2004

Gulf Bank’s service excellence “scorecard” was developed to support the Bank’s delivery of superior service in its market sector. The “scorecard” provides focus for a “service excellence” program, setting standards and measuring performance against customer focused objectives. The approach identified the “drivers” of customer satisfaction, related these to the Bank’s service delivery channels, set performance standards, and implemented measurement and reporting systems embracing external customer feedback and internal process measurements. Performance was measured against 16 key “drivers” of customer satisfaction identified independently by the local industry institute and related to the Bank’s delivery channels (branches, ATMs, telephone, Internet). Key measures were: customer satisfaction, complaints, comments and attrition, plus internal process delivery performance for critical products (consumer loans and credit card services). Reports were produced weekly and monthly with “drill downs” from bank to individual branch and/or employee levels. Reports are reviewed by management from chairman down to branch manager level. Results are incorporated in business KPIs and have become factors in employee incentive schemes. The approach adopted by the bank demonstrated that a practical, comprehensive service quality management system could be implemented and used to drive service improvement. The approach can be adopted by other banks and financial institutions and adapted to the needs of other service industries. The process implemented by Gulf Bank is believed to be unique in the Kuwait banking community and has scope for application in many similar environments outside the local area.
Changing HRM practices with firm growth
Authors: Kotey Bernice , Sheridan Alison
Published: November 2004

Despite common perceptions about the informality of human resource management (HRM) practices within small firms, few studies have considered how HRM practices change with firm size. This paper explores how HRM practices of small firms change as the size of the firm increases. Using data from micro, small and medium firms in Queensland, Australia, the paper reviews the recruitment and selection practices, training methods, performance appraisal and the maintenance of HR records and policies in these firms. The findings indicate a move towards hierarchical structures, increased documentation and more administrative processes as the number of employees increases. The increase is rapid initially and then occurs at a slower pace thereafter. Such changes have implications for the management of the employment relationship. The paper concludes that HRM practices in small firms cannot be portrayed by a standardised description and that management training and advice for small firms must recognise the diversity associated with this important sector of the Australian economy.
Job satisfaction survey among employees in small businesses
Authors: Davis Grace
Published: November 2004

This study applied Job Descriptive Index (JDI) to measure job attitudes among approximately 80 employees of four different small businesses. Through a standardized procedure, each employee filled out the survey form, responded to a structured interview, and then completed the survey form again. Employees showed significant difference in job satisfaction before and after the structured interview. Medians from four dimensions – work, supervision, promotion, and co‐worker – were found to besimilar to norms but the medians of pay were much lower than the norm. Nevertheless, pay did not represent the lowest correlation with job satisfaction. Satisfaction at supervision did. Also employees reported work to have the highest correlation with job satisfaction. Demographic factors, such as age, work status, gender, and seniority did not show significant impact over job satisfaction.
Benchmarking intangible assets: enhancing teamwork performance using self‐assessment
Authors: Castka Pavel , Bamber Christopher J. , Sharp John M.
Published: November 2004

This paper discusses self‐assessment and benchmarking of intangible assets in teamwork development. First examines key approaches to team‐performance measurement and present a systems perspective on teamwork, hence benchmarking of teamwork performance. In consequence, a generic model based on EFQM framework – the TEaM model, is proposed as a self‐assessment and benchmarking tool. TEaM consists of ten criteria (enablers and results) that are outlined in the paper. Also demonstrates how TEaM can be applied in organisations and how this tool reflects the emerging trends in benchmarking practice.
Benchmarking and learning organizations: ranking methods to identify “best in class”
Authors: Laise Domenico
Published: November 2004

The benchmarking analysis of organizational learning capability considers a set of criteria: clarity of purposes and mission, leadership commitment and empowerment, experimentation and rewards, transfer of knowledge, teamwork of group problem solving, etc. For this reason it assumes the configuration of a multicriteria analysis. In the traditional benchmarking the multicriteria problem is solved throughout the construction of a synthetic indicator obtained by averaging all scores assigned to an organization on the different criteria. This methodology presents many theoretical and empirical disadvantages. This paper illustrates the advantages, in terms of greater flexibility and realism, connected to the application of the multicriteria methodology founded on the notion of outranking. In fact, such a methodology solves the multicriteria benchmarking problem without using the averaging rule adopted by the traditional benchmarking approach.
Housing conditions, perceived stress, smoking, and alcohol: determinants of fetal growth in Northwest Russia
Authors: Grjibovski Andrej , Bygren Lars Olov , Svartbo Boo , Magnus Per
Published: November 2004

Background.  Social determinants of health have become important in countries of the former Soviet Union during the time of transition.

Aim.  This article estimates the influence of living conditions, smoking, alcohol, and maternal stress on fetal growth indices in an urban Russian setting.

Methods.  All pregnant women registered at antenatal care centres in Severodvinsk (Northwest Russia) and their infants comprised the study base (n = 1399). Multivariate linear regression analysis was applied to quantify the effects of the studied factors on birth weight and the ponderal index (PI) adjusted for maternal education, age, occupation, marital status, parity, pre‐pregnancy weight, paternal employment, gestational age, and others.

Results.  Infants of smoking mothers were 126 g lighter compared with non‐smokers [95% confidence interval (CI): −198; −54]. On average, birth weight decreased 27 g per cigarette smoked during pregnancy. Living in shared apartments, living in crowded housing situations, and perceived stress were associated significantly with birth weight loss: −89 g (95% CI: −153; −25), −82 g (95% CI: −136; −28), and −61 g (95% CI: −116; −7), respectively. A positive association between maternal alcohol consumption and birth weight was found. Living with parents was associated positively with both birthweight and PI. Infants whose fathers consumed more than 100 ml of absolute alcohol per week were thinner at birth compared with those of non‐drinking and moderate drinking fathers.

Conclusions.  Poor housing conditions, maternal stress, smoking, and alcohol consumption are independent determinants of fetal growth in Northwest Russia.
Oral contraceptives and liver hemangioma: a case‐control study
Authors: Gemer Ofer , Moscovici Oana , Ben‐Horin Clara L. Dosoretz , Linov Lina , Peled Ronit , Segal Shmuel
Published: November 2004

Objective.  To study whether there is an epidemiological association between liver hemangiomas and oral contraception use, as may be suggested by clinical observations of liver hemangioma growth during pregnancy and under estrogen administration.

Methods.  A case‐control study of 40 women with liver hemangiomas, as diagnosed by imaging studies [ultrasonography (US) or computed tomography (CT) and nuclear scan], and 109 age‐matched control with normal studies. The women were interviewed with respect to their menstrual, reproductive and oral contraception use history.

Results.  The liver hemangioma and control groups did not differ significantly with regard to their menstrual or reproductive history. Ever oral contraception use was reported by 30% of the cases and 27% of controls. The odds ratio (OR) was 1.1 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.52–2.60] for ever use, 1.64 (95% CI 0.37–7.13) for initiation before the age of 20, and 0.62 (95% CI 0.16–2.42) for use duration of less than 1 year. On the multivariate analysis only the women's age emerged as a predictor for liver hemangiomas (OR 3.1; 95% CI 1.16–8.96).

Conclusions.  In this study liver hemangiomas were not associated with menstrual, reproductive and oral contraception use history.
Association between fertility drugs and gynecologic cancers, breast cancer, and childhood cancers
Authors: Ayhan Ali , Salman Mehmet Coskun , Celik Husnu , Dursun Polat , Ozyuncu Ozgur , Gultekin Murat
Published: November 2004

Ovulation‐inducing drugs have been widely used for various types of infertility since the beginning of 1960s and their use increases day by day parallel to the success achieved in fertility treatment. However, the researches performed in the last two decades have begun to discuss about the safety of these drugs and the risks associated with their use. Especially, the potential neoplastic effects of these drugs are increasingly questioned. The studies have discussed whether there is an association between the exposure to ovulation‐inducing drugs and the incidence of various cancers. Moreover, several studies have been performed to reveal whether there is an increased risk of childhood cancers in children conceived after fertility treatment. The point we reached through the available data is that the risk of breast, uterine and invasive ovarian cancers is not increased, but the risk of borderline ovarian tumors might increase after such a therapy. The risk of cancer has been found similar for children conceived after fertility treatment and those conceived naturally. It should also be kept in mind that cancers are overdiagnosed in infertile women population because of the close medical surveillance, which may also contribute to the early detection of cancers. Although it is still early to state the last words on this topic, the possible association should be addressed when obtaining an informed consent before starting treatment.
EFFECTS OF LIGHT INTENSITY AND TEMPERATURE INTERACTIONS ON GROWTH CHARACTERISTICS OF PHAEODACTYLUM TRICORNUTUM (BACILLARIOPHYCEAE)1
Authors: Fawley Marvin W.
Published: November 2004

Cell division rate, carbon fixation per cell, cell width and chloroplast length of Phaeodactylum tricornutum Bohlin were determined at 30 different combinations of light intensity and temperature. Division rate peaked at 23° C or less depending on light intensity. For each light intensity studied, carbon fixation increased directly with growth temperature from 14 to 25° C. The slope of this relationship was modified by light intensity. Cells grown at 23–25° C tended to be larger than those grown at lower temperatures, possibly due to increased carbon fixation per cell coupled with lower division rates. Chloroplasts were largest at a combination of temperatures above 21° C and low light intensities. This effect could cause cells to sink at a higher than normal rate due to reduced vacuole size and is presented as a possible mechanism affecting the distribution of P. tricornutum.
THE SEASONAL DISTRIBUTION, ABUNDANCE AND DIVERSITY OF DESMIDS (CHLOROPHYTA) IN A SOFTWATER, NORTH TEMPERATE STREAM1
Authors: Burkholder JoAnn M. , Sheath Robert G.
Published: November 2004

Suspended and benthic algal communities from a mildly acidic, third‐order Rhode Island stream were examined to determine the seasonal distribution, abundance and diversity of the lotic desmids. Within a one‐year sampling period, 148 species and 202 subspecific taxa of desmids were identified, representing 23 genera. Species ofCosmariumandClosteriumaccounted for approximately 70% of the desmids present, and were the most diverse and abundant taxa during all seasons except spring, whenHyalotheca dissilienswas the dominant desmid species. Average abundance and species richness generally were greatest during summer for both suspended and benthic desmids. Most desmids occurred in benthic habitats, and were randomly distributed among substrata. Average seasonal abundance was 7.4 × 104cells·g−1dry wt substratum, among 13 types of substrata. Highest desmid abundance was measured among substrata with intricate morphologies, such asFontinalisspp., which was associated with 1.2 × 106desmid cells·g−1dry wt substratum, or 1.7 × 103cells·cm−2substratum. Cell division was observed for 70 desmid taxa, and average seasonal reproduction (based on cell numbers) among all substrata ranged from 4% in winter to 20% during summer. In addition, sexually produced zygospores were found occasionally forH. dissiliens.Desmids were distributed among most substrata examined in this stream, with abundance comparable to reported estimates from softwater lakes and acid bogs. In contrast to established dogma, lotic desmids are not incidental drift organisms, but rather comprise a viable and persistent component of the stream periphyton.
NITROGEN AND GAMETE PRODUCTION IN CHLOROCOCCUM ECHINOZYGOTUM (CHLOROPHYCEAE)1
Authors: O'Kelley Joseph C.
Published: November 2004

The effects of nitrogen upon gamete production and upon the level of glutamine synthetase (GS) in dividing cells of Chlorococcum echinozygotum Starr have been studied. The level of GS in cells that are dividing is not negatively correlated to sexuality as proposed earlier. Instead, the level of GS in regenerating dividing cells appears closely related to the suitability of the nitrogen provided in the medium for general growth. The effects of metabolic inhibitors upon gamete production indicate that gamete differentiation involves transcription.
ATRACTOMORPHA PORCATA SP. NOV., A NEW MEMBER OF THE SPHAEROPLEACEAE (CHLOROPHYCEAE) FROM CALIFORNIA1
Authors: Hoffman Larry R.
Published: November 2004

Atractomorpha porcata sp. nov. is described from culture isolates derived in 1981 from zygotes present in a 28 year old, dried soil sample collected from near Lemon‐cove, Tulare County, California. Vegetative individuals are coenocytic, spindle‐shaped unicells with long, thin‐pointed apices. Asexual reproduction is by means of large, biflagellate zoospores or, frequently, by aplanospores. Sexual reproduction is usually monoecious, with a single spindle‐shaped gametangial cell producing small, biflagellate male gametes at either end, and larger female gametes in the midportion. Female gametes are often biflagellate, but more commonly they lack flagella and are liberated by squeezing through slit‐like openings in the gametangial wall. Sexual reproduction may thus be considered as either oogamous or anisogamous, depending on whether or not a particular female gamete has flagella; most often it is oogamous. Atractomorpha porcata is readily distinguished from A. echinata, the only other known member of the genus, by (1) its greater tendency toward oogamy (versus anisogamy), (2) its bisexual gametangia, (3) its frequent production of aplanospores in asexual reproduction, (4) its unusual primary membranes that frequently bear long, delicate bristles, and (5) its distinctive zygote wall ornamentation.