bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Book reviews
Authors: ADAMS Clifford A.
Published: June 2009

Indexing for Editors and Authors: A Practical Guide to Understanding Indexes
Fred Leise, Kate Mertes and Nan Badgett Information Today Inc., Medford, NJ, USA in association with The American Society of Indexers Inc., 2008, 160 pp. ISBN 978 1573873345, £36.95/$40.00, pbk
The Julia sets of basic uniCremer polynomials of arbitrary degree
Authors: Blokh Alexander , Oversteegen Lex
Published: June 2009

Let

P
P

be a polynomial of degree

d
d

with a Cremer point

p
p

and no repelling or parabolic periodic bi-accessible points. We show that there are two types of such Julia sets

J
P

J_P

. The red dwarf

J
P

J_P

are nowhere connected im kleinen and such that the intersection of all impressions of external angles is a continuum containing

p
p

and the orbits of all critical images. The solar

J
P

J_P

are such that every angle with dense orbit has a degenerate impression disjoint from other impressions and

J
P

J_P

is connected im kleinen at its landing point. We study bi-accessible points and locally connected models of

J
P

J_P

and show that such sets

J
P

J_P

appear through polynomial-like maps for generic polynomials with Cremer points. Since known tools break down for

d
>
2

d>2

(if

d
>
2

d>2

, it is not known if there are small cycles near

p
p

, while if

d
=
2

d=2

, this result is due to Yoccoz), we introduce wandering ray continua in

J
P

J_P

and provide a new application of Thurston laminations.
Downregulation of vaccinia virus intermediate and late promoters by host transcription factor YY1
Authors: Knutson Bruce A. , Oh Jaewook , Broyles Steven S.
Published: June 2009

Approximately half of the intermediate and late gene transcriptional promoters of vaccinia virus have a binding site for the cellular transcription factor YY1 that overlaps the initiator elements. Depletion of YY1 using RNA interference enhanced the activity of these promoters, while overexpression of YY1 repressed their activity. Viral promoter nucleotide replacements that specifically impair the binding of YY1 mostly alleviated the transcriptional repression and correlated with the ability of YY1 to stably interact with the initiator DNAsin vitro. The transcriptional repression activity was localized to the C-terminal DNA-binding domain of the protein. These results indicate that YY1 functions to negatively regulate these vaccinia virus promoters by binding to their initiator elements.
Resolving ambiguities in genetic typing of human enterovirus species C clinical isolates and identification of enterovirus 96, 99 and 102
Authors: Brown Betty A. , Maher Kaija , Flemister Mary R. , Naraghi-Arani Pejman , Uddin Moyez , Oberste M. Steven , Pallansch Mark A.
Published: June 2009

Molecular methods, based on sequencing the region encoding the VP1 major capsid protein, have recently become the gold standard for enterovirus typing. In the most commonly used scheme, sequences more than 75 % identical (>85 % amino acid identity) in complete or partial VP1 sequence are considered to represent the same type. However, as sequence data have accumulated, it has become clear that the ‘75 %/85 % rule’ may not be universally applicable. To address this issue, we have determined nucleotide sequences for the complete P1 capsid region of a collection of 53 isolates from the species Human enterovirus C (HEV-C), comparing them with each other and with those of 20 reference strains. Pairwise identities, similarity plots and phylogenetic reconstructions identified three potential new enterovirus types, EV96, EV99 and EV102. When pairwise sequence comparisons were considered in aggregate, there was overlap in percentage identity between comparisons of homotypic strains and heterotypic strains. In particular, the differences between coxsackievirus (CV) A13 and CVA17, CVA24 and EV99, and CVA20 and EV102 were difficult to discern, largely because of intratypic sequence diversity. Closer inspection revealed the minimum intratypic values and maximum intratypic values varied by type, suggesting that the rules were at least consistent within a type. By plotting VP1 amino acid identity vs nucleotide identity for each sequence pair and considering each type separately, members of each type were fully resolved from those of other types. This study suggests that a more stringent value of 88 % VP1 amino acid identity is more appropriate for routine typing and that other criteria may need to be applied, on a case by case basis, where lower values are seen.
Evidence for modulation of BAG3 by polyomavirus JC early protein
Authors: Basile Anna , Darbinian Nune , Kaminski Rafal , White Martyn K. , Gentilella Antonio , Turco Maria Caterina , Khalili Kamel
Published: June 2009

Polyomavirus JC (JCV) infects oligodendrocytes and astrocytes in the brain and is the cause of the demyelinating disease progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). In cell culture, JCV infection is characterized by severe damage to cellular DNA, which begins early in infection, and a viral cytopathic effect, which is observed late in infection. Nevertheless, these JCV-infected cells show a low level of apoptosis, at both the early and late stages of infection. This suggests that there is conflicting interplay between viral anti-apoptotic pathways that seek to optimize virus production, e.g. through T antigen (T-Ag)–p53 interaction, and cellular pro-apoptotic pathways that seek to eliminate virally infected cells. The apoptosis regulatory protein BAG3 is a member of the human Bcl-2-associated athanogene (BAG) family of proteins, which function as molecular co-chaperones through their interaction with Hsc70/Hsp70 and function in the regulation of the cellular stress response, proliferation and apoptosis. This study showed that BAG3 protein is downregulated upon JCV infection and that this effect is mediated by JCV T-Ag via repression of the BAG3 promoter. The site of action of T-Ag was mapped to an AP2 site in the BAG3 promoter, and gel shift and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays showed that T-Ag inhibited AP2 binding to this site, resulting in downregulation of BAG3 promoter expression. Using BAG3 and T-Ag expression and BAG3 siRNA, it was found that BAG3 and T-Ag had antagonistic effects on the induction of apoptosis, being anti-apoptotic and pro-apoptotic, respectively. The significance of these interactions to the JCV life cycle is discussed.
Genomic expression profiling of peripheral blood leukocytes of pigs infected with highly virulent classical swine fever virus strain Shimen
Authors: Shi Zixue , Sun Jinfu , Guo Huancheng , Tu Changchun
Published: June 2009

Classical swine fever (CSF), caused by a virus of the same name (CSFV), is a highly contagious swine pyrexic disease featuring extensive haemorrhagic lesions and leukopenia, but little is known about the molecular mechanisms of its pathogenesis. To gain insight into the interaction between the virus and host cells, microarray analyses were performed to detect alterations in genomic expression of pig peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) following CSFV infection. Three healthy pigs were inoculated with a lethal dose of highly virulent CSFV strain Shimen. PBLs were isolated at the onset of typical clinical signs and total RNA was subjected to microarray analyses with Affymetrix Porcine Genome Array GeneChips. Of all 20 201 pig genes arrayed in the chip, 1745 showed altered expression (up- or downregulation) after infection. These were classified into eight functional groups, relating to cell proliferation (3.6 %), immune response (2.1 %), apoptosis (1.4 %), kinase activity (1.4 %), signal transduction (1.4 %), transcription (0.7 %), receptor activity (0.7 %) and cytokines/chemokines (0.4 %). The remaining 88.3 % of genes had unknown functions. Alterations in genomic expression were confirmed by real-time RT-PCR of selected cellular genes and Western blotting of annexin 2, a cellular protein relating to virus infection. The observed expression changes of numerous genes involved in immune and inflammatory responses and in the apoptosis process indicate that CSFV has developed sophisticated mechanisms to cause leukopenia in infected pigs. These data provide a basis for exploring the molecular pathogenesis of CSFV infection through an understanding of the interaction between viral and cellular components.
A novel hepatitis B virus subgenotype, D7, in Tunisian blood donors
Authors: Meldal Birgit H. M. , Moula Najet Mojaat , Barnes If H. A. , Boukef Kamel , Allain Jean-Pierre
Published: June 2009

Tunisia is a medium-level epidemic country for hepatitis B virus (HBV). This study characterizes, for the first time, full genome HBV strains from Tunisia. Viral load quantification and phylogenetic analyses of full genome or pre-S/S sequences were performed on 196 hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive plasma samples from Tunisian blood donors. The median viral load was 64.65 IU ml−1 (range <5–7.7×108 IU ml−1) and 89 % of samples had viral loads below 10 000 IU ml−1. Fifty-nine strains formed a novel subgenotype D7, 41 strains clustered in subgenotype D1, seven strains in subgenotype A2 and one strain in genotype C. The novel subgenotype D7 was defined by maximum Bayesian posterior probability, a genetic divergence from other HBV/D subgenotypes by >4 % and a stronger HBV/E signal in the X to core genes than subgenotype D1. In conclusion, HBV/D is dominant in asymptomatic Tunisian HBsAg carriers and a novel subgenotype, D7, was the most common subgenotype found in this population.
Prevalence and associated factors of betapapillomavirus infections in individuals without cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: de Koning Maurits N. C. , Weissenborn Sönke Jan , Abeni Damiano , Bouwes Bavinck Jan Nico , Euvrard Sylvie , Green Adele C. , Harwood Catherine A. , Naldi Luigi , Neale Rachel , Nindl Ingo , Proby Charlotte M. , Quint Wim G. V. , Sampogna Francesca , ter Schegget Jan , Struijk Linda , Wieland Ulrike , Pfister Herbert J. , Feltkamp Mariet C. W. ,   the EPI-HPV-UV-CA group
Published: June 2009

Betapapillomavirus (betaPV) infections are often associated with squamous-cell carcinoma (SCC) and the prevalence of betaPV infections in (immunosuppressed) SCC patients is known to be high. The distribution and possible associated factors of betaPV infections in the general population, however, are largely unknown. To address this issue, betaPV infection was studied in 1405 SCC-free immunocompetent (n=845) and immunosuppressed (n=560) individuals from six countries of different latitudes. A standard study protocol was used to obtain information about age, sex, UV-irradiation and skin type, and from all participants eyebrow hairs were collected for detection and genotyping of 25 established betaPV types using the PM-PCR reverse hybridization assay (RHA) method. The frequency of betaPV-positive participants ranged from 84 to 91 % in the immunocompetent population with HPV23 as the most prevalent type, and from 81 to 98 % in the immunosuppressed population with HPV23 as the most or the second most prevalent type. The median number of infecting betaPV types ranged from four to six in the immunocompetent and from three to six in the immunosuppressed population. Increasing age in the immunocompetent participants and (duration of) immunosuppression in the immunosuppressed patients were associated with betaPV infection. In both groups, sex, skin phototype, sunburns and sun-exposure were not consistently associated with betaPV infection. This study demonstrates that betaPV infections are also highly prevalent in SCC-free individuals, with similar HPV types prevailing in both immunocompetent and immunosuppressed persons. Age and (duration of) immunosuppression were identified as betaPV infection-associated factors, whereas characteristics related to sun exposure and skin type were not.
Incorporation of influenza A virus genome segments does not absolutely require wild-type sequences
Authors: Fujii Ken , Ozawa Makoto , Iwatsuki-Horimoto Kiyoko , Horimoto Taisuke , Kawaoka Yoshihiro
Published: June 2009

The efficient incorporation of influenza virus genome segments into virions is mediated bycis-acting regions at both ends of the viral RNAs. It was shown previously that nt 16–26 at the 3′ end of the non-structural (NS) viral RNA of influenza A virus are important for efficient virion incorporation and that nt 27–56 also contribute to this process. To understand further the signalling requirements for genome packaging, this study performed linker-scanning mutagenesis in the latter region and found that nt 27–35 made an appreciable contribution to the efficient incorporation of the NS segment. An NS vRNA library was then generated composed of an RNA population with randomized nucleotides at positions 16–35 such that the virus could select the sequences it required for virion incorporation. The sequences selected differed from the wild-type sequence and no conserved nucleotides were selected. The ability of non-wild-type sequences to function in this manner indicates that the incorporation of influenza A virus genome segments does not absolutely require specific sequences.
A Novel Cation-DependentO-Methyltransferase Involved in Anthocyanin Methylation in Grapevine
Authors: Hugueney Philippe , Provenzano Sofia , Verriès Clotilde , Ferrandino Alessandra , Meudec Emmanuelle , Batelli Giorgia , Merdinoglu Didier , Cheynier Véronique , Schubert Andrea , Ageorges Agnès
Published: June 2009

Anthocyanins are major pigments in colored grape (Vitis vinifera) berries, and most of them are monomethoxylated or dimethoxylated. We report here the functional characterization of an anthocyanin O-methyltransferase (AOMT) from grapevine. The expression pattern in two cultivars with different anthocyanin methylation profiles (Syrah and Nebbiolo) showed a peak at start ripening (véraison), when the concentrations of all methylated anthocyanins begin to increase. The purified recombinant AOMT protein was active on both anthocyanins and flavonols in vitro, with K  m in the micromolar range, and was dependent on divalent cations for activity. AOMT showed a preference for 3′,5′ methylation when a 3′,4′,5′ hydroxylated anthocyanin substrate was tested. In order to assess its in planta activity, we performed transient expression of AOMT in tobacco (Nicotiana benthamiana) leaves expressing the Production of Anthocyanin Pigment1 (PAP1) transcription factor from Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). PAP1 expression in leaves induced the accumulation of the nonmethylated anthocyanin delphinidin 3-rutinoside. The coexpression of PAP1 and AOMT resulted in an accumulation of malvidin 3-rutinoside. We also showed that AOMT localized exclusively in the cytoplasm of tobacco leaf cells. These results demonstrate the ability of this enzyme to methylate anthocyanins both in vitro and in vivo, indicating that AOMT plays a major role in anthocyanin biosynthesis in grape berries.
Subunits of the Plastid ClpPR Protease Complex Have Differential Contributions to Embryogenesis, Plastid Biogenesis, and Plant Development inArabidopsis
Authors: Kim Jitae , Rudella Andrea , Ramirez Rodriguez Verenice , Zybailov Boris , Olinares Paul Dominic B. , van Wijk Klaas J.
Published: June 2009

The plastid ClpPR protease complex in Arabidopsis thaliana consists of five catalytic ClpP and four noncatalytic ClpR subunits. An extensive analysis of the CLPR family and CLPP5 is presented to address this complexity. Null alleles for CLPR2 and CLPR4 showed delayed embryogenesis and albino embryos, with seedling development blocked in the cotyledon stage; this developmental block was overcome under heterotrophic conditions, and seedlings developed into small albino to virescent seedlings. By contrast, null alleles for CLPP5 were embryo lethal. Thus, the ClpPR proteins make different functional contributions. To further test for redundancies and functional differences between the ClpR proteins, we overexpressed full-length cDNAs for ClpR1, R2, R3, R4 in clpr1, clpr2 and clpr4 mutants. This showed that overexpression of ClpR3 can complement for the loss of ClpR1, but not for the loss of ClpR2 or ClpR4, indicating that ClpR3 can functionally substitute ClpR1. By contrast, ClpR1, R2 and R4 could not substitute each other. Double mutants of weak CLPR1 and 2 alleles were seedling lethal, showing that a minimum concentration of different ClpR proteins is essential for Clp function. Microscopy and large-scale comparative leaf proteome analyses of a CLPR4 null allele demonstrate a central role of Clp protease in chloroplast biogenesis and protein homeostasis; substrates are discussed. Lack of transcriptional and translational feedback regulation within the CLPPR gene family indicates that regulation of Clp activity occurs through Clp complex assembly and substrate delivery.
Menthol as the Flavour Quality Indicator for Tablets Containing Peppermint Oil
Authors: Martin Lo Y. , Fermin Brenda C. , Weiss Lori V. , Golt C.M. , Yang M.L. , Kuo C.-F.
Published: June 2009

A procedure to assess the flavour quality of water-swellable and soluble tablets containing peppermint oil was developed. Menthol, the predominant ingredient in peppermint oil, was extracted and then analysed using gas chromatography (GC). Sample tablets containing peppermint oil were pulverised, dissolved in double distilled water and then extracted prior to GC analysis. Methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) was found to be the most effective amongst the four solvents evaluated for menthol extraction. With the GC column temperature initially held at 60°C for 5 min, a linear program from 60 to 200°C at 4°C/min followed by holding at 200°C for 9 min gave the highest signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs). A discrete peak of menthol was obtained at 19.92 min of retention time. An excellent representation of the total amount of peppermint oil in the tablets was achieved by using the amount of menthol detected by GC, as compared to the results from the Soxhlet method. The most dramatic loss of flavour happened during the first month, whereas only 0.01% reduction was observed afterwards. It is suggested that the proposed procedure could be used for routine quality control of peppermint flavour in water-swellable and soluble tablets.
Single‐range controller design for a cruise missile
Authors: Nassirharand Amir , Mousavi Firdeh S.R.
Published: June 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the application of a systematic single‐range controller design procedure to control a cruise missile.

Design/methodology/approach

The controller design approach is based on one describing function model of the missile followed by linear system identification. The missile includes discontinuous nonlinear terms, and therefore, a small signal model is not obtainable by straight linearization. Once a linear approximation to the quasilinear model of the missile is obtained, a H∞ controller is designed to achieve a robust nonlinear closed‐loop system.

Findings

It is found that performance of the closed‐loop system with the applied simple controller design approach competes with one other complicated describing function‐based controller design technique.

Research limitations/implications

At present, the research is limited to design of linear H∞ controllers.

Practical implications

The major outcome of this paper is the verification that the applied simple describing function‐based H∞ controller design procedure may be used to design high‐performance controllers for cruise missiles.

Originality/value

This is the first paper that adopts an existing single‐range H∞ controller design procedure to design high‐performance controllers for cruise missiles.
Remote sensing satellites evaluation software (RSSE software)
Authors: Hassani Mohammad , Mirshams Mehran
Published: June 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop user friendly software with the minimum error and maximum performance in a form of remote sensing satellites evaluation software for estimation of weights and ranks of the remote sensing satellite plans, to decrease risk of management decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) as a comprehensive framework for strategic decision making is used to arrive at the weights of criteria and sub‐criteria of remote sensing satellites. The Ms‐Access software is written to compute the ranks of the remote sensing satellite plans based on the relative weights of inputs and then, the outputs from AHP are shown as a numerical graph and generates the Ms‐Access database.

Findings

One of the main objectives of this paper is an attempt to access this skill that compare several remote sensing satellite plans on quantity and quality point of view by several effective criteria such as mass, power consumption and cost of satellites, in addition to the remote sensing subsystem, communication subsystem, telemetry, tracking and control subsystem, attitude determination control subsystem and their own sub‐criteria.

Research limitations/implications

It is hard in just one paper, to gather lots of information about remote sensing satellite systems, use a new methodology that is unknown for aerospace engineering, and talk about an innovative software.

Practical implications

This paper provides helpful evaluating software which has a data bank that it is very useful and impartial advice for space strategy's managing organization to compare several plans.

Originality/value

This study provides low cost, time‐saving, and high‐performance remote sensing satellite evaluation software and gives valuable information and guidelines which help management decisions of aerospace organization.
Particle swarm optimization for GPS navigation Kalman filter adaptation
Authors: Jwo Dah‐Jing , Chang Shun‐Chieh
Published: June 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to conduct the particle swarm optimization (PSO)‐assisted adaptive Kalman filter (AKF) for global positioning systems (GPS) navigation processing. Performance evaluation for the PSO‐assisted Kalman filter (KF) as compared to the conventional KF is provided.

Design/methodology/approach

The position‐velocity also knows as constant velocity process model can be applied to the GPS KF adequately when navigating a vehicle with constant speed. However, when an abrupt acceleration motion occurs, the filtering solution becomes very poor or even diverges. To avoid the limitation of the KF, the PSO can be incorporated into the filtering mechanism as dynamic model corrector. The PSO is utilized as the noise‐adaptive mechanism to tune the covariance matrix of process noise and overcome the deficiency of KF. In other words, PSO‐assisted KF approach is employed for tuning the covariance of the GPS KF so as to reduce the estimation error during substantial maneuvering.

Findings

The paper provides an alternative approach for designing an AKF and provides an example in the application to GPS.

Practical implications

The proposed scheme enhances the improvement in estimation accuracy. Application of the PSO to the GPS navigation filter design is discussed. The method takes advantage of both the adaptation capability and the robustness of numerical stability.

Originality/value

The PSO are employed for assisting the AKF. The use of optimization such as PSO for AKF has seldom been seen in the open literature.
The secrets of successful succession planning in the new age wave
Authors: Hewitt Susan D.
Published: June 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to raise the profile of deep succession planning to identify key talent. Older workers are now forming a significant proportion of the workforce. This cohort could be lost to retirement leaving industry and commerce short of talent.

Design/methodology/approach

A range of research and other relevant literature is reviewed. Real life experiences with clients developing their older workers are reported and practical suggestions made for implementation.

Findings

There is little literature on organisation‐deep succession planning. The process needs to be linked to organizational objectives with ownership at all levels.

Practical implications

The main implications of this paper are that organization‐deep succession planning is a complex process requiring commitment and long term planning at all levels. Without a thorough analysis of age and skill profile no workable plan can be made.

Originality/value

This report brings together a range of data around succession planning that should take place across the organization, not just at board level. It will be of value to HR, L&D and equality professionals.
Mentoring in tough times
Authors: Emelo Randy
Published: June 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight a success story of an organization using web‐based mentoring and to provide details on how they did it.

Design/methodology/approach

This case study of CDW Corporation examines why and how an organization would implement web‐based mentoring.

Findings

Participation numbers in mentoring increased from 108 participants to 764. Costs were reduced by 96 percent. Co‐worker engagement survey results improved by 7‐9 percent in select areas.

Practical implications

The findings suggest: secure key stakeholder support; tie web‐based mentoring to key organizational initiatives; make it available to all; provide resources to participants; communicate often.

Originality/value

The paper shows how a web‐based mentoring program can be implemented and supported and why this could be so vital to an organization.
Human capital management: 2nd generation
Authors: Ward Michael D.
Published: June 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to help organizations improve the overall effectiveness and utilization of talent management systems, including analysis of the evolution of technology and predictions regarding the next generation of systems, based on trends and organizational needs.

Design/methodology/approach

Research for this article is based on over 15 years of research and actual implementation of talent management solutions. Discussions with organizations, analysts and providers provided key input to the findings. The article approaches human capital management globally, holistically and comprehensively.

Findings

Results of the research confirmed that organizations still struggle with achieving a high success rate when implementing such systems. Utilization and effectiveness is directly linked to the overall solution, including content and services, as well as the technology.

Research limitations/implications

Statistically, the research did not include every industry and nationality.

Practical implications

Organisations that are seeking to deploy talent management systems should consider providers that can provide content and service, directly or via partners. The content and services should be examined as part of the overall solution and not post‐implementation.

Originality/value

Providers of talent management solutions are very fragmented and do not generally take an holistic approach. The concepts outlined in this paper provide human resources management with practical, “best in class”, guidelines for deploying such solutions.
Rising to the challenge: a look at the role of public libraries in times of recession
Authors: Rooney‐Browne Christine
Published: June 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the role public libraries play in times of economic crisis and to highlight the potential impact of recession on the future development of public library services.

Design/methodology/approach

The article focuses on preliminary statistics and anecdotal evidence from library communities in the UK and the USA.

Findings

Early evidence suggests that public library usage rises as the economy declines. Public library authorities in the UK and USA have reported huge increases in visitor numbers, shifts in societal expectations, and demands for specific “job related” resources and services. Although public libraries have emerged as vital services in times of recession it is perceived that they will be subject to ongoing review over the next few years as governments and local councils attempt to cut public spending.

Research limitations/implications

At the time of writing very little official research had been conducted to investigate the impact of this latest recession on public library usage. Therefore, the findings are based on early statistical and anecdotal evidence, available via websites, forums and blogs.

Practical implications

This article presents a case for public libraries as essential services with the potential to empower, educate, transform and inspire individuals and communities in times of crisis. It should be of interest to those working in public libraries and those documenting their impact.

Originality/value

This article represents an attempt to document the role of public libraries in the early stages of a major global recession. It highlights that although the latest economic downturn has created many opportunities for public libraries there is an urgent need to address the great many risks that public libraries will inevitably face as a result of this recession.
Interpersonal relationships: students, teachers and librarians in university libraries of Pakistan
Authors: Bhatti Rubina
Published: June 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess students‐teachers‐librarians interpersonal relationships; and to assess student attitudes towards library staff attitudes, library services and user‐education programmes in the university libraries of Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi‐disciplinary approach is used. Questionnaires and semi‐structured interviews are utilised in the study together with discussions under interview conditions with the experts.

Findings

The literature shows the librarians' slightly negative attitude to relationships, but interestingly students and teachers' responses reveal a much more positive view of support and accessibility by the library staff. The majority of students' written responses point out more positive interpersonal relationships than the literature indicated. Verbal responses show antagonistic attitudes in some cases towards library staff. It is shown that interpersonal relationships are not as disappointing as shown in the literature and the qualitative study of experts' views, but still there is much to be done to improve the meaningfulness of the educational use of the library by improving the interpersonal relationships. It finds the factors affecting the successful interpersonal relationships as: lack of professional training, collaboration and satisfactory working conditions seem to be crucial for the meaningful interpersonal attitude.

Research limitations/implications

The study examines the interpersonal relationships in the ten university libraries of Pakistan.

Practical implications

The information can be useful for librarians and information specialists for developing positive working relationships. Librarians can play their role effectively in attracting and educating the users to wealth of information contained in Pakistani libraries.

Originality/value

Very few studies on interpersonal relationship have been conducted in Pakistan. The key points that emerge that interpersonal relationships play a major part in developing attitudes towards library services and user education; antagonistic attitudes are evidenced in some cases towards library staff in the verbal responses from students (strongly) and teachers (less strongly). The myth that librarians are uncooperative with students and teachers is not well supported by the research.
Integration of knowledge management process into digital library system
Authors: Roknuzzaman  , Kanai Hideaki , Umemoto Katsuhiro
Published: June 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a theoretical framework of an integrated digital library (DL) system based on knowledge management (KM) process.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on viewpoints, review of existing concepts and frameworks of DL and KM, and the result of an interview of nine DL practitioners world‐wide. The respondents are purposively selected from the participants” lists of two international conferences held in 2008. The interview is conducted through e‐mail using a short, structured and open‐ended questionnaire.

Findings

The study finds some significant overlaps between DL and KM and argues that a generic KM process of acquisition, organization, storage and retrieval, and dissemination of knowledge with receiving feedbacks can suitably be fitted in DL. Thus an integrated DL system can be consisted of digital resources, technological infrastructure, experience and expertise, DL services and a KM process. The integration of KM can add value to developing a knowledge‐based culture, management of intellectual assets, promotion of knowledge sharing, innovations in DL services and a strong leadership position for DL.

Research limitations/implications

The research presents theoretical viewpoints of DL and KM, and the model, therefore, demands for practical investigation.

Practical implications

The study suggests the adoption of KM process in DL system to enhance its effectiveness.

Originality/value

The proposed model is an original work and theoretically, it would contribute to the advancement of academic debate in both the areas of DL and KM.
Formation conditions, innovation, and learning in R&D consortia
Authors: Eisner Alan B. , Rahman Noushi , Korn Helaine J.
Published: June 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on formation motivations and processes of R&D consortia to appreciate their differential innovative and learning capabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents its argument in two separate steps. First, a two‐by‐two framework, comprising four consortium types, is developed based on two formation motivations (i.e. risk sharing and networking) and two formation processes (i.e. emergent and engineered). Four case vignettes are used to demonstrate the practical relevance of the two‐by‐two consortium typology framework. Second, the innovative and learning capabilities of each of these consortia are explored and eight propositions are advanced.

Findings

The paper introduces four types of consortia: community builders, gamblers, visible hands, and opportunists. It is argued that visible hands generate greater innovation than community builders and opportunists, and community builders and opportunists generate greater innovation than gamblers. It is also argued that government involvement moderates the relationship between consortia type and innovative capabilities in an inverted U shape. Lastly, relative appropriateness of frequency, outcome, and trait imitations to facilitate organization‐level learning among consortium members is explored.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this paper lies in its two‐by‐two typology of consortium formation contextual conditions. Instead of focusing on evolutionary cycles and performance issues of consortia, this paper draws research attention to contextual conditions surrounding consortia formation. Consortium formation contextual conditions are critically important because they predetermine the life cycle and performance trajectory of consortia. This paper also links innovation and learning dynamics in consortia.
Outsourced marketing: it's the communication that matters
Authors: Walker Matthew , Sartore Melanie , Taylor Robin
Published: June 2009

Purpose

Outsourcing has been promoted as one of the most powerful trends in the modernization of marketing operations. The rationale for such an undertaking includes a variety of factors but is generally predicated on fiduciary considerations. The purpose of this article is to examine the issues with, and the empirical consequences of, outsourcing within the intercollegiate marketing context.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an exploratory mixed‐methods study incorporating qualitative and quantitative data to investigate outsourcing specifically related to the communication‐employee commitment relationship.

Findings

Results from study 1 reveal that marketing directors perceive outsourcing as critical but also experience dissatisfaction with the level, frequency, and direction of communication. Results from study 2 indicate that an explicit and positive relationship exists between employee satisfaction with communication and their resultant commitment to the organization.

Research limitations/implications

Owing to the exploratory nature of the study and a relatively small sample, the conclusions are tempered until subsequent studies have been performed. As well, specific moderating variables (e.g. size, culture, budget) were not included in this initial inquiry and as such may add considerable variance explained to the proposed relationship.

Practical implications

First, the authors suggest that managing the “right commitment” is essential for marketing departments when working with an outsourcing agency. Second, the authors call attention to the importance of certain contextual factors (e.g. shared knowledge, mutual dependency, and organizational linkage) that may serve to improve the outsourcing partnership.

Originality/value

Few papers have explored the communication‐commitment relationship, particularly with regards to outsourcing. Consequently, this study adds to the research by examining how intercollegiate marketing employees perceive and react to an outsourcing partnership. Building on additional work in this area, the research focuses on several aspects of the communication‐commitment framework not previously examined.
Downsizing strategies and organizational performance: a longitudinal study
Authors: Sheaffer Zachary , Carmeli Abraham , Steiner‐Revivo Michal , Zionit Shaul
Published: June 2009

Purpose

How does downsizing affect long‐ and short‐term organizational performance? The present study aims to address this important question and attempts to extend previous research by examining the effect of both personnel and assets reduction on long‐ and short‐term firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses data collected through secondary sources on 196 firms traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE) between 1992 and 2001.

Findings

Econometric analyses indicate the positive impact of a combination of downsizing strategies on short‐term performance, and the negative effect of this combination on long‐term performance and high‐tech industry performance is negatively related to assets and personnel cutbacks. Whereas downsizing affects the short‐term performance of larger and established companies positively, it generally affects long‐term performance inversely.

Originality/value

This study offers a first examination of the effects of simultaneous cutbacks in personnel and assets. This combined strategy goes further than dismissing employees, since layoffs are linked to the sale of such tangible assets as product lines or manufacturing facilities. By so doing, firms downscale their activities commensurate with the reduction in workforce and are less likely to generate excess workload on the remaining employees.
Making sustainable development sustainable
Authors: Aras Güler , Crowther David
Published: June 2009

Purpose

Although all organisations claim to be engaged in sustainable development, research shows that they misunderstand what is involved. This paper aims to reconsider what is meant by sustainability and to show that the way accounting operates in an organisation actually prevents an organisation from recognising sustainable operations.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper develops a theoretical argument that sustainability depends upon a redefinition of efficiency and shows the problems with the current descriptions of organisational activity.

Findings

The paper shows that efficiency is not demonstrated through cost cutting but through recognising value‐creating activities, and that sustainability cannot be achieved without a consideration of the distribution of the effects of organisational activity.

Research limitations/implications

The research shows a different model of sustainability which highlights key aspects that are not normally included; it thereby points the way towards further research possibilities.

Practical implications

An understanding of the key aspects of sustainability will help an organisation in its strategic decision making.

Originality/value

The paper presents a different approach to managing sustainability and also shows the relationship between corporate sustainability and corporate accounting, an area which is normally excluded from the discourse.
Leadership development and leadership effectiveness
Authors: Amagoh Francis
Published: June 2009

Purpose

It is important that organizations embark on leadership development programs that will enhance leadership effectiveness. The purpose of this article is to identify some leadership development initiatives.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a review of the literature to offer some leadership development practices.

Findings

Leadership development should be comprehensive and systematically integrated into the organizational culture in order to produce leaders who can deal adequately with organizational challenges.

Practical implications

Organizations and leadership developers should use a systemic approach in order to address the current leadership crisis. This paper emphasizes a global perspective and an organizational commitment to leadership development. It is suggested that organizations should have a long‐term focus towards realizing the benefits from investments in leadership development programs. The article offers a number of approaches to the selection and development of leaders at all levels of an organization.

Originality/value

All organizations face the problem of developing good leaders. This paper helps to identify some approaches to leadership development that will enhance leadership effectiveness and organizational performance.
Climbing ring robot for inspection of offshore wind turbines
Authors: Sattar Tariq P. , Leon Rodriguez Hernando , Bridge Bryan
Published: June 2009

Purpose

Structural integrity inspection of offshore wind turbine blades poses problems of gaining access to the blades, danger to human operatives and large costs of removing a blade and transporting it off‐shore for inspection. The purpose of this paper is to show that a climbing robot that can perform in situ blade inspection with micro/nano focus computed axial X‐ray tomography is a solution to find defects in the thickest blade sections and reduce the cost of inspection.

Design/methodology/approach

The weight of such an inspection system will be high, typically 200 kg and cross sectional scanner dimensions of 1 × 2 m to envelope a blade. The design of a climbing ring robot that completely encircles a turbine tower, typically 3 m in diameter, will provide the best means of climbing with this payload. Because of the development costs of such a huge robot, the optimal design path is to first prototype a small scale model.

Findings

First results on such a model are described and from its performance the load carrying capabilities of a full scale version computed. The robot is able to climb either straight up or down, or with a spiralling motion, or rotate around the circumference at the same height. Furthermore, the design is entirely modular thus enabling easy on‐site assembly of the robot.

Originality/value

A climbing robot with high payload and versatile motion capability, with adhesive forces between the robot and climbing surface provided entirely by mechanical means rather than by vacuum suction or magnetic force, making the system much safer and easier to manipulate.
Adaptive compliance control of a multi‐legged stair‐climbing robot based on proprioceptive data
Authors: Eich Markus , Grimminger Felix , Kirchner Frank
Published: June 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe an innovative compliance control architecture for hybrid multi‐legged robots. The approach was verified on the hybrid legged‐wheeled robot ASGUARD, which was inspired by quadruped animals. The adaptive compliance controller allows the system to cope with a variety of stairs, very rough terrain, and is also able to move with high velocity on flat ground without changing the control parameters.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper shows how this adaptivity results in a versatile controller for hybrid legged‐wheeled robots. For the locomotion control we use an adaptive model of motion pattern generators. The control approach takes into account the proprioceptive information of the torques, which are applied on the legs. The controller itself is embedded on a FPGA‐based, custom designed motor control board. An additional proprioceptive inclination feedback is used to make the same controller more robust in terms of stair‐climbing capabilities.

Findings

The robot is well suited for disaster mitigation as well as for urban search and rescue missions, where it is often necessary to place sensors or cameras into dangerous or inaccessible areas to get a better situation awareness for the rescue personnel, before they enter a possibly dangerous area. A rugged, waterproof and dust‐proof corpus and the ability to swim are additional features of the robot.

Originality/value

Contrary to existing approaches, a pre‐defined walking pattern for stair‐climbing was not used, but an adaptive approach based only on internal sensor information. In contrast to many other walking pattern based robots, the direct proprioceptive feedback was used in order to modify the internal control loop, thus adapting the compliance of each leg on‐line.
A 3D grasping system based on multimodal visual and tactile processing
Authors: Grzyb Beata J. , Chinellato Eris , Morales Antonio , del Pobil Angel P.
Published: June 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a novel multimodal approach to the problem of planning and performing a reliable grasping action on unmodeled objects.

Design/methodology/approach

The robotic system is composed of three main components. The first is a conceptual manipulation framework based on grasping primitives. The second component is a visual processing module that uses stereo images and biologically inspired algorithms to accurately estimate pose, size, and shape of an unmodeled target object. A grasp action is planned and executed by the third component of the system, a reactive controller that uses tactile feedback to compensate possible inaccuracies and thus complete the grasp even in difficult or unexpected conditions.

Findings

Theoretical analysis and experimental results have shown that the proposed approach to grasping based on the concurrent use of complementary sensory modalities, is very promising and suitable even for changing, dynamic environments.

Research limitations/implications

Additional setups with more complicate shapes are being investigated, and each module is being improved both in hardware and software.

Originality/value

This paper introduces a novel, robust, and flexible grasping system based on multimodal integration.