bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dosage compensation in mammals: fine-tuning the expression of the X chromosome
Authors: Heard Edith , Disteche Christine M.
Published: July 2006

Mammalian females have two X chromosomes and males have only one. This has led to the evolution of special mechanisms of dosage compensation. The inactivation of one X chromosome in females equalizes gene expression between the sexes. This process of X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) is a remarkable example of long-range, monoallelic gene silencing and facultative heterochromatin formation, and the questions surrounding it have fascinated biologists for decades. How does the inactivation of more than a thousand genes on one X chromosome take place while the other X chromosome, present in the same nucleus, remains genetically active? What are the underlying mechanisms that trigger the initial differential treatment of the two X chromosomes? How is this differential treatment maintained once it has been established, and how are some genes able to escape the process? Does the mechanism of X inactivation vary between species and even between lineages? In this review, X inactivation is considered in evolutionary terms, and we discuss recent insights into the epigenetic changes and developmental timing of this process. We also review the discovery and possible implications of a second form of dosage compensation in mammals that deals with the unique, potentially haploinsufficient, status of the X chromosome with respect to autosomal gene expression.
Early aging and age-related pathologies in mice deficient in BMAL1, the core componentof the circadian clock
Authors: Kondratov Roman V. , Kondratova Anna A. , Gorbacheva Victoria Y. , Vykhovanets Olena V. , Antoch Marina P.
Published: July 2006

Mice deficient in the circadian transcription factor BMAL1 (brain and muscle ARNT-like protein) have impaired circadian behavior and demonstrate loss of rhythmicity in the expression of target genes. Here we report that Bmal1−/− mice have reduced lifespans and display various symptoms of premature aging including sarcopenia, cataracts, less subcutaneous fat, organ shrinkage, and others. The early aging phenotype correlates with increased levels of reactive oxygen species in some tissues of the Bmal1−/− animals. These findings, together with data on CLOCK/BMAL1-dependent control of stress responses, may provide a mechanistic explanation for the early onset of age-related pathologies in the absence of BMAL1.
The regulation of mesodermal progenitor cell commitment to somitogenesis subdivides the zebrafish body musculature into distinct domains
Authors: Szeto Daniel P. , Kimelman David
Published: July 2006

The vertebrate musculature is produced from a visually uniform population of mesodermal progenitor cells (MPCs) that progressively bud off somites populating the trunk and tail. How the MPCs are regulated to continuously release cells into the presomitic mesoderm throughout somitogenesis is not understood. Using a genetic approach to study the MPCs, we show that a subset of MPCs are set aside very early in zebrafish development, and programmed to cell-autonomously enter the tail domain beginning with the 16th somite. Moreover, we show that the trunk is subdivided into two domains, and that entry into the anterior trunk, posterior trunk, and tail is regulated by interactions between the Nodal and bone morphogenetic protein (Bmp) pathways. Finally, we show that the tail MPCs are held in a state we previously called the Maturation Zone as they wait for the signal to begin entering somitogenesis.
Cotranscriptional processes and their influence on genome stability
Authors: Li Xialu , Manley James L.
Published: July 2006

Numerous studies support the idea that the complex process of gene expression is composed of multiple highly coordinated and integrated steps. While such an extensive coupling ensures the efficiency and accuracy of each step during the gene expression pathway, recent studies have suggested an evolutionarily conserved function for cotranscriptional processes in the maintenance of genome stability. Specifically, such processes prevent a detrimental effect of nascent transcripts on the integrity of the genome. Here we describe studies indicating that nascent transcripts can rehybridize with template DNA, and that this can lead to DNA strand breaks and rearrangements. We present an overview of the diverse mechanisms that different species employ to keep nascent RNA away from DNA during transcription. We also discuss possible mechanisms by which nascent transcripts impact genome stability, as well as the possibility that transcription-induced genomic instability may contribute to disease.
c-Myc is an important direct target of Notch1 in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma
Authors: Weng Andrew P. , Millholland John M. , Yashiro-Ohtani Yumi , Arcangeli Marie Laure , Lau Arthur , Wai Carol , del Bianco Cristina , Rodriguez Carlos G. , Sai Hong , Tobias John , Li Yueming , Wolfe Michael S. , Shachaf Cathy , Felsher Dean , Blacklow Stephen C. , Pear Warren S. , Aster Jon C.
Published: July 2006

Human acute T-cell lymphoblastic leukemias and lymphomas (T-ALL) are commonly associated with gain-of-function mutations in Notch1 that contribute to T-ALL induction and maintenance. Starting from an expression-profiling screen, we identified c-myc as a direct target of Notch1 in Notch-dependent T-ALL cell lines, in which Notch accounts for the majority of c-myc expression. In functional assays, inhibitors of c-myc interfere with the progrowth effects of activated Notch1, and enforced expression of c-myc rescues multiple Notch1-dependent T-ALL cell lines from Notch withdrawal. The existence of a Notch1–c-myc signaling axis was bolstered further by experiments using c-myc-dependent murine T-ALL cells, which are rescued from withdrawal of c-myc by retroviral transduction of activated Notch1. This Notch1-mediated rescue is associated with the up-regulation of endogenous murine c-myc and its downstream transcriptional targets, and the acquisition of sensitivity to Notch pathway inhibitors. Additionally, we show that primary murine thymocytes at the DN3 stage of development depend on ligand-induced Notch signaling to maintain c-myc expression. Together, these data implicate c-myc as a developmentally regulated direct downstream target of Notch1 that contributes to the growth of T-ALL cells.
Geminin is essential to prevent endoreduplication and to form pluripotent cells during mammalian development
Authors: Gonzalez Michael A. , Tachibana Kiku-e K. , Adams David J. , van der Weyden Louise , Hemberger Myriam , Coleman Nicholas , Bradley Allan , Laskey Ronald A.
Published: July 2006

In multicellular eukaryotes, geminin prevents overreplication of DNA in proliferating cells. Here, we show that genetic ablation of geminin in the mouse prevents formation of inner cell mass (ICM) and causes premature endoreduplication at eight cells, rather than 32 cells. All cells in geminin-deficient embryos commit to the trophoblast cell lineage and consist of trophoblast giant cells (TGCs) only. Geminin is also down-regulated in TGCs of wild-type blastocysts during S and gap-like phases by proteasome-mediated degradation, suggesting that loss of geminin is part of the mechanism regulating endoreduplication.
Effects of stress and sex on acquisition and consolidation of human fear conditioning
Authors: Zorawski Michael , Blanding Nineequa Q. , Kuhn Cynthia M. , LaBar Kevin S.
Published: July 2006

We examined the relationship between stress hormone (cortisol) release and acquisition and consolidation of conditioned fear learning in healthy adults. Participants underwent acquisition of differential fear conditioning, and consolidation was assessed in a 24-h delayed extinction test. The acquisition phase was immediately followed by an 11-min psychosocial stress period (arithmetic test combined with a public speech). Salivary cortisol was sampled at various time points before and after acquisition and retention of fear conditioning. Results showed two effects of endogenous cortisol. Post-acquisition cortisol correlated with fear acquisition in male but not female participants. In addition, post-acquisition cortisol correlated with consolidation of fear but only in those participants with high cortisol levels. We conclude that in the short term, a robust and sexually dimorphic relationship exists between fear learning and stress hormone levels. For those participants whose fear learning is accompanied by high stress hormone levels, a long-term relationship exists between cortisol release and memory consolidation. These short-term and long-term effects may relate to the differential involvement of mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptor subtypes, respectively. The findings have implications for understanding the role of stress, sex, and hormones in different stages of fear learning and memory.
Prior cocaine exposure disrupts extinction of fear conditioning
Authors: Burke Kathryn A. , Franz Theresa M. , Gugsa Nishan , Schoenbaum Geoffrey
Published: July 2006

Psychostimulant exposure has been shown to cause molecular and cellular changes in prefrontal cortex. It has been hypothesized that these drug-induced changes might affect the operation of prefrontal-limbic circuits, disrupting their normal role in controlling behavior and thereby leading to compulsive drug-seeking. To test this hypothesis, we tested cocaine-treated rats in a fear conditioning, inflation, and extinction task, known to depend on medial prefrontal cortex and amygdala. Cocaine-treated rats conditioned and inflated similar to saline controls but displayed slower extinction learning. These results support the hypothesis that control processes in the medial prefrontal cortex are impaired by cocaine exposure.
Long-term sensitization training primes Aplysia for further learning
Authors: Antzoulatos Evangelos G. , Wainwright Marcy L. , Cleary Leonard J. , Byrne John H.
Published: July 2006

Repetitive, unilateral stimulation of Aplysia induces long-term sensitization (LTS) of ipsilaterally elicited siphon-withdrawal responses. Whereas some morphological effects of training appear only on ipsilateral sensory neurons, others appear bilaterally. We tested the possibility that contralateral morphological modifications may have functional significance. Therefore, we examined whether LTS training primes subsequent sensitization. Twenty-four hours after LTS training the effects of brief shock treatment (BST) were examined. BST failed to sensitize animals that had previously received either 4-d control treatment or 4-d ipsilateral LTS training. In contrast, BST did sensitize animals that had previously received 4-d contralateral LTS training, suggesting the presence of a latent trace that primes the animal for further learning.
Runway incursions and prevention systems
Authors: McLean D. , Monro I.
Published: July 2006

Some aircraft runway collisions are described first to illustrate some common features of a runway incursion (RI) incident. Then, using the FAA definition of runway incursion, some data relating to RI incidents are presented to show that both RIs and incursion rates are growing steadily in the USA. Data for UK airport operations also indicate that the incursion rates in Britain are of the same order. Hence there is a need for some form of RI prevention. Most of the technological prevention systems available, or being developed, are briefly described before the paper concludes with the suggestion that effective prevention may be more swiftly obtained by improving airside signage and training for airport workers who use runways and taxiways in their vehicles.
Passenger safety and very large transportation aircraft
Authors: Muir Helen , Thomas Lauren
Published: July 2006

Future very large transport aircraft (VLTA) represents an exciting and important development in civil aviation. The emergency evacuation of VLTAs in the event of a survivable crash poses a challenge for aircraft manufacturers and certification authorities. The information which has been gained from previous evacuation research has been re‐evaluated for VLTA. This included consideration of the aircraft configuration, crew factors and passenger issues.
Impact of aircraft performance differences on fuel consumption of aircraft in air traffic management environment
Authors: Cavcar Aydan , Cavcar Mustafa
Published: July 2006

Performance differences between the aircraft types are natural and they inevitably cause problems in the air traffic system, particularly when slower aircraft types are followed by faster types in a climb or cruise queue. This paper presents the excess fuel consumption impact of aircraft performance differences in the air traffic environment. For this purpose, both climb and cruise phases of a flight mission are analyzed. Revision of the airworthiness regulations and air traffic procedures are suggested. The need for a flight level – cruise performance categorization is also recommended.
Spectral study and antifouling assessment of some thiosemicarbazone derivatives
Authors: Tadros Aida B. , El‐Batouti Mervette
Published: July 2006

Three thiosemicarbazone derivatives were synthesised: p‐chlorobenzylideneamino thiosemicarbazone, p‐itrobenzylideneamino thiosemicarbazone and p‐N,N ′‐dimethylminobenzylideneamino thiosemicarbazone. The structures of these compounds were characterised by elemental analysis, IR, 1H NMR and UV spectral measurements. The antifouling properties of the compounds were evaluated through the incorporation of each compound in a marine coating system and testing the system in Alexandria Eastern Harbour water. The results are discussed in the light of the leaching rate of the compounds from their paint films, and their interaction with paint matrix.
The influence of benzoyl hydrazine and some of its substituents on corrosion inhibition of carbon steel in sulphuric acid solution
Authors: Gowrani T. , Yamuna J. , Parameswari K. , Chitra S. , Selvaraj A. , Subramania A.
Published: July 2006

The influence of synthesised benzoyl hydrazine and some of its substituents on the inhibition of corrosion of carbon steel in 1M sulphuric acid solution were investigated using weight loss, gasometric measurements, potentiodynamic polarisation studies and impedance measurements. Corrosion kinetic parameters clearly revealed the fact that the inhibition of corrosion of carbon steel by these compounds was under mixed control. The effect of temperature on the corrosion behaviour of carbon steel in 1M H2SO4 with optimum concentration of inhibitors was studied in the temperature range 40°‐60°C. The activation energy (Ea) and free energy of adsorption (ΔGads0) were determined for all the inhibitors. The adsorption of these compounds on the carbon steel surface from 1M H2SO4 was observed to obey the Langmuir adsorption isotherm relationship.
IDF term weighting and IR research lessons
Authors: Spärck Jones Karen
Published: July 2006

Robertson comments on the theoretical status of IDF term weighting. Its history illustrates how ideas develop in a specific research context, in theory/experiment interaction, and in operational practice.
Introduction to bibliometrics for construction and maintenance of thesauri
Authors: Schneider Jesper W. , Borlund Pia
Published: July 2006

The paper introduces bibliometrics to the research area of knowledge organization – more precisely in relation to construction and maintenance of thesauri. As such, the paper reviews related work that has been of inspiration for the assembly of a semi‐automatic, bibliometric‐based, approach for construction and maintenance. Similarly, the paper discusses the methodical considerations behind the approach. Eventually, the semi‐automatic approach is used to verify the applicability of bibliometric methods as a supplement to construction and maintenance of thesauri. In the context of knowledge organization, the paper outlines two fundamental approaches to knowledge organization, that is, the manual intellectual approach and the automatic algorithmic approach. Bibliometric methods belong to the automatic algorithmic approach, though bibliometrics do have special characteristics that are substantially different from other methods within this approach.
Comparing usability between a visualization and text‐based system for information retrieval
Authors: Koshman Sherry
Published: July 2006

This investigation tested the designer assumption that VIBE is a tool for an expert user and asked: what are the effects of user expertise on usability when VIBE's non‐traditional interface is compared with a more traditional text‐based interface? Three user groups – novices, online searching experts, and VIBE system experts – totaling 31 participants, were asked to use and compare VIBE to a more traditional text‐based system, askSam. No significant differences were found; however, significant performance differences were found for some tasks on the two systems. Participants understood the basic principles underlying VIBE although they generally favored the askSam system. The findings suggest that VIBE is a learnable system and its components have pragmatic application to the development of visualized information retrieval systems. Further research is recommended to maximize the retrieval potential of IR visualization systems.
Sustainability for digital libraries
Authors: Hamilton Val
Published: July 2006

Economic sustainability is a pressing concern for many digital library projects. One key to achieving economic sustainability is to make the digital library an integral part of its parent organisation. This can be done by having a sound product, launched at the right stage, and valued by users. Influential champions for the digital library are also required and librarians must be prepared to network and cultivate useful contacts. Funding sources can include sponsorship, in‐kind support, fee charging and the ultimate aim, integration.
Impact of organizational learning and knowledge management factors on e‐business adoption
Authors: Lin Hsiu‐Fen , Lee Gwo‐Guang
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To examine the impact of organizational learning factors (training available, technical expertise, and knowledge level) and knowledge management processes (knowledge acquisition, knowledge application, and knowledge sharing) on e‐business systems adoption level.

Design/methodology/approach

The data from a survey of 202 IS executives in Taiwan were used empirically to test the proposed research model. Moreover, confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to examine the reliability and validity of the measurement model, and the structural equation modelling technique was used to evaluate the research model.

Findings

The analytical results showed that organizational learning factors and knowledge management processes are closely related to the level of e‐business systems adoption. However, knowledge sharing did not significantly affect e‐business systems adoption level.

Research limitations/implications

Future studies could seek an enhanced understanding of the impacts on the level of e‐business adoption of the organizational learning and knowledge management factors investigated in this paper through structured interviews and case studies of IS executives dealing with ongoing or recently completed e‐business systems projects.

Practical implications

Owner/managers considering e‐business systems adoption would be best to focus on both social and technical factors, and their interaction within and beyond the organization, rather than focusing exclusively on technological considerations.

Originality/value

This paper has implications for e‐business managers or policy‐makers in formulating policies and targeting appropriate organizational capabilities to ensure effective adoption of e‐business systems.
Sir George Simpson: 19th century fur trade governor and precursor of systematic management
Authors: Spraakman Gary , Margret Julie
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Sir George Simpson, the Governor of the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) from 1821 to his death in 1860, was the subject of numerous biographical works that described various facets of the man including his managerial abilities, literary prowess, physical stamina, abundant energy, extensive art collection and ethnological specimens. Two related aspects of his outstanding management style have been overlooked: the genesis of his management style and where it can be placed in the evolution of management practices during the 19th century.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data from the Hudson's Bay Company archives plus secondary sources.

Findings

Simpson's management abilities came from his grammar school education and his apprenticeship to a counting house. More importantly, it can be attributed to his association with his mentor Andrew Wedderburn, his dedication to the HBC, and his high level of physical and intellectual energy. His information intensive management style was also a significant precursor to systematic management, which occurred later in the 19th century.

Research limitations/implications

Future research should examine other examples of the evolution of management during the 19th century, particularly the transition from sub‐unit accountability to systematic management.

Originality/value

The paper emphasizes the importance of managers in making management systems work.
Does diet protect against Parkinson's disease? Part 4 – vitamins and minerals
Authors: Brown Isabella
Published: July 2006

This paper is the fourth in a series on Parkinson's disease and diet and investigates the role which antioxidant vitamins A and C, niacin and selenium may have on the incidence of the disease. Oxidative stress is believed to be a key factor in the development of PD and all of these have a role in preventing oxidative stress mediated cell damage. Dietary information was obtained via questionnaires. Vitamin C was found to reduce the risk of PD by 40 per cent in one study, although this was not supported by other studies. Niacin was associated with an at least 70 per cent reduced risk of PD incidence in a number of studies. No evidence was found to support a role for vitamin A or selenium. There is a need for further research to support or disprove the roles of these antioxidant vitamins within the aetiology of PD.
The survival of Arcobacter butzleri, an emerging human pathogen, in the presence of acids or ethanol
Authors: Phillips Carol A. , Bates Paul
Published: July 2006

The species Arcobacter is related to the well‐known human pathogen, Campylobacter jejuni, and has been linked to human illness, both by association and epidemiologically. In this study the survival of Arcobacter butzleri in acidic conditions and in ethanol has been investigated. The organism is not able to remain viable in acids below pH4.0 but the actual inhibitory pH depends on acid, growth conditions and growth phase. A. butzleri is able to survive in 10 per cent ethanol in culture and, when attached to stainless steel surfaces, 22.7 per cent of the organisms remain viable and recoverable after swabbing with 5 per cent ethanol compared with a control swabbed with water. The fact that this organism is able to survive under these conditions may have an impact in the food processing industry.
Benefits of participation in corporate volunteer programs: employees' perceptions
Authors: Peterson Dane K.
Published: July 2006

This exploratory survey study investigated the alleged benefits associated with corporate volunteer programs. The results demonstrated that employees viewed volunteerism as an effective means of developing or enhancing several types of job‐related skills. This was particularly true for female employees and employees participating in a formal volunteer program. The results also demonstrated that organizational commitment was higher for volunteers from companies with a corporate volunteer program than for non‐volunteers with organizations without a corporate volunteer program. Finally, the results indicated that job satisfaction was related to volunteerism among female employees, but not for male employees.
An analysis of current human resource management publications
Authors: Hoobler Jenny M. , Brown Johnson Nancy
Published: July 2006

Human resource articles published in the top human resource management (HRM) journals from 1994 through 2001 are analyzed by topic, research technique, level of analysis, and data source. The results are aggregated and summarized to address the current state of affairs in human resource management research. Moreover, these data are used to examine what is not being addressed in the field at the current time. Results point to a lack of focus on methods, diversity, and technology, and the decline of the once‐popular absenteeism and turnover streams of research. Also lacking is variance in research methodologies, with empirical analyses, specifically regression, being the most frequently employed methodology. The article concludes with suggestions for future HRM research.
Employee relations in the non‐union hotel industry: a case of “determined opportunism”?
Authors: Head Jeremy , Lucas Rosemary
Published: July 2006

This paper examines employee relations management in a non‐union sector, showing how employers in the hotel industry remain relatively free to manage in an arbitrary and determined fashion, in spite of an increasingly wide net of statutory employee rights. These management practices are effected in the way the workforce is structured, and in the differential treatment of workers in the same organisation. Notably “peripheral” unskilled workers, which are in the majority, are subjected to a more “hard” form of human resource management and are made more vulnerable from lack of eligibility to employment protection rights. Employers are not constrained from dismissing workers and fail to comply with many minimum legal requirements or observe the law in spirit. “Determined opportunism” represents an extreme instance of a “retaining control/cost‐control” style of management.
Making a statement: reviewing the case for written collection development policies
Authors: Vickery Jim
Published: July 2006

Reviews the established arguments for writing collection development policies, focusing on selection, planning, public relations and co‐operation. Identifies various practical and theoretical drawbacks, and illustrates these with examples from library literature. Concludes that a more flexible approach is needed in order to reflect the changing environments of publishing, library selection and acquisition.
Strategizing financing of public university libraries in East Africa
Authors: Nawe Julita
Published: July 2006

Recently there has been growing criticism of public universities in relation to government funding as competition becomes stiffer in the face of other equally demanding government responsibilities. This development calls for greater austerity and strategization of plans in order to maintain standards in the process of dealing with adverse conditions. One of the key strategies in this case is diversification of funding sources, while using available resources effectively and efficiently. Libraries as heavy investors are the most hit in this respect. Thus they have to be more strategic than ever before by using all internal and external potentials/opportunities they can lay their hands on. This paper emphasizes the importance of keeping comprehensive data needed for costing services, and also highlights opportunities and strategies to be used in exploiting such opportunities.
Intra‐organisational marketing culture and market orientation: a case study of the implementation of the marketing concept in a public library
Authors: Harrison Paul James , Shaw Robin N.
Published: July 2006

The measurement of both marketing culture and behaviour provides the opportunity to gain more insight into the overall market focus of organisations. This article seeks to determine the market orientation and marketing culture of all staff within organisations, to ascertain to what extent other members of an organisation support or create barriers to the successful implementation of the marketing concept. This paper will provide a brief overview of the existing literature in the field of market orientation and marketing culture. After detailing the research design and methodology, a summary developed from 11 focus group sessions – consisting of all staff in one public library service in Victoria, Australia – is presented. The findings indicate that while all areas within this organisation are committed to marketing, there are various interpretations of marketing and how it should be implemented. In addition, the research finds a number of factors that could be instrumental in the successful implementation of the marketing concept in public libraries.
Seeking the Holy Grail of organisational development
Authors: Cacioppe Ron , Edwards Mark
Published: July 2006

Purpose

There are several stage‐based models of organisational development (OD) that provide a systematic overview of the developmental potential of organisations. This paper compares four such models – Ken Wilber's integral theory, the spiral dynamics model of Don Beck and Chris Cowan, Richard Barrett's corporate transformation model, and William Torbert's action inquiry model – with the aim of presenting an integrated account of the stages of OD.

Design/methodology/approach

Integral theory is used as the basis for considering the theoretical scope of these other models of OD. The integral framework is specifically designed to recognise the valid insights of other models of organisational change and, as such, is well suited for situating those insights in a comprehensive and coherent approach for mapping the developmental paths of organisations. The models considered represent some of the more innovative OD approaches.

Findings

From the comparative analysis an integral model for OD is described. The description includes a new definition of OD which is based on integral theory's core developmental principles.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed framework provides a means for assessing the scope and specificity of other approaches to OD. It also provides criteria for distinguishing between those approaches that are concerned with incremental or continuous change and those that focus on transformative development.

Practical implications

The comparative analysis and resulting framework will assist practitioners and consultants in the OD field in developing a better understanding of the relationships between various stage‐based approaches to OD.

Originality/value

This paper provides a comprehensive framework that can assist in comparing and situating the many approaches to OD that are currently available.
Organizational development facilitates effective regulation compliance
Authors: Cusick Anne
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Aims to explain how application of organizational development (OD) can facilitate compliance with regulations imposed by an external government agency on university operations.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 2,000 students and 150 staff were directly affected by the regulation, with the remaining university population potentially affected. The strategy utilized project management and change agent processes where analysis of the problem, design and implementation of interventions, and evaluation of intervention effect were carried out through a project working party with highly centralized leadership by senior management. There was regular progressive and summative evaluation of project goal attainment.

Findings

Use of project management, change agents and centralized senior project leadership provided the practical means to support successful OD. OD worked well within the devolved, multi‐campus, multidisciplinary and organizationally complex environment of the university. OD proved to be an effective and efficient approach for large‐scale change in technical organizational sub‐systems, in particular structure and technology. By the end of the 18‐month intervention, no staff incidents had been reported, and of 2,000 students directly affected, only seven incidents had been identified and these were ultimately resolved by the project management group.

Practical implications

OD can be used effectively and efficiently to facilitate mandated change in multi‐site, multidisciplinary, large organizations. This case study demonstrated that project management, centralized leadership and the use of change agents were practical, efficient and effective within the OD framework.

Originality/value

This is the first study to describe and evaluate the use of OD to facilitate mandated change in universities in response to regulation.
The influence of superleader behaviors on organization commitment, job satisfaction and organization self‐esteem in a self‐managed work team
Authors: Elloy David F.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to examine the impact of superleader behaviors in self‐managed work teams, on organization commitment, job satisfaction and organization self‐esteem.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected on‐site over a period of three days from employees working in a non‐union paper mill located in a small rural community in the northwestern region of the USA. The survey was completed by 141 employees, representing a 9 per cent response rate. Self‐leadership, organization commitment, job satisfaction and organization self‐esteem were all measured using different instruments.

Findings

The results indicated that teams groups that were led by a supervisor who exhibited the characteristics of a superleader had higher levels of organization commitment, job satisfaction, and organization self‐esteem.

Research limitations/implications

The study is based on a small sample and relied on self‐report data, thereby allowing for the possibility of same source bias. However, this is a common problem with cross‐sectional designs.

Practical implications

Leading in a self‐managed work team environment requires a unique approach to leadership. The results of this study illustrated that superleader behaviors result in some beneficial outcomes for organizations including enhanced levels of organization commitment, job satisfaction and organization self‐esteem. It behoves organizations to encourage, through training programs, the development of these behaviors.
Entrepreneurial and professional CEOs
Authors: Apospori Eleni , Papalexandris Nancy , Galanaki Eleanna
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To shed some light on the motivational profile of entrepreneurial as opposed to professional CEOs in Greece.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on McClelland's motivational patterns, i.e. power, achievement and affiliation, as well as responsibility; interviews with Greek entrepreneurial and professional CEOs were conducted. Then, interviews were content‐analysed, in order to identify differences in motivational profiles of those two groups of CEOs.

Findings

Achievement, motivation and responsibility were found to be the most significant discriminating factors between entrepreneurial and professional CEOs.

Research limitations/implications

The current research focuses only on McClelland's typology. Other aspects affecting entrepreneurial inclination are not studied in the current paper.

Practical implications

One of the major implications deriving from the identified characteristics of successful entrepreneurial and professional CEOs has to do with the preparation and training of young leaders for both larger and smaller firms.

Originality/value

This paper studies, for the first time, the leadership profile of CEOs in Greece and identifies differences between professional and entrepreneurial ones. This is of great value in an SMEs dominated economy, such as Greece, where these research findings can be used for the development of entrepreneurship.
Design requirements for a new robot for minimally invasive surgery
Authors: Ortmaier Tobias , Weiss Holger , Falk Volkmar
Published: July 2006

Minimally invasive endoscopic surgery and minimally invasive surgery challenge surgical skills due to the operator's separation from the surgical field and the requirements for long instruments with limited dexterity. To overcome the drawbacks of conventional endoscopic instruments computer‐enhanced telemanipulation systems and robotic systems have been developed in the past. This paper summarizes the requirements for minimally invasive robotic assisted surgery and describes a new robot that has been developed at the German Aerospace Center (DLR). The discussion includes a description of the robotic arm, the appropriate control laws, as well as the requirements for actuated and sensorized instruments.
Methods for haptic feedback in teleoperated robot‐assisted surgery
Authors: Okamura A.M.
Published: July 2006

Teleoperated minimally invasive surgical robots can significantly enhance a surgeon's accuracy, dexterity and visualization. However, current commercially available systems do not include significant haptic (force and tactile) feedback to the operator. This paper describes experiments to characterize this problem, as well as several methods to provide haptic feedback in order to improve surgeon's performance. There exist a variety of sensing and control methods that enable haptic feedback, although a number of practical considerations, e.g. cost, complexity and biocompatibility, present significant challenges. The ability of teleoperated robot‐assisted surgical systems to measure and display haptic information leads to a number of additional exciting clinical and scientific opportunities, such as active operator assistance through “virtual fixtures” and the automatic acquisition of tissue properties.
On‐site three dimensional force sensing capability in a laparoscopic grasper
Authors: Tholey Gregory , Pillarisetti Anand , Desai Jaydev P.
Published: July 2006

Advancements in robotics have led to significant improvements in robot‐assisted minimally invasive surgery. This paper describes our design of an automated laparoscopic grasper with tri‐directional force measurement capability at the grasping jaws. The laparoscopic tool can measure normal, lateral, and longitudinal grasping forces while grasping soft tissue. Additionally, the tool can also be used to measure the tissue probing forces. Initial testing of the prototype has shown its ability to accurately characterize artificial tissue samples of varying stiffness and accurately measure the probing forces.
Development and model‐aided performance measure of a sensor‐augmented industrial robotic system for handling steel bearing races in an unstructured environment
Authors: Roy Debanik
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Aims to measure the development and performance of a sensor‐augmented industrial robotic system for handling steel bearing races in an unstructured environment.

Design/methodology/approach

Performs exhaustive experimentation during installation of the robotic system to assess its performance capability in terms of average lifting capacity and cycle time of operation.

Findings

Reveals that improvement can be achieved without damping, though rubber padding still appears to be useful sometimes in higher speed operations. Also unloading operations appear to cause more trouble than loading.

Practical implications

The introduction of the robotic system will culminate in lower cycle time, increased productivity and optimal utilization of the annealing furnace.

Originality/value

Will be beneficial for those involved in material handling operations in an unstructured environment as opposed to more familiar conditions.
Snaking around in a nuclear jungle
Authors: Buckingham Rob , Graham Andrew
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The paper describes a pipe repair conducted in August 2004 using two types of snake‐arm robot. The pipe was located 5 m below the reactor core of Ringhals 1 nuclear reactor.

Design/methodology/approach

The two types of robot worked co‐operatively to replace a section of critical pipe. The 23‐degree of freedom arm snaked around obstructing pipes to positions cameras in a humanly unreachable location in order to give the ideal view of the work site. The more substantial second arm used 13 degrees of freedom to deliver fixtures, cutting tools, gas shields, inspection equipment and also conducted both tack welding and continuous welding.

Findings

The leaking pipe was repaired manually during the 2004 outage. The robots successfully completed the externally assessed Factory Acceptance Tests which involved copying the complete procedure on a purpose built mock‐up. The robots are now on standby for 2005 and beyond.

Practical implications

The successful completion of this extremely difficult task indicates that snake‐arm robots are now a viable solution to a variety of complex access tasks in all industries including aerospace, pharmaceuticals, the miltary sector and nuclear industries.

Originality/value

The paper describes a procedure that has never been attempted before using two completely new designs of redundant snake‐arm robot.
How economists cite literature: citation analysis of two core Pakistani economic journals
Authors: Ashraf Sharif Muhammad , Mahmood Khalid
Published: July 2006

Selected volumes of the Pakistan Development Review (PDR) and the Pakistan Economic and Social Review (PESR) were analysed to find the citation pattern of their articles. Eight volumes of each journal were selected, two volumes representing a decade. The results revealed that the PDR has been the most cited journal. The mean score of citations per article remained insignificantly different in the two core journals. More than 50 per cent of the citations from both journals were single‐authored. More than 50 per cent of the citations were from non‐journal sources, mainly books. Although citations from online sources were seen, it was a negligible number. About 47 per cent of the total citations of the PDR were up to five years old compared with the citations of the PESR, where only 25 per cent fell into this category. Most of the authors used foreign books as citations. There is a significant similarity in the top most cited journals in both cases. Most of the frequently cited journals were from the USA.
Measuring attitudinal commitment in business‐to‐business channels
Authors: Kelly Stephen James
Published: July 2006

While organizational behaviourists have largely adopted a three‐component conceptualisation of attitudinal commitment, marketers continue exclusively to apply one‐ or two‐component models. In this paper, the reliability and validity of one‐, two‐ and three‐component models of commitment are examined within a business‐to‐business context. The results indicate that the three‐component model incorporating instrumental, affective and normative dimensions is superior on both substantive and empirical grounds. It is subsequently argued that marketing planners need to demand that marketing researchers are more precise when incorporating commitment into conceptual and empirical studies, and account for these distinct components either by explicitly including or omitting them. It is also argued that marketing managers can enhance channel relationships if they are cognisant of the three distinct types of attitudinal commitments when formulating channel management tactics and strategies.
Contemporary marketing practice: theoretical propositions and practical implications
Authors: Lindgreen Adam , Palmer Roger , Vanhamme Joëlle
Published: July 2006

Marketing has changed significantly since it first emerged as a distinct business and management phenomenon. We identify some of the major factors causing the observed change in marketing practice. We then describe a classification scheme that is based on transaction marketing and relationship marketing, each of which is characterised using five marketing exchange dimensions and four managerial dimensions. The two general marketing perspectives encompass five distinct types of marketing: transaction marketing, database marketing, e‐marketing, interaction marketing, and network marketing. We consider real‐life (mainly European) companies that have implemented these different marketing approaches. Finally, we deal with the pedagogical contributions including an examination of how it is possible for business schools to teach the subject of marketing from a relationship marketing perspective in such a way that the relevance and quality of teaching and research in relationship marketing is useful to students, faculty, and the business community.
A procedural approach of inspecting CAD model errors
Authors: Yang Jeongsam
Published: July 2006

Neutral format translators such as STEP and IGES have been used to exchange CAD model between the various CAD systems in the product development process. But imperfect interoperability imposes costs on the industry due to higher costs of design and production and slower implementation of design changes. In this paper, we propose a procedural approach to inspect the CAD model's errors that occur in a neutral format. We employed two separate inspection processes for checking CAD model errors without wasting excessive resources: the topological data structure and the geometrical data structure. We developed the 3D CAD model inspection system to check the topological and geometrical errors and applied it to case study. An inspection record can be edited in HTML, and thus can be shared by any designer at any time.
Closed form solution of optimal design of rectangular reinforced concrete sections
Authors: Barros M.H.F.M. , Barros A.F.M. , Ferreira C.A.
Published: July 2006

The aim of this paper is to obtain the analytical solution for the optimal design of reinforced concrete sections under ultimate design. The equilibrium equations of the section under bending moment and axial force in rupture are derived. The ultimate conditions are considered either in the steel or in the concrete according to the concrete design codes. The definition of the strains and stresses in the materials is based on the use of Heaviside functions. With this definition the equilibrium equations are described by unique equations. The optimization can then be developed with any design variables in the geometric definition, as area of the reinforcement and location. The optimization is developed with yielding of tensile steel and crushing of concrete. Although this is the current situation in reinforced concrete design, future developments of the model can include other steel and concrete conditions. Cost optimization and variable materials strength ratio are possible applications of the model. The interest of the model is the use of closed form unique equilibrium equations in the optimization of reinforced concrete sections. Numerical examples of the optimization of a rectangular section with minimum reinforcing steel area and economic bending moment are presented. The originality of the paper is the use of Heaviside functions in the definition of the ultimate strains in the reinforced concrete section. Unique equations for the objective function and restrictions are derived. The paper is useful for the design of reinforced concrete. The equations derived can be implemented into computer programs.