bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regional cloud characteristics over the tropical northwestern Pacific as revealed by Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Precipitation Radar and TRMM Microwave Imager
Authors: Park Myung‐Sook , Choi Yong‐Sang , Ho Chang‐Hoi , Sui Chung‐Hsiung , Park Seon Ki , Ahn Myoung‐Hwan
Published: March 2007

The present study investigates regional cloud characteristics over the tropical northwestern Pacific using Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) data sets such as rain rate, radar reflectivity, and passive microwave radiometer polarization corrected temperature (PCT). In particular, the tropical northwestern Pacific is divided into two surface rain maxima regions: the South China Sea (SCS) and the Philippine Sea (PS). The TRMM variables are retrieved by a pair of spaceborne microwave sensors, Precipitation Radar (PR) and TRMM Microwave Imager (TMI). It is revealed that the SCS contains more frequent deeply developed convective systems relative to the PS on the basis of the analysis of the PR and TMI version‐6 data during a 4‐year period (1998–2001) of summers. This is mainly indicated by two factors: strong PR reflectivity (≥30 dBZ) above the freezing level (∼5 km) and TMI ice‐scattering signature (PCT at 85.5 GHz ≤ ∼190 K, and PCT at 37.0 GHz ≤ ∼260 K), which are more frequent over the SCS than over the PS. Comparison of TMI and PR rain rates, a relatively small (large) positive PR–TMI bias is observed for an average of rainy areas over the SCS (PS). This region‐dependent PR–TMI bias can arise from the regionally different extents of both (1) the PR's underestimate by attenuation correction and (2) the TMI's overestimate by emission from the melting layer (i.e., SCS > PS in (1) and (2)). These differences are due to the excess of heavy rainfall events, high rain rates, strong convective intensities, and high cloud top heights in the SCS compared with the PS.
Landscape evolution in tidal embayments: Modeling the interplay of erosion, sedimentation, and vegetation dynamics
Authors: D'Alpaos Andrea , Lanzoni Stefano , Marani Marco , Rinaldo Andrea
Published: March 2007

We propose an ecomorphodynamic model which conceptualizes the chief land‐forming processes operating on the intertwined, long‐term evolution of marsh platforms and embedded tidal networks. The rapid network incision (previously addressed by the authors) is decoupled from the geomorphological dynamics of intertidal areas, governed by sediment erosion and deposition and crucially affected by the presence of vegetation. This allows us to investigate the response of tidal morphologies to different scenarios of sediment supply, colonization by halophytes, and changing sea level. Different morphological evolutionary regimes are shown to depend on marsh ecology. Marsh accretion rates, enhanced by vegetation growth, and the related platform elevations tend to decrease with distance from the creek, measured along suitably defined flow paths. The negative feedback between surface elevation and its inorganic accretion rate is reinforced by the relation between plant productivity and soil elevation in Spartina‐dominated marshes and counteracted by positive feedbacks in multispecies‐vegetated marshes. When evolving under constant sea level, unvegetated and Spartina‐dominated marshes asymptotically tend to mean high water level (MHWL), different from multiple vegetation species marshes, which can make the evolutionary transition to upland. Equilibrium configurations below MHWL can be reached under constant rates of sea level rise, depending on sediment supply and vegetation productivity. Our analyses on marine regressions and transgressions show that when the system is in a supply‐limited regime, network retreat and expansion (associated with regressions and transgressions, respectively) tend to be cyclic. Conversely, in a transport‐limited regime, network reexpansion following a regression tends to take on a new configuration, showing a hysteretic behavior.
Hydrologic assessment of an urban variable source watershed in the northeast United States
Authors: Easton Zachary M. , Gérard‐Marchant Pierre , Walter M. Todd , Petrovic A. Martin , Steenhuis Tammo S.
Published: March 2007

Effective control of nonpoint source contaminants in runoff from urbanized watersheds requires knowledge about the locations of runoff source areas under a variety of conditions. Physical monitoring of spatially variant processes, such as runoff production form variable source areas, is time‐consuming and expensive. Thus modeling the processes may provide a valuable cost‐effective alternative. In this paper we adapt and validate a variable source model for an urban watershed to predict areas of the landscape prone to elevated soil moisture levels and saturation excess runoff. We modified the soil moisture distribution and routing (SMDR) model to simulate hydrologic processes in an urban upstate New York watershed by considering the impact of impervious surfaces, hydraulic control structures (detention basins), and land use on the water balance. In our model, infiltration excess runoff from impervious surfaces infiltrates in the surrounding soils. Simulated and observed streamflow agreed well, and more importantly, the distribution of soil moisture levels and overland flow throughout the watershed were well predicted. Removing urban features from the model resulted in substantially lower peak stormflows than observed, and the base and interflows increased accordingly. Both modeled and measured distributed results indicated that the more urbanized areas of the study site had both higher soil moistures and runoff losses due to shallower soils, greater upslope contributing areas, and a larger area of impervious surfaces generating runoff. The model results helped identify processes that describe how urbanization impacts integrated and distributed hydrology, which provides useful information for targeted water quality management.
Stra13 is induced by genotoxic stress and regulates ionizing‐radiation‐induced apoptosis
Authors: Thin Tin Htwe , Li Li , Chung Teng‐Kai , Sun Hong , Taneja Reshma
Published: March 2007

In response to a number of genotoxic stimuli that induce DNA damage in cells, the tumour suppressor p53 is activated resulting in cell cycle arrest or apoptosis. In this study, we have identified stimulated with retinoic acid 13 (Stra13), a basic helix–loop–helix transcription factor, as a regulator of ionizing‐radiation‐induced apoptosis. We show that Stra13 is induced in response to several DNA‐damaging agents in a p53‐independent manner. Stra13−/− thymocytes show impaired apoptosis in response to ionizing radiation, and consistently, p53 levels and also expression of its key transcriptional targets Puma and Noxa are reduced in the mutant thymocytes. In vitro, Stra13 regulates p53 levels in a mouse double mutant 2 (Mdm2)‐dependent manner by physically interacting with p53 and preventing Mdm2‐mediated ubiquitination and nuclear export. Together, our studies provide evidence that Stra13 is involved in DNA‐damage‐induced apoptosis and indicate its role in tumorigenesis.
Altered acetylcholine, bradykinin and cutaneous pressure‐induced vasodilation in mice lacking the TREK1 potassium channel: the endothelial link
Authors: Garry Ambroise , Fromy Bérengère , Blondeau Nicolas , Henrion Daniel , Brau Frédéric , Gounon Pierre , Guy Nicolas , Heurteaux Catherine , Lazdunski Michel , Saumet Jean Louis
Published: March 2007

The TWIK related K+ channel TREK1 is an important member of the class of two‐pore‐domain K+ channels. It is a background K+ channel and is regulated by hormones, neurotransmitters, intracellular pH and mechanical stretch. This work shows that TREK1 is present both in mesenteric resistance arteries and in skin microvessels. It is particularly well expressed in endothelial cells. Deletion of TREK1 in mice leads to an important alteration in vasodilation of mesenteric arteries induced by acetylcholine and bradykinin. Iontophoretic delivery of acetylcholine and bradykinin in the skin of TREK1+/+ and TREK1−/− mice also shows the important role of TREK1 in cutaneous endothelium‐dependent vasodilation. The vasodilator response to local pressure application is also markedly decreased in TREK1−/− mice, mimicking the decreased response to pressure observed in diabetes. Deletion of TREK1 is associated with a marked alteration in the efficacy of the G‐protein‐coupled receptor‐associated cascade producing NO that leads to major endothelial dysfunction.
How Many of us are there and where are We? A Simple Independent Validation of the 2001 Census and its Revisions
Authors: Dorling Danny
Published: March 2007

In this paper I present two simple checks on the geographical validity of the UK 2001 Census and on the revisions of population estimates which have been made after its release. The huge difficulties inherent in estimating simply the population's human geography, let alone its characteristics, are discussed, and I conclude that current estimates may now be as close as they will ever be to a true estimate of the population—but are in places very unreliable. The slightly haphazard way in which the United Kingdom finally arrived at its 2001 population estimates, by the latter half of 2004, is commented upon. The UK population was reported to have passed the 60 million mark twice: once in 2001 and then again in 2004. With such national uncertainty, confidence in local population estimates is obviously low. This uncertainty also raises issues over the practicality of recent attempts to estimate the size of the supposed illegal population living in the United Kingdom, even before any moral objections are raised over attempts to count those whose existence here is deemed to be illegal. An uncertainty principle is introduced whereby, as the population becomes more mobile, observation becomes ever more unreliable. I end the paper by discussing the implications of changing human geography for its enumeration with a suggestion for a revision to the census form in 2011 to allow us to count better in the future. I conclude that comparisons with administrative records are not a panacea for estimating the population of the United Kingdom. Instead, further checks within the census process are suggested for the future.
Fixing the Population: From Census to Population Estimate
Authors: Simpson Ludi
Published: March 2007

Significant nonresponse to the UK census presented major challenges to the estimation of the full population in both 1991 and 2001. In this paper I follow the implementation of agreed quality assurance strategies and their further development in response to the lack of confidence in the initial population estimates, but argue that the published census data are more accurate than in 1991. The strategy to complete the census database with records informed by the quality assurance procedures largely worked and should be maintained. Published census output and population estimates for England and Wales and for subnational areas contain significant uncertainty which is likely to remain for this and future decades. Both the estimates and the remaining uncertainty should be measured more precisely.
The Impact of Cell Adjustment on the Analysis of Aggregate Census Data
Authors: Williamson Paul
Published: March 2007

Cell adjustment involves the random perturbation of tabular counts by statistical agencies, prior to publication, in order to minimise the risks of disclosing confidential information about individual survey respondents. A variety of cell adjustment regimes have been applied to past and present census outputs. For each a method of estimating the confidence interval associated with the aggregation of potentially perturbed counts is presented. In this paper I also investigate the impact that alternative cell adjustment regimes have on a variety of standard user analyses—ranging from the summation of cell counts through to the ranking of areas and the fitting of multivariate regression models—including, in addition, the effects of geographical aggregation. The conclusion of the paper is that the choice recently offered to UK census users between the current methods of cell adjustment adopted in New Zealand and those adopted in Australia is finely balanced and analysis specific. What is clear is that both methods have a significant adverse impact on a range of analyses—in particular, the ranking of areas. In consequence, a case is advanced for abandoning cell adjustment, or, at the very least, for publishing independently adjusted counts for all table marginals. Finally, advice is offered to users on minimising the impact of cell adjustment on their analyses.
A Case Study of the Impact of Statistical Disclosure Control on Data Quality in the Individual UK Samples of Anonymised Records
Authors: Purdam Kingsley , Elliot Mark
Published: March 2007

Microdata released for public use, such as the Samples of Anonymised Records, Labour Force Survey data, and longitudinal data, such as the Millennium Cohort Study, are subject to statistical disclosure procedures. These measures include data swapping, recoding, postrandomisation, and suppression. Considerable research has been conducted into the extent to which such measures protect respondent anonymity. However, the impact the measures have on the utility of the data is a neglected area of research. In this case study we examine the impact of standard statistical disclosure control measures on the utility of a sample census microdata set. We consulted data users about the impact of the variable recoding on the usefulness of the data and repeated published analyses on a file that had been subjected to perturbative disclosure control measures. It was found that disclosure control measures had a significant impact on the usability of the data (analytical completeness) and on the accuracy of the data in relation to the findings reached when the data were used in analyses (analytical validity). The findings should be of interest to those involved in statistical disclosure control and to data users themselves. Although further research is required in this area, we conclude that data quality assessment should be a central part of disclosure control practice and that universal standards for the relationship between disclosure control and data utility should be developed.
Genetic Algorithm Optimisation of An Agent-Based Model for Simulating a Retail Market
Authors: Heppenstall Alison J , Evans Andrew J , Birkin Mark H
Published: March 2007

Traditionally, researchers have used elaborate regression models to simulate the retail petrol market. Such models are limited in their ability to model individual behaviour and geographical influences. Heppenstall et al presented a novel agent-based framework for modelling individual petrol stations as agents and integrated important additional system behaviour through the use of established methodologies such as spatial interaction models. The parameters for this model were initially determined by the use of real data analysis and experimentation. This paper explores the parameterisation and verification of the model through data analysis and by use of a genetic algorithm (GA). The results show that a GA can be used to produce not just an optimised match, but results that match those derived by expert analysis through rational exploration. This may suggest that despite the apparent nonlinear and complex nature of the system, there are a limited number of optimal or near optimal behaviours given its constraints, and that both user-driven and GA solutions converge on them.
The potential of Collembola to act as indicators of landscape stress in Australia
Authors: Greenslade Penelope
Published: March 2007

Collembola have been used to assess the ecological status of a range of ecosystems in Australia over the last 35 years. The traits that Collembola possess that make them valuable as ecological indicators are listed. Examples of situations where they have been used to measure impacts in mainly agricultural landscapes are described and the contributions the results have made to management for ecological sustainability are noted. Densities of exotic and native species in a variety of ecosystems are provided and a list of genera with exotic species in Australia is given. A protocol for comprehensively surveying Collembola is described and a critique of different methods given.
Carabids as potential indicators of sustainable farming systems
Authors: Horne Paul A.
Published: March 2007

Carabid beetles are important biological control agents in a range of agricultural crops throughout the world. This paper outlines the history of carabid research in Australia to provide a point of reference with European and USA studies. The ecological and applied agricultural knowledge of the Australian fauna lags far behind that of Europe and the USA but we are now at the point of using the available knowledge to assess agricultural ecosystems. This paper describes how aspects of the biology and ecology of the Australian carabid fauna differ from that described in published work on other carabid populations. In particular, this paper describes how it may be possible to identify dominant (key) species in particular ecosystems (such as pasture or cropping) and use these species as indicators of ecosystem health.
Using invertebrate bioindicators to assess agricultural sustainability in Australia: proposals and current practices
Authors: Paoletti Maurizio G. , Thomson Linda J. , Hoffmann Ary A.
Published: March 2007

The papers in this special issue, ‘Using Invertebrate Bioindicators to Assess Agricultural Sustainability in Australia: Proposals and Current Practices’, highlight the diversity of invertebrates in agricultural environments and associated environments, and the varied roles they play in agricultural production. The papers demonstrate the various ways that the constitution of the invertebrate fauna can change rapidly in response to environmental inputs such as chemicals and landscape management. Given these factors, invertebrates show enormous potential to be used as indicators of sustainability in agriculture. However, this potential remains to be realised.
Mycobacterium tuberculosisproduces pili during human infection
Authors: Alteri Christopher J. , Xicohténcatl-Cortes Juan , Hess Sonja , Caballero-Olín Guillermo , Girón Jorge A. , Friedman Richard L.
Published: March 2007

Mycobacterium tuberculosisis responsible for nearly 3 million human deaths worldwide every year. Understanding the mechanisms and bacterial factors responsible for the ability ofM. tuberculosisto cause disease in humans is critical for the development of improved treatment strategies. Many bacterial pathogens use pili as adherence factors to colonize the host. We discovered thatM. tuberculosisproduces fine (2- to 3-nm-wide), aggregative, flexible pili that are recognized by IgG antibodies contained in sera obtained from patients with active tuberculosis, indicating that the bacilli produce pili or pili-associated antigen during human infection. PurifiedM. tuberculosispili (MTP) are composed of low-molecular-weight protein subunits encoded by the predictedM. tuberculosisH37Rv ORF, designated Rv3312A. MTP bind to the extracellular matrix protein lamininin vitro, suggesting that MTP possess adhesive properties. Isogenicmtpmutants lost the ability to produce Mtpin vitroand demonstrated decreased laminin-binding capabilities. MTP shares morphological, biochemical, and functional properties attributed to bacterial pili, especially with curli amyloid fibers. Thus, we propose that MTP are previously unidentified host-colonization factors ofM. tuberculosis.
Induced-fit tightens pleuromutilins binding to ribosomes and remote interactions enable their selectivity
Authors: Davidovich Chen , Bashan Anat , Auerbach-Nevo Tamar , Yaggie Rachel D. , Gontarek Richard R. , Yonath Ada
Published: March 2007

New insights into functional flexibility at the peptidyl transferase center (PTC) and its vicinity were obtained by analysis of pleuromutilins binding modes to the ribosome. The crystal structures of
Deinococcus radiodurans
large ribosomal subunit complexed with each of three pleuromutilin derivatives: retapamulin (SB-275833), SB-280080, and SB-571519, show that all bind to the PTC with their core oriented similarly at the A-site and their C14 extensions pointing toward the P-site. Except for an H-bond network with a single nucleotide, G2061, which involves the essential keto group of all three compounds, only minor hydrophobic contacts are formed between the pleuromutilin C14 extensions and any ribosomal component, consistent with the PTC tolerance to amino acid diversity. Efficient drug binding mode is attained by a mechanism based on induced-fit motions exploiting the ribosomal intrinsic functional flexibility and resulting in conformational rearrangements that seal the pleuromutilin-binding pocket and tightens it up. Comparative studies identified a network of remote interactions around the PTC, indicating that pleuromutilins selectivity is acquired by nonconserved nucleotides residing in the PTC vicinity, in a fashion resembling allosterism. Likewise, pleuromutilin resistant mechanisms involve nucleotides residing in the environs of the binding pocket, consistent with their slow resistance-development rates.
CFC/Cu bond damage in actively cooled plasma facing components
Authors: Schlosser J , Martin E , Henninger C , Boscary J , Camus G , Escourbiac F , Leguillon D , Missirlian M , Mitteau R
Published: March 2007

Carbon fibre composite (CFC) armours have been successfully used for actively cooled plasma facing components (PFCs) of the Tore Supra (TS) tokamak. They were also selected for the divertor of the stellarator W7-X under construction and for the vertical target of the ITER divertor. In TS and W7-X a flat tile design for heat fluxes of 10 MW m−2 has been chosen. To predict the lifetime of such PFCs, it is necessary to analyse the damage mechanisms and to model the damage propagation when the component is exposed to thermal cycling loads. Work has been performed to identify a constitutive law for the CFC and parameters to model crack propagation from the edge singularity. The aim is to predict damage rates and to propose geometric or material improvements to increase the strength and the lifetime of the interfacial bond. For ITER a tube-in-tile concept (monoblock), designed to sustain heat fluxes up to 20 MW m−2, has been developed. The optimization of the CFC/Cu bond, proposed for flat tiles, could be adopted for the monoblock concept.
Effect of inhibitor concentration and hydrodynamic conditions on the inhibitive behaviour of combinations of sodium silicate and HEDP for corrosion control in carbon steel water transmission pipes
Authors: Salasi Mobin , Shahrabi Taghi , Roayaei Emad
Published: March 2007

Purpose

To study and compare the inhibition effects of eco‐friendly inhibitors of sodium silicate and 1‐hydroxyethylidene 1,1 diphosphonic acid (HEDP) in corrosion control and prevention of soft water discolouration (red water) in carbon steel pipelines.

Design/methodology/approach

Electrochemical impedance and Tafel polarization measurements were used to study corrosion inhibition properties. The experiments were carried out under different concentration ratios of inhibitors. Different hydrodynamic conditions were applied to simulate pipeline fluid flow. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and EDAX analysis were used for surface studies.

Findings

It was observed that corrosion inhibitor combinations under static conditions showed synergistic effects at low concentrations. The inhibition efficiency and synergistic behaviours of inhibitors were enhanced as the electrolyte turbulence was increased. In addition, the inhibitor concentration value required to reach maximum inhibition decreased. It was found that at 20 ppm sodium silicate and 5 ppm HEDP, co‐inhibition efficiencies increased significantly to more than 90 per cent and the corrosion rate decreased far below 1 mpy as the electrode rotational speed was increased. Surface studies using SEM revealed the formation of a compact and uniform film of co‐inhibitors.

Practical implications

The results of this paper can be used for the development of effective, non‐toxic and economically attractive corrosion inhibitor formulations for soft water transmission pipelines.

Originality/value

The observed synergistic behaviour can be due to the incorporation of the silicate gel‐like network through organic phosphorous bonds. The hydrodynamic condition of the electrolyte leads to enhancement of inhibition efficiency, which indicates that the corrosion inhibition was mass transfer controlled.
Constructing an index of search goal redefinition through transaction log analysis
Authors: Hider Philip M.
Published: March 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to discuss the methodological aspects of a study, the results of which are detailed in a second paper.

Design/methodology/approach

Indices of search goal revision (or redefinition) were constructed based on the chronological coding of queries logged on the OCLC FirstSearch service. Queries within search sessions were coded according to their conceptual relationships, based on a set of rules designed to identify possible revisions of search goals, as well as strategic reformulations. Given the same user interface, similar types of user, and large datasets, it was assumed that the number of strategic reformulations would be reasonably uniform across databases, so that the indices could be regarded as indicators of relative amounts of goal revision.

Findings

The reliability of the coding used to construct the indices of goal redefinition was tested through parallel coding, and confirmed. Differences between the indices for various databases, on the other hand, were found to be statistically significant, allowing for the conclusion that the indices were able to show differences in the amount of goal redefinition occurring, given the assumption of similar levels of strategic reformulations across databases.

Originality/value

Transaction log analysis has mostly focused on syntactic issues; few analyses have examined the semantic content of queries or contextualised individual queries as part of an evolving search session. However, this paper shows that although transaction log analysis is a relatively indirect means of examining users' thoughts and intentions during their interaction with an information retrieval system, logs that provide sufficiently rich data may, in certain controlled situations, be used to provide deeper insights into information retrieval behaviour.
Search goal redefinition through user‐system interaction
Authors: Hider Philip M.
Published: March 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to examine search goal redefinition during users' interaction with information retrieval systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilized transaction logs from the OCLC FirstSearch service. Within each search session, logged queries were coded chronologically, according to their conceptual relationships, and indices of goal redefinition were constructed. Redefinition levels for different databases were compared, and certain features were isolated for examination as possible redefinition factors.

Findings

The transaction log analysis showed that different databases induced goal redefinition to different extents and identified several factors which can contribute to goal redefinition, including the presence of abstracts and hyperlinking descriptors. On the other hand, no evidence was found to indicate that abstract length has much effect on redefinition, nor hit rate or retrievability of records.

Practical implications

The research needs to be followed up using other methodologies and other information retrieval systems. A range of other possible factors affecting goal redefinition should be investigated.

Originality/value

The paper shows that system feedback affects not only strategy, but also higher levels of information seeking behaviour interaction. This aspect of user‐system interaction has rarely been researched. An index of goal redefinition and an interpretative form of transactional log analysis are put forward as means by which it may be investigated.
A phenomenographic study of English faculty's conceptions of information literacy
Authors: Boon Stuart , Johnston Bill , Webber Sheila
Published: March 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to identify UK English academics' conceptions of information literacy and compare those conceptions with current information literacy standards and frameworks.

Design/methodology/approach

Three year AHRB‐funded study involving 80 academics interviewed throughout the UK and using the phenomenographic research method to discover variation in experience leading towards identification of qualitatively different conceptions of information literacy. Conceptions are then reviewed in light of previous research and current librarian‐generated frameworks and standards.

Findings

The findings identify UK English academics' conceptions of information literacy and show them to be both similar to and significantly different from conceptions described in previous research and librarian‐generated frameworks and standards.

Research limitations/implications

The research focuses on creating a conceptual snapshot‐in‐time for the 20 English academics taking part. The research implies that disciplinary differences in conception of information literacy are significant and suggests further research to assess disciplinary conceptual differences.

Practical implications

Librarians working with English faculty on information literacy need to be aware of differences in conception between themselves and academics to work effectively. The paper also highlights the significance of information literacy in English faculty's teaching and research practices and this relevance suggests that information literacy should be integrated into course and curriculum design.

Originality/value

The paper fills a major gap in literature on information literacy by focussing on conceptions of lecturers, thereby counterbalancing the abundance of work produced by librarians. The paper illustrates the complexity of English academics' conceptions of information literacy and informs academics' use and understanding of information literacy.
Knowledge capability, strategic change, and firm performance
Authors: Goll Irene , Brown Johnson Nancy , Rasheed Abdul A.
Published: March 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to examine the relationships between knowledge capability, strategic change, and firm performance in the US airline industry from regulation to deregulation.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a longitudinal study with a cross‐sectional time series research design. A theoretical model is tested in which knowledge capability exerts a direct effect on strategic change; strategic change then influences firm performance. The environment moderates the relationship between strategic change and firm performance. The sample of the study includes the major US air carriers from 1972 to 1995. Knowledge capability is operationalized as the education level and functional diversity of top management. Strategic change is measured as change in hub concentration, a key variable for the airlines. The data for the present study come from archival sources.

Findings

Time series statistics with fixed effects are used to examine the relationships between the variables. The results support the theoretical model: knowledge capability influences change in strategy, which, in turn, influences firm performance. The results also indicate that the environment serves as a moderator in the relationship between strategic change and firm performance.

Originality/value

This study examines strategic change in the major US airlines during a period of profound environmental change. It integrates several streams of management research and should be useful to academics and managers who want to understand the performance implications of strategic change.
Knowledge management in knowledge‐intensive service networks
Authors: Evanschitzky Heiner , Ahlert Dieter , Blaich Günther , Kenning Peter
Published: March 2007

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper is to analyze knowledge management in service networks. It analyzes the knowledge management process and identifies related challenges. The authors take a strategic management approach instead of a more technology‐oriented approach, since it is believed that managerial problems still remain after technological problems are solved.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explores the literature on the topic of knowledge management as well as the resource (or knowledge) based view of the firm. It offers conceptual insights and provides possible solutions for knowledge management problems.

Findings

The paper discusses several possible solutions for managing knowledge processes in knowledge‐intensive service networks. Solutions for knowledge identification/generation, knowledge application, knowledge combination/transfer and supporting the evolution of tacit network knowledge include personal and technological aspects, as well as organizational and cultural elements.

Practical implications

In a complex environment, knowledge management and network management become crucial for business success. It is the task of network management to establish routines, and to build and regularly refresh meta‐knowledge about the competencies and abilities that exist within the network. It is suggested that each network partner should be rated according to the contribution to the network knowledge base. Based on this rating, a particular network partner is a member of a certain knowledge club, meaning that the partner has access to a particular level of network knowledge. Such an established routine provides strong incentives to add knowledge to the network's knowledge base

Originality/value

This paper is a first attempt to outline the problems of knowledge management in knowledge‐intensive service networks and, by so doing, to introduce strategic management reasoning to the discussion.
The leadership/management conundrum: innovation or risk management?
Authors: Borgelt Karen , Falk Ian
Published: March 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a data‐driven discussion about whether effective leadership and innovation are being stifled in a contemporary organizational environment of continuous change.

Design/methodology/approach

The elaboration and discussion are based on one component of comprehensive research that uses a qualitative and case study methodology involving interviews with 60 leaders and managers in three large organizations.

Findings

The key finding is that the accurate application of, and interaction between leadership and management releases the social capital, along with related identity and knowledge resources that helps address the tension between risk management and innovation.

Research limitations/implications

The paper reports only on one component of the original study. The findings and implications reported here are regarded as tentative.

Practical implications

Based on the data and ensuing discussion, the implications for practice take the form of a schema of steps for managing the change culture of organizations.

Originality/value

By its very name and nature “innovation” requires thinking and acting outside the square. However innovation can only exist when leadership allows and fosters risk‐taking which has been well considered, actioned and managed by a knowledgeable and skilled workforce. The amount of ignorance which exists in the workplace is proportionate to the amount and type of risk management or regulatory solutions required to counter potential negativity associated with risk taking. Therefore the responsibility of any leadership desirous of change or innovation in an environment which is not overregulated must include as its priority, building and maintaining a knowledge‐culture that supports and allows risk taking. The original model presented provides a mechanism for the strategic handling of risk, innovation and change where management and leadership can co‐exist and knowledge and identity resources can be released in social capital transactions.
On the journey toward wholeness in leader theories
Authors: Campbell Constance R.
Published: March 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a holistic intra‐individual perspective on leaders, which focuses on four components of the inner person of the leader; Being, Cognition, Spirituality, and Emotion, and on the observable components of Behavior and Relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

Existing leadership literature is appraised within the context of the model. Previously‐proposed interrelationships among the components are enumerated. The paper suggests implications of the model regarding research content and methodology as well as leader development.

Findings

The model implies that all components should be included in research and that interrelationships among components should be explored. Also implied is the use of methodological pluralism.

Practical implications

Leaders should attend to all components in the model in their self‐development efforts.

Originality/value

The paper takes an unusual approach to understanding leadership: an individual‐level holistic perspective.
Portrait of a transformational leader: the legacy of Dr Martin Luther King Jr
Authors: McGuire David , Hutchings Kate
Published: March 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the leadership of Dr Martin Luther King Jr in relation to four characteristics of transformational leadership

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws upon excerpts from archival sources of personal correspondence and statements by Dr Martin Luther King Jr stored at the King Center, Atlanta, Georgia.

Findings

The research finds that Dr King personified the four characteristics of transformational leadership. It also illustrates King's leadership legacy through modern works on leadership.

Originality/value

The analysis presented assists our understanding of the qualities of and the way we think about, transformational leaders. It emphasises the importance of building follower confidence; challenging taken‐for‐granted assumptions; developing follower needs and upholding high moral values.
Interlending and document supply: a review of the recent literature: 58
Authors: McGrath Mike
Published: March 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the most recent literature concerning document supply and related matters.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper provides results from reading of over 150 journals as well as monographs, reports and web sites.

Findings

The paper finds that document supply still has much life left in it with demand robust in many areas and especially in the public arena. It also finds that the fundamental debate on the direction of scholarly publishing continues intensely and that opposition is growing to DRM constraints. Electronic books remain a small minority market but mass digitisation of books is proceeding apace.

Originality/value

The paper is a useful source of information for librarians and others interested in document supply and related matters.
A study of the effects of different binders and fillers on the properties of flame retardant paints
Authors: Abdel‐Mohsen F.F. , Emira H.S.
Published: March 2007

Purpose

To improve the efficiency of flame retardant paints for wood by using different fillers and thermoplastic and thermosetting binders.

Design/methodology/approach

For effective flame retardancy, various paint compositions were made by incorporating different binders and fillers. The physical and mechanical properties, of the paint films, storage stability, limited oxygen index (LOI) and differential thermal analysis were investigated.

Findings

Diammonium hydrogen orthophosphate has all the characteristics required to be used as flame retardant filler for paint, in contrary to magnesium hydroxide, Mg(OH)2, which has undesired effect on the storage stability of paints based on alkyd resin. The values of LOI depend on the type and composition of the binder.

Research limitations/implications

The flame retardancy of the prepared paints could also be evaluated using more conventional methods such as oxygen index test.

Practical implications

Special fillers and binders that could be used in highly efficient flame retardant paint for wood have been identified.

Originality/value

The fillers are non‐toxic. Different fillers obtained could be used in various thermosetting binders beside thermoplastic ones.
Blends of Mesua ferrea L. seed oil based polyurethane with epoxy resin
Authors: Dutta S. , Karak N.
Published: March 2007

Purpose

To evaluate the performance of the blends of Mesua ferrea L. seed oil based polyurethane resins with a commercially available bisphenol‐A epoxy resin at different weight ratios.

Design/methodology/approach

For effective improvement of their various properties, polyurethane‐ester (PE) and polyurethane‐amide (PA) resins of Mesua ferrea L. seed oil were blended with a commercially available bisphenol‐A‐based epoxy (EP) in different ratios (PE or PA:EP = 100:40, 100:50 and 100:60 by weight) by using the solution blending technique in xylene. The tensile strength, impact strength, adhesive strength, flexibility, hardness, elongation at break, swelling behaviour and chemical resistance in different media of the films for both the blends have been studied.

Findings

The blending of PE and PA resins of Mesua ferrea L. seed oil with a commercially available bisphenol‐A‐based epoxy (EP) showed very good compatibility of the components as observed by SEM study. The blending also significantly improved the performance characteristics such as drying time, tensile strength, impact strength, adhesive strength, chemical resistance, etc. of the films.

Research limitations/implications

The epoxy resin and the hardener are used of a particular grade of a particular manufacturer. Further, it could be obtained from different sources and of different grades. In addition, the performance characteristics could also be studied to optimise the exact blend ratio.

Practical implications

The method developed provided a simple and practical solution to improve the performance characteristic of polyurethane resin with less than one NCO/OH ratio.

Originality/value

The method for improving the performance characteristics of epoxy modified vegetable oil based polyurethane is something novel and could find numerous applications in surface coatings, adhesive and thin film.
Rhetoric in standard setting: the case of the going‐concern audit
Authors: Masocha Walter , Weetman Pauline
Published: March 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to explore in depth the ways in which the rhetoric of the standard setter responds to comments received during development of a standard.

Design/methodology/approach

Previous research has explored the use of rhetorical strategies in accounting standards to construct and persuade as to what is “good” and to silence potential criticisms and alternative proposals. The exploration is extended to the development of an auditing standard and is strengthened by relating the opinions of lobbyists to the rhetoric used in the response.

Findings

The analysis shows that, in a situation where the standard setter's position changed significantly during the exposure of proposals to comment, rhetorical strategies in the exposure draft or standard were adapted to match the changing direction of persuasion, with silencing of potential counter‐argument evidenced in the surrounding explanatory material.

Research implications/limitations

The research demonstrates that those using standards should be aware of the normative nature of these documents and the subjectivity inherent in the nature of the text.

Originality/value

The paper builds on Young's 2003 paper by exploring the dynamics of the ways in which the rhetoric of the standard setter responds to comment during the consultation process.
Evaluation of Thailand national external quality assessment on HIV testing
Authors: Chalermchan Wilai , Pitak Sirporn , Sungkawasee Suwanee
Published: March 2007

Purpose

The Thailand National Institute of Health (NIH) established an external quality assessment (EQA) scheme on HIV serology testing since 1994 for many public health laboratories. For the past six years, the NIH has evaluated the activities of 226 laboratories.

Design/methodology/approach

Approximately 40,000 tests using 16 trial samples of external quality assessment panel performed at 226 laboratories during 2000‐2006. The methods performed were classified into five assays; machine‐based enzyme immunoassay (MBA), microplate‐based enzyme immunoassay (EIA), simple/rapid test and antigen assay only performed at blood screening laboratory centers. A few laboratories performed confirmation method by western blot (WB). Most participating laboratories performed at least two methods.

Findings

The evaluation showed that, during the six‐year period, the program had an increasing response rate among all groups of laboratories: government hospital laboratories, private hospital and clinic laboratories and blood screening laboratory centers. Moreover, there were no significantly different errors found between these groups. The highest median percent of overall errors found was in antigen assay. Very minimal errors appeared on other methods.

Originality/value

National HIV EQA program has played an important role in improving the quality of participating laboratory performance. The participating laboratories gained a better understanding and were able to use good quality anti‐HIV approved kits. Furthermore, HIV serology testing selection was varied over the past six years as microplate‐based EIA was mostly used in the past but currently MBA and simple/rapid test are more commonly used. The test methods were determined by test volumes and budget. In addition, sensitivity was one critical reason labs chose to use EIA. The most popular method used was simple/rapid testing. Overall errors occurred with all assays but not with WB. Errors could occur with any test techniques if good quality management is not employed.
Quality in psychiatric care: an instrument evaluating patients' expectations and experiences
Authors: Schröder Agneta , Wilde Larsson Bodil , Ahlström Gerd
Published: March 2007

Purpose

The principal aim of this paper is to develop an instrument to measure quality of care in the psychiatric setting from an in‐patient perspective and to describe quality of care by means of this instrument. A further aim is to investigate the influence of background variables and expectations on the experience of care.

Design/methodology/approach

The instrument “Quality in psychiatric care” consists of two parts: one for measuring the patient's expectations regarding quality of care, the other for measuring his or her experiences regarding it. The instrument was derived from an earlier interview study of patients' perceptions of the quality of psychiatric care. A sample of 116 patients from eight in‐patient wards in Sweden participated in the present study.

Findings

Results indicate a generally high quality of care. Experienced quality of care was significantly lower, however, than expectations in all the dimensions of the instrument: total dimension, dignity, security, participation, recovery and environment. Patients who perceived that the time of discharge was consistent with the stage of their illness experienced significantly higher Recovery; patients with good psychiatric health experienced this too, but also significantly higher participation.

Research limitations/implications

This new instrument needs to be further tested before the psychometric properties can be established.

Originality/value

The value of the research is that instruments for measuring the quality of in‐patient psychiatric care from the patient's perspective and with a theoretical foundation are less common.