bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Passive and Dynamic Shoulder Rotation Range in Uninjured and Previously Injured Overhead Throwing Athletes and the Effect of Shoulder Taping
Authors: McConnell Jenny , Donnelly Cyril , Hamner Samuel , Dunne James , Besier Thor
Published: February 2012

Objectives

To investigate: (1) the passive and dynamic shoulder internal (IR) and external (ER) rotation range of motion (ROM) of 2 groups of asymptomatic overhead throwing athletes: one group who had never experienced shoulder symptoms and another who had shoulder symptoms >12 months ago, (2) the effect of taping on the passive and dynamic IR‐ER ROM in both these groups.

Design

A within‐subject repeated measures analysis of variance design to determine the differences in passive and dynamic shoulder rotation range and the effect of shoulder taping on the rotation range in a group of uninjured and previously injured overhead throwing athletes.

Setting

Academic institution sports medicine setting.

Participants

Twenty‐six overhead throwing collegiate athletes: 17 with no history of shoulder injury and 9 with previous shoulder injury.

Methods

Passive shoulder ROM was measured with a goniometer with the subject in the supine position. To measure dynamic ROM, the subjects sat on a chair and threw a handball into a net. An 8‐camera Vicon Motion Capture system recorded markers placed on the upper limb and trunk. Dynamic ROM was calculated with inverse kinematics by using OpenSim.

Main Outcome Measurement

Shoulder IR‐ER ROM.

Results

Dynamic IR‐ER ROM was significantly greater than passive IR‐ER ROM (P < .0001). There was no difference in passive IR‐ER ROM between the uninjured and previously injured overhead throwing athletes. However, there was a significant difference in the total dynamic IR‐ER ROM, whereby the overhead throwing athletes who had never experienced shoulder symptoms had less IR‐ER ROM than the previously injured group (173.9° versus 196.9°, respectively; P = .049). Taping the shoulder increased the passive ROM in both groups of subjects (P < .001), increased the dynamic IR‐ER ROM in the uninjured subjects, but decreased the dynamic IR‐ER ROM in the previously injured subjects, although this was not statistically significant (P = .07).

Conclusions

Passive IR‐ER ROM is a poor indication of dynamic shoulder function. Athletes who have had a previous shoulder injury demonstrate a greater dynamic IR‐ER ROM than athletes who have never had a shoulder injury. Shoulder taping decreased the dynamic range of the previously injured athlete, so that it was nearer the dynamic range of the uninjured athlete. Shoulder taping might provide increased protection for the injured athlete by decreasing the dynamic IR‐ER ROM and by facilitating better shoulder and scapular muscle control. Further studies are necessary to demonstrate whether this finding is clinically significant.
Measuring the concentration and energy distribution of interface states using a non-contact corona oxide semiconductor method
Authors: de Vries J. E. , Rosenwaks Y.
Published: February 2012

The electronic states distribution at the Si-SiO2 interface was measured by combining contactless corona charge-voltage measurement and low-frequency capacitance voltage method. Using device equivalent circuit modeling, we were able to obtain the silicon-insulator interface states energy distribution across the whole Si band gap with a single measurement. The measured distribution has the well known u-shaped curve, with a minimum around mid gap of 2 × 1010 cm−2 eV−1 and maximum values close to the band edges reaching 6 × 1013 cm−2 eV−1. Two distinct peaks were observed at 0.21 eV and 0.88 eV above the valence band maximum which correspond to the Si (100) Pb0 centers.
Nanostructured ion beam-modified Ge films for high capacity Li ion battery anodes
Authors: Rudawski N. G. , Darby B. L. , Yates B. R. , Jones K. S. , Elliman R. G. , Volinsky A. A.
Published: February 2012

Nanostructured ion beam-modified Ge electrodes fabricated directly on Ni current collector substrates were found to exhibit excellent specific capacities during electrochemical cycling in half-cell configuration with Li metal for a wide range of cycling rates. Structural characterization revealed that the nanostructured electrodes lose porosity during cycling but maintain excellent electrical contact with the metallic current collector substrate. These results suggest that nanostructured Ge electrodes have great promise for use as high performance Li ion battery anodes.
Oscillation of the magnetic moment in modulated martensites in Ni2MnGa studied by ab initio calculations
Authors: Xu Nan , Raulot Jean-Marc , Li Zongbin , Bai Jing , Zhang Yudong , Zhao Xiang , Zuo Liang , Esling Claude
Published: February 2012

We have revealed the oscillations in the distribution of the magnetic moments in modulated martensites in Ni2MnGa ferromagnetic shape memory alloy, by first-principles density-functional calculations. It is demonstrated that the oscillation of Ni magnetic moment that depends on the atomic shuffling in the superstructure dominates the distribution of the total magnetic moment per Ni2MnGa unit. The structure change-associated total magnetic moment has been found to increase for Ni2MnGa unit from the cubic austenite to the tetragonal nonmodulated (NM) martensite through the monoclinic modulated martensites.
Measuring plasma turbulence using low coherence microwave radiation
Authors: Smith D. R.
Published: February 2012

Low coherence backscattering (LCBS) is a proposed diagnostic technique for measuring plasma turbulence and fluctuations. LCBS is an adaptation of optical coherence tomography, a biomedical imaging technique. Calculations and simulations show LCBS measurements can achieve centimeter-scale spatial resolution using low coherence microwave radiation. LCBS measurements exhibit several advantages over standard plasma turbulence measurement techniques including immunity to spurious reflections and measurement access in hollow density profiles. Also, LCBS is scalable for 1-D profile measurements and 2-D turbulence imaging.
Brevibacterium daeguense sp. nov., a nitrate-reducing bacterium isolated from a 4-chlorophenol enrichment culture
Authors: Cui Yingshun , Kang Myung-Suk , Woo Sung-Geun , Jin Long , Kim Kwang Kyu , Park Joonhong , Lee Myungjin , Lee Sung-Taik
Published: February 2012

A Gram-reaction-positive, non-spore-forming, aerobic actinobacterial strain (2C6-41T) was isolated from the activated sludge from an industrial wastewater treatment plant in Daegu, South Korea. Its taxonomic position was investigated by using a polyphasic approach. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, closest phylogenetic relatives to strain 2C6-41T were

Brevibacterium pityocampae

DSM 21720T (97.2 %),

Brevibacterium salitolerans

KCTC 19616T (96.7 %),

Brevibacterium album

KCTC 19173T (96.2 %) and

Brevibacterium samyangense

KCCM 42316T (96.2 %). The DNA G+C content of strain 2C6-41T was 66.4 mol%. Chemotaxonomic data, which included MK-8(H2) as the major menaquinone; meso-diaminopimelic acid, glutamic acid and alanine as cell-wall amino acids; ribose, mannose and glucose as major cell-wall sugars; and anteiso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C17 : 0, C16 : 0 and iso-C15 : 0 as major fatty acids, supported the affiliation of strain 2C6-41T to the genus

Brevibacterium

. The aromatic ring cleavage enzyme catechol 1,2-dioxygenase was not detected in strain 2C6-41T, but catechol 2,3-dioxygenase was detected. The results of physiological and biochemical tests, and the low level of DNA–DNA relatedness to the closest phylogenetic relative enabled strain 2C6-41T to be differentiated genotypically and phenotypically from recognized species of the genus

Brevibacterium

. The isolate is therefore considered to represent a novel species in the genus

Brevibacterium

, for which the name Brevibacterium daeguense sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 2C6-41T ( = KCTC 19800T = JCM 17458T).
Algoriphagus machipongonensis sp. nov., co-isolated with a colonial choanoflagellate
Authors: Alegado Rosanna A. , Grabenstatter Jonathan D. , Zuzow Richard , Morris Andrea , Huang Sherri Y. , Summons Roger E. , King Nicole
Published: February 2012

A Gram-negative, non-motile, non-spore-forming bacterial strain, PR1T, was isolated from a mud core sample containing colonial choanoflagellates near Hog Island, Virginia, USA. Strain PR1T grew optimally at 30 °C and with 3 % (w/v) NaCl. Strain PR1T contained MK-7 as the major menaquinone as well as carotenoids but lacked pigments of the flexirubin-type. The predominant fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0 (29.4 %), iso-C17 : 1ω9c (18.5 %) and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω6c and/or C16 : 1ω7c; 11.3 %). The major polar lipids detected in strain PR1T were phosphatidylethanolamine, an unknown phospholipid, an aminophospholipid, an aminolipid and two lipids of unknown character. The DNA G+C content was 38.7 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain PR1T fell within the cluster comprising the genus

Algoriphagus

and was most closely related to

Algoriphagus halophilus

JC 2051T (95.4 % sequence similarity) and

Algoriphagus lutimaris

S1-3T (95.3 % sequence similarity). The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between strain PR1T and the type strains of other species of the genus

Algoriphagus

were in the range 91–95 %. Differential phenotypic properties and phylogenetic and genetic distinctiveness of strain PR1T demonstrated that this strain was distinct from other members of the genus

Algoriphagus

, including its closest relative,

A. halophilus

. Based on phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, phylogenetic and genomic data, strain PR1T should be placed in the genus

Algoriphagus

as a representative of a novel species, for which the name Algoriphagus machipongonensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is PR1T ( = ATCC BAA-2233T  = DSM 24695T).
Pseudovibrio axinellae sp. nov., isolated from an Irish marine sponge
Authors: O’Halloran John A. , Barbosa Teresa M. , Morrissey John P. , Kennedy Jonathan , Dobson Alan D. W. , O’Gara Fergal
Published: February 2012

A Gram-negative, motile, rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated Ad2T, was isolated from a marine sponge, Axinella dissimilis, which was collected from a semi-enclosed marine lake in Ireland. Strain Ad2T grew optimally at 24 °C, at pH 7.0 and in the presence of 3 % (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain Ad2T clustered with members of the genus

Pseudovibrio

, and showed 97.3–98.2 % sequence similarity to the type strains of recognized

Pseudovibrio

species. DNA–DNA relatedness values between strain Ad2T and the type strains of other

Pseudovibrio

species were <27 %. The DNA G+C content of strain Ad2T was 50.5 mol%. The major fatty acid was 18 : 1ω7c. Differences in phenotypic properties, together with phylogenetic and DNA–DNA hybridization analyses, indicated that strain Ad2T represented a novel species of the genus

Pseudovibrio

. The name Pseudovibrio axinellae sp. nov. is proposed, with Ad2T ( = DSM 24994T = NCIMB 14761T) as the type strain.
Arabidopsis Hexokinase-Like1 and Hexokinase1 Form a Critical Node in Mediating Plant Glucose and Ethylene Responses
Authors: Karve Abhijit , Xia Xiaoxia , Moore Brandon d.
Published: February 2012

Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) Hexokinase-Like1 (HKL1) lacks glucose (Glc) phosphorylation activity and has been shown to act as a negative regulator of plant growth. Interestingly, the protein has a largely conserved Glc-binding domain, and protein overexpression was shown previously to promote seedling tolerance to exogenous 6% (w/v) Glc. Since these phenotypes occur independently of cellular Glc signaling activities, we have tested whether HKL1 might promote cross talk between the normal antagonists Glc and ethylene. We show that repression by 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) of the Glc-dependent developmental arrest of wild-type Arabidopsis seedlings requires the HKL1 protein. We also describe an unusual root hair phenotype associated with growth on high Glc medium that occurs prominently in HKL1 overexpression lines and in glucose insensitive 2-1 (gin2-1), a null mutant of Hexokinase1 (HXK1). Seedlings of these lines produce bulbous root hairs with an enlarged base after transfer from agar plates with normal medium to plates with 6% Glc. Seedling transfer to plates with 2% Glc plus ACC mimics the high-Glc effect in the HKL1 overexpression line but not in gin2-1. A similar ACC-stimulated, bulbous root hair phenotype also was observed in wild-type seedlings transferred to plates with 9% Glc. From transcript expression analyses, we found that HKL1 and HXK1 have differential roles in Glc-dependent repression of some ethylene biosynthesis genes. Since we show by coimmunoprecipitation assays that HKL1 and HXK1 can interact, these two proteins likely form a critical node in Glc signaling that mediates overlapping, but also distinct, cellular responses to Glc and ethylene treatments.
Just do it – a case study in Gestalt experimental coaching
Authors: Wright Nick
Published: February 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to demonstrate the value of physical experimentation in coaching to raise client awareness and enhance transformational potential.

Design/methodology/approach

This action research case study involved working with an individual coaching client using an experimental Gestalt‐oriented approach.

Findings

This study finds that physical experimentation during coaching can raise awareness for both client and coach and create powerful dynamics in and between them to catalyse change.

Originality/value

This case study will help other coaching professionals to understand and apply a Gestalt‐oriented approach to their own thinking and practice.
Developing coaching culture: are your managers motivated coaches? (Part 1)
Authors: McComb Christiaan
Published: February 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to assist organizational development (OD) managers in the design and implementation of a coaching culture in their organization.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual/discussion paper, which draws on real world examples and is supported by the coaching literature.

Findings

OD managers must consider a range of factors when designing and implementing a coaching culture including: the motivation of a leader to coach; the health of internal coaching relationships; and role modeling.

Originality/value

There is little in the coaching literature that explores or provides practical insight into the design and implementation of coaching cultures. In particular, this paper provides insight into the motivational dimensions of establishing a coaching culture, and provides practical examples of how it applies in practice.
Obsolescence in subject description
Authors: Buckland Michael K.
Published: February 2012

Purpose

The paper aims to explain the character and causes of obsolescence in assigned subject descriptors.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of a conceptual analysis with examples and reference to existing literature.

Findings

Subject description comes in two forms: assigning the name or code of a subject to a document and assigning a document to a named subject category. Each method associates a document with the name of a subject. This naming activity is the site of tensions between the procedural need of information systems for stable records and the inherent multiplicity and instability of linguistic expressions. As languages change, previously assigned subject descriptions become obsolescent. The issues, tensions, and compromises involved are introduced.

Originality/value

Drawing on the work of Robert Fairthorne and others, an explanation of the unavoidable obsolescence of assigned subject headings is presented. The discussion relates to libraries, but the same issues arise in any context in which subject description is expected to remain useful for an extended period of time.
Collecting and compiling: the activity of seeking pictures in primary school
Authors: Lundh Anna , Alexandersson Mikael
Published: February 2012

Purpose

The aim of this study is to further understanding of the situated activity of seeking pictures. It relates to an ongoing discussion on how multimodal information literacies are enacted in different social practices.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to understand the characteristics of the communication and interactions in the activity of seeking pictures, video recordings from an ethnographic study of primary school children working with problem‐centred assignments have been analysed.

Findings

The analysis reveals how the activity of seeking pictures is shaped by the assumption that pictures are different from facts and information; pictures are seen primarily as having decorative functions. The activity is also characterised by playful, yet efficient cooperation between the children; they make the activity meaningful by transforming it into a play and game activity where pictures become important as physical objects, but not as a semiotic means of learning.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to the activity of seeking pictures in a specific primary school; however, it shows how modes other than textual modes can be included in the study of information activities.

Practical implications

The study reveals the need for developing methods for enhancing children's possibilities to critically examine and learn from visual material, such as pictures.

Originality/value

Research on information seeking and information literacies rarely focus on multimodal aspects of information activities or the seeking of pictures outside special collections, despite the increased significance of visual material in the contemporary media landscape. This paper shows how studies of multimodal information activities can be designed.
Investigation of the tribological properties of Cu‐based porous bearings
Authors: Fatih Tunay Recai , Kurbanoğlu Cahit
Published: February 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate, by experimental investigation, the wear and friction performances of porous bearings under different operating conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

Two different compositions of self‐lubricating bearings were chosen: 90 percent Cu+10 percent Sn and 90 percent Cu+9 percent Sn+1 percent C. The bearings were produced with their final densities of 80 and 85 percent, and pressed at room temperature and high temperature.

Findings

The wear and friction properties of the sample bearings were determined at different running conditions such as temperature, applied load, and sliding speed. The variations of the weight loss with the sliding distance for different test conditions were presented. The results show that the weight loss and friction coefficient increase with the increasing sliding speed, density and temperature.

Originality/value

The wear and friction properties of the sample bearings were determined at different running conditions such as temperature, applied load, and sliding speed.
Values v. traits‐based approaches to leadership: insights from an analysis of theAeneid
Authors: Ahn Mark J. , Ettner Larry W. , Loupin Amanda
Published: February 2012

Purpose

Using a values‐based leadership perspective, the paper aims to explore theAeneid, Virgil's foundation epic of the Latin canon. Specifically, it aims to analyse theAeneidin order to juxtapose the resonant leadership elements of vision, culture and values – and their corresponding equivalent Roman themes offatum,pietas, andvirtus.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a thematic analysis approach, theAeneidwas coded for key leadership themes; and a mixed‐method research framework was employed to juxtapose the leadership lessons identified to the demands of modern leadership.

Findings

The paper finds resonating elements of a compelling vision and strong culture – and coded the following eight values: integrity, good judgment, leadership by example, decision making, trust, justice/fairness, humility, and sense of urgency – in theAeneid. Whether viewed qualitatively or quantitatively – or across sectors (i.e. for profit, non profit, government) – the findings of this study affirm the explicit relevance of theAeneidto the demands of modern leadership. Moreover, integrity was found to be a superordinate value – without which the remaining values have far less significance.

Originality/value

This research highlights a leadership paradox – while managerial traits are an important consideration for the prevailing operational context in the short term, a values‐based approach to hiring, promoting and retaining leaders may be superior in achieving organizational sustainability and performance over the long term. This study illustrates the practical contemporary relevance of theAeneidspecifically, and illustrates a humanities laden and values‐based approach to reflecting on leadership effectiveness generally.
When temporary employees are perceived as threatening: antecedents and consequences
Authors: von Hippel Courtney , Kalokerinos Elise K.
Published: February 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to examine the causes and consequences of permanent employees' perceptions that temporary employees are a threat to their job security.

Design/methodology/approach

The underlying theme of the current research is that an important reason why temporary employees can disrupt the work environment is that permanent workers can perceive them as threatening. A survey of permanent (n=99) and temporary employees (n=62) was used to test hypotheses. Multiple sources were used to assess permanent employees' treatment of their temporary co‐workers.

Findings

Permanent employees felt more threatened when they perceived the layoff policy and motives for using temporary workers as inappropriate, and when the position of temporary employees was equal to or above their own rank. The relationship between these feelings of threat and their behavior toward the temporary employees was moderated by temporary employee type. Specifically, permanent employees who did not feel threatened treated involuntary temporary employees better, but permanent employees who felt threatened treated voluntary temporary employees better.

Research limitations/implications

The sampling procedure limits the generalizability of the findings.

Practical implications

This paper helps illuminate the dynamics between temporary and permanent workers to enable organizations to decide when temporary employees will be helpful and when they will be harmful. The results provide specific recommendations for when different types of temporary employees should be used.

Originality/value

This paper applies psychological and organizational theories to the workplace to uncover when blended workforces are likely to be problematic.
Migrant strategies, informal economies and ontological security: Ukrainians in Naples, Italy
Authors: DeMaria Harney Nicholas
Published: February 2012

Purpose

Naples, Italy in the last decade has become a destination for Ukrainian migrants escaping the economic uncertainty of their homeland. A sign of the city's importance in the diaspora is that the Ukrainian government in 2008 opened a local consulate. Estimates are that nearly a million Ukrainians have used Italy as a point of labour transit, even if only a fifth of those are formally registered. The purpose of this paper is to examine the strategies with which Ukrainian migrants in Naples, Italy attempt to create ontological security in the context of informal economies and the uncertainties of the migratory process.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on 18 months of ethnographic close observation and participation in migrant networks in Naples between 2004 and 2008.

Findings

The research reveals the strategies used by Ukrainian migrants to arrange and maintain transnational connections, seek work, and develop a sense of belonging through place‐making and institutional development in the face of the significant barriers to inclusion and socio‐economic stability in Neapolitan society.

Practical implications

The evidence suggests that policymakers concerned with social cohesion and integration might wish to consider informal economic activities not simply as a “problem” to resolve but a key feature of contemporary capitalism that may create the conditions to address their concerns. Therefore, a more nuanced understanding of how migrants create their lives through these activities would be useful.

Originality/value

This ethnographic material suggests that greater attention should be paid to the creative capacities of migrants to create a sense of security through informal activities. Migrants make extensive use of social networks and knowledge distribution to form the basis of decisions about economic behaviour, emplacement and ontological security.
Social capital, status and income attainment in the workplace
Authors: Behtoui Alireza , Neergaard Anders
Published: February 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the importance of social capital in the workplace. To be more precise, to ask whether access to social capital is associated with differences in the wages and status of employees within the organization.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used data from a case study of the status attainment of employees in a Swedish industrial firm.

Findings

Results demonstrate that: the socioeconomic background, gender and “migrant backgrounds” of employees have an impact on their access to resource‐rich networks; and there is a positive association between access to social capital and position in the organization, even after controlling for employees' education and labor market experience.

Research limitations/implications

The case study approach of the paper has its own characteristic limitations. At the same time the cross‐sectional data open up the possibility of reverse causality. The analysis includes only individuals who were still working, while we know from the fieldwork that some former employees have taken early retirement or disability pensions due to occupational injury.

Originality/value

The focus of the paper is on the process of status attainment of subordinate groups (individuals from lower socioeconomic groups, individuals with stigmatized migrant backgrounds, and women), which is an under‐researched issue in organizational studies. Therefore, the authors ask whether the subordinate status of employees has an impact on their access to social capital in the place of work.
Paradigm lost, paradigm rediscovered?
Authors: Buzek Jerzy , Surdej Aleksander
Published: February 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the opportunities for the rise of solidarity‐oriented economic systems in an era of service‐oriented economies.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper looks at institutional underpinnings of modern economies, examining the ways in which public policies and social collaborations may contribute to fairer but not less efficient economic outcomes.

Findings

The paper shows the limits of economic analysis focused only on financial variables and tries to uncover solidaristic foundations of efficient and sustainable economies.

Research limitations/implications

The paper opens the discussion about design of public policies and social institutions to foster social inclusion via economic activities.

Originality/value

The paper tries to bridge social policy thinking with market‐oriented economic analysis.
Variations in the development of psychological therapy in three European Union countries
Authors: Pilgrim David , Champion Francoise , Hutschemaekers Giel , Garnoussi Nadia , van Dijk Fiona
Published: February 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the similarities and differences in the development of psychological therapies in three European Union countries (the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and France) in the context of national policies about health services and public mental health.

Design/methodology/approach

Three case studies are utilised for this purpose as historical descriptions. The latter are then discussed in the light of traditional approaches to the sociology of the professions.

Findings

Whilst some similarities are identified across the three countries (for example the recent convergence of policy interest in “evidence‐based practice”) it is also clear that the particular national cultures have shaped developments and their different forms of healthcare organisation have been reflected in national legislative and regulatory arrangements.

Research limitations/implications

These case studies draw attention to the need to explore national variations in policy formation about the same matter (in this case the professionalization of psychological therapies) and to extend discussions within the sociology of the professions to ones of healthcare organizational contexts. In addition, the contested nature of applied psychology may require special attention relative to other forms of health work practice.

Originality/value

This paper provides a particular form of understanding about psychological practices within modern healthcare and public health policies, in the light of the peculiar and contextualised aspects of the case studies provided.
Change communication: the impact on satisfaction with alternative workplace strategies
Authors: Bull Melanie , Brown Tim
Published: February 2012

Purpose

Communication is fundamental to the facilities management (FM) role within organisations; especially when the FM department is implementing changes to the workplace. This paper aims to present an evaluation of an instance.

Design/methodology/approach

A self‐administered online questionnaire was used to collect quantitative and qualitative data. The research focused on responses to satisfaction with the communication methods rather than reviewing the merits of alternative workplace strategies.

Findings

Findings included the impact of communication on staff satisfaction levels, the need to provide timely and relevant information and communication via a range of mediums and the need to ensure there was opportunity to participate in meaningful feedback. The key findings are substantiated with existing internal communication and change literature.

Originality/value

The research highlights the practical importance of the need to improve communication within the FM industry and especially in change circumstances.
A novel joint diagonalization approach for linear stochastic systems and reliability analysis
Authors: Wang Feng , Li Chenfeng , Feng Jianwen , Cen Song , Owen D.R.J.
Published: February 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a novel gradient‐based iterative algorithm for the joint diagonalization of a set of real symmetric matrices. The approximate joint diagonalization of a set of matrices is an important tool for solving stochastic linear equations. As an application, reliability analysis of structures by using the stochastic finite element analysis based on the joint diagonalization approach is also introduced in this paper, and it provides useful references to practical engineers.

Design/methodology/approach

By starting with a least squares (LS) criterion, the authors obtain a classical nonlinear cost‐function and transfer the joint diagonalization problem into a least squares like minimization problem. A gradient method for minimizing such a cost function is derived and tested against other techniques in engineering applications.

Findings

A novel approach is presented for joint diagonalization for a set of real symmetric matrices. The new algorithm works on the numerical gradient base, and solves the problem with iterations. Demonstrated by examples, the new algorithm shows the merits of simplicity, effectiveness, and computational efficiency.

Originality/value

A novel algorithm for joint diagonalization of real symmetric matrices is presented in this paper. The new algorithm is based on the least squares criterion, and it iteratively searches for the optimal transformation matrix based on the gradient of the cost function, which can be computed in a closed form. Numerical examples show that the new algorithm is efficient and robust. The new algorithm is applied in conjunction with stochastic finite element methods, and very promising results are observed which match very well with the Monte Carlo method, but with higher computational efficiency. The new method is also tested in the context of structural reliability analysis. The reliability index obtained with the joint diagonalization approach is compared with the conventional Hasofer Lind algorithm, and again good agreement is achieved.
A nonlinear frequency analysis based approach for power cable insulation fault detection
Authors: Chen Min‐You , Zhai Jin‐qian , Lang Z.Q. , Sun Feng , Hu Gang
Published: February 2012

Purpose

The present study is concerned with the application of a nonlinear frequency analysis approach to the detection and location of water tree degradation of power cable XLPE insulation without turning off electric power.

Design/methodology/approach

The use of power cable system responses to power line carrier signals are proposed to conduct the required signal analysis for damage location purpose. This technique is based on the fact that the water tree degradation in power cables can make the system behave nonlinearly. Consequently, the location of water tree degradation can be determined by detecting the position of nonlinear components in power cable systems.

Findings

A novel method has been proposed for locating water tree degradation in power cable systems; numerical simulation studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of the new technique.

Originality/value

The proposed technique has the potential to be applied in practice to more effectively resolve the power cable damage location problem.
Shape optimization approach based on the extended finite element method
Authors: Topa Vasile , Purcar Marius , Munteanu Calin , Grindei Laura , Pacurar Claudia , Garvasiuc Ovidiu
Published: February 2012

Purpose

This paper proposes to extend the combination of Extended Finite Element Method (XFEM) and Level Set Method (LSM) from structural mechanics to electromagnetics. Based on this approach, the actual stage of the research work, dedicated to the investigation, development, implementation and validation of a shape optimization methodology, particularly tailored for 2D electric structures is described.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed numerical approach is based on the efficiency of the XFEM and the flexibility of the LSM, to handle moving material interfaces without remeshing the whole studied domain at each optimization step.

Findings

This approach eliminates the conventional use of discrete finite elements and provides efficient, stable, accurate and faster computation schemes in comparison with other methods.

Research limitations/implications

This research is limited to shape optimization of two‐dimensional electric structures, however, the work can be extended to 3D ones too.

Practical implications

The implementation of the proposed numerical approach for the shape optimization of a planar resistor is hereby described.

Originality/value

The main value of the proposed approach is a powerful and robust numerical shape optimization algorithm that demonstrates outstanding suppleness of handling topological changes, fidelity of boundary representation and a high degree of automation in comparison with other methods.
Bio‐inspired optimization algorithms for parameter determination of three‐phase induction motor
Authors: Sakthivel V.P. , Subramanian S.
Published: February 2012

Purpose

The aim of this research paper is to examine the bio‐inspired optimization algorithms, namely, genetic algorithm (GA), particle swarm optimization (PSO) and bacterial foraging optimization (BFO) algorithm with adaptive chemotactic step for determining the steady‐state equivalent circuit parameters of the three‐phase induction motor using a set of manufacturer data.

Design/methodology/approach

The induction motor parameter determination issue is devised as a nonlinear constrained optimization problem. The nonlinear equations of various quantities (torque, current and power factor) are derived in terms of equivalent circuit parameters from a single and a double‐cage model, and then, equates to the corresponding manufacturer data. These equations are solved by the bio‐inspired algorithms. Using the squared error between the determined and the manufacturer data as the objective function, the parameter determination problem is transferred into an optimization process where the model parameters are determined that minimize the defined objective function. The objective function is iteratively minimized using GA, PSO and BFO techniques. In order to balance the exploration and exploitation searches of the BFO algorithm, an adaptive chemotactic step is utilized.

Findings

Comparisons of the results of GA, PSO, BFO and IEEE Std. 112‐F (using no‐load, locked‐rotor and stator resistance tests) methods for two sample motors are presented. Results show the superiority of the bio‐inspired optimization algorithms over the classical one. Besides, BFO‐based parameter determination method is observed to obtain better quality solutions quickly than GA and PSO methods.

Practical implications

The parameters obtained by the proposed approaches can be used in analyzing the stalling and/or reacceleration process of a loaded motor following a fault or during voltage sag condition as well as in system‐level studies.

Originality/value

The most significant contribution of the research is the potential to determine the equivalent circuit parameters of induction motor only from its manufacturer data without conducting any lab tests on the motor. The bio‐inspired optimization based parameter determination approaches are faster and less intrusive than the IEEE Std. 112‐F method.
Study of very fast transient overvoltages in air‐cored pulsed transformers
Authors: Agheb E. , Hashemi E. , Mousavi S.A. , Hoidalen H.K.
Published: February 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study very fast transient overvoltages (VFTOs) in the secondary winding of air‐cored Tesla transformers and also study the resulting electric field stresses.

Design/methodology/approach

An exhaustive model based on Multi‐conductor Transmission Lines (MTLs) theory has been used. The governing telegraphist's equations have been solved by Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) method.

Findings

The results demonstrated that there are some overvoltages at the end and middle turns that should be considered in insulation design. The magnitudes of these overvoltages are several times more than the steady state value of the corresponding turn which cause very high electric field stresses.

Originality/value

The paper describes results obtained from an original and innovative implementation of FDTD method in transmission line modelling and is applied properly to air‐cored pulse transformers.
Multi‐port equivalent scheme for multi‐winding traction transformers
Authors: El Hayek Joseph , Sobczyk Tadeusz J.
Published: February 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a new type of equivalent scheme of multi‐winding transformers.

Design/methodology/approach

An inventory representation of relations between currents and flux linkages has been interpreted as a multi‐port purely inductive circuit.

Findings

An equivalent scheme in the form of a multi‐port circuit, and a method of its parameters determination from field computations.

Research limitations/implications

Core losses are not considered in the multi‐port equivalent scheme.

Practical implications

A new equivalent scheme could become a basic tool for modeling multi‐winding transformers.

Originality/value

The introduced multi‐port equivalent scheme eliminates disadvantages of classical T‐type equivalent scheme of transformers.
A preliminary study of a cloth guiding mechanism for automatic sewing system
Authors: Inui Shigeru , Yamada Tatsuro , Horiba Yosuke , Hashimoto Minoru
Published: February 2012

Purpose

In the trend from mass production to mass customization, more flexible production systems are required. In the clothing field, many studies about automatization of sewing processes have been done into producing small amounts of various kinds of products. The purpose of this paper is to propose a versatile guiding mechanism of a cloth for an automatic sewing system.

Design/methodology/approach

Real sewing processes were referenced for the mechanism, and curved stitch is formed holding a point on a cloth. This mechanism consists of a solenoid for holding a cloth and a roller to prevent deformation of the cloth. When a cloth is sewn with the mechanism, the trajectory of the stitch is unstable because of anisotropy of a cloth. A precise trajectory was obtained by adding a device to control the pressure of the roller for holding a cloth and keeping a tension properly applied to a cloth.

Findings

It was found out that shearing property is the most related to the stability of sewing trajectory. If the tension for guidance applied to a cloth is constant, deformation of the cloth was observed and it was the cause of unstableness of sewing trajectory. By controlling the tension for guidance applied to a cloth properly according to the direction of the cloth, precise sewing trajectory was obtained.

Originality/value

There have been some studies in which sewing conditions were dynamically controlled according to the mechanical properties of a cloth. To these studies, here it was proposed that sewing conditions were kept constant by controlling the guidance of a cloth according to its mechanical properties.
Novel method of weaving three‐dimensional shapes
Authors: Bhattacharya S.S. , Koranne Milind
Published: February 2012

Purpose

Development of a technique for weaving seamless three‐dimensional shapes directly on loom is an essential step in producing seamless woven garments. The purpose of this paper is to report a new approach to weaving seamless three‐dimensional shapes.

Design/methodology/approach

Spacing of warp and weft threads varies in shape region. Reeds with shaped reed wires are developed to change spacing of warp threads. Interlacement pattern of warp and weft threads is selected that assists in changing spacing of threads. The new approach of weaving three‐dimensional shapes in folded form is developed, that offers advantages over weaving shape in erect form.

Findings

The main findings were mathematical determination of shapes of reed wires to produce a three‐dimensional woven shape and weaving shape in folded form.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates how three‐dimensional shapes are woven in folded form without the need of eliminating ends.
Introducing undergraduate students to school leadership concepts
Authors: Eacott Scott
Published: February 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the role of an under‐graduate educational leadership in introducing students to the complexity of school leadership practice.

Design/methodology/approach

Theoretically informed by Bourdieuian social theory and drawing on a questionnaire with a cohort of students, the paper evaluates a course in relation to achieving its outcomes.

Findings

An analysis of student responses indicates that the course did introduce students to school leadership practice and assist in the construction of a school leadership disposition.

Research limitations/implications

The theoretical resources used in the paper have significant implications for how researchers conceive of school leadership practice. Therefore, this paper may be the basis of further work.

Practical implications

The findings of this work have implications for teacher educators and specifically universities. From this paper, the inclusion of an educational leadership course in under‐graduate programs should become more the norm rather than the exception.

Originality/value

This paper has value in two unique ways. First, there has been very little work undertaken on the role of educational leadership courses in under‐graduate programs and in the context of increased political attention and no formal pre‐requisites for the principalship in Australia, this work is both timely and significant. Second, this paper works with a sophisticated notion of school leadership practice and its location using social theory, a perspective that is uncommon in much of the literature on educational leadership.
Principal selection panels: strategies, preferences and perceptions
Authors: Walker Allan , Kwan Paula
Published: February 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to report a study of the strategies members of principal selection panels use to select the best candidate for a principal position.

Design/methodology/approach

The study draws on both qualitative and quantitative data. The quantitative analysis drawn on data collected from school supervisors and school principals confirmed a four‐factor structure and qualitative interview data was used to supplement findings.

Findings

In order of importance the strategies employed by selection panels were: panel professionalism, the interview, making the cut and pre‐interview.

Practical implications

Findings indicate that the selection component of principal recruitment remains at best an uncertain science. Tensions endure between beliefs and perceptions of panel members from different backgrounds. These include beliefs about competence and level of involvement in important activities such as short‐listing. Relational ties, religious affiliation and values congruence are important to members of selection panels, but we are unsure of the influence these have on the quality of successful applications. It seems that at a minimum they may reduce the pool of “real” applicants.

Originality/value

The study provides useful information on the strategies members of principal selection panels use to select the best candidate for a principal position.
Who should rank our journals … and based on what?
Authors: Cherkowski Sabre , Currie Russell , Hilton Sandy
Published: February 2012

Purpose

This study aims to establish the use of active scholar assessment (ASA) in the field of education leadership as a new methodology in ranking administration and leadership journals. The secondary purpose of this study is to respond to the paucity of research on journal ranking in educational administration and leadership.

Design/methodology/approach

This empirical study uses on‐line survey research methods with analysis of variance (ANOVA) statistical analysis.

Findings

The main findings of this study are: ASA minimizes noted limitations in peer assessment studies; publishing rates and years of service do not significantly influence quality assessment bias; ASA provides a comprehensive and fair assessment of journals; and ASA responds to established criteria as a new, independent system for journal ranking. This study also provides current rankings of educational administration and leadership journals.

Research limitations/implications

This study points to the importance of continued research using ASA in journal assessment in education and other social sciences.

Originality/value

This study provides a new methodology in assessing journal quality, awareness, and importance to the field for journals in educational administration and leadership.