bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The responsibility of states
Authors: Schutter Olivier De
Published: February 2010

This chapter looks at the varied efforts to use the international law of state responsibility to hold states in which private military and security companies (PMSCs) are registered or incorporated (home states) accountable for their conduct. It examines whether, under international law, the home state is obliged to control its companies. Must such a state allow its courts to adjudicate claims filed against these companies? Home states can be held responsible for PMSC actions when the company is a mere fiction used to pursue state interest, if governmental authority has been delegated to it, or if it is in fact under state direction or control. Such ‘easy cases’ do not capture the growing instances of PMSCs being employed by private entities (rather than states), however.
Human rights and self-regulation in the apparel industry
Authors: DeWinter-Schmitt Rebecca
Published: February 2010

This chapter examines the evolution of regulatory regimes in the apparel industry as a comparison with efforts to regulate PMSCs. Lessons learned from the efforts of the Fair Labor Association and the Workers Rights Consortium might provide a road map for creating a hybrid public-private regulatory regime for PMSCs that contains all the necessary elements of high standards, implementation guidelines, independent monitoring, an enforcement mechanism, and public reporting. Incentives could be established by giving companies an industry seal of approval that would indicate their adherence to ethical business practices. This could be attractive to non-state customers, like NGOs and other companies that need security and are worried about the reputations of their providers. The existence of a hybrid regulatory regime would not, however, alleviate the state's responsibility to conduct ongoing assessments of the human rights impact of such an effort, including by examining the global structure and operations of the PMSC industry.
Reconciling Public Health and Investor Rights: The Case of Tobacco
Authors: Sara Vadi Valentina
Published: February 2010

This chapter explores the linkage between investment law and international instruments protecting public health, focussing on the specific issue of tobacco control. Since the recent inception of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which has established cognitive and normative consensus for promoting global public health through tobacco control, states have gradually adopted a series of measures to comply with this convention. However, international investment governance risks undermining the goal of tobacco control, for example by facilitating access to tobacco products, increasing competition, and lowering tobacco prices. After analysing the relevant legal framework, this chapter explores the potential conflict areas between investment governance and tobacco regulation, and proposes some legal tools that might help reconciling the interests at stake. In particular, it proposes recourse to customary rules of treaty interpretation.
4 Background Considerations to a Re‐Regulation of the US Financial System: Third Time a Charm? Or Strike Three?
Authors: Kregel Jan
Published: February 2010

Kregel's chapter notes that the United States financial system is currently undergoing its third episode of major financial turmoil and response in the form of financial re‐regulation. The first was the creation of the national bank system in the 1860s, the second was the New Deal legislation of the 1930s, and the third is that currently under way. The first two episodes produced similar responses and similar financial structures, and laid the basis for subsequent crises. Given the similarity of the present crisis with the two previous experiences, there is, therefore, the risk that the solutions introduced will in fact lay the groundwork for the next crisis.
11 Governing the Global Regulatory System1
Authors: Williams Dr. Marion
Published: February 2010

Williams attempts to analyze the national and international financial governance system, their strengths and weaknesses. A number of issues are explored and a number of recommendations made. The author does not call for a total revamp of the financial governance structure, but rather for a number of improvements, among them some dealing with the issue of legitimacy. Williams emphasizes that serious institutional gaps have emerged, with no international financial institution having a clear mandate to require remedial regulatory measures when risks arise, especially from large countries like the United States. She argues for creating a multi‐purpose regulatory oversight body. This could be based on the Financial Stability Forum (FSF), but it would require global representation and clear authority.
16 Reforming the Global Reserve System1
Authors: Antonio Ocampo José
Published: February 2010

Ocampo argues that the current global reserve system exhibits three fundamental flaws. First, it shows the deflationary bias typical of any system in which all the burden of adjustment falls on deficit countries (the anti‐Keynesian bias). Second, it is inherently unstable due to two distinct features: the use of a national currency as the major reserve asset (the Triffin dilemma) and the high demand for “self‐protection” that developing countries face (the inequity‐instability link). The latter is related, in turn, to the mix of highly pro‐cyclical capital flows and the absence of adequate supply of “collective insurance” to manage balance of payments crises, which generate a high demand for foreign exchange reserves by developing countries. This implies, third, that the system is inequitable (the inequity bias), and that such inequities have grown as developing countries have accumulated large quantities of foreign exchange reserves. On the basis of this, it argues for a system based on the counter‐cyclical issues of Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) that finance IMF facilities, and some possible “development links” in SDR allocations.
1 Prologue
Authors: Giudice Gian Francesco
Published: February 2010

This chapter introduces the LHC project and its main motivation: the exploration of ‘zeptospace’. Zeptospace is a word invented in this book to designate the world as viewed at lengths of hundred billionths of billionths of a millimetre. Physicists expect that new particles and new phenomena (such as the Higgs boson, supersymmetry, or extra dimensions) exist in zeptospace. The chapter contains also a short synopsis of the book.
12 Exploring the Universe With a Microscope
Authors: Giudice Gian Francesco
Published: February 2010

Results from the LHC can expand our knowledge of the early stages of the universe. The connection between the world of particle physics and the structure of our universe is probably one of the most profound results of modern science, which captivates the imagination of anyone who is confronted with its wonders. This chapter describes this connection, explaining how the process of inflation could be at the origin of the cosmological properties we observe today. The empirical evidence in favour of dark matter is by now overwhelming. This still unknown form of matter could be made of some new kind of particle that can be produced at the LHC. This chapter presents the case of dark matter at the LHC and the ways in which the new form of matter could be discovered. It explains what dark energy is and its potential impact on the naturalness problem.
Treephyler: fast taxonomic profiling of metagenomes
Authors: Schreiber Fabian , Gumrich Peter , Daniel Rolf , Meinicke Peter
Published: February 2010

Summary: Assessment of phylogenetic diversity is a key element to the analysis of microbial communities. Tools are needed to handle next-generation sequencing data and to cope with the computational complexity of large-scale studies. Here, we present Treephyler, a tool for fast taxonomic profiling of metagenomes. Treephyler was evaluated on real metagenome to assess its performance in comparison to previous approaches for taxonomic profiling. Results indicate that Treephyler is in terms of speed and accuracy prepared for next-generation sequencing techniques and large-scale analysis.

Availability:  Treephyler is implemented in Perl; it is portable to all platforms and applicable to both nucleotide and protein input data. Treephyler is freely available for download at http://www.gobics.de/fabian/treephyler.php

Contact:  fschrei@gwdg.de
A principal skeleton algorithm for standardizing confocal images of fruit fly nervous systems
Authors: Qu Lei , Peng Hanchuan
Published: February 2010

Motivation: The fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) is a commonly used model organism in biology. We are currently building a 3D digital atlas of the fruit fly larval nervous system (LNS) based on a large collection of fly larva GAL4 lines, each of which targets a subset of neurons. To achieve such a goal, we need to automatically align a number of high-resolution confocal image stacks of these GAL4 lines. One commonly employed strategy in image pattern registration is to first globally align images using an affine transform, followed by local non-linear warping. Unfortunately, the spatially articulated and often twisted LNS makes it difficult to globally align the images directly using the affine method. In a parallel project to build a 3D digital map of the adult fly ventral nerve cord (VNC), we are confronted with a similar problem.

Results: We proposed to standardize a larval image by best aligning its principal skeleton (PS), and thus used this method as an alternative of the usually considered affine alignment. The PS of a shape was defined as a series of connected polylines that spans the entire shape as broadly as possible, but with the shortest overall length. We developed an automatic PS detection algorithm to robustly detect the PS from an image. Then for a pair of larval images, we designed an automatic image registration method to align their PSs and the entire images simultaneously. Our experimental results on both simulated images and real datasets showed that our method does not only produce satisfactory results for real confocal larval images, but also perform robustly and consistently when there is a lot of noise in the data. We also applied this method successfully to confocal images of some other patterns such as the adult fruit fly VNC and center brain, which have more complicated PS. This demonstrates the flexibility and extensibility of our method.

Availability: The supplementary movies, full size figures, test data, software, and tutorial on the software can be downloaded freely from our website http://penglab.janelia.org/proj/principal_skeleton

Contact:  pengh@janelia.hhmi.org

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Patient selection for left ventricular assist devices
Authors: Lund Lars H. , Matthews Jennifer , Aaronson Keith
Published: February 2010

Heart transplantation (HTx) improves symptoms and prolongs life in advanced heart failure (HF), but organ supply is limited. In recent years, mechanical circulatory support and specifically implantable left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have undergone technical improvements, and outcomes have improved dramatically. Left ventricular assist devices are now viable options for patients with severe HF as bridge to transplantation, destination therapy, or as bridge to recovery. Many believe that LVADs may soon provide outcomes similar to, or better than, HTx, launching a new era of end‐stage HF management. The key to improving outcomes is patient selection, but the field is changing rapidly and guidelines and consensus are limited. This review summarizes recent reports of predictors of poor outcomes and provides an overview of selection for LVAD therapy.
Comment on “Purported flaws in management strategy evaluation: basic problems or misinterpretation?” by Butterworth et al.
Authors: Rochet Marie-Joëlle , Rice Jake C.
Published: February 2010

Rochet, M-J., and Rice, J. C. 2010. Comment on “Purported flaws in management strategy evaluation: basic problems or misinterpretation?” by Butterworth et al. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 67: 575–576. Simulation-based management strategy evaluation is a valuable tool, when appropriately implemented. Implementation, however, may not always have been appropriate, and some reasons are provided why perhaps there is incomplete faith in certain of its technical aspects, such as knowing the distribution of the parameters of population processes from the information in limited datasets. A management strategy that has been evaluated by simulation should not be used as an “autopilot”, because even the most competent of experts can develop autopilots with imperfect and incomplete knowledge of reality, and all information should be incorporated when decisions have to be made.
Litoreibacter albidus gen. nov., sp. nov. and Litoreibacter janthinus sp. nov., members of the class Alphaproteobacteria isolated from the seashore
Authors: Romanenko Lyudmila A. , Tanaka Naoto , Frolova Galina M. , Svetashev Vassilii I. , Mikhailov Valery V.
Published: February 2010

Two Gram-negative, strictly aerobic, non-motile bacteria designated strains KMM 3851T and KMM 3842T were respectively isolated from a marine snail specimen (Umbonium costatum) and from surrounding sediments collected simultaneously from the shore of the Sea of Japan. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strains KMM 3851T and KMM 3842T were affiliated with the Roseobacter lineage of the class Alphaproteobacteria as a separate phylogenetic line adjacent to the members of the genus Thalassobacter. These novel isolates shared 98.5 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity and 15 % DNA–DNA relatedness. The major isoprenoid quinone of both strains was Q-10 and polar lipids consisted of phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and aminophospholipids. In addition, strain KMM 3851T contained two unknown lipids, whereas strain KMM 3842T contained diphosphatidylglycerol. Fatty acid analysis revealed C18 : 1
ω7c and C16 : 0 as major components and small amounts of C18 : 2. The DNA G+C contents were 60.4 mol% (KMM 3851T) and 58.5 mol% (KMM 3842T). Based on distinctive phenotypic characteristics, DNA–DNA hybridization data and phylogenetic distance, strains KMM 3851T and KMM 3842T should be classified as representatives of two novel species in a new genus, Litoreibacter gen. nov., with the type species Litoreibacter albidus sp. nov. (type strain KMM 3851T =NRIC 0773T =JCM 16493T) and a second species Litoreibacter janthinus sp. nov. (type strain KMM 3842T =NRIC 0772T =JCM 16492T).
Miniimonas arenae gen. nov., sp. nov., an actinobacterium isolated from sea sand
Authors: Ue Harumi , Matsuo Yoshihide , Kasai Hiroaki , Yokota Akira
Published: February 2010

A Gram-positive, non-motile, coccoid- to rod-shaped, non-spore-forming bacterium, designated strain YM18-15T, was isolated from sea sand and studied using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. Strain YM18-15Tgrew under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. The cell-wall peptidoglycan type was A4βand ornithine was the diagnostic diamino acid. The polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol and an unknown phospholipid, MK-8(H4) was the major menaquinone and the predominant fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0and C16 : 0. The DNA G+C content was 74.2 mol%. High 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities (96.3–97.3 %) were found with the sequences of the type strains of the three genera of the familyBeutenbergiaceae. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain YM18-15Tformed a clade withSerinibacter salmoneus,Salana multivoransandBeutenbergia cavernae. Strain YM18-15Tdiffered from these three type strains in chemotaxonomic characteristics and in 16S rRNA gene signature nucleotides. Based on genetic and chemotaxonomic evidence, it is suggested that strain YM18-15Trepresents a novel species of a new genus within the familyBeutenbergiaceae, for which the nameMiniimonas arenaegen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of the type species is YM18-15T(=NBRC 106267T=KCTC 19750T=MBIC 08348T).
Nocardioides caricicola sp. nov., an endophytic bacterium isolated from a halophyte, Carex scabrifolia Steud.
Authors: Song Geun Cheol , Yasir Muhammad , Bibi Fehmida , Chung Eu Jin , Jeon Che Ok , Chung Young Ryun
Published: February 2010

A Gram-staining-positive, coccoid to rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain YC6903T, was isolated from a halophytic plant (Carex scabrifolia Steud.) collected from sand dunes at Namhae Island, Korea, and its taxonomic position was investigated by using a polyphasic approach. Strain YC6903T grew optimally at 30 °C and at pH 8.0. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain YC6903T belongs to the genus Nocardioides in the family Nocardioidaceae. Strain YC6903T was related most closely to Nocardioides pyridinolyticus OS4T (97.0 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity), Nocardioides dokdonensis FR1436T (96.6 %), Nocardioides aquiterrae GW-9T (96.6 %) and Nocardioides hankookensis DS-30T (96.6 %). The cell-wall peptidoglycan contained ll-diaminopimelic acid and MK-8(H4) was the major respiratory quinone. The mean (±sd) level of DNA–DNA relatedness between strain YC6903T and N. pyridinolyticus OS4T was 53.5±5.5 %. The predominant cellular fatty acid of strain YC6903T was iso-C16 : 0 (28.9 %). The DNA G+C content was 71.7 mol%. Phenotypic, phylogenetic and chemotaxonomic data indicated that strain YC6903T represents a novel species of the genus Nocardioides, for which the name Nocardioides caricicola sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YC6903T (=KACC 13778T =DSM 22177T).
Jiangella muralis sp. nov., from an indoor environment
Authors: Kämpfer P. , Schäfer J. , Lodders N. , Martin K.
Published: February 2010

A Gram-stain-positive, non-spore-forming actinobacterium, designated 15-Je-017T, was isolated from wall material of an indoor environment. The isolate formed a rudimentary substrate mycelium that fragmented into rod-shaped cells. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain 15-Je-017T was shown to belong to the genus Jiangella and was most closely related to Jiangella alba YIM 61503T (99.7 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity), Jiangella alkaliphila D8-87T (99.0 %) and Jiangella gansuensis YIM 002T (99.0 %). The predominant menaquinone was MK-9(H4). Whole-cell hydrolysates contained ll-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid in the cell wall and rhamnose and glucose as the main sugars. Mycolic acids were absent. The polar lipid profile consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol mannoside and seven unknown phospholipids. The fatty acid profile contained major amounts (>5 %) of anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C16 : 0, iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0, anteiso-C17 : 0 and C17 : 1
ω8c, which supported the affiliation of strain 15-Je-017T to the genus Jiangella. DNA–DNA relatedness and physiological and biochemical tests allowed the differentiation of strain 15-Je-017T from the type strains of the three known Jiangella species. Strain 15-Je-017T represents a novel Jiangella species, for which we propose the name Jiangella muralis sp. nov., with type strain 15-Je-017T (=DSM 45357T =CCM 7680T).
PEPR2 Is a Second Receptor for the Pep1 and Pep2 Peptides and Contributes to Defense Responses inArabidopsis
Authors: Yamaguchi Yube , Huffaker Alisa , Bryan Anthony C. , Tax Frans E. , Ryan Clarence A.
Published: February 2010

Pep1 is a 23–amino acid peptide that enhances resistance to a root pathogen, Pythium irregulare. Pep1 and its homologs (Pep2 to Pep7) are endogenous amplifiers of innate immunity of Arabidopsis thaliana that induce the transcription of defense-related genes and bind to PEPR1, a plasma membrane leucine-rich repeat (LRR) receptor kinase. Here, we identify a plasma membrane LRR receptor kinase, designated PEPR2, that has 76% amino acid similarity to PEPR1, and we characterize its role in the perception of Pep peptides and defense responses. Both PEPR1 and PEPR2 were transcriptionally induced by wounding, treatment with methyl jasmonate, Pep peptides, and pathogen-associated molecular patterns. The effects of Pep1 application on defense-related gene induction and enhancement of resistance to Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato DC3000 were partially reduced in single mutants of PEPR1 and PEPR2 and abolished completely in double mutants. Photoaffinity labeling and binding assays using transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) cells expressing PEPR1 and PEPR2 clearly demonstrated that PEPR1 is a receptor for Pep1-6 and that PEPR2 is a receptor for Pep1 and Pep2. Our analysis demonstrates differential binding affinities of two receptors with a family of peptide ligands and the corresponding physiological effects of the specific receptor–ligand interactions. Therefore, we demonstrate that, through perception of Peps, PEPR1 and PEPR2 contribute to defense responses in Arabidopsis.
Design and reliability prediction of a distributed landing gear control system
Authors: Lu Lixuan , Lei Jianhe
Published: February 2010

Purpose

Proper function of landing gear plays a crucial role in the safe operation of an airplane. Traditional landing gear control system utilizes centralized control technology. The relatively heavy wire harness and low reliability accompanied with this technology make it logical to transfer from traditional control to real‐time distributed control. This paper aims to look into a new landing gear control system based on time‐triggered architecture (TTA).

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, a new landing gear control system based on TTA is proposed. The reliability of the proposed system is investigated using a combination of Markov analysis and MIL‐HDBK‐217 methods.

Findings

The results show that by integration of TTP/C and TTP/A technologies, the advantages of both are achieved. A very high level of reliability is obtained. This increases the confidence when adopting distributed landing gear control technology.

Originality/value

The paper presents a new landing gear control system based on TTA, the reliability of which is very high.
Strategic knowledge management in aerospace industries: a case study
Authors: Jafari Mostafa , Rezaeenour Jalal , Akhavan Peyman , Fesharaki Mehdi N.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The objective of this paper is to develop a model for planning and establishment of knowledge management (KM) strategy in one of the Iranian Sub‐stream Aerospace Industries Organization to improve company's performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This research tries to use multi‐method approach by integrating balanced score card, which is a renowned strategic management approach, and Nonaka and colleagues' knowledge creation process (socialization, externalization, combination, and internalization model), which is a well‐known knowledge creation and conversion model, being adopted as the foundations of strategic knowledge management model (SKMM).

Findings

The analytical approach identifies eight issues as critical success factors of the knowledge strategy map in this case study. The overall results from the case study are positive as well, thus reflecting the appropriateness of the suggested SKMM model.

Research limitations/implications

SKMM can be used to help forward the plan, establishment and evaluation of KM strategies and initiatives. This helps to ensure that the essential issues are covered during design and implementation phases of KM strategies.

Originality/value

This paper further provides an integrated perspective of KM metrics in high‐tech industries including the aerospace industry. It gives valuable information and guidelines that hopefully will help leaders to consider important issues during performance measurement of KM strategies in organizations.
On library fines
Authors: McMenemy David
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the debates around the topic of library fines and consider the arguments highlighted for and against.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides a reflective overview based on a discussion of the points raised both supporting and rejecting the use of library fines.

Findings

It is argued that fines are a necessary aspect of efficient library operations and to ensure collective responsibility for the collections among members. However the paper queries the reliance of some libraries on the income generated by fines, and questions whether this reliance is in opposition to the role of the library in encouraging efficient use of the stock.

Practical implications

The paper considers the positives and negatives of a fines culture, and may be useful background for those pondering the topic.

Originality/value

The paper discusses a topic that is of current professional debate as to its efficacy and should of value for those interested in the arguments for and against fines in libraries, and their impact on library usage.
The electronic book: a transformational library technology?
Authors: Joint Nicholas
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to form one of a series which will give an overview of so‐called “transformational” areas of digital library technology. The aim will be to assess how much real transformation these applications are bringing about, in terms of creating genuine user benefit and also changing everyday library practice.

Design/methodology/approach

An overview of the present state of development of the electronic book (e‐book), looking at perceptions in the popular press, statistical data from reputable sources, recent findings from the publicly funded quango Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC), consultants funded by JISC, individual comment from well‐informed writers and observations from contemporary library practice.

Findings

The paper finds that the e‐book has not proven itself as a transformational technology in the context of library services, nor as a consumer product to be sold directly to end users. It does have the potential to be so, if certain problems related to usability, business models and library finding tools are addressed.

Research limitations/implications

This paper does not engage in a research level investigation of the subject, but does acknowledge and support JISC's recommendations for future research, while putting these into the context of everyday library practice.

Practical implications

This paper outlines some of the practical challenges faced by librarians in the implementation of e‐book services. These are not always sufficiently acknowledged by publicly funded research that takes place away from the arena of everyday practice.

Originality/value

The approach in this investigation is to present the broader possibilities of e‐book services in a way that is both familiar to library practitioners, and which favourably contrasts the insights and perspectives of the working library profession with those of the higher profile popular press or generously funded research community.
Exploring the use of social software by master of library and information science students
Authors: Al‐Daihani Sultan
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the perceptions of master of library and information science (MLIS) students of social software.

Design/methodology/approach

A web‐based questionnaire is used as a survey instrument. The MLIS students at Kuwait University (KU) and the University of Wisconsin‐Milwaukee (UWM) are identified as the population of this study. In total, 132 MLIS students participate in the survey.

Findings

The majority of students from the two schools are aware of social software applications and their use. Blogs, video sharing, collaborative authoring, communication and social networking received the highest mean scores. Their perceptions about online activities, their use of social software and the obstacles to its use were not significantly affected by institutional affiliation. It was further found that the institutional affiliation exhibited significant differences for their perceptions of social software applications in education.

Research limitations/implications

The sample issues present one of the main limitations of this study and the bias of the survey method.

Practical implications

The findings of the study can meaningfully contribute to a better understanding of the affect of social software on MLIS students. It also can be applied to the implementation of these applications in library and information science (LIS) education.

Originality/value

Most research on social software concentrates on students from other fields; very little research has considered student in LIS. This research is also the first survey to investigate how MLIS students in Kuwait using social software.
Variations in phenolics and antioxidants in Indian onions(Allium cepaL.)
Authors: Dalamu  , Kaur Charanjit , Singh Meenakshi , Walia Shweta , Joshi Subodh , Munshi A.D.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive evaluation of 34 onion genotypes for their antioxidant activity (AOX) content of phenolics, quercetin and pungency to enable selection of the best genotype for later experiments of variety breeding or to be used as a vector in the improvement of well‐established traditional genotype.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive screening of 34 onion (red, pink and white) genotypes is carried out in order to determine the variation in phenolics, quercetin and total AOX as potential for breeding for their enhanced levels.

Findings

The AOX in red genotype with highest levels of phenolics is roughly three times higher than commercial white genotype. Pungency levels range from 3.12 to 10.48  μmoles pyruvic acid/g. Mean phenolic and quercetin content ranges from 60.1 to 1094.8 mg gallic acid equivalents/kg and 22.0 to 890.5 mg/kg quercetin, respectively. AOX in red genotype (expressed as μmoles trolox/g) ranges from 1.97 to 5.45 and 3.60 to 6.61 in ferric reducing antioxidant power and cupric ion reducing capacity assays, respectively. Selections, Sel‐383, Sel‐397, Sel‐61‐383, and Inbreds, I‐40, I‐80 and Burgundy are potential genotype with high pungency and AOX.

Research limitations/implications

An improvement in breeding effort designed to increase the phenolics, quercetin and total AOX in onions (Allium cepaL.) provides selected material for analysis. Onion genotype and breeding lines with improved AOX are identified that would help breeders produce onions high in health promoting compounds.

Originality/value

The paper attempts to examine onion genotypes using standardizedin‐vitroAOX assays.
A systematic review of the quality, content, and context of breakfast consumption
Authors: Mullan Barbara Ann , Singh Monika
Published: February 2010

Purpose

Consumption of breakfast is often associated with important health‐related behaviours. For example, skipping breakfast is related to obesity and eating breakfast is also correlated to cognitive, behavioural, and affective components. The purpose of this paper is to review the breakfast eating literature, and investigate the circumstances under which people consume breakfast, what is actually being consumed, and how much breakfast is eaten therefore.

Design/methodology/approach

This systematic review summarises the results from 24 studies which focus on who is eating what, where, and with whom.

Findings

All 24 of the included studies are of a self‐report nature, from which nine were analysed from second‐hand survey data. Sample sizes vary from 100 to a total of 35,119 with a reported participants' age range from two years old to 70 years of age. Ready‐to‐eat cereal and dairy foods are the most commonly consumed breakfast items across the studies. Between 1.7 and 30 per cent of participants are found to skip breakfast and approximately one‐quarter of the studies report that those with lower socio‐economic status, non‐whites, and females were the groups more likely to omit breakfast.

Research limitations/implications

The evidence provided in this review suggests that there is still considerable variation in studies into breakfast consumption. This has implications for future research into breakfast eating if interventions are based on these studies.

Originality/value

There are very few systematic reviews detailing the quality, context, and content of breakfast consumption and the lack of consistency in the results show the need for further research to be conducted to find a degree of consistency in how breakfast should be defined and measured.
Friction characteristics of brake pads with aramid fiber and acrylic fiber
Authors: Hwan Park Jung , Oh Chung Jin , Rae Kim Hyang
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the friction coefficients of aramid and acrylic fibers on brake pads.

Design/methodology/approach

Fiber components used in the present pads are aramid and acrylic fibers, respectively, while keeping other components, such as binders, lubricants, abrasives, fillers the same. Disk FC25 and disk FC17 are used for rotor rubbing test to investigate the friction coefficients with brake pads. The pads are tested by 1/5 scale brake dynamometer, and test mode is modified JASO C406‐P1. The results are analyzed with the friction coefficient and the temperature, transfer film, roughness, and photomicrograph of worn surface on rotors.

Findings

The friction coefficient was mainly determined by the pad material rather than the rotor material, and pads made of aramid fiber had high‐friction coefficient, while pads made of acrylic fiber had low‐friction coefficient, especially under high temperature. Temperature change during braking process was directly related to the initial speed only, and was indifferent to materials or decelerations imposed. In the fade test, the reversal of friction coefficients between the aramid fiber and acrylic fiber pads is determined by the amount of remained amount of respective fiber above 520°C.

Originality/value

Effect of different fiber components, aramid and acrylic fibers, on friction characteristics of pad is sought. Reversal of friction coefficients is determined by the thermal stability of fibers used for pads.
Building relevance amidst the content revolution
Authors: Bosanquet Lyn
Published: February 2010

Purpose

There has been much discussion in the past two decades about the need for the library profession to change. The prophets of doom and gloom have spoken loudly about the profession's lack of relevance and the consequence of this irrelevance. Many have taken notice – marketing campaigns have been introduced, technologies put in place, measures established, etc. All these activities have made some improvements to services but the reality is that is tinkering at the edges rather than taking the giant steps that are actually needed. By investigating the profession's past this paper aims to provide some insight in how to rebuild relevance of the profession i the digital environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The challenge is to find a way in which the core skills and competencies of the profession can be shown to add value to work regardless of the context in which they are demonstrated. These skills and capabilities revolve around content; how it is created, how it used, stored, managed, accessed and utilised in order to contribute to an ever‐increasing global body of knowledge. The wider environments in which people work often fail to recognise the complexities of this cycle, and the contribution that the information professional makes to keeping accessible, relevant information available from the desk top. Big decisions whether they be company acquisitions, research methodologies or clinical trials cannot be made without appropriate content. Why then are the content managers, the information professionals, under threat? Are there new skills and capabilities required by information professionals to build value in the content industry that continues to revolutionise?

Findings

Libraries need to implement a structure that will allow them to sell, deliver and communicate value. It is time to position the profession as a central player in the digitised information landscape.

Originality/value

The paper provides a high level view articulating what needs to be done for the Information Professional to take their place in the brave new information rich world.
Knowledge management and its potential applicability for libraries
Authors: Sarrafzadeh Maryam , Martin Bill , Hazeri Afsaneh
Published: February 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss the applications of knowledge management (KM) for library practice.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper starts by reviewing the relevant literature and then the results of an empirical study which investigated the perceptions of LIS community on the relevance of KM to libraries. The involvement of libraries in KM programs is also presented.

Findings

The results show that the LIS community exhibits a positive attitude towards introducing KM to libraries, and not only because this could bring libraries closer to their parent organization, but also because it might help them to survive in an increasingly challenging environment.

Practical implications

Although there are some indicators of involvement of libraries in KM in published case studies (through activities such as development of intranets and institutional repositories of content management and embedding information literacy instruction in the curriculum and employing web 2.0 technologies for knowledge sharing), libraries are still in the early stage of understanding the potential implications of KM.

Originality/value

The paper focuses on KM in the library community.
Expert or speaking‐partner? Shifting roles and identities in consulting work
Authors: Styhre Alexander , Olilla Sanne , Wikmalm Leena , Roth Jonas
Published: February 2010

Purpose

Identities are central to the regulation and control of knowledge‐intensive work. Rather than being managed on the basis of technocratic or bureaucratic control, knowledge intensive firms are employing knowledge workers who enact and internalize identities and roles that guide everyday behaviour in organizations. However, the concept of identity is relational and contingent on local conditions and interactions in everyday practices, different identities may be complementary or even contradictory. The paper aims to show that consultants are altering between being experts and speaking‐partners, two identities that in many ways are complementary but also mutually reinforcing.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a case study of a Swedish management consulting firm, Johnson Consulting.

Findings

The challenge for consultants is to be capable of effortlessly transgressing the line of demarcation between the two identities – expert and speaking‐partner – and their accompanying practices for the benefit of the client. Skilled consultants are trained at moving back and forth between these positions while less experienced consultants may find it intimidating to lose their position as expert.

Practical implications

The paper concludes that knowledge‐intensive firms such as management consulting firms should articulate and elaborate on the various identities mobilized in everyday work when encountering clients.

Originality/value

The paper uses the literature on identities in knowledge‐intensive firms and an empirical study of management consultants to show that knowledge‐intensive work is always operating on the level of identities and self‐images. Understanding knowledge intensive firms thus demands an understanding of how co‐workers perceive their own role.
Towards an understanding of discernment: a conceptual paper
Authors: Traüffer Hazel C.V. , Bekker Corné , Bocârnea Mihai , Winston Bruce E.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to define the concept of “discernment”.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper defines and presents discernment in a manner that sheds light on the construct and sets the stage for future research.

Findings

Discernment, is a significantly more involving kind of approach to decision making for the leader. It does not rely on precedents, best practices, or benchmarking. It is to understand the self and organization in a holistic way, inviting constant self‐evaluation and adjustments in order to make good judgments that serve the greater whole.

Research limitations/implications

Additional research is needed to empirically validate the concept through systematic investigations and devise a means to measure it.

Practical implications

The paper assists leaders in understanding the “what” and “why” of discernment and provides an opportunity for self‐evaluation by leaders as to how well each leader engages in discernment.

Originality/value

The paper is original and makes the foundational contribution for a beginning stream of research.
How do you decommission a nuclear installation? Call in the robots
Authors: Bloss Richard
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe an innovative project to safely cleanup and decommission a major nuclear facility.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is to design and apply robotic technology to custom designed robots that can address specific needs in safely removing major structures and cleaning and decontaminating areas of a nuclear processing plant.

Findings

The paper finds that frequently, robots are the answer but commercially available units may not be the suitable solution so designing custom robotics may be the best answer.

Practical implications

Firms considering approaches to handling hazardous cleanup conditions can look to the experience in Scotland for designing robotic answers for special needs handling applications.

Originality/value

This may be the first major hazardous site to design and employ custom robotic techniques to handle most cleanup tasks.
The path‐tracking controller based on dynamic model with slip for one four‐wheeled OMR
Authors: Huang Yanwen , Cao Qixin , Leng Chuntao
Published: February 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a suitable motion control method for omni‐directional mobile robots (OMRs). In RoboCup competition, the robot moves in a dynamic and oppositional environment, which occurs with high acceleration and deceleration motion frequently, especially for our OMR that slipping is almost inherently encountered in motion. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to present one improved dynamical model with slip, and then to propose one suitable path‐tracking controller based on it, which gives more accurate control result.

Design/methodology/approach

A dynamic modeling method for OMRs based on the theory of vehicle dynamics is proposed. By analyzing the wheel contact friction forces both in the wheel hub rolling direction and in the roller rolling direction, an amendatory dynamics model is presented. This model is introduced into the computed‐torque‐like‐controller (CTLC) system to solve the path‐tracking problem.

Findings

An amendatory dynamics model with slip is analyzed and introduced into the CTLC system to solve the path tracking problem for OMR in this paper. The anti‐disturbance ability and the trajectory tracking effect of the proposed motion control method are proven through simulations and experiments.

Practical implications

The proposed path tracking control method based on one improved dynamic model with slip is applied successfully to achieve effective motion control for one four‐wheel OMR, which is suitable for any kind of OMR.

Originality/value

One amendatory dynamics model including slipping between the wheels and ground is presented. Based on the above‐slipping model, one CTLC is implemented to solve the path‐tracking problem for one four‐wheel OMR.
Paint deposition pattern modeling and estimation for robotic air spray painting on free‐form surface using the curvature circle method
Authors: Xia Wei , Yu Sheng‐Rui , Liao Xiao‐Ping
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to establish a paint deposition pattern model applied to robotic air spray painting in order to achieve the accuracy and uniformity of paint film thickness on free‐form surface.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper opts for an exploratory study using the curvature circle method for air spray painting on free‐form surface to construct a spray gun model. First, a paint deposition pattern model of ellipse dual‐βdistribution is fitted on the basic of experimental data from robotic air spray painting. Second, a spray gun model is proposed using the curvature circle method for air spray painting on free‐form surface. The theoretical result is coincident with the film thickness in verification experiment spraying a cylinder surface. The biggest error of the sample points between the theoretical and experimental results is less than 4 μm, thereby the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed model is validated.

Findings

The paper provides a specific theoretical and methodological support for the realization of process planning and simulation system in surface spray manufacturing. It will make the future developed system meet the actual processing requirement. At the same time, it is more representative.

Originality/value

The paper finds an approach to solve paint deposition pattern model suitable to free‐form surface. The present method can be applied to the complex reality of topological relation for actual workpiece surface to be painted.
Virtues, work experiences and psychological well‐being among managerial women in a Turkish bank
Authors: Fiksenbaum Lisa , Koyuncu Mustafa , Burke Ronald J.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between virtues and indicators of work engagement, satisfaction, and psychological well‐being among a large sample of managerial and professional women working in a large Turkish bank. Managerial women in Turkey, as elsewhere, are under‐represented at senior levels of management. A virtue is any psychological process that enables a person to benefit herself or himself and others.

Design/methodology/approach

Data are collected from 286 managerial and professional women using anonymously completed questionnaires, a 72 percent response rate. Two virtues are considered: Optimism and Proactive Behavior.

Findings

Optimism and Proactive Behavior are significantly and positively correlated. Hierarchical regression analyses, controlling for both personal demographic and work situation characteristics, indicate that virtues account for significant increments in explained variance on all outcome measures. Optimism emerges as a particularly consistent predictor of these.

Research limitations/implications

The research data are collected at one point in time, limiting the understanding of causality.

Practical implications

Suggestions for increasing levels of virtues through training are offered based on previous theory.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the emerging literature in positive organizational scholarship on the relationship of virtues to individual health and performance in work settings.