bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hardening of a metallic glass during cyclic loading in the elastic range
Authors: Packard C. E. , Witmer L. M. , Schuh C. A.
Published: May 2008

Although fatigue failure is well documented in metallic glasses, the mechanism responsible for damage accumulation during cyclic loading below the yield point remains elusive. This letter describes a high-resolution nanomechanical study of an Fe-based bulk metallic glass subjected to cyclic loading in the nominal elastic range. An increase in the yield load was observed with an increasing number of subyield loading cycles, providing a clean documentation of kinematic irreversibility in very small volumes of material that experience no shear bands either prior to or during cyclic loading.
On the Benefits of Transient Attention across the Visual Field
Authors: Kristjánsson Árni , Sigurdardottir Heida Maria
Published: May 2008

There are well-known differences in resolution and performance across the visual field with performance generally better for the lower than the upper visual hemifield. Here we attempted to assess how transient attention summoned by a peripheral precue affects performance across the visual field. Four different attentional precueing tasks were used, varying in difficulty and attentional load. When a single discrimination target was presented (experiments 1 and 2), precues that summon transient attention had very little, if any, effect upon performance. However, when the target was presented among distractors (experiments 3 and 4), the precue had a substantial effect upon discrimination performance. The results showed that asymmetries in visual resolution between the upper and lower hemifields become more pronounced with increasing eccentricity. Furthermore, when the observers performed a precued acuity task with distractors, involving the judgment of the relative position of a small disk within a larger one, there was an asymmetry in the transient attentional effect on discrimination performance; the benefits of transient attention were larger in the upper than in the lower hemifield. Areas in the visual field where visual performance is generally worse thus appear to receive the largest attentional boost when needed. Possible ecological explanations for this are discussed.
Deriving point and parametric pedotransfer functions of some gypsiferous soils
Authors: Homaee Mehdi , Firouzi Ahmad Farrokhian
Published: May 2008

Parametric description of the soil water retention curve as well as the hydraulic conductivity curve is needed for modelling water movement and solute transport in the vadose zone. The objective of this study was to derive pedotransfer functions (PTFs) to predict the water retention curve and the van Genuchten and the van Genuchten–Mualem parameters of some gypsiferous soils. Consequently, 185 gypsiferous soil samples were collected and their physical properties were measured. The particle size distribution was determined in 2 steps: (i) with gypsum, by covering the particles with barium sulphate; (ii) without gypsum, using the hydrometry method. The easily obtainable variables were grouped as (1) particle size distribution, bulk density, and gypsum content; and (2) bulk density, gypsum content, geometric mean, and geometric standard deviation of the particle diameter. Stepwise multiple linear regression method was used to derive the PTFs. Two types of parametric and point functions were derived using these variables. The first group of variables predicted water retention and the van Genuchten and van Genuchten–Mualem parameters better than the second group. The gypsum content appeared to be the second dominant parameter for predicting water retention at 0, −330, −1000, −3000, −5000, and −15 000 cm. The derived PTFs were compared with the Rosetta database as independent dataset. The validity test indicated that in order to predict the hydraulic properties of gypsiferous soils the derived PTFs are more accurate than what can be obtained from the Rosetta database. Removal of gypsum increased the water retention at pressure heads of 0, –100, –330, –1000, –3000, –5000, and –15 000 cm (P < 0.01). The results also indicated that hydraulic parameters were different for the same soil with and without gypsum.
Rapid signal transduction in living cells is a unique feature of mechanotransduction
Authors: Na Sungsoo , Collin Olivier , Chowdhury Farhan , Tay Bernard , Ouyang Mingxing , Wang Yingxiao , Wang Ning
Published: May 2008

It is widely postulated that mechanotransduction is initiated at the local force–membrane interface by inducing local conformational changes of proteins, similar to soluble ligand-induced signal transduction. However, all published reports are limited in time scale to address this fundamental issue. Using a FRET-based cytosolic Src reporter in a living cell, we quantified changes of Src activities as a local stress via activated integrins was applied. The stress induced rapid (<0.3 s) activation of Src at remote cytoplasmic sites, which depends on the cytoskeletal prestress. In contrast, there was no Src activation within 12 s of soluble epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulation. A 1.8-Pa stress over a focal adhesion activated Src to the same extent as 0.4 ng/ml EGF at long times (minutes), and the energy levels for mechanical stimulation and chemical stimulation were comparable. The effect of both stress and EGF was less than additive. Nanometer-scale cytoskeletal deformation analyses revealed that the strong activation sites of Src by stress colocalized with large deformation sites of microtubules, suggesting that microtubules are essential structures for transmitting stresses to activate cytoplasmic proteins. These results demonstrate that rapid signal transduction via the prestressed cytoskeleton is a unique feature of mechanotransduction.
Cardiac developmental defects and eccentric right ventricular hypertrophy in cardiomyocyte focal adhesion kinase (FAK) conditional knockout mice
Authors: Peng Xu , Wu Xiaoyang , Druso Joseph E. , Wei Huijun , Park Ann Yong-Jin , Kraus Marc S. , Alcaraz Ana , Chen Ju , Chien Shu , Cerione Richard A. , Guan Jun-Lin
Published: May 2008

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a nonreceptor tyrosine kinase that plays an important role in integrin-mediated signal transduction. To explore the role and mechanisms of FAK in cardiac development, we inactivated FAK in embryonic cardiomyocytes by crossing the floxed FAK mice with myosin light chain-2a (MLC2a) Cre mice, which expressed Cre as early as embryonic day 9.5 in the heart. The majority of conditional FAK knockout mice generated from MLC2a-Cre (CFKO-2a) died in the embryonic stage with thin ventricular wall and ventricular septal defects. A small fraction of CFKO-2a mice survived to adulthood with spontaneous eccentric right ventricle hypertrophy. Transmission electron microscopy analysis displayed swelling in the rough endoplasmic reticulum in CFKO-2a embryonic cardiomyocytes. We found that decreased cell proliferation, but not increased cell apoptosis or differentiation, is the reason for the thin ventricular wall in CFKO-2a mice. Microarray analysis suggests that myocyte enhancer factor 2a (MEF2a) can be regulated by FAK and that inactivation of FAK in the embryonic heart compromised MEF2a expression. Last, we found that Src, but not PI3K, is important in mediating signal transduction for the regulation of MEF2a by FAK. Together, these results identified the role and mechanisms of FAK in embryonic cardiac development.
Dextromethorphan and Quinidine Combination for Heroin Detoxification
Authors: Akerele Evaristo , Bisaga Adam , Sullivan Maria A. , Garawi Fatima , Comer Sandra D. , Thomas Anil A. , Nunes Edward V. , Kleber Herbert D.
Published: May 2008

Dextromethorphan (DM) is a low‐affinity, non‐competitive NMDA receptor antagonist that has shown promise in preclinical and preliminary clinical studies for the reduction of opioid withdrawal symptoms, but when used at higher doses, it is associated with deleterious side effects attributed to its metabolite, dextrorphan. A clinical trial was therefore conducted to test the withdrawal‐suppressant effect of a combination of dextromethorphan with quinidine (DM/Q). Quinidine inhibits the metabolism of dextromethorphan, reducing dextrorphan levels. Opioid‐dependent patients were admitted to an inpatient unit, stabilized for three days on morphine (25 mg, sc, every six hours), and randomly assigned on day 2 to DM/Q (30 mg/30 mg, twice a day) (n = 22) or matching placebo (n = 9) prior to the discontinuation of morphine on day 4. Withdrawal symptoms, measured with the Modified Himmelsbach Opioid Withdrawal Scale (MHOWS), increased significantly on days 4 and 5 (Z = 3.70, p = .0002), and by day 6, 90% of the sample (28/31) had dropped out of the study. There were no differences between treatment groups on either outcome measure. The combination of dextromethorphan and quinidine appears ineffective as a primary treatment for opioid withdrawal. Future studies should examine dextromethorphan as an adjunct to other anti‐withdrawal medications and focus more on the relationship between dextrorphan levels and withdrawal suppression.
Personality Disorder Features as Predictors of Symptoms Five Years Post‐Treatment
Authors: Jansson Irene , Hesse Morten , Fridell Mats
Published: May 2008

Personality disorders are associated with dysfunction in a variety of areas. Recent longitudinal research has shown that personality disorders are also predictive of problems later in life, as well as of poor response to treatment of depression and anxiety. This study assessed whether personality disorder features were associated with psychiatric symptoms in a cohort of women treated for substance abuse in Sweden. Patients were diagnosed with personality disorders using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV (SCID‐II) personality questionnaire and SCID‐II interview, and were then administered a self‐report questionnaire designed to measure symptoms of psychiatric illness, the Symptoms Checklist‐90 (SCL‐90), during and five years after treatment. Concurrently, features of all personality disorders, except histrionic, were associated with SCL‐90 score. At five‐year follow‐up, most personality disorders remained associated with SCL‐90 score, with the exception of paranoid and schizoid personality disorder. After controlling for baseline score on the SCL‐90, conduct disorder, borderline personality disorder, and narcissistic personality disorder remained significantly associated with symptoms at follow‐up. After controlling for abstinence and baseline score, only borderline personality disorder features remained associated with SCL‐90 score at follow‐up. Patients with personality disorders should be monitored after treatment for psychiatric symptoms.
Additional Treatment Services in a Cocaine Treatment Study: Level of Services Obtained and Impact on Outcome
Authors: Worley Matthew , Gallop Robert , Gibbons Mary Beth Connolly , Ring‐Kurtz Sarah , Present Julie , Weiss Roger D. , Crits‐Christoph Paul
Published: May 2008

The objective of this study was to examine the level of additional treatment services obtained by patients enrolled in the NIDA Cocaine Collaborative Study, a multi‐center efficacy trial of four treatments for cocaine dependence, and to determine whether these services impact treatment outcome. Cocaine‐dependent patients (N = 487) were recruited at five sites and randomly assigned to six months of one of four psychosocial treatments. Assessments were made at baseline, monthly during treatment, and at follow‐ups at 9, 12, 15, and 18 months post‐randomization. On average, patients received little or no additional treatment services during active treatment (first six months), but the rate of obtaining most services increased during the follow‐up phase (month 7 to 18). In general, the treatment groups did not differ in the rates of obtaining non‐protocol services. For all treatment groups, patients with greater psychiatric severity received more medical and psychiatric services during active treatment and follow‐up. Use of treatment services was unrelated to drug use outcomes during active treatment. However, during the follow‐up period, increased use of psychiatric medication, twelve‐step attendance, and twelve‐step participation was related to less drug use. The results suggest that during uncontrolled follow‐up phases, additional non‐protocol services may potentially confound the interpretation of treatment group comparisons in drug use outcomes.
The Israeli war on Lebanon: the Iranian connection
Authors: Mossaad Nevine
Published: May 2008

This article reviews the war’s repercussions on Iran’s role in the region and its position on several Arab and non-Arab issues. It examines the West’s perceptions of Iran’s role in the region and the possibility of adapting to it. The article first examines the role Iran played in the planning for the capture of Israeli soldiers that triggered the war, how Iran’s position evolved regarding the open conflict and, finally, what repercussions the war is likely to have on the Islamic Republic’s nuclear policy and its relations with the Arabs.
Access to Ribosomal Protein Rpl25p by the Signal Recognition Particle Is Required for Efficient Cotranslational Translocation
Authors: Dalley Jane A. , Selkirk Alexander , Pool Martin R.
Published: May 2008

Targeting of proteins to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) occurs cotranslationally necessitating the interaction of the signal recognition particle (SRP) and the translocon with the ribosome. Biochemical and structural studies implicate ribosomal protein Rpl25p as a major ribosome interaction site for both these factors. Here we characterize an RPL25GFP fusion, which behaves as a dominant mutant leading to defects in co- but not posttranslational translocation in vivo. In these cells, ribosomes still interact with ER membrane and the translocon, but are defective in binding SRP. Overexpression of SRP can restore ribosome binding of SRP, but only partially rescues growth and translocation defects. Our results indicate that Rpl25p plays a critical role in the recruitment of SRP to the ribosome.
Chk1 and Claspin potentiate PCNA ubiquitination
Authors: Yang Xiaohong H. , Shiotani Bunsyo , Classon Marie , Zou Lee
Published: May 2008

Chk1 is a kinase crucial for genomic integrity and an effector of ATR (ATM and Rad3-realated) in DNA damage response. Here, we show that Chk1 regulates the DNA damage-induced ubiquitination of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), which facilitates the continuous replication of damaged DNA. Surprisingly, this Chk1 function requires the DNA replication protein Claspin but not ATR. Claspin, which is stabilized by Chk1, regulates the binding of the ubiquitin ligase Rad18 to chromatin. Timeless, a Claspin-associating protein, is also required for efficient PCNA ubiquitination. Thus, Chk1 and the Claspin–Timeless module of replication forks not only participate in ATR signaling, but also protect stressed forks independently of ATR.
Alkaline Phosphatase Treatment of Phosphopeptides: In-Solution Dephosphorylation after MALDI-MS Analysis
Authors: Steen Hanno , Stensballe Allan , Jensen Ole N.
Published: May 2008

INTRODUCTION

The use of the enzyme alkaline phosphatase allows identification of phosphopeptides in a mixture of predominantly nonphosphopeptides. Using a MALDI-MS instrument, the masses of peptides are acquired both before and after alkaline phosphatase treatment, which removes phospho-moieties from serine, threonine, and/or tyrosine. (Any peptide whose mass decreases by 80 Da, or a multiple thereof, is a phosphopeptide.) An advantage of using MALDI-MS for these experiments is that the peptide ions produced tend to be singly charged rather than multiply charged (as with ESI), thus making the interpretation easier. This protocol describes a method for in-solution dephosphorylation after MALDI-MS analysis.
Whole Genome Amplification by T7-Based Linear Amplification of DNA (TLAD): II. Second-Strand Synthesis and In Vitro Transcription
Authors: Liu Chih Long , Bernstein Bradley E. , Schreiber Stuart L.
Published: May 2008

INTRODUCTION

T7-based linear amplification of DNA (TLAD) uses a linear amplification approach based on in vitro transcription (IVT) of template DNA by RNA polymerase from the T7 phage. TLAD was designed primarily for use with the ChIP-chip method (whereby DNA recovered from chromatin immunoprecipitation [ChIP] of cell lysate is used for subsequent analysis on DNA microarrays) and requires nanogram quantities of dsDNA to generate microgram amounts of amplified RNA. Briefly, the strategy is to add a 3′ conserved end to the template dsDNA, using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) tailing, which permits the addition of a T7 promoter sequence in the subsequent second-strand synthesis step, described here. At this stage, the strand-displacement activity of the Klenow fragment polymerase separates the two strands of the template DNA, after which the enzyme performs fill-in 5′ → 3′ polymerization. Its 3′ → 5′ exonuclease activity may also remove the 3′ overhanging poly(dT) tails, although the efficiency of this activity will vary based on the length of the poly(dT) tail. IVT can then use this newly appended T7 promoter. Because the T7-based IVT proceeds as an isothermal reaction, it linearly amplifies the template DNA, producing antisense RNA (aRNA) (i.e., each strand of RNA produced is antisense to the original template strand). Since both strands are amplified, this distinction is usually not important and is affected only by the location of the T7 promoter and poly(A) tract on the aRNA.
Alternative literature in libraries: the unseen zine
Authors: Koh Rowena
Published: May 2008

Purpose

This article aims to show both the importance of collecting zines, particularly in public libraries, and the issues and challenges associated with the management of such a unique collection.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on the research of recent literature, zine‐related web sites, and library catalogues. Examples of current zine collections are frequently discussed.

Findings

The study finds that, although zines provide many challenges in the area of collection management, suitable solutions can be found. These challenges, therefore, should not be an excuse for the lack of zine collections found in libraries today.

Originality/value

This article provides a complete picture of the collection management of zines and discusses practical solutions to address the challenges involved by pointing several examples of successful zine collections.
Advanced Collection Development project in partnership with a vendor
Authors: Gyeszly Suzanne
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to discuss a project to enhance Texas A&M University at Qatar Library's (TAMUQL's) engineering curriculum, graduate, and research programs with newly acquired monographs and maps.

Design/methodology/approach

The project was carried out with the partnership and cooperation of TAMUQL, YBP Library Services and TAMUL.

Findings

The project succeeded in meeting the objectives of the project, which included supporting the needs of freshmen to senior levels of the liberal arts curriculum as well as those of the faculty.

Originality/value

This paper adds to the growing documentation of the value of working partnerships between libraries and vendors.
Dragons in the stacks: an introduction to role‐playing games and their value to libraries
Authors: Snow Cason
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the genre of tabletop fantasy role‐playing games and provide guidance in building an initial collection.

Design/methodology/approach

The first part of the paper is designed to present the development of tabletop fantasy role‐playing games in a historiographic model, tracing the history of these games from the 1970s to 2006. The second portion is a bibliographic essay and critique of several noteworthy fantasy role‐playing games, including analysis of the settings and systems of each game.

Findings

The paper provides a history of the development of fantasy role‐playing games and provides guidance on how to start a collection. The study recognizes a lack of academic research on the topic and seeks to provide a brief introduction.

Practical implications

The paper provides a clear concise history of role‐playing game development and balanced advice for librarians who wish to begin collecting role‐playing games.

Originality/value

This paper begins to fill the need for academic study of the subject and provides practical advice for collection development librarians.
Identifying and prioritizing critical success factors for coopetition strategy
Authors: Chin Kwai‐Sang , Chan Boris L. , Lam Ping‐Kit
Published: May 2008

Purpose

Coopetition is a revolutionary mindset that combines competition and cooperation. This paper aims to determine and to examine success factors critical to coopetition strategy management and to explore the identified factors in Hong Kong manufacturing.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a literature review and expert interviews following the analytic hierarchy process, this paper identifies and prioritizes seven critical success factors and 17 critical success sub‐factors comprising three success factor categories: management commitment, relationship development, and communication management.

Findings

The results show that management leadership and development of trust are the most important success factors. Based on the factors identified, the authors propose a hierarchical model for coopetition strategy management, which has been validated in Hong Kong industry to facilitate the formulation of action plans for better coopetition management.

Practical implications

The prioritization of critical success factors and sub‐factors can help practitioners understand their relative importance and develop improvement plans in cases where they lack sufficient resources to deal with all factors simultaneously.

Originality/value

This paper identifies the critical factors for implementing coopetition and also validates and prioritizes them in Hong Kong manufacturing industry. It provides valuable information that can help manufacturers accomplish coopetition.
Inventory inaccuracy and performance of collaborative supply chain practices
Authors: Sari Kazim
Published: May 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the impact of inventory system inaccuracies on the benefits of collaborative supply chain practices under various supply chain scenarios. To achieve this purpose, two popular collaboration initiatives are considered in a four‐stage supply chain. The first practice is a vendor managed inventory program where the distributor takes the full responsibility of managing the retailer's inventory. The second practice is a collaborative planning, forecasting, and replenishment program where all members work together to plan, forecast, and replenish the product.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilizes Monte Carlo computer simulation in an experimental design.

Findings

The analysis suggests that while the inaccurate inventory records result in significant performance reductions for all supply chain configurations, their impact is substantially greater for the supply chains where members collaborate more closely on key supply chain management activities. In addition, the author also realize that the adverse impact of inaccurate inventory information is stronger under the conditions where lead times are shorter and/or where demand uncertainty in market place is lower.

Practical implications

This analysis provides a means for practitioners to realize the importance of inventory accuracy to successful adaptation of collaborative supply chain practices. Moreover, this research also helps in understanding the supply chain conditions where the attempts of eliminating or reducing errors in inventory information are more crucial and more beneficial.

Originality/value

Although there is a range of research focusing on collaborative practices, none of these studies considered the errors in inventory information. This is the first study to investigate the impact of inaccurate inventory information on the benefits of collaborative practices.
Systemic yoyo structure in human thoughts and the fourth crisis in mathematics
Authors: Lin Yi , Zhu Wujia , Gong Ningsheng , Du Guoping
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The paper aims to show the existence of the systemic yoyo structure in human thoughts so that the human way of thinking is proven to have the same structure as that of the material world.

Design/methodology/approach

Parallel comparison is used to reveal the underlying structure existing in human thoughts.

Findings

After highlighting all the relevant ideas and concepts, which are behind each and every crisis in the foundations of mathematics, it becomes clear that some difficulties in the authors' understanding of nature are originated from confusing actual infinities with potential infinities, and vice versa. By pointing out the similarities and differences between these two kinds of infinities, then some hidden contradictions existing in the system of modern mathematics are handily picked out. Then, theoretically, using the authors' yoyo model, it is predicted that the fourth crisis in the foundations of mathematics has appeared. And, a plan of resolution of this new crisis is provided.

Originality/value

This paper shows the first time in history that human thought, the material world, and each economic entity, share a common structure – the systemic yoyo structure. And it proves the arrival of the fourth crisis in mathematics by using systems modeling and listing several; contradictions hidden deeply in the foundations of mathematics.
Wide‐range co‐existence of potential and actual infinities in modern mathematics
Authors: Zhu Wujia , Lin Yi , Gong Ningsheng , Du Guoping
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The paper aims to introduce the concepts of potential and actual infinities.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual approach is taken.

Findings

It is a common belief that both Cantor and Zermelo completely employed the thinking logic of actual infinities in the naive and modern axiomatic set theory, and that Cauchy and Weierstrass completely applied that of potential infinities in the theory of limits. However, when it explores in depth the essential intensions of both potential and actual infinities, and after sufficiently understanding the difference and connections between the infinities and revisiting the realistic situations on how the concept of infinities has been employed in modern system of mathematics, it is discovered that in set theory, the thinking logic of actual infinities has not been applied consistently throughout, and that in the theory of limits, the idea of potential infinities has not been utilized consistently throughout, either. As for those subsystems involving the concepts of infinities of modern mathematics, they generally contain both kinds of infinities at the same time. As a matter of fact in modern mathematics and its theoretical foundation, one only needs to slightly analyze and dig deeper, one will see the reality that the thinking logics and method of analysis of employing both kinds of infinities are everywhere implicitly.

Originality/value

The authors show the first time in history that the system of modern mathematics is not consistent as what has been believed.
Modern system of mathematics and general Cauchy theater in its theoretical foundation
Authors: Zhu Wujia , Lin Yi , Du Guoping , Gong Ningsheng
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The paper aims to show using a different method that any uncountable set is a self‐contradictory non‐set.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses the concept.

Findings

Elsewhere it is shown that in the framework of ZFC, various countable infinite sets are all self‐contradicting non‐sets. In this paper, the authors will generalize the concept of Cauchy theater, and establish the concept of transfinite Cauchy theaters. After that, employing a new method, they will prove that various uncountable infinite sets, as studied in naive set theory and modern axiomatic set theory, are also self‐contradicting non‐sets.

Originality/value

The concept of general Cauchy theater is introduced.
Toward a measure of service convenience: multiple‐item scale development and empirical test
Authors: Colwell Scott R. , Aung May , Kanetkar Vinay , Holden Alison L.
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on the development and nomological testing of a 17‐item scale measuring the five dimensions of service convenience (decision, access, transaction, benefit, and post‐benefit) as proposed by Berry, Seiders, and Grewal.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross‐sectional survey methodology was used to collect the data.

Findings

Reliability and validity assessments provided evidence of the scale's psychometric validity. Service convenience was found to be a significant predictor of overall satisfaction in the context of personal cellular telephone and internet usage.

Research limitations/implications

This study uses a student sample which may limit its generalizability to other respondents. Also, the cross‐sectional survey methodology does not allow for the investigation of causation. Future research should investigate other contexts outside of the cellular and internet services examined in this study and across a broader sample. Furthermore, the ability to retrospectively rate service convenience, the trade‐off between price and convenience, and the continuum of convenience need to be investigated further.

Originality/value

This study provides psychometrically valid scales to measure service convenience as conceptualized by Berry et al..
“Switched”: store‐switching behaviours
Authors: Findlay Anne , Sparks Leigh
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate store‐switching behaviours for main food‐shopping consequent on a change in operator for a major superstore; to relate results to previous research findings on store‐switching levels; and to use the results to emphasise new directions and dimensions for store‐switching research.

Design/methodology/approach

A two‐phase random household postal survey on main food‐shopping behaviour was conducted in a central Scottish city. The two phases, separated by one year, bracketed the change of a main food store from Safeway to Morrisons. A proportion of respondent households in the two phases (45 per cent) was common and represents matched subjects, allowing investigation of store‐switching behaviour.

Findings

The aggregate switching rate is higher (27.4 per cent) than found in previous UK research, despite the locational/accessibility component being held constant. No aggregate differences between switchers/non‐switchers on socio‐economic or demographic grounds were found, confirming previous US research. The high level of switching is ascribed to a re‐evaluation of store choices/attributes consequent on the store changeover, confirming the notion of a “trigger” mechanism.

Practical implications

The research has implications for competition authorities, other policy makers and retailers. It reveals the transient nature of a component of store‐switching and the store‐specific nature of store‐switching behaviour. Policy makers need to understand the baseline or natural switching rate amongst retailers generally and specifically in their area. Retailers can exploit further the store‐specific element of switching.

Originality/value

Research on store‐switching behaviour over time is rare both generally and specifically in the UK. This research provides evidence of switching rates which can be subject to confirmation/disconfirmation in other circumstances.
Attracting and retaining quality human resources for Niagara's hospitality industry
Authors: Willie Paul A. , Jayawardena Chandana , Laver Barrie
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the best approaches management should embrace to successfully attract and retain high quality human resource talent within the Niagara region's hospitality industry.

Design/methodology/approach

A selected cross‐section of relevant and recent publications are reviewed. The key findings from a mini survey involving 14 senior hospitality managers in the Niagara region are shared.

Findings

This paper suggests that the hospitality managers should: understand the basics related to good human resource management practices; know the “fair market value” for each position; foster relationships with colleges and universities to tap into student labor; encourage mature workers to apply for part‐time work; and cultivate a good relationship with seasonal employees and educate them on the rewards of a career within the hospitality industry. Through the industry survey, it was discovered that hospitality managers within the Niagara region are already executing some of these strategies. However, it was concluded that a stronger working relationship with the seasonal employees is required in the region.

Originality/value

Two academics with hotel general manager experience in five countries join hands with the president for three four‐diamond hotels to write this paper. Given the background of the authors, it is expected that the viewpoints would be welcomed by hospitality managers.
Micro solid oxide fuel cells and their fabrication methods
Authors: Jasinski Piotr
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this work is to present the strategies and current state of development in the field of micro solid oxide fuel cells (μSOFC).

Design/methodology/approach

In the paper recent strategies of conventional and single chamber μSOFC are described. Some examples based on the author's research are presented.

Findings

It can be concluded that scale down of ceramic technologies is still more popular than MEMS. However, MEMS‐based technologies become recently to be used more frequently.

Research limitations/implications

The work is limited to the description of materials and technologies used in μSOFC.

Originality/value

The review presents very recent research in μSOFC. The results demonstrate critical areas in development of suitable technologies.
Handset‐based measurement of mobile service demand and value
Authors: Verkasalo Hannu
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop various measures and visualizations that reflect differences in the maturity and characteristics of mobile services. The visualizations and measures support market research processes with a recently developed handset‐based mobile service research tool.

Design/methodology/approach

A new handset‐based mobile service research platform was used in the study. This platform provides both questionnaire data and accurate usage‐level measurement data. The dataset included 695 Finnish smartphone users from year 2006, and 565 users from 2005.

Findings

Penetration, usage concentration and usage diversity indices illustrate how mobile voice has already reached the mass market and consequently relatively small differences in usage intensities among end‐users exist. On the contrary, many new services such as multimedia and internet browsing still catch quite explorative instead of sustainable usage. User preferences towards emerging mobile services are more heterogeneous than towards mature services. The distribution of usage in new services is quite skewed, whereas more linear cumulative distributions can be observed with mature services. Service life‐cycle reflects in measurement results.

Research limitations/implications

The research includes data only from early‐adopter users. In addition, many background variables are missing that could explain some of the results. In particular, the supply side of the market is inadequately modeled.

Practical implications

The research shows that only a handset‐based data collection method provides accurate enough data to do cross‐service studies in today's more and more complex mobile service market.

Originality/value

The contribution of the paper is its unique data collection method, which makes this kind of accurate analysis possible. Handset‐based data can be efficiently used in micro‐level comparisons of user behavior or service usage patterns. Many of the studied services are such that, for example, network‐based research tools do not provide adequate possibilities for collection of data. The handset‐based research method is the only viable way to do accurate empirical mobile service research and demand‐side estimations in the kind of challenging cross‐service settings introduced in this paper.
Locating online loan applicants for an insurance company
Authors: Yang Heng‐Li , Wang Chen‐Shu
Published: May 2008

Purpose

This study aims to investigate insurance policy loan applicant characteristics. Additionally, it reveals the behaviour patterns of heavy users who have applied for at least two loans. A policy loan prediction model is established which is designed to increase loan application rates.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed model is implemented using data‐mining techniques and comprises two mechanisms: a business rule generator and a recommendation mechanism. Two analytical approaches, the C.5 and Apriori algorithm, are employed to analyse the profile and browsing log DBs of insured individuals. The prediction model is verified by actual data from a Taiwanese insurance company.

Findings

The data‐mining results reveal that five attributes are ultimately used to establish the prediction model, namely: gender, marketing channel, insurance type, area of policy owner, and assumed interest rate. Additionally, the analytical results also indicate that insured individuals apply for loans as a result of arbitrage inducement. The accuracy of loan applicant prediction can exceed 70 per cent. Finally, some interesting patterns emerge for heavy users, such as the finding that loan applicants are used to applying for loans continuously (loan application repetition is on average two to three times).

Research limitations/implications

Some policy owners who are unfamiliar with the web interface prefer to contact insurance personnel directly to discuss their insurance needs, and thus no browsing records are available for such users. In such cases only the profile could be collected and analysed.

Practical implications

The proposed model enables insurance firms to locate potential loan applicants according to the data‐mining results. As in the illustration scenario in the paper, insurance personnel can contact these potential loan applicants before they submit loan applications to the bank. Additionally, loan‐related information is provided for online insurance users based on their browsing logs. The loan application rate is thus expected to increase, along with interest revenue.

Originality/value

As long as the policy proceeds, the interest income from the policy loan seems to be a good option for extending insurance company operational earnings. Understanding the characteristics of loan applicants will provide helpful information. Besides, the proposed mechanism will be more appropriate to online users, who are unwilling to deal with unwanted information.
Planning and management of parks and green areas
Authors: Gowda Krishne , Sridhara M.V. , Rajan S.
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss how to plan and provide for people's relaxation and engagement, cognitive and aesthetic needs. Symbolic of this is the green city image, which is obtained through planning and management of parks and green areas.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach here is to note that Bangalore has gained all‐round importance as an administrative, trading and industrial center and a location for premier educational institutions along with large IT and BT industries. Also, it is a center of strategic importance, due to a concentration of defense establishments. The study observes the abundance of parks and avenue trees and green areas along with green median and traffic islands all through in the city, which provide shade and meet the purely ecological and aesthetic needs.

Findings

The study reveals the beneficial impact of green areas on the microclimate of the city, which also serve as outdoor recreation areas to the city people. The parks and green areas need serious rejuvenation as centers of social activity and they should cater to peoples' active and passive recreation needs and abate the stress of urban living.

Practical implications

The implication of this study is the manifest importance of different local government authorities, institutional arrangements, NGOs with expertise to maintain parks and green areas in and around the Bangalore Metropolitan Area and of growing more trees and developing greeneries within the city of Bangalore.

Originality/value

This paper's value is to promote awareness regarding the complexities and importance of parks and green areas and their vulnerabilities and management.
Investigating factors affecting ERP selection in made‐to‐order SME sector
Authors: Deep Aman , Guttridge Peter , Dani Samir , Burns Neil
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the findings of research carried out as part of an industrial project for selection of an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system in a made‐to‐order (MTO) small‐to‐medium enterprise (SME) scenario. It develops a framework or methodology for selection. It also highlights the areas pertaining to the unique needs of, first, the SME sector and, second, the MTO sector, to be considered while selecting a solution. A work book is developed to provide a structured ERP software selection process for SMEs using a comprehensive literature review plus practical experience. This research is potentially aimed at being useful to other SMEs as a guide for a structured selection process.

Design/methodology/approach

A combination of comprehensive literature review and experience of managing the selection process for an ERP system in an SME was employed for the study.

Findings

Over the past few years, the number of large companies buying new ERP systems has reached saturation point. This has led to the ERP developers seeking instead other potential markets among SMEs. The MTO scenario within the SME sector is one which is very capricious in terms of demand forecasting, lead times, routings, etc. When selecting a system, an organisation in such a segment needs a tailored methodology and a list of key target areas to consider.

Practical implications

The paper represents a very useful source of practical information for the SME sector to consider when selecting an ERP system.

Originality/value

The paper provides valuable insight into the details of ERP selection, focusing on the peculiarities of the SME MTO sector.
Helping successful leaders get even better
Authors: Goldsmith Marshall
Published: May 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the steps used to help any successful person change their interpersonal behavior at work and at home.

Design/methodology/approach

Provides a review of “before‐and‐after” studies with tens of thousands of coaching participants from large corporations, each in a different sector with very different competitive pressures.

Findings

There are four key beliefs that tend to differentiate more successful people from their peers, and some specific coaching approaches that are more effective in working with this population.

Research limitations/implications

While much more research needs to be done on this topic, there is a clear body of knowledge that can help make the best performers even better.

Practical implications

If successful people see the connection between their behavior change goals and their personal goals, they will be much more likely to change. Have the successful person receive input on one to two important, self‐selected behaviors as perceived by important, self‐selected raters. Then have the person involve these respected colleagues in the behavior change process. Finally, teach the successful person's colleagues to be helpful coaches, not cynics, critics or judges.

Originality/value

Most research on behavioral change has focused on dysfunctional behavior. In this paper, the author presents knowledge on the unique challenges involved in helping successful people, rather than focusing on dysfunctional people.
Skill, Training and Productivity
Authors: Seymour W. Douglas
Published: May 2008

The post‐war years have witnessed an ever‐increasing recognition of the importance of a high level of productivity. This country's economic and financial position, and the growing competition from Germany and Japan, continue to emphasise the need for increased productivity here at home; while at the same time the reports of the Anglo‐American productivity teams, so ably summarised by Graham Hutton (‘We Too Can Prosper’), indicate the extent to which we still lag behind the United States.
COMPETITIVENESS AND GLOBAL LEADERSHIP
Authors: Ali Abbas J. , Camp Robert C.
Published: May 2008

With the end of the cold war two major developments in the world have taken place. First, regional trade pacts and alliances have taken on added value as a mechanism for economic growth and prosperity (e.g., North America Free Trade Agreement, European Unity, etc.). Second, the patterns of competition on a worldwide basis are changing more rapidly than ever. Along with these developments, a new understanding of global leadership has emerged. Global leadership is no longer measured solely by military strength. Indeed, commitment to the military and defense industry may be a burden inconsistent with maintaining a nation's competitive position in the global marketplace. This study is designed to address the economic competitiveness of the U.S., Germany, and Japan and their leadership position in world markets.
A PRELIMINARY STUDY OF SELF‐DIRECTED LEARNING READINESS IN CHINA, HONG KONG AND THE UNITED STATES: IMPLICATIONS FOR GLOBAL COMPETITION
Authors: Guglielmino Paul J. , Zhao Shuming
Published: May 2008

This paper examines the relationship of learning style and job performance in a sample of the workforce collected from a Commodity Driven Society (CDS), the PRC, and compares and contrasts the data to a sample collected from a more Market Driven Society (MDS), Hong Kong, and a highly developed nation, the United States.
ENABLING TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT THROUGH INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Authors: Khalil Omar E.M.
Published: May 2008

Although Total Quality Management (TQM) has been increasingly adopted as a strategic tool for efficient and competitive management of organizations, many of the adopting organizations have failed to achieve the long‐term, substantial gains once deemed possible. While scholars and practitioners blame these failures on numerous causes, most, if not all, can be linked either directly or indirectly to the more general problem of inadequate quality Information Systems (IS). This paper elaborates on the IS role in resolving two critical TQM issues, namely, effective codetermination/coexecution of quality decisions and progress measurement. TQM is information‐intensive and, therefore, IS departments should utilize the powerful tools of information technologies to provide information and capabilities necessary to enable TQM efforts. If IS departments are unwilling or unable to meet the challenge of supporting TQM initiatives, organizations will have to bypass them in their quality journey.
The North American Common Market: Possibilities, Prerequisites, and Managerial Implications
Authors: Herbig Paul A. , Day Ken
Published: May 2008

The success of Europe 1992 has compelled both the Pacific Rim and the Americas into examining economic unions. The United States has entered into a Free Trade Agreement with Canada and has begun serious negotiations with Mexico for a like treaty. What are the possibilities of the formation of a Common Market of North America? What are the necessary prerequisites for this to occur? And what would it look like? What are the business implications of such a Free Trade Area? In this paper we examine these issues.