bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanizing compositional reasoning for concurrent systems: some lessons
Authors: Ehmety Sidi O. , Paulson Lawrence C.
Published: February 2005

The paper reports on experiences of mechanizing various proposals for compositional reasoning in concurrent systems. The work uses the UNITY formalism and the Isabelle proof tool. The proposals investigated include existential/universal properties,
guarantees
properties and progress sets. The results also apply to related proposals such as traditional assumption-commitment guarantees and Misra’s closure properties. Findings that have been published in detail elsewhere are summarised and consolidated here. One conclusion is that UNITY and related formalisms leave some important issues implicit, such as their concept of the program state, which means that great care must be exercised when implementing tool support. Another conclusion is that many compositional reasoning methods can be mechanized, provided that the issues mentioned above are correctly addressed.
A search for the genomic basis for inter‐individual variability in alpha1a‐adrenergic receptor response
Authors: Prasad H.C. , Dishy V. , Sofowora G. , Muszkat M. , Kim R.B. , Wood A.J. , Stein C.M.
Published: February 2005

Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2003) 73, P1–P1; doi:
Medication and end‐of‐life: A review of terminally ill cancer patients' drug treatments in the hospital
Authors: Escher M. , Pautex S. , Muhaxheri M. , Desmeules J. , Dayer P.
Published: February 2005

Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2003) 73, P11–P11; doi:
Stable and tightly regulated expression of human NA+ taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP) using a tetracycline‐inducible system
Authors: Lee W. , Kim R.B. , Kim Richard B.
Published: February 2005

Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2003) 73, P13–P13; doi:
Seasonal and spatial dynamics of 234Th/238U disequilibria in southern Lake Michigan
Authors: Waples James T. , Orlandini Kent A. , Edgington David N. , Klump J. Val
Published: February 2005

Measurements of 234Th/238U disequilibria were made on an approximately bimonthly basis over the course of a year in nearshore (10–40 m deep) and offshore (160 m deep) surface waters of the southern basin of Lake Michigan (18,100 km2). The mean activity of 238U in Lake Michigan measured 230 ± 20 dpm m−3, approximately 1 order of magnitude lower than what is typically found in marine systems. Measured median activities of dissolved (<0.45 μm) and excess particle‐bound 234Th were 8.0 and 60.6 dpm m−3, respectively. Using a simple one‐dimensional model, median residence times for dissolved and particle‐bound 234Th were ∼1 and ∼14 days, respectively. 234Th‐based particle settling velocities had a median value of 0.4 m d−1 (range: ∼0.0–1.4 m d−1), and instantaneous 234Th‐based estimates of the net vertical mass flux had a median value of 0.4 g m−2 d−1 (range: ∼0.0–5.2 g m−2 d−1). Average particle settling velocities were generally constant over time and increased only slightly in the shallowest (10 m) sampling stations. Calculated mass fluxes showed a strong correlation with temporal and spatial changes in the concentration of total suspended matter, which, in the nearshore area, closely followed seasonal variations in wind‐induced wave height. Using a simple two‐box model, the 234Th‐based cross‐margin mass export rate for the entire southern basin of Lake Michigan was equal to 1.35 × 109 kg yr−1, which is in excellent agreement with a 210Pb − 137Cs based, basin‐wide mass sedimentation rate of 1.28 × 109 kg yr−1.
Effect of aerosols on the downward shortwave irradiances at the surface: Measurements versus calculations with MODTRAN4.1
Authors: Henzing J. S. , Knap W. H. , Stammes P. , Apituley A. , Bergwerff J. B. , Swart D. P. J. , Kos G. P. A. , ten Brink H. M.
Published: February 2005

A detailed analysis of measurements and model calculations of clear‐sky shortwave irradiances at the surface is presented for a set of 18 cases collected during 3 cloudless days in the Netherlands in 2000. The analysis is focused on the influence of the optical and physical properties of aerosols on simulations of direct and diffuse downward solar irradiance at the surface. The properties of aerosols in the boundary layer are derived from surface measurements, under the assumption that all aerosol is confined to a well‐mixed atmospheric boundary layer. The simulations of the irradiances are performed with the radiative transfer model MODTRAN 4, version 1.1. The analysis reveals no discernable differences between model and measurement for the direct irradiance, but several significant differences for the diffuse irradiance. The model always overestimates the diffuse irradiance measurements by 7 to 44 Wm−2 (average: 25 Wm−2). On the basis of an estimated uncertainty in the differences of 18 Wm−2, it appears that for 13 out of 18 cases the model significantly overestimates the measurements. This number decreases if instrumental errors (e.g., pyranometer zero‐offset) and assumptions on the model input (e.g., wavelength‐independent surface albedo) are considered. Nevertheless, the analysis presented here points to a persistent and significant positive model‐measurement difference for the diffuse irradiance, which typically amounts to 1–4% of the top‐of‐atmosphere irradiance, and does not depend on the solar zenith angle. The reason for the discrepancy may be found in the presence of ultrafine absorbing aerosol particles that were not detected by the surface instrument for measuring aerosol absorption. It is also possible that these particles are not present near the surface, due to dry deposition, but do contribute to the total extinction if they are situated higher up in the boundary layer.
Q analysis on reflection seismic data
Authors: Wang Yanghua
Published: February 2005

Q analysis refers to the procedure for estimating Q directly from a reflection seismic trace. Conventional Q analysis method compares two seismic wavelets selected from different depth (or time) levels, but picking “clean” wavelets without interferences from other wavelet and noise from a reflection seismic trace is really a problem. Therefore, instead of analysing individual wavelets, I perform Q analysis using the Gabor transform spectrum which reveals the frequency content changing with time in a seismic trace. I propose two Q analysis methods based on the attenuation function and compensation function, respectively, each of which may produce a series of average values of Q−1 (inverse Q), averaging between the recording surface (or the water bottom) and the subsurface time samples. But the latter is much more stable than the former one. I then calculate the interval or layered values of Q−1 by a constrained linear inversion, which produces a stable estimation of the interval‐Q series.
Electromagnetic emissions from dry and wet granite associated with acoustic emissions
Authors: Yoshida Shingo , Ogawa Tsutomu
Published: February 2005

Triaxial deformation experiments were performed to compare electromagnetic emissions (EMEs) from dry and wet granite specimens associated with acoustic emissions (AEs). Cylindrical specimens of initially intact granite were tested at room temperature. We measured both high‐frequency (10 kHz to 1 MHz) and low‐frequency (DC to 500 Hz) components of the electric potential variations. In general, it is difficult to detect EMEs in wet conditions because wet rock has very short electric relaxation time, which is proportional to its electric resistivity. However, in the wet experiment using a granite specimen saturated with distilled water under a constant pore pressure, EMEs in the high‐frequency range were detected and accompanied with AEs, although EMEs in the low‐frequency range were not observed. In contrast, in the dry granite experiment, EMEs were detected in both the high‐frequency and low‐frequency ranges. In the high‐frequency range, the dry specimen generated EME more frequently than the wet specimen. The generation mechanism can be explained based on piezoelectricity and compensation charges. The difference in the EME generation from wet and dry granite is attributed to the difference of electric relaxation time. Also, electromagnetic fields due to an electric polarization in a dielectric and conductive medium are discussed, including the frequency dependence of the skin depth.
Measurement of Regional Rates of Cerebral Protein Synthesis with L-[1-11C]leucine and PET with Correction for Recycling of Tissue Amino Acids: II. Validation in Rhesus Monkeys
Authors: Smith Carolyn Beebe , Schmidt Kathleen C , Qin Mei , Burlin Thomas V , Cook Michelle P , Kang Julia , Saunders Richard C , Bacher John D , Carson Richard E , Channing Michael A , Eckelman William C , Herscovitch Peter , Laverman Peter , Vuong Bik-Kee
Published: February 2005

The confounding effect of recycling of amino acids derived from tissue protein breakdown into the precursor pool for protein synthesis has been an obstacle to adapting in vivo methods for determination of regional rates of cerebral protein synthesis (rCPS) to positron emission tomography (PET). We used a kinetic modeling approach to estimate λ, the fraction of the precursor pool for protein synthesis derived from arterial plasma, and to measure rCPS in three anesthetized adult monkeys dynamically scanned after a bolus injection of L-[1-11C]leucine. In the same animals, λ was directly measured in a steady-state terminal experiment, and values showed excellent agreement with those estimated in the PET studies. In three additional monkeys rCPS was determined with the quantitative autoradiographic L-[1-14C]leucine method. In whole brain and cerebellum, rates of protein synthesis determined with the autoradiographic method were in excellent agreement with those determined with PET, and regional values were in good agreement when differences in spatial resolution of the two methods were taken into account. Low intrasubject variability was found on repeated PET studies. Our results in anesthetized monkey indicate that, by using a kinetic modeling approach to correct for recycling of tissue amino acids, quantitatively accurate and reproducible measurement of rCPS is possible with L-[1-11C]leucine and PET.
Stochastic amplification and signaling in enzymatic futile cycles through noise-induced bistability with oscillations
Authors: Samoilov Michael , Plyasunov Sergey , Arkin Adam P.
Published: February 2005

Stochastic effects in biomolecular systems have now been recognized as a major physiologically and evolutionarily important factor in the development and function of many living organisms. Nevertheless, they are often thought of as providing only moderate refinements to the behaviors otherwise predicted by the classical deterministic system description. In this work we show by using both analytical and numerical investigation that at least in one ubiquitous class of (bio)chemical-reaction mechanisms, enzymatic futile cycles, the external noise may induce a bistable oscillatory (dynamic switching) behavior that is both quantitatively and qualitatively different from what is predicted or possible deterministically. We further demonstrate that the noise required to produce these distinct properties can itself be caused by a set of auxiliary chemical reactions, making it feasible for biological systems of sufficient complexity to generate such behavior internally. This new stochastic dynamics then serves to confer additional functional modalities on the enzymatic futile cycle mechanism that include stochastic amplification and signaling, the characteristics of which could be controlled by both the type and parameters of the driving noise. Hence, such noise-induced phenomena may, among other roles, potentially offer a novel type of control mechanism in pathways that contain these cycles and the like units. In particular, observations of endogenous or externally driven noise-induced dynamics in regulatory networks may thus provide additional insight into their topology, structure, and kinetics.
The association of epsin with ubiquitinated cargo along the endocytic pathway is negatively regulated by its interaction with clathrin
Authors: Chen Hong , De Camilli Pietro
Published: February 2005

Monoubiquitination of plasma membrane proteins is a mechanism to control their endocytic trafficking by promoting their interaction with cytosolic adaptor proteins that contain ubiquitin (Ub)-binding domains. Epsin, which contains Ub interaction motifs (UIMs), as well as binding sites for the clathrin coat and clathrin accessory factors, is thought to function as one of such adaptors. The importance of clathrin in the internalization of ubiquitinated cargo, however, has been questioned. Here, we show that a GFP-Ub chimera directly targeted to the plasma membrane via a lipid-based interaction is efficiently taken up by endocytosis and delivered to the same endosomes that accumulate internalized EGF. Internalization of the chimera requires integrity of the UIM binding interface of Ub, but does not require clathrin. Surprisingly, WT epsin showed little colocalization with this chimera, whereas UIM-containing epsin constructs that lack the clathrin and AP2 binding region, strikingly colocalized with this chimera on endocytic vacuoles. In addition, extensive colocalization of WT epsin with the chimera on endocytic structures could be observed in cells where clathrin levels were drastically reduced by RNA interference. Our results reveal an important regulatory mechanism in epsin function. The mutually exclusive colocalization of epsin with membrane-bound Ub or clathrin may play a role in controlling the endocytic route taken by ubiquitinated cargo.
Phenomenology and information studies
Authors: Budd John M.
Published: February 2005

Purpose

To examine work on phenomenology and determine what information studies can learn and use from that work.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a literature‐based conceptual analysis of pioneering work in phenomenology (including that of Edmund Husserl, Martin Heidegger, Paul Ricoeur, and others), application of such ideas as intentionality and being in information studies work, and the potential for greater application of the information seeker as other.

Findings

The literature on phenomenology contains thought that is directly relevant to information studies and information work. Close examination of perception, intentionality, and interpretation is integral to individuals’ activities related to searching for and retrieving information, determining relevance, and using technology. Essential to the realization of phenomenology's potential is adoption of communication by dialogue so that an information seeker is able both to conceptualize need and to articulate that need. Some promising work in information studies demonstrates an openness to the ongoing and continuous perceptual experiences of information seekers and the relation of that process of perceiving to the growth of knowledge.

Originality/value

Offers a different way of thinking about human‐information relationships and the ways that information professionals can interact with information seekers.
Empiricism, rationalism and positivism in library and information science
Authors: Hjørland Birger
Published: February 2005

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the importance and influence of the epistemologies: “empiricism”, “rationalism” and “positivism” in library and information science (LIS).

Design/methodology/approach

First, outlines the historical development of these epistemologies, by discussing and identifying basic characteristics in them and by introducing the criticism that has been raised against these views. Second, their importance for and influence in LIS have been examined.

Findings

The findings of this paper are that it is not a trivial matter to define those epistemologies and to characterise their influence. Many different interpretations exist and there is no consensus regarding current influence of positivism in LIS. Arguments are put forward that empiricism and positivism are still dominant within LIS and specific examples of the influence on positivism in LIS are provided. A specific analysis is made of the empiricist view of information seeking and it is shown that empiricism may be regarded as a normative theory of information seeking and knowledge organisation.

Originality/value

The paper discusses basic theoretical issues that are important for the further development of LIS as a scholarly field.
Strategy dynamics in industrial marketing: a business types perspective
Authors: Backhaus Klaus , Muehlfeld Katrin
Published: February 2005

Purpose

Industrial marketing covers a broad range of heterogeneous products and services. In response to this heterogeneity, researchers have developed a variety of systematisations of transactions on industrial markets. These systematisations have provided insights for the identification of different types of transaction processes (business types), and for deriving type‐specific marketing recommendations. Based on this literature, the paper considers the consequences of interpreting the typological criteria as variables that can be influenced by the transaction parties, instead of treating them as data.

Design/methodology/approach

Transaction cost economics provides the main theoretical foundations. Focusing on seller‐initiated strategy, the paper develops a conceptual framework for shifts between business types that are derived based on differing degrees and horizons of asset specificity.

Findings

The paper proposes a conceptual framework and discusses technological and contractual ways of implementing shifts between business types. A central implication of the dynamic perspective is the idea of asset specificity as a choice variable.

Research limitations/implications

First, this research is conceptual. Future empirical research is needed regarding the proposed framework as a whole as well as individual hypotheses. Second, based on our qualitative considerations, more formal models could possibly be applied as useful complements in further analysis of some of the raised issues.

Practical implications

Fundamental changes in market offerings in the form of shifts between business types are common elements of marketing practice, with recent examples in the automotive industry and the IT sector. The paper offers a framework for systematically considering such shifts.

Originality/value

The paper extends existing (static) business types frameworks by incorporating a dynamic perspective.
Modern project management and the lessons from the study of the transformation of the British Expeditionary Force in the Great War
Authors: Bailey George
Published: February 2005

Purpose

To apply the theories of project management to the transformation of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) from the colonial‐style army of 1914 into the victorious continental‐style armies of 1918.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodological approach examines ten elements in the transformation. They range from the resources required to the necessary governmental changes. Emphasis is given to analysing the application of the new technologies, the political and social changes needed for eventual success, and the learning achieved.

Findings

Transforming the BEF was not to be an easy process. Obviously, the German nation, allies and armies did all they could to thwart this transformation. The “total war” waged is the ultimate form of “competition”. Thus, difficult lessons of strategic management, people (both men and women) management, and resources utilisation had to be learned. Through the many innovations, the experience curve was climbed to achieve mastery over the German field army.

Originality/value

To turn the BEF from a force of 120,000 at the battle of Mons to nearly 2 million at the Armistice on the western front was a remarkable achievement. Despite the strains imposed by German military prowess, the many elements were combined successfully. Although applying warfare principles to company management has become popular in the past decade, this paper avoids coming to simplistic conclusions. Rather it presents the transformation as a case study and suggests linkages to modern project management practices though leaving it to the reader to consider how these might be best applied.
Interpreting the successful transformation of Shell's advertising activity 1997‐2002
Authors: Verity Julie
Published: February 2005

Purpose

Between 1997 and 2002, Shell changed the way it organised its advertising activity, switching from a local approach to a global organisation. The transition was significant, given the group's long history of decentralisation. It was also very successful. This paper explores how this transition was made by applying the theoretical lenses of the resource‐based view (RBV) and dynamic capability view (DCV).

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative data were collected in 2002 from key executives in Shell and J.W. Thompson from which observations were made about Shell's transition and the change process. These observations are then explored further by applying the theoretical lens of the RBV and its natural extension, the DCV, testing what could be learned from the practical application of these theories.

Findings

A dynamic capability is identified as a significant reason for Shell's success. A second important factor was that Shell did not attempt to copy an organisation with an apparent superior capability. The paper concludes that firms generally should search for internal asymmetries on which to build resources.

Originality/value

The RBV and DCV are not new as approaches to strategic thinking, but they do remain mainly of interest to the academic community at the theoretical level. There is little empirical work that makes the concepts easily accessible to practitioners through example and translation into “everyday” experience. This paper makes a contribution in this area.
Healthy signs for mentoring
Authors: Garvey Bob
Published: February 2005

The final part in a series of three articles, discusses an
evaluation of the Northern and Yorkshire region of the health services
mentor scheme, linked to Durham MBA. Reports on the results of a survey
of 42 health‐service mentees who have just finished a two‐year MBA
course and their 42 mentors. Highlights issues raised by mentees and
mentors, and discusses the implications of these for development and
improvement of the scheme.
“Travelling hopefully”: Enterprise in Higher Education
at Cheltenham and Gloucester College
Authors: Lloyd Jo
Published: February 2005

Recounts the experiences of a fairly small higher education
institution – Cheltenham and Gloucester College of Higher
Education (CGCHE) – in its adoption of the Enterprise in Higher
Education initiative, describing its five‐year contract in terms of a
“journey”. Addresses key areas such as the route taken, what
happened when a crossroads was reached, and what has been learned.
Enhances this with three case studies from an operational level.
The transfer of TQM from industry to education
Authors: Garbutt Susan
Published: February 2005

Centres on the promotion of quality in schools and ways by which best practice in industry can be applied in education. Explores definitions, procedures, assessment methods and analyses what can be learned from major theorists on the subject and the experience of industry. Drawing from information gathered during an industrial placement in a major chemical company, compares attitudes and practices with those of staff in a Calderdale junior school. In both (the industrial settings and educational setting) attitudes and priorities with regard to quality appear very similar. It could be concluded from the study that quality requires commitment from the top, it should involve and be owned by all staff in the organization and that a culture of searching for continuous improvement should prevail. Such an approach would have a greater impact on standards, performance and, most importantly, identifying training needs in education if theory and practice from industry can be regarded as relevant and comparable.
Strategies for collaborating in an interdependent impermanent world
Authors: Gadman Sean , Cooper Cary
Published: February 2005

Purpose

Explores ways in which the internet and advanced electronic communication systems are enabling a new economy based on the networking of human knowledge. These networks span functional, organisational and national boundaries, allowing people to share data and information to generate new knowledge. Their increasing use and importance as a means of gaining competitive advantage has attracted much attention, especially in the study of leadership and organisation development. However, with the advent of more radical approaches to strategic collaboration like open source communities of practice, the existing literature still needs to say more about how and why these knowledge‐sharing and ‐creating communities form and how they are able to sustain levels of performance in time and through time.

Design/methodology/approach

Analyses the work being carried out in a series of companies where highly interactive cross‐cultural work teams form an essential part of business strategy. Addresses the fundamental leadership and organisational challenges they face as they attempt to connect people to people and people to knowledge across the borders of business units and countries.

Findings

Although improved performance is often credited to technological advancement, technology is only one of several key components that must be considered when choosing a collaborative strategy.

Originality/value

Future trends suggest that the kinds of interdependent communities described in this paper will play an increasing role in a company's ability to keep pace with the level of complexity in its world and the amount of innovation required to compete. As the demands of customers become ever more sophisticated and change more rapidly, old organisational cultures become barriers to keeping up with demand, and responding with innovative products and solutions. Managers should also be open to making use of new perspectives which might ultimately change the core mission of the company.
Welding and more feature at ABB UK open days
Authors: Rooks Brian
Published: February 2005

Purpose

To provide a concise briefing on the developments in robotic welding.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on the ABB “Open Days” held at its UK operation.

Findings

Gives information on the launch of MultiArc; the arc welding application based on its MultiMove multiple cooperating robot software that runs on the new IRC5 robot controller. Another piece of technology launched was the wireless proximity sensor, which drastically minimises cabling in a manufacturing cell. Some welding software packages were demonstrated, including VirtualArc for off‐line MIG/MAG welding parameter prediction and ArcWeld PowerPac off‐line programming and simulation. Also shown were management software for real time measurement of Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), and SmartSpares, a web‐based tool for managing critical spares.

Originality/value

The paper provides information of value to those working or interested in developments in the robotics welding and associated industries.
A biologically inspired gripping device
Authors: Mangan Elizabeth V. , Kingsley Dan A. , Quinn Roger D. , Sutton Greg P. , Mansour Joseph M. , Chiel Hillel J.
Published: February 2005

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to inform the readers of the design process and practical implications of a new gripping device created by the authors.

Design/methodology/approach

We have developed a novel gripping device based on the biomechanics of the feeding apparatus of the marine mollusk, Aplysia californica. The gripping device uses modified McKibben artificial muscles arranged in rings and placed in parallel. The rings contract sequentially to produce peristalsis, which moves a grasping mechanism back and forth through the rings.

Findings

The central grasper is capable of conforming to soft and irregular material.

Practical implications

This device could have novel applications both for removal of tissue in medical applications and for removing material from clogged plumbing lines.

Originality/value

This paper demonstrates the utility of using biological inspiration for developing novel robotic devices and suggests new ways of handling slippery, irregular, and fragile material.
Marketing orientation in the European Union mobile telecommunication market
Authors: Kurtinaitienė Jolita
Published: February 2005

Purpose

The main objectives of the paper are: to analyse marketing orientation application specifics in mobile telecommunication enterprises; and to develop and test an instrument for measuring the level of marketing orientation in the enterprises of the mobile telecommunication industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The marketing orientation instrument was derived from systematic comparative analysis of the relevant marketing literature, supplemented by additional criteria relating to innovation and organizational learning. The empirical research method was expert assessment, conducted by means of online questionnaires. Correlation analysis and comparison with data from secondary sources were employed to test the validity of the procedure.

Findings

The empirical research findings confirmed positive relationships between marketing orientation, enterprise performance and learning orientation in the target industry, but not between marketing orientation and innovativeness.

Research limitations/implications

The paper reports a field study of marketing orientation in the mobile telecommunications industry in the 15 countries of the pre‐2004 European Union. After acceptance of the new members into the EU there is a need to investigate the marketing orientation of the mobile communication operators in the newly accepted EU countries.

Practical implications

The proposed marketing orientation instrument can be used to solve the issues of marketing orientation development. An enterprise is expected to achieve better performance results by improving operations related to each criterion of the measuring instrument, under conditions of constant monitoring and learning.

Originality/value

The proposed marketing orientation development instrument is supplemented with additional innovation and organizational learning criteria. The first empirical marketing orientation research was performed for mobile telecommunication enterprises in the EU and confirmed positive relations between the marketing orientation level and the performance results of the EU mobile telecommunication operators. This research presents the empirical evidence that marketing orientation positively correlates with the constant organization learning.
Fluid‐structure interaction: application to structures in
an acoustic fluid medium, part 2: literature review on
near‐field and far‐field fluid formulations
Authors: Hamdan F. H. , Dowling P. J.
Published: February 2005

This paper, which is concerned with fluid‐structure interaction
analysis, is a sequel to our earlier paper which gave an introduction to the
numerical treatment of such systems. The paper is divided into five main
sections. In the first two, a state‐of‐the‐art review on
near‐field and far‐field fluid structure interaction is
presented. In attempting to highlight where current research should be
directed, only the most widely used computer codes are reviewed in the third
section. Conclusions are presented in the fourth section.
The erosion of ISO 9000 benefits: a temporal study
Authors: Casadesús Martí , Karapetrovic Stanislav
Published: February 2005

Purpose

To analyze the changes in the perceived benefits of ISO 9000 with the passage of time.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical survey of 399 companies conducted in 2002 in Catalonia (region of Spain).

Findings

ISO 9001: 2000 registered organizations report benefits to a lesser extent than their ISO 9001/2/3: 1994 registered counterparts across all studied benefit categories. Considering that the new standard is supposed to be a much improved version of the old one, these findings are then contrasted with the results of an almost identical survey performed in 1998. The discussion demonstrates that the perceived benefits of the ISO 9001/2/3: 1994 implementation have also decreased over time.

Research limitations/implications

These findings may indicate that ISO 9000 will eventually fade away due to the lack of short‐term reasons to implement yet another version in the future, unless substantial long‐term benefits are proven. In July 2002, when this survey was conducted, the number of ISO 9001: 2000 registered companies was still small, constraining more in‐depth research in this field.

Originality/value

This is one of the first papers trying to analyze the benefits and the implications of ISO 9001: 2000. On the other hand, it is probably the first paper that evaluates the evolution of such benefits over time.
Reliability prediction and failure mode effects and criticality analysis (FMECA) of electronic devices using fuzzy logic
Authors: Zafiropoulos E.P. , Dialynas E.N.
Published: February 2005

Purpose

The paper presents an efficient methodology that was developed for the reliability prediction and the failure mode effects and criticality analysis (FMECA) of electronic devices using fuzzy logic.

Design/methodology/approach

The reliability prediction is based on the general features and characteristics of the MIL‐HDBK‐217FN2 technical document and a derating plan for the system design is developed in order to maintain low components’ failure rates. These failure rates are used in the FMECA, which uses fuzzy sets to represent the respective parameters. A fuzzy failure mode risk index is introduced that gives priority to the criticality of the components for the system operation, while a knowledge base is developed to identify the rules governing the fuzzy inputs and output. The fuzzy inference module is Mamdani type and uses the min‐max implication‐aggregation.

Findings

A typical power electronic device such as a switched mode power supply was analyzed and the appropriate reliability indices were estimated using the stress factors of the derating plan. The fuzzy failure mode risk indices were calculated and compared with the respective indices calculated by the conventional FMECA.

Research limitations/implications

Further research efforts are needed for the application of fuzzy modeling techniques in the area of reliability assessment of electronic devices. These research efforts can be concentrated in certain applications that have practical value.

Practical implications

Practical applications can use a fuzzy FMECA modeling instead of the classical FMECA one, in order to obtain a more accurate analysis.

Originality/value

Fuzzy modeling of FMECA is described which can calculate fuzzy failure mode risk indices.
Modelling dynamic hysteresis loops and iron losses by the use of equivalent circuits
Authors: Włodarski Zdzisław
Published: February 2005

Purpose

The aim of the paper is the formulation of a simple hysteresis model entirely based on generally accepted concepts.

Design/methodological/approach

According to this, the modelling of loops has been achieved by the application of the Langevin‐Weiss law of magnetization to transformer equivalent circuits. The loops are generated by the change of the phase of current, introduced by the resistance modelling iron loss. Differential circuit equations have been solved with the help of standard Mathcad procedures.

Findings

In spite of the simplicity of such approach, the accuracy of hysteresis loops and iron loss approximations is better than in PSpice simulations and the model can be easily extended to dynamic loops.

Research limitations/implications

The application of the model is limited to lower frequencies, where the rise of frequency leads to the widening of the loops without the radical change of their shapes.

Practical implications

Presented approach may be useful in simplified analysis of low frequency transformer circuits and in the primary explanation of hysteresis phenomena for teaching purposes.

What is original/value of paper

Contrary to other models based on saturation curves, the dynamic hysteresis loops presented in this paper are obtained with the use of basic laws and concepts, without the introduction of any additional assumptions and the separate treatment of the lower and upper branches of the loops.
Neural networks for FDTD‐backed permittivity reconstruction
Authors: Yakovlev Vadim V. , Murphy Ethan K. , Eugene Eves E.
Published: February 2005

Purpose

To outline different versions of a novel method for accurate and efficient determining the dielectric properties of arbitrarily shaped materials.

Design/methodology/approach

Complex permittivity is found using an artificial neural network procedure designed to control a 3D FDTD computation of S‐parameters and to process their measurements. Network architectures are based on multilayer perceptron and radial basis function nets. The one‐port solution deals with the simulated and measured frequency responses of the reflection coefficient while the two‐port approach exploits the real and imaginary parts of the reflection and transmission coefficients at the frequency of interest.

Findings

High accuracy of permittivity reconstruction is demonstrated by numerical and experimental testing for dielectric samples of different configuration.

Research limitations/implications

Dielectric constant and the loss factor of the studied material should be within the ranges of corresponding parameters associated with the database used for the network training. The computer model must be highly adequate to the employed experimental fixture.

Practical implications

The method is cavity‐independent and applicable to the sample/fixture of arbitrary configuration provided that the geometry is adequately represented in the model. The two‐port version is capable of handling frequency‐dependent media parameters. For materials which can take some predefined form computational cost of the method is very insignificant.

Originality/value

A full‐wave 3D FDTD modeling tool and the controlling neural network procedure involved in the proposed approach allow for much flexibility in practical implementation of the method.
Budgetary procedures in Government ministry libraries in Nigeria
Authors: Akporido Caroline E.
Published: February 2005

Purpose

To examine the budgetary procedures of Government ministry libraries in Delta State, Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire and interview approach was used to identify the various components of ministry libraries and determine the budgetary process they used.

Findings

Even though the Government funds both types of libraries, budgetary procedures differ between ministry libraries and academic libraries. Perhaps the most noteworthy finding is that, unlike academic libraries, ministry libraries are often fully funded, yet they are rarely managed by a librarian. Furthermore, ministry library staff are often not involved in the budgetary process.

Originality/value

Provides insights into how the governmental funding process operates in Nigeria and how these processes could be improved.
Thoughts on endowment fundraising for libraries
Authors: Foley Chris
Published: February 2005

Purpose

Libraries rely on endowment revenue for collection development and general operating expenses. Endowment gifts, both for collection development and for general operating expenses, can be a significant priority for a library during this fund‐raising effort. As such, it is this column's goal to summarize the challenges and advantages of these endowment gifts, and strategies for endowment fundraising in libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

Uses lessons learned by endowment efforts at the University of Pennsylvania Library, noting strategies that have worked.

Findings

Endowments present unique challenges and opportunities. While their benefits to the library are often less understood and intangible, often they are more accessible to donors due to a low threshold for establishment and the flexibility to give over a period of years.

Originality/value

Challenges and advantages are explored and strategies are offered to improve the effectiveness of endowment fundraising including marketing, challenge programs, and bequest encouragement.
Explaining retail offer adaptation through psychic distance
Authors: Evans Jody , Bridson Kerrie
Published: February 2005

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine empirically the relationship between psychic distance and adaptation of the retail offer across a range of countries.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected using a mail survey of randomly selected non‐food retailers that operated stores in at least three foreign countries.

Findings

Findings of this study suggest that a substantial proportion of retail offer adaptation is explained by psychic distance. In particular, differences in market structure, business practices and language between the home and foreign market significantly increase the extent to which retailers adapt their offer.

Research limitations/implications

The research findings may be limited in terms of their generalisability across retail sectors, as the study focused on non‐food retailers only.

Practical implications

These results have implications for researchers and managers in suggesting that we need to go beyond consumer behaviour differences to explain fully the degree to which international firms standardise or adapt their strategies in foreign markets.

Originality/value

Much of the existing research into standardisation and adaptation is limited in terms of geographic scope and a focus on the marketing strategies of manufacturing and export firms. Thus, this paper addresses a substantial gap in existing research by empirically examining the relationship between psychic distance and adaptation in a retail context and across a range of countries.
Why Do We Worry When Scientists Say There Is No Risk?
Authors: Sidney Kirkwood Alan
Published: February 2005

There is sometimes a divergence of opinion between scientists and the
general public on the acceptability of the risk associated with an
industrial project. This divergence has sometimes been attributed to a
lack of understanding of scientific issues on the part of the general
public. Attempts to gain acceptance have therefore centred on public
education or information campaigns. Scientific assessment of risk
concentrates on the parameters of probability and severity. The
phenomenon of the issue‐attention cycle demonstrates, however, that
perceived risk can vary without the probability or severity changing,
indicating that there is a third factor which is a major determinant of
perceived or subjective risk. This is the salience of the issue. The
complexity of modern society makes it impossible to evaluate all risks
objectively. In everyday life heuristics, or rules of thumb, are
therefore used to evaluate those risks which have the greatest effect in
our personal environment. The process of making the public aware of an
issue which needs to be evaluated in this way is referred to as “agenda
setting”.
Nuclear Industry Road Emergency Response Plan (NIREP)
Authors: McPhail Norman , Higson Joe
Published: February 2005

The Nuclear Industry Road Emergency Response Plan is a mutual aid scheme
involving the major companies in the nuclear industry. The arrangements
were developed to provide a response in the event of an incident or
accident involving the road transport of nuclear material by the
participants in the scheme. The aim of the scheme is to achieve a rapid
and effective response to any incident involving a radioactive package
in transit by road.
Widening horizons in post‐war reconstruction
Authors: Green R.
Published: February 2005

In Britain in 1945, the politics of peace steered reconstruction
towards a static socio‐economic base from which stemmed many later
planning and social problems. Britain had emerged from six years of war
economically weakened but with a clear social vision, an effective
administration and fully evolved plans for the transition from war to
peace. The social vision including the ideal of full employment and the
right to a local job and a local home. This placed the economy in a
spatial stranglehold and denied it the flexibility needed to adapt to
changing global conditions. Draws on the British experience to suggest
that the understandable desire to replace in situ what has been
destroyed is doomed to fail and can prejudice the ability of future
generations to meet their own needs.
Nursing in the aftermath of disaster: orphanage relief work in Romania
Authors: Paton D. , Purvis C.
Published: February 2005

Disaster relief workers experience psychological and physical needs as a direct consequence of their disaster involvement. While this impact has been acknowledged, relatively little is known about the nature of the psychosocial demands generated by prolonged exposure. Developing both comprehensive preparatory and support programmes for relief workers will require that the nature of these demands, their impact on personnel, and their implications for disaster management are documented. Describes the experiences of a group of nurses who provided relief care in Romanian orphanages in the aftermath of the 1989 revolution in that country. Suggests that prolonged disaster exposure creates specific personal demands and operational problems. Problems were described in relation to operational practices and national issues (e.g. political and cultural factors). Describes the implications of these factors for relief worker wellbeing and relief operation effectiveness, together with suggestions for managing these demands.
Positive reactions following emergency and disaster responses
Authors: Moran C. , Colless E.
Published: February 2005

Firefighters completed a questionnaire which examined both positive
and negative reactions following major call‐outs. Positive reactions
were more frequently checked than negative ones. Factor analysis of
positive reactions resulted in four factors, suggesting that positive
reactions after a call‐out represented more than an increased sense of
general wellbeing. The type of reactions reported were related to the
type of incident attended. Differences in reaction patterns were related
to self‐reported coping style and age of the firefighters.
A metadata‐based access control model for web services
Authors: Yagüe Mariemma I. , Maña Antonio , Lopez Javier
Published: February 2005

Purpose

Provide a secure solution for web services (WS). A new interoperable and distributed access control for WS is presented.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the separation of the access control (AC) and authorization function.

Findings

Mechanisms presented allow seamless integration of external authorization entities in the AC system. The Semantic Policy Language (SPL) developed facilitates specification of policies and semantic policy validation. SPL specifications are modular and can be composed without ambiguity. Also addressed was the problem of the association of policies to resources (WS or their operations) in a dynamic, flexible and automated way.

Research limitations/implications

The ACProxy component is currently under development. Ongoing work is focused on achieving a richer “use control” for some types of WS.

Practical implications

Administrators of WS can specify AC policies and validate them to find syntactic and semantic errors. Components for automated validation of policies at different levels are included. This ensures that the AC policies produce the desired effects, facilitating the creation and maintenance of policies. It also provides mechanisms for the use of interoperable authorizations.

Originality/value

A practical system that provides a secure solution to AC for WS. To the best of one's knowledge, no other system provides mechanisms for semantic validation of policies based on external authorization entities. Likewise, the mechanisms for interoperability of external authorization entities are also novel. The system provides content‐based access control and a secure, decentralized and dynamic solution for authorization that facilitates the management of complex systems and enhances the overall security of the AC.