bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of oral glucose loading on endothelial function in normal-weight and overweight children
Authors: Dengel Donald R. , Kelly Aaron S. , Steinberger Julia , Sinaiko Alan R.
Published: April 2007

The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of acute hyperglycaemia on endothelial function in both normal-weight and overweight children. A total of 16 overweight [BMI (body mass index) ≥85th percentile] and 15 normal-weight (BMI <85th percentile) children were evaluated for FMD (flow-mediated dilation) at baseline and 30, 60 and 120 min after glucose ingestion. At 15 min following the measurement of the final FMD, 0.3 mg of sublingual nitroglycerine was administered and the brachial artery was imaged in order to assess endothelium-independent dilation. By design, the overweight children were significantly heavier (63.2±4.6 compared with 41.3±2.5 kg; P=0.0003) and had a greater percentage body fat (43.9±1.8 compared with 23.8±2.05%; P<0.0001) than the normal-weight children. The area under the curve in response to glucose administration was significantly (P<0.0001) greater in the overweight group for both glucose and insulin. The FMD area under the curve was not significantly different at baseline or between time points after glucose ingestion, nor was there a difference in response between the two groups. Endothelium-independent dilation in the normal-weight group was significantly greater compared with the overweight group (26.7±1.6 compared with 20.2±2.0% respectively; P=0.019). In conclusion, these results suggest that acute elevation of glucose and insulin in overweight and normal-weight children are not associated with impairment in endothelial function.
Nonunitary similarity transformation of conservative to dissipative evolutions: Intertwining without time operator
Authors: Gómez Fernando
Published: April 2007

Reversible evolutions are usually expressed in terms of unitary groups on separable Hilbert spaces, whereas irreversible ones are described by contraction semigroups. In the theory of nonunitary similarity transformations intertwining unitary groups and contraction semigroups, proposed initially in the context of statistical mechanics as part of an exact theory of irreversibility, the unitary groups with such intertwining property have been qualified by the existence of an internal time operator. This work tackles the question of existence of internal time operators for unitary groups with the intertwining property. Equivalent conditions to the existence of internal time operators for such unitary groups are given on the basis of the Sz.-Nagy–Foiaş [Harmonic Analysis of Operators on Hilbert Spaces (North-Holland, Amsterdam, 1970)] dilation theory and the theory of shift invariant subspaces. These conditions permit us to solve the inverse intertwining problem in the negative: there are unitary groups with the intertwining property which do not admit internal time operator. A representative family of such unitary groups is given.
Magnetic transitions in manganese benzoquinone coordination polymers
Authors: Rakhimov R. R. , Bah R. , Andreyev A. , Chisholm T. , Noginova N. , Hwang J. S. , Prokof’ev A. I. , Solodovnikov S. P. , Alexandrov I. A. , Aleksandrov A. I.
Published: April 2007

Coordination polymers exhibiting magnetic properties can be considered as promising materials for magnetic applications. We obtained such materials by means pf mechanochemical incorporation of binuclear metal complexes Mn–O–Mn into polystyrene. Incorporation of binuclear manganese complexes was achieved by using substituted benzoquinones (organic acceptors) as intermediate ligands that react with manganese acetylacetonate and provide new coordination and stabilization of manganese in different valence states. Magnetic transitions in this system are due to reversible disproportionation process Mn3+–O–Mn3+⇔Mn2+–O–Mn4+ in the binuclear complex. The structure of the binuclear complex was obtained using ab initio calculations.
Structure, magnetism, and tunable microwave properties of pulsed laser deposition grown barium ferrite/barium strontium titanate bilayer films
Authors: Heindl R. , Srikanth H. , Witanachchi S. , Mukherjee P. , Weller T. , Tatarenko A. S. , Srinivasan G.
Published: April 2007

Ferrite/ferroelectric films are of interest as they afford dual tunability of the permeability and permittivity using magnetic and electric fields. We have grown bilayered thin films of ferrimagnetic BaFe12O19 (BaM) and ferroelectric Ba0.5Sr0.5TiO3 (BST) on A-oriented polished sapphire substrates using pulsed laser deposition. X-ray thin film analysis (θ-2θ and azimuthal scans) established highly oriented crystalline films. Magnetic hysteresis loops indicated large magnetic anisotropy between the in-plane and out-of-plane field orientations and the M-H characteristics of BaM were influenced by the presence of the BST layer. Electrical and magnetic tunability studies of the bilayers in the frequency range of 1–65GHz are also reported.
Observation-assisted optimal control of quantum dynamics
Authors: Shuang Feng , Pechen Alexander , Ho Tak-San , Rabitz Herschel
Published: April 2007

This paper explores the utility of instantaneous and continuous observations in the optimal control of quantum dynamics. Simulations of the processes are performed on several multilevel quantum systems with the goal of population transfer. Optimal control fields are shown to be capable of cooperating or fighting with observations to achieve a good yield, and the nature of the observations may be optimized to more effectively control the quantum dynamics. Quantum observations also can break dynamical symmetries to increase the controllability of a quantum system. The quantum Zeno and anti-Zeno effects induced by observations are the key operating principles in these processes. The results indicate that quantum observations can be effective tools in the control of quantum dynamics.
Defect imaging in multicrystalline silicon using a lock-in infrared camera technique
Authors: Pohl Peter , Schmidt Jan , Schmiga Christian , Brendel Rolf
Published: April 2007

We image the lifetime distribution of multicrystalline silicon wafers by means of calibrated measurements of the free-carrier emission using an infrared camera. The spatially resolved lifetime measurements are performed as a function of the light-generated excess carrier density, showing a pronounced increase in lifetime with decreasing injection density at very low injection levels. Two theoretical models are applied to describe the abnormal lifetime increase: (i) minority-carrier trapping and (ii) depletion region modulation around charged bulk defects. The trapping model is found to give better agreement with the experimental data. By fitting the trapping model to each point of the lifetime image recorded at different injection levels, we generate a trap density mapping. On multicrystalline silicon wafers we find a clear correlation between trap and dislocation density mappings.
Kinetics of chain collapse in dilute polymer solutions: Molecular weight and solvent dependences
Authors: Maki Yasuyuki , Dobashi Toshiaki , Nakata Mitsuo
Published: April 2007

The molecular weight and solvent dependences of the characteristic time of chain collapse were studied for poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) of the molecular weight Mw=6.4×106 and 1.14×107 in pure acetonitrile (AcN) and in the mixed solvent of AcN+water (10vol%). The size of PMMA chains was measured as a function of the time after the quench by static light scattering and the chain collapse processes were expressed by the plot of the expansion factor α2 vs lnt. The chain collapse in the mixed solvent AcN+water (10vol%) was found to occur much faster than that in pure AcN, though the measurement of the former collapse process required several hours. In order to make a comparison between the rates of chain collapses, the fast chain collapse process was superposed on the slow one by scaling the time of the fast process as γt. The scale factor γ was determined by comparing the chain collapse processes of nearly the same equilibrium expansion factor with each other. Accordingly, the superposition of the collapse for Mw=6.4×106 on that for Mw=1.14×107 yielded γm=4.0±0.6 for the process in AcN+water and 5.5±0.6 in AcN. The superposition of the chain collapse process in AcN+water on that in AcN yielded γs=9.5±1.4 for Mw=6.4×106 and 12.0±1.8 for Mw=1.14×107. This analysis suggests that γm and γs are constant independent of each other. Thus, by assuming the molecular weight dependence of γm∼Mz, the characteristic time τexp of chain collapse was conjectured as τexp∼κMz, where κ reflects the nature of solvent species. The ratio of κ for PMMA in AcN to that in AcN+water is given by γs. The exponent was estimated to be z=2.4±0.7 for AcN+water and 3.0±0.7 for AcN. These values are compatible with the theoretical prediction z=3 based on a phenomenological model, though the observed characteristic times are longer by several orders of magnitude than those of the theoretical prediction.
Effect of substrate temperature on pulsed laser ablated Zn0.95Co0.05O diluted magnetic semiconducting thin films
Authors: Liu Q. , Yuan C. L. , Gan C. L. , Han G. C.
Published: April 2007

Room temperature ferromagnetic Zn0.95Co0.05O thin film with (002) preferential orientation has been deposited by pulsed laser deposition at different substrate temperatures on n-type (100) silicon substrate. A maximum saturation magnetization of 0.86μB∕Co was achieved at room temperature. High-resolution transmission electron microscope and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results indicate that this ferromagnetism behavior is not due to Co microclusters in the thin film. Zinc interstitials, oxygen vacancies, and lattice defects induced by low substrate deposition temperature show a significant effect on ferromagnetic behavior. By changing the substrate deposition temperature to control the amount of zinc interstitials, oxygen vacancies, and lattice defects, ferromagnetism can be tuned significantly as well, which is a direct evidence that these defects contributed to the ferromagnetism in ZnO:Co thin films.
Dielectric response of Cu∕amorphous BaTiO3∕Cu capacitors
Authors: Gonon P. , El Kamel F.
Published: April 2007

Cu∕amorphous BaTiO3∕Cu capacitors were tested for their dielectric properties in the 0.1Hz–100kHz range, from room temperature to 350°C. The amorphous barium titanate dielectric layer was deposited by rf sputtering on water-cooled copper electrodes. The room-temperature dielectric constant is around 18 and the dissipation factor is 3×10−3 at 100kHz. When increasing temperature the dielectric response displays an important frequency dispersion with the appearance of a marked loss peak at low frequencies. This dispersion is ascribed to electrode polarization effects, as evidenced by measurements performed on various film thicknesses and by using different electrodes. The electrode polarization phenomenon is discussed using a simple space charge model and is shown to be related to mobile oxygen vacancies.
Diamond growth on Fe-Cr-Al alloy by H2-plasma enhanced graphite etching
Authors: Li Y. S. , Hirose A.
Published: April 2007

Without intermediate layer and surface pretreatment, adherent diamond films with high initial nucleation density have been deposited on Fe–15Cr–5Al (wt. %) alloy substrate. The deposition was performed using microwave hydrogen plasma enhanced graphite etching in a wide temperature range from 370to740°C. The high nucleation density and growth rate of diamond are primarily attributed to the unique precursors used (hydrogen plasma etched graphite) and the chemical nature of the substrate. The improvement in diamond adhesion to steel alloys is ascribed to the important role played by Al, mitigation of the catalytic function of iron by suppressing the preferential formation of loose graphite intermediate phase on steel surface.
Physical properties of multiferroic hexagonal HoMnO3 thin films
Authors: Murugavel P. , Lee J.-H. , Lee D. , Noh T. W. , Jo Younghun , Jung Myung-Hwa , Oh Yoon Seok , Kim Kee Hoon
Published: April 2007

The authors investigated the magnetic and ferroelectric properties of hexagonally grown HoMnO3 thin films. The magnetic measurements revealed bulklike magnetic phase transitions with an additional spin-glass-like behavior feature below the Néel temperature. The ferroelectricity in the films was distinctly different from the suggested bulk behavior. Below 40K, the HoMnO3 films showed typical ferroelectric character: their remnant polarization and coercive field values at 20K were 3.7μC∕cm2 and 0.69MV∕cm. Above 40K, however, the films exhibited an unusual antiferroelectriclike behavior, with more pronounced features appearing at higher temperatures. These intriguing physical properties make HoMnO3 films a potential candidate material for numerous future applications.
Biofilm formation and local electrostatic force characteristics of Escherichia coli O157:H7 observed by electrostatic force microscopy
Authors: Oh Y. J. , Jo W. , Yang Y. , Park S.
Published: April 2007

The authors report growth media dependence of electrostatic force characteristics in Escherichia coli O157:H7 biofilm through local measurement by electrostatic force microscopy (EFM). The difference values of electrostatic interaction between the bacterial surface and the abiotic surface show an exponential decay behavior during biofilm development. In the EFM data, the biofilm in the low nutrient media shows a faster decay than the biofilm in the rich media. The surface potential in the bacterial cells was changed from 957to149mV. Local characterization of extracellular materials extracted from the bacteria reveals the progress of the biofilm formation and functional complexities.
Magnetic properties of n-type Cu-doped ZnO thin films
Authors: Hou D. L. , Ye X. J. , Meng H. J. , Zhou H. J. , Li X. L. , Zhen C. M. , Tang G. D.
Published: April 2007

A series of n-type Zn1−xCuxO (x=0.02, 0.06, 0.10, and 0.12) films was prepared using direct current reactive magnetron sputtering. Magnetic measurements indicate that all the films are ferromagnetic at room temperature and the moment per Cu ion decreases with increasing copper concentration and nitrogen doping. The observed magnetic moment was 1.8μB∕Cu for Zn0.98Cu0.02O film and the transition temperature of about 350K decreased to 320K due to nitrogen doping. It can be concluded that itinerant electrons play an important role in ferromagnetism. The resistivity increased with increasing copper concentration and nitrogen doping. The anomalous Hall effect has been found for ferromagnetic materials.
Remote-control spin filtering through a T-type structure
Authors: Feng X. Y. , Jiang J. H. , Weng M. Q.
Published: April 2007

The authors propose a spin filter scheme using a T-stub waveguide. By applying a moderate magnetic field at the tip of the sidearm, this device can produce both large electric and spin currents. The direction and polarization of the output spin current can be further adjusted electronically by a remote gate which tunes the length of the sidearm. The device is robust against the disorder.
Photo-assisted capacitance-voltage characterization of high-quality atomic-layer-deposited Al2O3∕GaN metal-oxide-semiconductor structures
Authors: Wu Y. Q. , Shen T. , Ye P. D. , Wilk G. D.
Published: April 2007

The authors report on an Al2O3 gate oxide deposited on n-type GaN by atomic layer deposition technique. The high-frequency C-V characteristic shows deep-depletion behavior at room temperature due to the wide band gap semiconductor nature of GaN. Systematic photoassisted C-V measurements demonstrate the importance of postdeposition-annealing process which could improve the average interface trap density Dit of (1–2)×1012∕cm2eV on the as-grown films to 7×1010∕cm2eV on the same films after 800°C rapid thermal annealing in a N2 ambient. The high-frequency C-V technique or Terman technique is also applied to estimate the mid-gap Dit and compare to the results from photoassisted C-V technique.
Depression of Curie temperature by surface structural phase transition
Authors: Ho H. Y. , Chen Y. J. , Hwang E. J. , Yu S. K. , Shern C. S.
Published: April 2007

The comparative study in structural properties for the mirror systems, 1 ML Ni/1 ML Co∕Pt(111) and 1 ML Co/1 ML Ni∕Pt(111) surface ordered alloys, reveals a structural phase transition from NixCo1−xPt to NixCo1−xPt3 ordered surface alloy when the annealing temperature is between 750 and 800K. The Curie temperature speeds up to decrease when the surface structure changes from NixCo1−xPt to NixCo1−xPt3. The value of critical exponent β near the Curie point crosses from a two-dimensional-like magnetic phase to a three-dimensional-like one after the phase transition. From the composition dependence of the Curie temperature, one can adjust the Curie temperatures of the surface alloy by controlling the annealing temperature.
Quantum turbulence
Authors: Vinen William F. , Donnelly Russell J.
Published: April 2007

Because superfluid eddies can only be formed from quantized vortex lines, one might expect quantum turbulence to be very different from its classical counterpart. But that's not necessarily so.
Data analysis: Frequently Bayesian
Authors: Cowan Glen
Published: April 2007

The well-established mathematics of probability theory notwithstanding, assessing the validity of a scientific hypothesis remains a thorny proposition.
Decline in ribosomal fidelity contributes to the accumulation and stabilization of the master stress response regulator σS upon carbon starvation
Authors: Fredriksson Åsa , Ballesteros Manuel , Peterson Celeste N. , Persson Örjan , Silhavy Thomas J. , Nyström Thomas
Published: April 2007

The σS subunit of RNA polymerase is a master regulator of Escherichia coli that retards cellular senescence and bestows cells with general stress protective functions during growth arrest. We show that mutations and drugs triggering translational errors elevate σS levels and stability. Furthermore, mutations enhancing translational fidelity attenuate induction of the rpoS regulon and prevent stabilization of σS upon carbon starvation. Destabilization of σS by increased proofreading requires the presence of the σS recognition factor SprE (RssB) and the ClpXP protease. The data further suggest that σS becomes stabilized upon starvation as a result of ClpP sequestration and this sequestration is enhanced by oxidative modifications of aberrant proteins produced by erroneous translation. ClpP overproduction counteracted starvation-induced stabilization of σS, whereas overproduction of a ClpXP substrate (ssrA-tagged GFP) stabilized σS in exponentially growing cells. We present a model for the sequence of events leading to the accumulation and activation of σS upon carbon starvation, which are linked to alterations in both ribosomal fidelity and efficiency.
Nomenclature on Proteases, Proteinases, and Peptidases
Authors: Simpson Richard J.
Published: April 2007

INTRODUCTION

In 1984, the International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (IUBMB) recommended the use of the term peptidase for the subset of peptide bond hydrolases (Subclass EC3.4.). The widely used term protease is synonymous with the term peptidase. Proteases comprise two groups of enzymes: endoproteases and exoproteases. This article summarizes the characteristics of the main types of proteases.
Dissection Techniques for Pupal and Larval Drosophila Eyes
Authors: Wolff Tanya
Published: April 2007

INTRODUCTION

The Drosophila eye has been used to study a broad range of topics, such as signal transduction, cell-fate specification, morphogenesis, and cell death. The eye has a relatively simple cellular architecture: the ommatidia (unit eyes of the compound eye) are composed of a small number of cells, and these cells can be readily identified on the basis of their shape and location within an ommatidium. Also, because the eye is a monolayer epithelium, all cells can be viewed in whole-mount preparations in both the larval imaginal disc and the pupal eye. Mosaic analysis is a powerful genetic tool that is routinely used in the eye to determine a given cell’s requirement for a gene of interest. Such analyses are possible because cell fates are determined on the basis of positional cues. Furthermore, pattern formation proceeds as a wave of morphogenesis sweeps across the eye disc. Thus, all early patterning events are laid out in a single imaginal disc preparation. A final attractive feature of the eye is that it is dispensable for viability and development, and therefore a number of tools have been developed for its manipulation.
Staining of Drosophila Tissues with Antibodies
Authors: Wolff Tanya
Published: April 2007

INTRODUCTION

Staining Drosophila tissues with antibodies is generally straightforward. Ideal concentrations must be determined for each antibody: generally, dilute monoclonal supernatants 1:1 and ascites or sera 1:250 to 1:5000. If double-labeling, confirm that the secondary antibodies used will not recognize each other. Cross-reactivity can be avoided if secondary antibodies are raised in a single species. Fluorescent double-labeling generally does not work if both primaries are raised in the same species unless the primaries are directly conjugated to fluorochromes. If using primary antibodies raised in the same species, the use of HRP-conjugated antibodies is recommended. Double-labeling using DAB requires that the reaction product for one of the antibodies be intensified. This process is sensitive and should be used to detect the less abundant antigen. Similarly, if one of the primary antibodies gives a high background or is widely expressed throughout the tissue, this signal should not be enhanced. If one antigen is nuclear and the second is either cytoplasmic or on the cell surface, it is better to intensify the nuclear signal; the enhanced product can obscure details recognized by the cytoplasmic/cell surface antibody. If one antigen is less stable (e.g., extracted by detergent), this antigen should be detected first.
Quantitative Microinjection of Drosophila Embryos
Authors: Kiehart Daniel P. , Crawford Janice M. , Montague Ruth A.
Published: April 2007

INTRODUCTION

The quantitative microinjection of drugs, antibodies, toxins, and manipulated RNAs and proteins into Drosophila embryos--the “pharmacological approach”--provides a unique opportunity to analyze cellular functions in the developing embryo, and provides spatial and temporal resolution that is not readily available through genetic studies. These studies require that the observed effects reflect a dose-response relationship so that the data can be accurately interpreted. Quantitative microinjections can be readily achieved with the addition of a fluorescent tracer to the solution to be injected. Analysis of the resulting integrated fluorescent intensity following injection can then be used to determine the volume and hence the concentration of the solution injected. This protocol outlines the procedures for the microinjection and quantification of aqueous solutions during high-resolution observation of early development in the Drosophila embryo.
cAMP Assays
Authors: Karimova Gouzel , Ladant Daniel
Published: April 2007

INTRODUCTION

The cAMP assay provides a quantitative determination of the efficiency of the functional complementation between pairs of hybrid proteins. cAMP measurements are obtained using ELISA. Commercial radio-immunoassays, or ELISA kits, to assay cAMP can be purchased from various manufacturers. In our laboratory, we use the homemade, less-expensive ELISA described here. This assay is based on the ability of soluble cAMP in bacterial extracts to compete with binding of an alkaline phosphatase (AP)-conjugated anti-cAMP antibody to immobilized cAMP. The surface-bound, immobilized anti-cAMP-AP is inversely correlated to the concentration of cAMP in the extract. Known concentrations of soluble cAMP are used to calibrate the assay.
Quantitative Microinjection of Drosophila Embryos: General Strategy: Figure 1.
Authors: Kiehart Daniel P. , Crawford Janice M. , Montague Ruth A.
Published: April 2007

INTRODUCTION

Microinjection of Drosophila embryos is a common technique used by a wide range of investigators, but some applications require a refined strategy for handling embryos. This article outlines the general procedures for microinjection and quantification of aqueous solutions during high-resolution observation of early development in the fly embryo. It also describes the design of suitable support slides for the manipulation of Drosophila embryos under upright and inverted microscopes.
The problematic of strategy: a way of seeing is also a way of not seeing
Authors: Chaharbaghi Kazem
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The paper aims to question the post‐rational observations and traditional constructions of strategy in terms of what they achieve and what they fail to achieve, and seeks to reconstruct strategy as a multi‐dimensional, dynamic concept.

Design/methodology/approach

For this purpose, the study uses and interrelates the dualities between continuity principle and discontinuity principle, knowledge and imagination, opportunity exploitation and opportunity exploration, and conformist innovation and deviant innovation. The paper makes explicit, through the notion of performance paradox, the context for the framework that results from the mutual relation of these four dualities.

Findings

The paper finds that failure to understand these dualities and their interrelatedness will ensure that strategy will remain largely an illusive, unexplained and rhetorical concept. It demonstrates that the greatest benefit of understanding these dualities and their interrelatedness is that it can show how organisations should be by illuminating who they might be.

Research limitations/implications

The paper identifies opportunities for innovation, research and reflection by establishing the need for balancing the seemingly conflicting opposites of these interrelated dualities and ways in which they can be located on their strengths.

Practical implications

The paper suggests that the understanding that emerges from the treatment of strategy as a multi‐dimensional, dynamic construct, allows organisations to align the corporate, business and functional dimensions more effectively in making progress and receiving more in terms of the results they want to achieve.

Originality/value

The paper introduces a radical shift in thinking, arguing for a move away from simplified, unbalanced, static constructions of strategy that focus on one‐dimensionality, asymmetry and post‐rationalisation.
Firm value creation and levels of strategy
Authors: Bowman Cliff , Ambrosini Véronique
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The paper aims to address the following questions: “How is value created within a firm?” and “Is the distinction between competitive and corporate strategy helpful in considering the processes of value creation?”

Design/methodology/approach

The paper distinguishes five value‐creating activities within the firm. Three are involved in the process of current value creation, one is directed at the maintenance of the firm and the other activity is concerned with the creation of future value. These processes of value creation are then explored from the perspective of corporate and business levels of strategy by considering whether these activities can be tightly or loosely coupled.

Findings

The paper argues that decisions regarding loosely or tightly coupled value‐creating activities should belong to the realm of corporate strategy and that this “corporatising” choice involves trade‐offs in terms of responsiveness and cost.

Practical implications

The arguments in this paper can be used by managers to help them think through the consequences of any corporate level strategy decisions they may envisage taking.

Originality/value

This paper addresses traditional strategic management questions by building on a range of literatures, and proposes an original and meaningful way of examining the role of corporate and competitive strategy.
From strategic fit to customer fit
Authors: Santala Matti , Parvinen Petri
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to extend the strategic fit discourse by proposing a customer‐based perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper develops a conceptual framework based on a theory and literature review.

Findings

The paper proposes that, from a customer perspective, the firm and its activities are separate units of analysis that have a fit‐like relationship.

Practical implications

A fit‐like relationship, here coined “customer fit”, has the potential to explain determinants of performance differentials in marketing practice, guide the analysis and dissemination of customer knowledge in organisations and provide grounds for strategic marketing resource allocation.

Originality/value

The paper proposes that the concept of customer fit can be employed to analyze, formulate and coordinate the potential of a firm's value proposal.
More than friendship is required: an empirical test of cooperative firm strategies
Authors: Pesämaa Ossi , Franklin Hair Joseph
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine a proposed six‐construct theoretical model of factors influencing successful cooperative relationships and strategy development.

Design/methodology/approach

A theoretical model of strategy development and cooperative relationships was tested. Qualitative research among key experts identified 15 successful regional tourism networks. Two successful cooperative networks were selected based on annual revenues. A sample of 254 small and medium‐sized members were surveyed from the two networks in Northern Minnesota, USA.

Findings

Strong support was obtained for the proposed model. Hypothesized relationships were tested and the findings were consistent with previous research. Long‐term orientation has a positive effect on friendship, loyalty, trust and commitment. Friendship is related to loyalty and commitment, and loyalty is related to trust. Ultimately, trust and commitment engender successful cooperation. The model can be used as a guide to strategy development at different levels in an organization.

Research limitations/implications

Large firms select between higher and lower order functional strategies. Small and medium‐sized firms sometimes address commitment and cooperative strategies through shared goals and decisions in order pursue higher order strategies. This paper research supports a greater emphasis on establishing relationships using loyalty, trust and commitment to develop successful higher order strategies. However, relationships based on friendship also can be an important consideration in strategy development.

Practical implications

Strategic implications for developing relationships that can be used as a planning component of hierarchical strategies.

Originality/value

The paper maintains that loyalty is more important than friendship in developing successful strategies based on cooperation.
From a hierarchy to a heterarchy of strategies: adapting to a changing context
Authors: Chakravarthy Bala , Henderson James
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to question the continued usefulness of the hierarchy of strategies framework and to propose a new approach.

Design/methodology/approach

The study reviews extant literature and theorizes a new approach.

Findings

The paper finds that the hierarchy of strategies was a useful framework when it was first proposed, but since then a changed business context has made this framework obsolete. What is needed instead is a framework around a heterarchy of strategies. The locus of decision making is no longer hierarchical and corporate, business and functional strategies are far more interdependent and interlinked than they have been in the past.

Research limitations/implications

Research on a hierarchy of strategies has run its course. Future empirical and theoretical work should focus on a heterarchy of strategies.

Practical implications

The paper provides a framework for managers whether from corporate, business divisions or functions to help with the continuous renewal of their firm.

Originality/value

Prior empirical and theoretical strategy research has taken the hierarchy of strategy framework for granted. The original contribution of this paper is to propose an alternative framework around a heterarchy of strategies.
Instrumentation used in vehicle safety testing at Millbrook Proving Ground Ltd
Authors: Connolly Christine
Published: April 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the specifications of sensors used in vehicle impact testing, especially in crash test dummies.

Design/methodology/approach

Describes the facilities of a UK vehicle test facility, then explores the design of crash test dummies and the sensors within them. Data collection and analysis techniques are reported.

Findings

The sensors incorporated in a crash test dummy must have the correct mass distribution so as not to affect its inertial behaviour. Dummies are designed for repeated crash testing. New sensor developments are expanding the range of measurements possible, and smaller, lower‐power‐dissipation and higher‐data‐density memory devices are facilitating a move towards data logging within the dummy.

Originality/value

This paper provides an insight into the world of crash testing, of general interest to scientists and engineers, and especially those who drive.
UPV method for strength detection of high performance concrete
Authors: Khan Shibli R.M. , Noorzaei J. , Kadir M.R.A. , Waleed A.M.T. , Jaafar M.S.
Published: April 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to present a research finding that establishes a regression model between ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) tests and actual strength of high performance concrete (HPC).

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, a total of 270 cube samples were made from six different mix proportions. The mixes were grouped in two series that consist of nominal maximum aggregate sizes of 10 mm (A10) and 19 mm (A19). Silica fume were used as mineral admixtures at 5 percent, 10 percent and 15 percent of cement in both series. UPV tests were conducted for each of the specimens, followed by destructive strength tests. The tests were carried out for concrete at different ages of between three to 56 days. The destructive test results were used as the true strength of the mixes and the UPV test results were used as strength estimation.

Findings

Concrete strength correlations between UPV and destructive tests were analysed for each mix proportions and in each series. These correlations are presented in the form of regression equations that displays standard error of between ±2.4 to ±5.7 MPa regardless of mix for the concrete in series A10. Similarly, in series A19 concrete, standard errors of between ±3.2 to ±6.7 MPa were found. Strength prediction models using UPV for high performance concrete are proposed. The models have overall correlation coefficients above 0.80 for all the mixes.

Originality/value

There are no standard relationships that had been established for high performance concrete strength with UPV test methods. The proposed relationship can be used for concrete strength estimation that is normally required in building or structural assessment, especially with the present trend of constructing modern structures using high performance concrete.
Exploring the relationship between the sustainability of construction and market value
Authors: Lorenz David P. , Trück Stefan , Lützkendorf Thomas
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The basic purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between the sustainability of construction on the one hand and market value, worth and property investment performance on the other hand. This paper aims to analyse price movements and price differences caused by different property characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the estimated log‐linear hedonic regression model, a hedonic price index is calculated. Price movements subject to different property characteristics are examined by constructing various conditional hedonic price indexes.

Findings

The results reveal that, high‐quality flats or flats within preferred locations clearly outperform their competitors in terms of price stability during an overall market downturn. However, it is also shown that contemporary building descriptions or specifications of transactions within property databases are not yet sufficient and need to be widened to meet forthcoming challenges. Therefore, an “integrated building performance approach” is introduced and a proposal for the step‐wise improvement of building descriptions is made.

Practical implications

The paper shows that efforts need to be undertaken by the property profession in combining and transferring financial performance data along with information that is indicative of a building's contribution to sustainable development.

Originality/value

The paper offers insights into the relationship between the sustainability of construction and market value.
Dynamic response and radial wave propagation velocity in thick hollow cylinder made of functionally graded materials
Authors: Hosseini S.M. , Akhlaghi M. , Shakeri M.
Published: April 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to obtain the dynamic behavior of cylinders made of functionally graded materials (FGMs). The cylinder should be analyzed subjected to dynamic and shock loads.

Design/methodology/approach

The functionally graded cylinder is assumed to be made of many subcylinders. The material properties within a subcylinder are assumed to vary linearly in the thickness direction. The material properties in subcylinders are chosen as linear functions. The properties are controlled by volume fraction that is an exponential function of radius. The shell is assumed to be in plane strain condition, and is subjected to axisymmetric dynamic loading. The Navier Equation is solved by Galerkin finite element and Newmark methods. By using the Fast Fourier Transform, the time response is transferred to frequency domain and natural frequencies are illustrated.

Findings

The dynamic behavior of functionally graded thick hollow cylinder is discussed. The radial wave propagation due to an internal pressure unloading is studied. The time history of radial stresses are discussed and the mean velocity of radial stress wave propagation for different exponent “n” of FGM are determined.

Originality/value

This paper presents the high strength technique to studying and analyzing the functionally graded thick hollow cylinders subjected to dynamic loads and the mean velocity of radial wave propagation is obtained using the proposed method.
Staff auditor reporting decisions under time deadline pressure
Authors: Robertson Jesse C.
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The objective of this study is to examine the effects of superior preference and information source on staff auditor reporting decisions in the presence of time deadline pressure (TDP).

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 67 graduate and upper‐level undergraduate accounting students, serving as proxies for staff auditors, participated in a between‐subjects experiment.

Findings

The majority of participants reported information concerning a subjective materiality issue regardless of senior preference, information source, and TDP. The results suggest that staff auditors are motivated both by desires to avoid responsibility for decisions concerning subjective audit issues and by concerns about audit quality.

Originality/value

This study extends prior research that has examined senior and manager reactions to manager and partner preferences by investigating staff auditor reactions to senior preferences.
From the knowledge worker to the knowledge economy
Authors: Murray Arthur J. , Greenes Kent A.
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify recent trends in how the global knowledge workforce is changing and, in particular, organizing, on a massive scale. Knowledge workers have become highly mobile, with a distinctly global orientation.

Design/methodology/approach

These new trends are presented within the established four‐pillar framework for enterprise transformation. Particular emphasis is placed on the dissolution of traditional organizational boundaries (organization pillar), and creating, on a large scale, living, working and learning environments for attracting, retaining, and growing talent (learning pillar). Supporting infrastructure elements are also addressed (technology pillar).

Findings

Attracting, retaining, and growing talent is no longer an issue that can be addressed solely from the viewpoint of a single organization. Knowledge workers are highly mobile, and are tending to be more loyal to their peer communities than to an employer. This requires that organizations look beyond their own boundaries, and work together to create living, working, and learning environments that offer a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle. One way to accomplish this on a large scale is the development of knowledge cities, in which the information and knowledge architecture is at least as important as, and possibly more important than, the physical architecture.

Originality/value

In a knowledge economy, the value of human capital far outweighs more traditional, tangible forms, such as plant and equipment. Creating an ideal environment for knowledge workers is a formidable challenge. Yet it is a necessary step in making the transition to the enterprise of the future. The key to success is the understanding that an attractive work environment alone is not sufficient to attract, retain and grow an increasingly global, and mobile, knowledge workforce. A total environment that integrates key elements of living, working, and learning is needed. The four pillars framework will continue to evolve as a tool for designing these environments, especially on a large scale.
Business information – a natural path to business intelligence: knowing what to capture
Authors: Green Annie
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a logical approach to identifying and modeling business intelligence from corporate information.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology or approach to identifying business intelligence is based on the cross‐pollination of eight business value drivers. Modeling business intelligence from the hybrid blends of value sources provides a view of business intelligence in more realist dimensions.

Findings

Modeling business intelligence from the hybrid blends of value sources provides a view of business intelligence in more realist dimensions.

Originality/value

Business enterprises are challenged with identifying the primitive components that construct business intelligence within the business. The conceptual model presented in this paper decomposes to the primitive level of information or meta‐data needed to model business intelligence. The primitive level defines the business objects and provides a map to defining the actual business information to capture.
A review of social identity theory with implications for training and development
Authors: Korte Russell F.
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review social identity theory and its implications for learning in organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

This article is a conceptual paper based on a multidisciplinary review of the literature on social identity theory. This article explains the theoretical concepts, constructs, and findings of an identity‐based view of learning in organizations. The article describes the theoretical foundations of social identity theory and its elaboration as self‐categorization theory, along with some of the limitations of the theory. Important implications for workplace learning are presented.

Findings

Although multiple factors influence how people work, social identity theory portends to be a unifying theory of organizational behavior because what and how people think as members of social groups influences subsequent behavior and attitudes in social systems. This influence has important implications for workplace learning..

Practical implications

The social identities in organizations serve as important drivers of performance. How people think as members of groups affects the outcomes of learning interventions. Therefore, social identity is a key input to or driver of learning and performance in organizations.

Originality/value

Training and development have focused primarily on the individual and occasionally the organizational levels with little attention to the identity‐based dynamics of group behavior in organizational settings. This paper offers insights from social identity theory for training and development.
Examining the factor structure and predictive ability of the German‐version of the Learning Transfer Systems Inventory
Authors: Bates Reid , Kauffeld Simone , Holton Elwood F.
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to examine the construct and predictive ability of a German version of the Learning Transfer Systems Inventory (GLTSI), an instrument designed to assess a constellation of 16 factors known to influence the transfer of training in work settings.

Design/methodology/approach

The survey data for this study was collected from 569 employees working in 17 private sector organizations in Germany. This data was used to test the construct validity of the GLTSI using principle components analysis (common factor analysis). The predictive validity of the instrument was tested against individual and organizational level outcome measures using hierarchical stepwise multiple regression.

Findings

Exploratory factor analysis of the GLTSI produced a 16 factor solution that was a highly consistent original English version of the LTSI. The results of the regression analysis showed that a subset of GLTSI scales were significant predictors of measures of individual transfer results and organizational performance.

Research limitations/implications

The study relies on self‐report data for both the independent and dependent variables and, although there is no evidence suggesting this was a problem, factors such as common method variance or social desirability could have influenced the correlations in this study in unknown ways. Certainly future criterion‐related validation research with the GLTSI using outcome measures that do not rely on self‐reports would be valuable. Future research with the GLTSI should also seek to modify certain items or add new items to enhance the emic or culture‐specific nature of specific scales.

Originality/value

This study contributes the study and practice of human resource development by furthering the dissemination of analytical tools across linguistic settings and enhancing the potential for the cross‐cultural study of learning transfer and training effectiveness.
Managing emotionally intelligent service workers
Authors: Dimitriades Zoe S.
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to investigate the relative importance of personal‐demographic and positional factors in predicting emotional intelligence (EI) among service workers in the Greek context.

Design/methodology/approach

The study involved administering Schutte et al.'s SREIT test to employees engaged in retailing, insurance, banking, tourism, entertainment, professional and public services. Altogether data were collected from a total of 330 survey responses.

Findings

The overall results of the data analysis suggest that twenty two percent of the variance in EI may be explained by the combined effect of personal (occupational choice) and positional factors (managerial level). Contrary to expectations, female gender and boundary‐spanning role responsibilities were not statistically significant in the sample studied.

Practical implications

These findings endorse the validity of incorporating EI interventions alongside the recruitment, selection, and training and development process both of supervisory and non‐supervisory employees who choose to pursue a career in services.

Originality/value

This paper establishes a link between EI, personal‐demographic and positional factors.