bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the triangle of autocracy, oil and foreign powers
Authors: Al-Yousef Yousef Khalifa
Published: February 2011

This article is based on an executive summary of a forthcoming Arabic-language book to be published by the Centre for Arab Unity Studies. It examines the reasons underlying the failure of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to achieve stability and realize their developmental goals, despite their concerted endeavours to do so since the oil boom of the 1970s. This failure is attributable to the fact that these countries have fallen prey to a vicious cycle of autocratic governments, using the oil wealth of their people to stay in power, and which are being supported and maintained by foreign governments – especially the United States and its allies – in return for a share of the oil booty and other concessions. Accordingly, and on the basis of the experiences of these countries over four decades, any change in current conditions is not foreseeable unless the unholy alliance of autocracy, oil, and foreign powers is dismantled and replaced by a system that is more conducive to both prosperity and stability; where autocracy is replaced by a democratic form of government; where the role of oil is transformed into what will engender productive citizens; and where regional integration and co-existence with neighbours replaces foreign presence and the ‘protection’ or destruction that comes in tandem with it.
Human rights in the Arab World (2009–10): the impact of wasted chances and the consecration of human rights violations
Authors: ꜤAwad Muhsin
Published: February 2011

This article is based on the Arab Organization for Human Rights (AOHR) report on the situation of human rights in the Arab World (‘Awad et al. 2010), which was issued in July 2010 and is comprehensive for the period extending from mid-2009 to mid-2010. This connotes a pivotal and decisive period when the Arab nation was obliged to confront critical decisions that will influence the future and the fate of the nation (ummah) for a long time to come.

Across a wide range of pivotal issues central to the Arab nation there have been decisive gains at the level of the right of self-determination in Palestine and Iraq, and at the level of civil peace and territorial integrity in the Sudan, Somalia and Yemen, as well as on reform and democratic transition in many Arab countries. For a very long time there has not ceased to be a choice between development, social policies and Arab economic cooperation in the period between two global crises, the first of which depleted Arab sovereign funds by half and the second of which is brewing ominously on the horizon of the global economy.

This paper tackles the most prominent features of the human rights condition through four main sections: the development of national legislation; political and civil rights; public freedoms; and developmental and environmental challenges and their impact on the implementation of social and economic rights.
Developmental Systems Theory Formulated as a Claim about Inherited Representations
Authors: Shea Nicholas
Published: February 2011

Developmental systems theory (DST) is often dismissed on the basis that the causal indispensability of nongenetic factors in evolution and development has long been appreciated. A reformulation makes a more substantive claim: that the special role played by genes is also played by some (but not all) nongenetic resources. That special role can be captured by Shea's ‘inherited representation’. Formulating DST as the claim that there are nongenetic inherited representations turns it into a striking, empirically testable hypothesis. DST's characteristic rejection of a gene versus environment dichotomy is preserved but without dissolving into an interactionist casual soup, as some have alleged.
Fast linear growth of collisionless double tearing modes in a cylindrical plasma
Authors: Wang Zheng-Xiong , Wei Lai , Wang Xiaogang , Zheng Shu , Liu Yue
Published: February 2011

Scaling laws of fast growth of collisionless double tearing modes in the linear phase are studied numerically by a reduced magnetohydrodynamics model in a cylindrical plasma. It is found that in the case ρs ≪ d
e, with d
e the electron inertial skin depth and ρs the ion sound gyroradius, the scaling of the linear growth rate changes gradually from
to
as the rational surface separation Δr
s increases. In the case d
e ≪ ρs, on the other hand, the scaling shifts gradually from
or
to
or
as Δr
s increases. In the small Δr
s regime, furthermore, it is shown that for short wavelength unstable modes, the scaling on d
e and ρs as their poloidal mode number varies is similar to that as Δr
s does. In addition, ρs is found to play an important role in reducing the scaling dependence on d
e. These numerical scaling laws are testified to be reasonable in comparison with previous analytical theories, based on the similarity of physical characteristics of the same Δ′ categories in tearing modes, where Δ′ is the linear instability parameter for tearing modes. Finally, the characteristics of the second unstable eigenmode with different mode numbers, under the influence of d
e and ρs, are obtained and analysed.
Calculation of the non-inductive current profile in high-performance NSTX plasmas
Authors: Gerhardt S.P. , Fredrickson E. , Gates D. , Kaye S. , Menard J. , Bell M.G. , Bell R.E. , Le Blanc B.P. , Kugel H. , Sabbagh S.A. , Yuh H.
Published: February 2011

The constituents of the current profile have been computed for a wide range of high-performance plasmas in NSTX (Ono et al
2000 Nucl. Fusion
40 557); these include cases designed to maximize the non-inductive fraction, pulse length, toroidal-β or stored energy. In the absence of low-frequency MHD activity, good agreement is found between the reconstructed current profile and that predicted by summing the independently calculated inductive, pressure-driven and neutral beam currents, without the need to invoke any anomalous beam ion diffusion. Exceptions occur, for instance, when there are toroidal Alfvén eigenmode avalanches or coupled m/n = 1/1 + 2/1 kink-tearing modes. In these cases, the addition of a spatially and temporally dependent fast-ion diffusivity can reduce the core beam current drive, restoring agreement between the reconstructed profile and the summed constituents, as well as bringing better agreement between the simulated and measured neutron emission rate. An upper bound on the fast-ion diffusivity of ∼0.5–1 m2 s−1 is found in ‘MHD-free’ discharges, based on the neutron emission, the time rate of change in the neutron signal when a neutral beam is stepped and reconstructed on-axis current density.
Lattice models of nonequilibrium bacterial dynamics
Authors: Thompson A G , Tailleur J , Cates M E , Blythe R A
Published: February 2011

We study a model of self-propelled particles exhibiting run-and-tumble dynamics on a
lattice. This non-Brownian diffusion is characterized by a random walk with a finite
persistence length between changes of direction and is inspired by the motion of bacteria
such as E. coli. By defining a class of models with multiple species of particles and
transmutation between species we can recreate such dynamics. These models admit exact
analytical results whilst also forming a counterpart to previous continuum models of
run-and-tumble dynamics. We solve the externally driven non-interacting and
zero-range versions of the model exactly and utilize a field-theoretic approach to
derive the continuum fluctuating hydrodynamics for more general interactions. We
make contact with prior approaches to run-and-tumble dynamics off lattice and
determine the steady state and linear stability for a class of crowding interactions,
where the jump rate decreases as density increases. In addition to its interest
from the perspective of nonequilibrium statistical mechanics, this lattice model
constitutes an efficient tool to simulate a class of interacting run-and-tumble models
relevant to bacterial motion, so long as certain conditions (that we derive) are
met.
Topology and prediction of RNA pseudoknots
Authors: Reidys Christian M. , Huang Fenix W. D. , Andersen Jørgen E. , Penner Robert C. , Stadler Peter F. , Nebel Markus E.
Published: February 2011

Motivation: Several dynamic programming algorithms for predicting RNA structures with pseudoknots have been proposed that differ dramatically from one another in the classes of structures considered.

Results: Here, we use the natural topological classification of RNA structures in terms of irreducible components that are embeddable in the surfaces of fixed genus. We add to the conventional secondary structures four building blocks of genus one in order to construct certain structures of arbitrarily high genus. A corresponding unambiguous multiple context-free grammar provides an efficient dynamic programming approach for energy minimization, partition function and stochastic sampling. It admits a topology-dependent parametrization of pseudoknot penalties that increases the sensitivity and positive predictive value of predicted base pairs by 10–20% compared with earlier approaches. More general models based on building blocks of higher genus are also discussed.

Availability: The source code of gfold is freely available at http://www.combinatorics.cn/cbpc/gfold.tar.gz.

Contact:  duck@santafe.edu

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Singulisphaera rosea sp. nov., a planctomycete from acidic Sphagnum peat, and emended description of the genus Singulisphaera
Authors: Kulichevskaya Irina S. , Detkova Ekaterina N. , Bodelier Paul L. E. , Rijpstra W. Irene C. , Sinninghe Damsté Jaap S. , Dedysh Svetlana N.
Published: February 2011

An aerobic, pink-pigmented, budding bacterium, designated strain S26T, was isolated from an acidic Sphagnum peat bog of north-western Russia. Cells were non-motile and spherical, occurring singly, in pairs or in short chains, and were able to attach to surfaces by means of a holdfast material. Strain S26T was a moderately acidophilic, mesophilic organism capable of growth at pH 3.2–7.1 (optimum at pH 4.8–5.0) and at 4–33 °C (optimum at 20–26 °C). Most sugars, several organic acids and polyalcohols were the preferred growth substrates. The major fatty acids were C16 : 0, C18 : 1ω9c and C18 : 2ω6c,12c. The major neutral lipids were n-C31 : 9 hydrocarbon and squalene; the polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine and components with an unknown structure. The DNA G+C content of strain S26T was 62.2 mol%. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain S26T is a member of the order Planctomycetales. Among taxonomically characterized representatives of this order, highest levels of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (95.1–95.2 %) were observed with strains of the non-filamentous, peat-inhabiting planctomycete Singulisphaera acidiphila. Strain S26T could be differentiated from Singulisphaera acidiphila based on pigmentation, significant differences in substrate utilization patterns, greater tolerance of acidic conditions and the presence of C16 : 1ω9c. Based on the data presented, strain S26T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Singulisphaera, for which the name Singulisphaera rosea sp. nov. is proposed; the type strain is S26T ( = DSM 23044T = VKM B-2599T).
Tepidibacter mesophilus sp. nov., a mesophilic fermentative anaerobe isolated from soil polluted by crude oil, and emended description of the genus Tepidibacter
Authors: Tan Hai-Qin , Wu Xiao-Yue , Zhang Xin-Qi , Wu Min , Zhu Xu-Fen
Published: February 2011

A mesophilic, aerotolerant, endospore-forming, fermentative bacterium, designated strain B1T, was isolated from soil polluted by crude oil in the Karamay Oil Field, China. Cells were Gram-positive, rod-shaped, 1.1–1.6 µm wide and 2.3–4.7 µm long, and were motile by means of peritrichous flagella. Growth occurred at 10–40 °C and pH 6.0–8.9; optimal growth occurred at 28–32 °C and pH 7.3. The optimal concentrations of NaCl and sea salts for growth were 0.5 and 1 % (w/v), respectively. The strain was halotolerant and grew in the presence of NaCl or sea salts up to a concentration of 9 % (w/v). Substrates utilized as sole carbon sources were beef extract, yeast extract, peptone, tryptone, casein, d-glucose, d-fructose, d-xylose, d-ribose, d-galactose, maltose, l-rhamnose, trehalose, l-valine, dl-alanine plus l-proline and dl-alanine plus l-glycine. The main products of glucose fermentation were ethanol and acetate. iso-C15 : 0, iso-C14 : 0, C16 : 0 and iso-C13 : 0 were the major fatty acids. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that the isolate belongs to the genus Tepidibacter, showing 94.7 and 94.1 % similarity to the type strains of Tepidibacter formicigenes and Tepidibacter thalassicus, respectively. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain B1T was 29.8 mol%. On the basis of its phenotypic and genotypic properties, strain B1T is suggested to represent a novel species of the genus Tepidibacter, for which the name Tepidibacter mesophilus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is B1T ( = CGMCC 1.5148T  = JCM 16806T).
Bacillus purgationiresistans sp. nov., isolated from a drinking-water treatment plant
Authors: Vaz-Moreira Ivone , Figueira Vânia , Lopes Ana R. , Lobo-da-Cunha Alexandre , Spröer Cathrin , Schumann Peter , Nunes Olga C. , Manaia Célia M.
Published: February 2011

A Gram-positive, aerobic, non-motile, endospore-forming rod, designated DS22T, was isolated from a drinking-water treatment plant. Cells were catalase- and oxidase-positive. Growth occurred at 15–37 °C, at pH 7–10 and with <8 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum growth: 30 °C, pH 7–8 and 1–3 % NaCl). The major respiratory quinone was menaquinone 7, the G+C content of the genomic DNA was 36.5 mol% and the cell wall contained meso-diaminopimelic acid. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain DS22T was a member of the genus Bacillus. Its closest phylogenetic neighbours were Bacillus horneckiae NRRL B-59162T (98.5 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity), Bacillus oceanisediminis H2T (97.9 %), Bacillus infantis SMC 4352-1T (97.4 %), Bacillus firmus IAM 12464T (96.8 %) and Bacillus muralis LMG 20238T (96.8 %). DNA–DNA hybridization, and biochemical and physiological characterization allowed the differentiation of strain DS22T from its closest phylogenetic neighbours. The data supports the proposal of a novel species, Bacillus purgationiresistans sp. nov.; the type strain is DS22T ( = DSM 23494T = NRRL B-59432T = LMG 25783T).
Meiothermus hypogaeus sp. nov., a moderately thermophilic bacterium isolated from a hot spring
Authors: Mori Koji , Iino Takao , Ishibashi Jun-ichiro , Kimura Hiroyuki , Hamada Moriyuki , Suzuki Ken-ichiro
Published: February 2011

A novel moderately thermophilic, red-pigmented bacterium, designated strain AZM34c11T, was isolated from the bottom of a 1000 m-deep drilled well located in a Japanese hot spring. Cells were Gram-negative and grew optimally at 50 °C, at pH 7.6 and with 0–0.3 % (w/v) NaCl. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that the isolate belonged to the genusMeiothermus. Levels of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between strain AZM34c11Tand the type strains of recognizedMeiothermusspecies were 88.2–94.8 %. Strain AZM34c11Twas distinguished from recognizedMeiothermusspecies by its cellular fatty acid profile: iso-C16 : 0was one of the predominant components and hydroxy fatty acids were present only in trace amounts. The strain could also be differentiated based on its growth substrate preferences and characteristic enzyme reactions. On the basis of these results, strain AZM34c11Tis considered to represent a novel species of the genusMeiothermus, for which the nameMeiothermus hypogaeussp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is AZM34c11T( = NBRC 106114T = DSM 23238T).
Marinobacter adhaerens sp. nov., isolated from marine aggregates formed with the diatom Thalassiosira weissflogii
Authors: Kaeppel Eva C. , Gärdes Astrid , Seebah Shalin , Grossart Hans-Peter , Ullrich Matthias S.
Published: February 2011

A Gram-negative, motile, rod-shaped bacterial strain, HP15T, was isolated from aggregates taken from surface waters of the German Wadden Sea (German Bight). Of 82 marine isolates, HP15T was chosen for further study because of its high potential to induce production of transparent exopolymeric particles and aggregate formation while interacting with the diatom Thalassiosira weissflogii. HP15T grew optimally at 34–38 °C and pH 7.0–8.5, and was able to tolerate salt concentrations of 0.5–20 % (w/v) NaCl. HP15T was characterized chemotaxonomically by possessing ubiquinone-9 as the major respiratory lipoquinone, as well as C16 : 0, C18 : 1ω9c and C16 : 1ω7c/iso-C15 : 0 2-OH as the predominant fatty acids. The DNA G+C content of strain HP15T was 56.9 mol%. The closest relative based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis was the type strain of Marinobacter flavimaris, with 99 % similarity. Whole-genome relatedness values of HP15T to the type strains of M. flavimaris, Marinobacter salsuginis, Marinobacter lipolyticus and Marinobacter algicola were less than 70 %, as determined by DNA–DNA hybridization. On the basis of phenotypic and chemotaxonomic properties as well as phylogenetic analyses, the isolate represents a novel species, Marinobacter adhaerens sp. nov.; the type strain is HP15T ( = DSM 23420T = CIP 110141T).
vanishing tassel2Encodes a Grass-Specific Tryptophan Aminotransferase Required for Vegetative and Reproductive Development in Maize
Authors: Phillips Kimberly A. , Skirpan Andrea L. , Liu Xing , Christensen Ashley , Slewinski Thomas L. , Hudson Christopher , Barazesh Solmaz , Cohen Jerry D. , Malcomber Simon , McSteen Paula
Published: February 2011

Auxin plays a fundamental role in organogenesis in plants. Multiple pathways for auxin biosynthesis have been proposed, but none of the predicted pathways are completely understood. Here, we report the positional cloning and characterization of the vanishing tassel2 (vt2) gene of maize (Zea mays). Phylogenetic analyses indicate that vt2 is a co-ortholog of TRYPTOPHAN AMINOTRANSFERASE OF ARABIDOPSIS1 (TAA1), which converts Trp to indole-3-pyruvic acid in one of four hypothesized Trp-dependent auxin biosynthesis pathways. Unlike single mutations in TAA1, which cause subtle morphological phenotypes in Arabidopsis thaliana, vt2 mutants have dramatic effects on vegetative and reproductive development. vt2 mutants share many similarities with sparse inflorescence1 (spi1) mutants in maize. spi1 is proposed to encode an enzyme in the tryptamine pathway for Trp-dependent auxin biosynthesis, although this biochemical activity has recently been questioned. Surprisingly, spi1  vt2 double mutants had only a slightly more severe phenotype than vt2 single mutants. Furthermore, both spi1 and vt2 single mutants exhibited a reduction in free auxin levels, but the spi1 vt2 double mutants did not have a further reduction compared with vt2 single mutants. Therefore, both spi1 and vt2 function in auxin biosynthesis in maize, possibly in the same pathway rather than independently as previously proposed.
Stability analysis of liquid hydrogen turbopump‐seal rotor system with internal damping
Authors: Bai Changqing , Xu Qinyu
Published: February 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the dynamic stability of liquid hydrogen turbopump rotor system in rocket engine under the effects of seal and internal rotor damping.

Design/methodology/approach

The dynamic modeling of a liquid hydrogen turbopump rotor system in rocket engine is presented in this paper with the aid of the finite element technique. The mathematical model takes into account the seal hydrodynamic forces described by Muszynska model and the internal rotor damping, viscous damping, and hysteretic damping. The shooting method and Floquet theory are employed to investigate the effects of seal and internal rotor damping on the nonlinear dynamic stability of two turbopump designs, the original and the modified design with a flexible bearing support.

Findings

The numerical results, which are in good agreement with test data, show that the destabilizing effect of internal rotor damping play a key role in the original design. In the modified design, the stability margins are enhanced and the vibration response levels are minimized. The onset speed of instability increases in original design and decreases in modified design as the effects of seal nonlinearities are considered. The predicted results indicate that the seals have a great destabilizing effect in the modified design and the turbine end bearing is the most dangerous hardware in both designs. The system stability analysis shows that the effect of seal length on the system stability is significant comparing with that of seal radius.

Practical implications

The results can be used in the design and operation of a liquid hydrogen turbopump rotor system to improve its stability performance and eliminate its subsynchronous problem.

Originality/value

Since seal and internal damping are two key destabilizing factors in liquid hydrogen turbopumps and the seal nonlinearities are inevitable, the use of nonlinear theory to study their effects on nonlinear stability and dynamic performance can lead to accurate prediction and explain the nature of the subsynchronous motion.
Application of MAO‐processed ceramic layer in micro thrusters
Authors: Kang Xiaoming , Xin Tiezhu , Jin Feng , Dong Lei , Zhao Wansheng
Published: February 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose and assess the possibility of using ceramic coating layer as a heat‐resistant material in micro solid propellant thruster.

Design/methodology/approach

A ceramic layer is coated on the inner surface of the combustor of a micro thruster by applying micro‐arc oxidation (MAO) technology. The thermal property of the coating is analyzed with laser pulse method. To evaluate the heat‐resistant performance of the coating, the temperature history of the micro thruster inner surface is experimentally tested and recorded in a water thermostat bath. A numerical simulation of the thruster working condition is also carried out.

Findings

Both experimental and simulation results reveal that the heat‐resistant ability of the coating processed by MAO is proven to be effective.

Practical implications

This paper attempts to help designers choose material processing technology to improve micro solid propellant thruster heat‐resistant ability.

Originality/value

The paper shows that with a ceramic coating layer processed with MAO, aluminium can sustain higher temperature and it can be used as the structural material for short‐time‐work micro thruster.
A SINS/CNS deep integrated navigation method based on mathematical horizon reference
Authors: Xiaojuan Wu , Xinlong Wang
Published: February 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to overcome the limitations of existing celestial horizon references, and improve the navigation accuracy of the strap‐down inertial navigation system/celestial navigation system (SINS/CNS) integrated system with an innovative scheme of deep integration.

Design/methodology/approach

First, a novel conception of mathematical horizon reference (MHR) provided by the strap‐down matrix of SINS is proposed. Then, the realization mechanism of the MHR‐based vertical vector is introduced from the viewpoint of vector rotation. Moreover, the MHR implementation scheme of high precision and reliability is presented, and on this basis, the method which utilizes vertical vector to achieve celestial navigation is introduced. In addition, with considering the characteristics of SINS and the MHR‐based CNS, the SINS/CNS deep integrated navigation system and its specific realization are proposed. Finally, simulation tests are implemented to validate this SINS/CNS deep integrated navigation method.

Findings

The innovative SINS/CNS deep integrated system could make full use of SINS and CNS navigation information to achieve higher navigation accuracy for the long‐duration and high‐altitude vehicles.

Originality/value

This paper provides a novel realization method of high precision MHR and the MHR‐based SINS/CNS deep integration.
Vibrational genetic algorithm enhanced with neural networks in RCS problems
Authors: Volkan Pehlivanoglu Y. , Baysal Oktay
Published: February 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a new genetic optimization strategy which provides computationally more efficient and accurate solutions, and to provide practically applicable optimization method in radar cross‐section (RCS) minimization problems.

Design/methodology/approach

The problem of RCS minimization for three‐dimensional air vehicle is considered. New computationally efficient optimization tool; neural networks (NNs) coupled multi‐frequency vibrational genetic algorithm (NN‐coupled VGAm) is based on genetic algorithm (GA) search strategy together with NNs. The results include RCS minimization problem of an air vehicle under structural and aero dynamical‐related geometry constraints.

Findings

For the demonstration problem considered, remarkable reduction in the computational time has been accomplished.

Research limitations/implications

The results reported in this paper suggest an efficient GA optimization methodology for engineering problems.

Originality/value

Owing to reduction in computational time, the new method provides a shorter design cycle for engineering problems.
Journal‐ranking lists and the academic librarian
Authors: Bales Stephen , Sare Laura , Coker Catherine , vanDuinkerken Wyoma
Published: February 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the use of journal‐ranking lists for academic librarian promotion and tenure (P&T) decision.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a case study, the researchers analyzed a proposed journal‐ranking list created for P&T decisions. A quantitative analysis of peer‐reviewed journal articles was performed to support this analysis.

Findings

The paper shows that the use of journal‐ranking lists for P&T decisions inadequately conflates academic librarians with teaching faculty members.

Research limitations/implications

The study relied primarily on a single case study, so it may not be scientifically generalized.

Social implications

This study identifies journal‐ranking lists as an inadequate tool for the evaluation of academic librarians and encourages action to divorce the valuation of intellectual achievement from quantitative structures.

Originality/value

The analysis of the quantitative/metric underpinnings of intellectual labor in higher education is necessary for academic freedom.
What are we really doing to market electronic resources?
Authors: Kennedy Marie
Published: February 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to identify which marketing activities libraries are using to promote electronic resources and to examine how libraries are measuring the successes or failures of their marketing plans.

Design/methodology/approach

The research analyzes the literature published in library science on marketing techniques for electronic resources in use at libraries; the corpus is composed of 24 documents published from 1994‐2009. The literature is qualitatively analyzed to determine the techniques in use, the libraries' goals, targeted groups, budgets, and assessments of their marketing plans.

Findings

A total of 38 unique marketing techniques were discovered in the 24 documents consulted for this research. The four most popular techniques were patron training in a group setting, flyers/brochures, e‐mails to patrons, and surveys. Libraries were generally unclear about stating the goals for their marketing plans but were able to easily identify the target of their marketing efforts. Budgeting was inconsistent among libraries included in this research; nine libraries reported having either no budget for marketing or did not mention budgeting in the article. Assessment was the weakest part of the marketing plans, with four libraries not documenting an awareness of the need for assessment and seven libraries noting an understanding of the need to evaluate their plan but unsure how to do so.

Originality/value

Based on the analysis the paper makes it clear that as libraries engage in marketing activities, they should make themselves aware of general principles before beginning their plan. Special focus should be given to selecting activities that match the goals of the marketing plan and choosing an appropriate evaluation technique before beginning the marketing activities.
Retaining academic librarians: by chance or by design?
Authors: Strothmann Molly , Angie Ohler Lila
Published: February 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to examine the direct and indirect strategies that academic libraries currently use to retain librarians and the levels of satisfaction librarians express about those strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

The study consisted of a 23‐item survey, administered online to current academic librarians. In total, 895 viable responses were received.

Findings

Respondents reported that initiatives related to professional development are the most widely available type. Respondents expressed satisfaction with most of the initiatives available to them and general agreement with positive workplace environment statements; however, administrators were substantially more satisfied than employees in other positions. Few indicated that their libraries had adopted a formal retention program, implying that the reported retention strategies are generally seen as serving another purpose.

Research limitations/implications

As little previous research has been conducted on this topic, this study is inherently exploratory. The list of potential retention initiatives studied represented a wide range of strategies suggested by the literature, but it could not be exhaustive, nor can it account for variations in individuals' preferences and priorities. Factors that may contribute to employee retention usually have multiple purposes, making it difficult to state confidently whether retention is their goal. This paper questions whether retention is approached intentionally or incidentally, a worthwhile area for future study.

Practical implications

Understanding current retention strategies and librarians' attitudes toward them should help library administrators to plan future retention efforts in a more deliberate way.

Originality/value

A number of articles have described the importance of retention and provided advice on encouraging it. This paper is unique in examining how that advice has been implemented throughout the field of academic librarianship.
Employability skills of LIS graduates in Pakistan: needs and expectations
Authors: Fatima Warraich Nosheen , Ameen Kanwal
Published: February 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the opinion of young and senior library and information science (LIS) professionals in Pakistan on LIS curricula and its relevance to market needs to enhance employability.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed research method was used to collect data from professionals through two questionnaires, focus group and personal experiences.

Findings

The findings reveal that the LIS curriculum offered at the University of the Punjab (PU) is up to date and well designed but it is not fully meeting the needs of young graduates and employers. Both groups were dissatisfied with employability skills due to lack of implementation of LIS curricula and shortage of specialized faculty members at the time of data collection in May 2008. The employers complained of weak communication, practical and presentation skills. They expect graduates with more multidimensional and market oriented skills. However, the school takes a lead in introducing new curricula among the rest.

Research limitations/implications

The paper only focuses on the graduates of Department of LIS, University of the Punjab, among the eight library schools in Pakistan.

Practical implications

The study divulges very valuable information for the planning and revision of the LIS curriculum and change in teaching practices in all eight library schools of Pakistan. It will also be helpful for LIS graduates to learn more market oriented and multi dimensional skills to meet the changing demands of the information marketplace and enhance their employability.

Originality/value

This is first ever study in any library school of Pakistan about the employability skills of its graduates.
Robots in the nuclear industry: a review of technologies and applications
Authors: Bogue Robert
Published: February 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the uses of robots in the nuclear power industry, with an emphasis on newer developments and applications.

Design/methodology/approach

Following an introduction to the nuclear industry, this paper considers robotic applications in two areas: test and inspection and decommissioning. A range of products, applications and case histories are discussed.

Findings

It is shown that robots are used widely for test and inspection and decommissioning tasks. The majority are highly specialised and are frequently produced by specialist nuclear engineering companies. The main robotic test and inspection techniques are visual inspection, ultrasonics and eddy current and the use of robots reflects both the need to minimise operator exposure to radiation and the frequent difficulties in accessing critical components such as pressure vessel welds and steam generator tubes. Key decommissioning uses include handling and size reduction of contaminated materials, cutting and demolition.

Originality/value

This paper provides details of inspection and decommissioning robots in the nuclear power industry.
How to ensure stable motion of suspended wheeled mobile robots
Authors: Alipour Khalil , Moosavian S. Ali A.
Published: February 2011

Purpose

A suspended wheeled mobile robot (SWMR) that consists of one or more manipulators can be exploited in various environmental conditions such as uneven surfaces. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the requirements for stable motion planning of such robotic systems to perform heavy object manipulation tasks.

Design/methodology/approach

First, a systematic procedure for dynamics modelling of such complicated systems for planar motion is presented and verified using ADAMS simulation software. Next, based on the new dynamic moment‐height stability (MHS) measure, the stability of such systems will be investigated using the obtained dynamics. To this end, introducing the concept of a virtual frame, the obtained model of SWMR has been employed for investigating the effect of the base suspension characteristics as well as terrain roughness on the stability of the system. Next, the stability evaluation of the system is investigated after toppling down which has been rarely addressed in the literature. In addition, using the aforementioned model, the effect of stiffness is examined after instability.

Findings

First, a systematic procedure for dynamics modelling of such complicated systems for planar motion is presented and verified using ADAMS simulation software. Next, based on the new dynamic MHS measure, the stability of such systems will be investigated using the obtained dynamics. To this end, introducing the concept of a virtual frame, the obtained model of SWMR has been employed for investigating the effect of the base suspension characteristics as well as terrain roughness on the stability of the system. Next, the stability evaluation of the system is investigated after toppling down which has been rarely addressed in the literature. In addition, using the aforementioned model, the effect of stiffness is examined after instability.

Originality/value

A general procedure for dynamics modelling of SWMRs is presented. To verify the obtained dynamics model, another model for the considered system has been developed by ADAMS software. Next, using the obtained dynamics, the postural stability of such systems is investigated, based on the new postural MHS measure extended for SWMRs. The obtained simulation results show that by decreasing the stiffness coefficients of suspension subsystem the stability of the system weakens.
Human motion capture sensors and analysis in robotics
Authors: Field Matthew , Pan Zengxi , Stirling David , Naghdy Fazel
Published: February 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of various motion capture technologies and discuss the methods for handling the captured data in applications related to robotics.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach taken in the paper is to compare the features and limitations of motion trackers in common use. After introducing the technology, a summary is given of robotic‐related work undertaken with the sensors and the strengths of different approaches in handling the data are discussed. Each comparison is presented in a table. Results from the author's experimentation with an inertial motion capture system are discussed based on clustering and segmentation techniques.

Findings

The trend in methodology is towards stochastic machine learning techniques such as hidden Markov model or Gaussian mixture model, their extensions in hierarchical forms and non‐linear dimension reduction. The resulting empirical models tend to handle uncertainty well and are suitable for incrementally updating models. The challenges in human‐robot interaction today include expanding upon generalising motions to understand motion planning and decisions and build ultimately context aware systems.

Originality/value

Reviews including descriptions of motion trackers and recent methodologies used in analyzing the data they capture are not very common. Some exist, as has been pointed out in the paper, but this review concentrates more on applications in the robotics field. There is value in regularly surveying the research areas considered in this paper due to the rapid progress in sensors and especially data modeling.
Coordination control of dual‐arm modular robot based on position feedback using Optotrak3020
Authors: Zhou Jun , Yu Yueqing
Published: February 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a novel and accurate coordination control method of dual‐arm modular robot based on position feedback using 3D motion measurement system – Optotrak3020. The end‐position accuracy of dual‐arm modular robot can be improved obviously.

Design/methodology/approach

By means of Optotrak3020, the actual end‐position of dual‐arm modular robot is acquired and then returned to the robotic controllers, so the corresponding position error compensation is implemented. Through a 3D simulation and experiment of dual‐arm modular robot for tracking a trajectory of plane right triangle, the feasibility and validity of this control strategy are verified.

Findings

The coordination control of dual‐arm modular robot based on position feedback can be accomplished by means of Optotrak3020. The dual‐arm modular robot can accurately accomplish the task of positioning or tracking a reference trajectory.

Practical implications

This real‐time position feedback control method with high control accuracy can be implemented on a PowerCube dual‐arm modular robot system. This method also can be applied to other dual‐arm robot systems, such as mobile robot with dual‐arm, humanoid robot.

Originality/value

The coordination control method of dual‐arm modular robot is presented based on end‐position feedback using Optotrak3020 motion measurement system. The platforms of simulation, communication and experiment are developed, respectively.
Real‐time collision avoidance algorithm for robotic manipulators
Authors: Bosscher Paul , Hedman Daniel
Published: February 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an algorithm for performing collision avoidance with robotic manipulators.

Design/methodology/approach

The method does not require any a priori knowledge of the motion of other objects in its environment. Moreover, it is computationally efficient enough to be implemented in real time. This is achieved by constructing limitations on the motion of a manipulator in terms of its allowable instantaneous velocity. Potential collisions and joint limits are formulated as linear inequality constraints. Selection of the optimal velocity is formulated as a convex optimization and is solved using an interior point method.

Findings

Experimental results with two industrial arms verify the effectiveness of the method and illustrate its ability to easily handle many simultaneous potential collisions.

Originality/value

The resulting algorithm allows arbitrary motions commanded to the robot to be modified on‐line in order to guarantee optimal real‐time collision avoidance behaviors.
Reconfiguring the sociology of the crowd: exploring crowdsourcing
Authors: Wexler Mark N.
Published: February 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the manner in which advocates of crowdsourcing reconfigure the classical sociological treatment of the crowd.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach taken conceives of the semantics of crowd theorizing in three phases, each of which makes sense of the power dynamics between the elite and the crowd. In phases one and two, the crowd is conceptualized as a problem generator; in phase three, the crowd is depicted as a problem solver and innovator.

Findings

This paper provides a critical look at phase three crowd theorizing. It explores how, by ignoring the disruptive power dynamic, crowdsourcing generates a credible image of the crowd as an innovator and problem solver. The work concludes with a discussion of the implications of phase three crowd theorizing for researchers in sociology.

Practical implications

Advocates of the wisdom of crowds, if interested in the sociological implications of their position, must attend to both the disruptive and costly implications of third phase crowd theorizing.

Originality/value

This paper maps the crowdsourcing process and places it in context. It argues that the distance between the classical social scientific treatment of the crowd is not nearly as great as crowdsourcing advocates would have one believe. Nevertheless, phase three crowd theorizing opens up sociologically relevant questions regarding the future portrayal of collective intelligence as a form of virtual property.
Undocumented worker transitions: family migration
Authors: Paraskevopoulou Anna
Published: February 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss family migration through the findings of the undocumented worker transitions (UWT) European Union funded, sixth framework project, which was completed in February 2009.

Design/methodology/approach

Focusing on results from 211 interviews across seven European countries, together with the current literature on the subject, the paper identifies types of family migration and examines the implications of migration policies and measures in relation to family life and the position of individuals within it, such as women, children or the older people. The paper argues that family‐related reasons often play a central role in the decision to migrate and shape employment experiences.

Findings

Independent of restrictions imposed by various states to control migration, family‐related migration does occur in destinations considered to provide economic prosperity (or survival) with the help of social networks and often with the intention of settling permanently/semi‐permanently in the host state. Status shift towards irregularity often translates to a more vulnerable position in the labour market, inviting exploitation and worsening of the working conditions as a result of precarious employment conditions.

Social implications

The paper concludes that greater protection (in terms of status) and encouragement (in terms of involvement in the civic society) is needed for migrant families in order to enable integration and combat future disadvantage and discrimination that might be experienced by this group.

Originality/value

The paper places emphasis on irregular migrants, as research in this area is limited. The work is also original as it is based on primary research on the experiences of undocumented migrants in seven European countries.
Festo drives automation forwards
Authors: Wilson Mike
Published: February 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the latest developments, both in terms of products and manufacturing, of the Festo company.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a result of a visit made to Festo and also the Motek show in 2010.

Findings

Festo is developing new products which will not only enable new applications for automation, but also challenge the traditional approach of applying standard robots or gantries.

Originality/value

The paper provides an overview of the latest Festo developments highlighting their importance.
Petri net versus queuing theory for evaluation of FMS
Authors: Ullah Hamid
Published: February 2011

Purpose

Petri net (PN) and queuing theory are used in performance analysis of a flexible manufacturing system (FMS). They are used to determine the FMS measures of performance. These measures of performance include optimal work‐in‐process (WIP), lead time, production rate, machine utilization, and number of servers at each station. The purpose of this paper is to present a comparison between PN and queuing network tools to determine the optimum values for FMS measures of performance.

Design/methodology/approach

PN model with dual kanban and closed queuing network are used for analysis and performance evaluation of FMS. Integrated network analyzer and Lingo softwares are used for performance evaluation of FMS by PN tool. CANQ software is used for performance evaluation of FMS by queuing network. In both the approaches, the throughput is bounded by the utilization of the bottleneck machines.

Findings

The comparison shows that for the given number of servers, PN gives better values of performance measures for FMS. The PN optimization gives minimum WIP corresponding to the maximum production rate. Minimum WIP leads to minimum lead time.

Research limitations/implications

The results are concluded based on one case study. In future research, the results may be achieved by doing more case studies with different numbers of system parameters and/or parameter settings.

Practical implications

Using the PN model, the production manager may design, analyze, evaluate, and even optimize the layout of the production system for minimum WIP, maximum throughput, and reduced lead time. The determination of the total WIP, total number of stations in the production system, and the number of servers at each station may be helpful in shop floor management. It may result in more production efficiency along with ease of supervision.

Originality/value

This paper presents a first novel comparison of its kind between PN and queuing network for evaluation of FMS.