bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Israeli-Lebanese war of 2006: the international repercussions
Authors: Nafaa Hassan
Published: May 2008

This article deals with the international repercussions of the recent Israeli attack on Lebanon, and the way in which it differs from previous Arab-Israeli wars. The first part addresses the root causes of the conflict and considers the reasons that made the war on Lebanon a joint American–Israeli–European–United Nations war. The second part looks at the political management of the war and the steps that led to the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, and the various aspects of this resolution. The third assesses the war’s international repercussions by looking at the potential positions of the world’s major powers vis-a` -vis obstacles that could impede the implementation of the resolution.
The Israeli war on Lebanon: the Arab dimension
Authors: Ahmad Ahmad Yousef
Published: May 2008

The article offers a comprehensive review of Arab attitudes toward the war, distinguishing between official Arab positions, initially hostile towards and critical of Hezbollah, and Arab public opinion. The latter endorsed the resistance enthusiastically and was vindicated by Hezbollah’s strong performance on the battlefield, to the embarrassment of Arab governments. The article also addresses the various repercussions on official Arab positions, the Arab public, Iraq, Arab national security, and the future of the Arab–Israeli conflict.
Talking with Islamists: an overdue task or an exercise in appeasement?
Authors: Crooke Alastair
Published: May 2008

The article exposes the stereotypes most prevalent in the West about Islamists. The gist of its argument is that the West must talk to Islamists if some form of mutual understanding is to take place. Refusing dialogue under the pretext of stereotypes will not contribute to a resolution of conflicts in the Middle East. The author stresses the need to look into other people’s languages, especially those of the Middle East, in order to understand what drives and motivates them. Language is the key to understanding people’s thinking and the West has not done enough in that respect.
Peace in Lebanon and the Middle East
Authors: Hoss Salim El
Published: May 2008

Lebanon has never experienced an extended interval of sustainable peace since its independence. In 1975, Lebanon was the scene of a civil war. In 1982, a full-scale war was mounted by Israel. In the process massacres were perpetrated by the Israelis. The current crisis has been punctuated by momentous tragic events which brought salient changes in the sordid course of life in the country, unleashing a prolonged cabinet crisis, and finally an intricate, highly critical discord over the election of a new president. It was no accident that so many spots of tension are boiling at the same time in the Middle East in Lebanon, in Palestine, in Iraq, and in Sudan. The conventional wisdom is that, in the final analysis, Palestine lies at the core of all the mayhem. The linkage between the repeated Lebanese crises and the Palestinian issue is only too obvious. The proclivity of Arab officialdom is to negotiate within the context of what is known as the Arab initiative. The Euro– American declared position is that any negotiations should be conducted in accordance with the Road Map sponsored by the Quartet. Both initiatives leave a lot to be desired.
You Wrote It; You Own It!
Authors: Hill Emma , Rossner Mike
Published: May 2008

Authors of papers published in Rockefeller University Press journals (The Journal of Cell Biology, The Journal of Experimental Medicine, or The Journal of General Physiology) now retain copyright to their published work. This permits authors to reuse their own work in any way, as long as they attribute it to the original publication. Third parties may use our published materials under a Creative Commons license, six months after publication.
An efficient method to identify differentially expressed genes in microarray experiments
Authors: Qin Huaizhen , Feng Tao , Harding Scott A. , Tsai Chung-Jui , Zhang Shuanglin
Published: May 2008

Motivation: Microarray experiments typically analyze thousands to tens of thousands of genes from small numbers of biological replicates. The fact that genes are normally expressed in functionally relevant patterns suggests that gene-expression data can be stratified and clustered into relatively homogenous groups. Cluster-wise dimensionality reduction should make it feasible to improve screening power while minimizing information loss.

Results: We propose a powerful and computationally simple method for finding differentially expressed genes in small microarray experiments. The method incorporates a novel stratification-based tight clustering algorithm, principal component analysis and information pooling. Comprehensive simulations show that our method is substantially more powerful than the popular SAM and eBayes approaches. We applied the method to three real microarray datasets: one from a Populus nitrogen stress experiment with 3 biological replicates; and two from public microarray datasets of human cancers with 10 to 40 biological replicates. In all three analyses, our method proved more robust than the popular alternatives for identification of differentially expressed genes.

Availability: The C++ code to implement the proposed method is available upon request for academic use.

Contact:  shuzhang@mtu.edu

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
DAnTE: a statistical tool for quantitative analysis of -omics data
Authors: Polpitiya Ashoka D. , Qian Wei-Jun , Jaitly Navdeep , Petyuk Vladislav A. , Adkins Joshua N. , Camp David G. , Anderson Gordon A. , Smith Richard D.
Published: May 2008

Summary: Data Analysis Tool Extension (DAnTE) is a statistical tool designed to address challenges associated with quantitative bottom-up, shotgun proteomics data. This tool has also been demonstrated for microarray data and can easily be extended to other high-throughput data types. DAnTE features selected normalization methods, missing value imputation algorithms, peptide-to-protein rollup methods, an extensive array of plotting functions and a comprehensive hypothesis-testing scheme that can handle unbalanced data and random effects. The graphical user interface (GUI) is designed to be very intuitive and user friendly.

Availability: DAnTE may be downloaded free of charge at http://omics.pnl.gov/software/

Contact:  rds@pnl.gov or proteomics@pnl.gov

Supplementary information: An example dataset with instructions on how to perform a series of analysis steps is available at http://omics.pnl.gov/software/
quantiNemo: an individual-based program to simulate quantitative traits with explicit genetic architecture in a dynamic metapopulation
Authors: Neuenschwander Samuel , Hospital Frédéric , Guillaume Frédéric , Goudet Jérôme
Published: May 2008

Summary: quantiNemo is an individual-based, genetically explicit stochastic simulation program. It was developed to investigate the effects of selection, mutation, recombination and drift on quantitative traits with varying architectures in structured populations connected by migration and located in a heterogeneous habitat. quantiNemo is highly flexible at various levels: population, selection, trait(s) architecture, genetic map for QTL and/or markers, environment, demography, mating system, etc. quantiNemo is coded in C++ using an object-oriented approach and runs on any computer platform.

Availability: Executables for several platforms, user's manual, and source code are freely available under the GNU General Public License at http://www2.unil.ch/popgen/softwares/quantinemo

Contact:  samuel.neuenschwander@unil.ch
In Vitro Anti‐Plasmodial Activity of Trigonella foenum–graecum L.
Authors: Palaniswamy M. , Pradeep B. V. , Sathya R. , Angayarkanni J.
Published: May 2008

Developing countries, where malaria is one of the most prevalent diseases, still rely on traditional medicine as a source for the treatment of this disease. For the present study, Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (fenugreek) were collected from Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India. The test plant has been used in India by traditional healers for the treatment of fever as well as other diseases. The active principle was extracted out in different solvent systems to assess the anti‐plasmodial potential, with an aim that they can further be utilized to formulate drugs. In vitro anti‐plasmodial assay of the extracted fractions of fenugreek leaves was carried out using laboratory adapted chloroquine sensitive and resistant Plasmodium falciparum isolates. Schizont maturation inhibition assay was adopted to analyze the potential of the extracts. Ethanol extract (50%) seemed to possess profound anti‐plasmodial activity with IC50 value of 8.75 ± 0.35 µg ml−1 and 10.25 ± 0.35 µg ml−1 against chloroquine sensitive and resistant P. falciparum isolates, respectively. Among the investigated six fractions of the plant extracts, two were found to have significant anti‐plasmodial activity with IC50 values <10 µg ml−1, namely ethanol and butanol extracts. Two extracts chloroform and ethyl acetate showed moderate activity with IC50 values ranging from 10 to 20 µg ml−1, and the other two extracts, hexane and water appeared to be inactive with IC50 values >85 µg ml−1. In addition, preliminary phytochemical screening of the various extracts indicated the presence of alkaloids, saponin, tannin like phenolic compounds, flavonoids and steroids.
The Fandango Scene in Mozart'sLe nozze di Figaro
Authors: Link Dorothea
Published: May 2008

This article concerns the use of dance in the Act 3 finale of Mozart'sLe nozze di Figaro, starting from the problem articulated by Alan Tyson in hisMozart: Studies of the Autograph Scores.Tyson points out that the absence of the fandango from the Viennese musical sources is at odds with Da Ponte's statement that the dance scene was restored at the emperor's command. New evidence shows that the fandango was performed for the three performances that constituted a première at this time in Vienna and was then removed from the score. However, before its removal, the score with the fandango intact was copied for at least one other theatre, hence accounting for the two versions that circulated through Europe. The article goes on to consider the dramatic function of the fandango by exploring the nature of the dance itself and examining the stage directions in the autograph in combination with those in Beaumarchais's play, several early librettos and editions, and the original first-desk first-violin part.
A systematic analysis of intronic sequences downstream of 5′ splice sites reveals a widespread role for U-rich motifs and TIA1/TIAL1 proteins in alternative splicing regulation
Authors: Aznarez Isabel , Barash Yoseph , Shai Ofer , He David , Zielenski Julian , Tsui Lap-Chee , Parkinson John , Frey Brendan J. , Rommens Johanna M. , Blencowe Benjamin J.
Published: May 2008

To identify human intronic sequences associated with 5′ splice site recognition, we performed a systematic search for motifs enriched in introns downstream of both constitutive and alternative cassette exons. Significant enrichment was observed for U-rich motifs within 100 nucleotides downstream of 5′ splice sites of both classes of exons, with the highest enrichment between positions +6 and +30. Exons adjacent to U-rich intronic motifs contain lower frequencies of exonic splicing enhancers and higher frequencies of exonic splicing silencers, compared with exons not followed by U-rich intronic motifs. These findings motivated us to explore the possibility of a widespread role for U-rich motifs in promoting exon inclusion. Since cytotoxic granule-associated RNA binding protein (TIA1) and TIA1-like 1 (TIAL1; also known as TIAR) were previously shown in vitro to bind to U-rich motifs downstream of 5′ splice sites, and to facilitate 5′ splice site recognition in vitro and in vivo, we investigated whether these factors function more generally in the regulation of splicing of exons followed by U-rich intronic motifs. Simultaneous knockdown of TIA1 and TIAL1 resulted in increased skipping of 36/41 (88%) of alternatively spliced exons associated with U-rich motifs, but did not affect 32/33 (97%) alternatively spliced exons that are not associated with U-rich motifs. The increase in exon skipping correlated with the proximity of the first U-rich motif and the overall “U-richness” of the adjacent intronic region. The majority of the alternative splicing events regulated by TIA1/TIAL1 are conserved in mouse, and the corresponding genes are associated with diverse cellular functions. Based on our results, we estimate that ∼15% of alternative cassette exons are regulated by TIA1/TIAL1 via U-rich intronic elements.
The “Old” Euonymus europaeus Agglutinin Represents a Novel Family of Ubiquitous Plant Proteins
Authors: Fouquaert Elke , Peumans Willy J. , Smith David F. , Proost Paul , Savvides Savvas N. , Van Damme Els J.M.
Published: May 2008

Molecular cloning of the “old” but still unclassified Euonymus europaeus agglutinin (EEA) demonstrated that the lectin is a homodimeric protein composed of 152 residue subunits. Analysis of the deduced sequence indicated that EEA is synthesized without a signal peptide and undergoes no posttranslational processing apart from the removal of a six-residue N-terminal peptide. Glycan array screening confirmed the previously reported high reactivity of EEA toward blood group B oligosaccharides but also revealed binding to high mannose N-glycans, providing firm evidence for the occurrence of a plant carbohydrate-binding domain that can interact with structurally different glycans. Basic Local Alignment Search Tool searches indicated that EEA shares no detectable sequence similarity with any other lectin but is closely related evolutionarily to a domain that was first identified in some abscisic acid- and salt stress-responsive rice (Oryza sativa) proteins, and, according to the available sequence data, might be ubiquitous in Spermatophyta. Hence, EEA can be considered the prototype of a novel family of presumably cytoplasmic/nuclear proteins that are apparently ubiquitous in plants. Taking into account that some of these proteins are definitely stress related, the present identification of the EEA lectin domain might be a first step in the recognition of the involvement and importance of protein-glycoconjugate interactions in some essential cellular processes in Embryophyta.
Core classification theory: a reply to Szostak
Authors: Hjørland Birger
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an answer to a critique put forward by Szostak against a paper written by the present author.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a literature‐based conceptual analysis based on Hjørland and Nissen Pedersen and Szostak. The main points in a core theory of classification are outlined and Szostak's criticism is examined and answered.

Findings

The paper demonstrates theoretical differences between the views adduced by Hjørland and Nissen Pedersen on the one side and by Szostak on the other.

Practical implications

Theoretical clarification is important for the future development of the field.

Originality/value

The paper should be seen as one among others developing an argument for a theoretical foundation of classification informed by the theory of knowledge.
Reducing semantic complexity in distributed digital libraries
Authors: Mayr Philipp , Mutschke Peter , Petras Vivien
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The general science portal “vascoda” merges structured, high‐quality information collections from more than 40 providers on the basis of search engine technology (FAST) and a concept which treats semantic heterogeneity between different controlled vocabularies. First experiences with the portal show some weaknesses of this approach which come out in most metadata‐driven Digital Libraries (DLs) or subject specific portals. The purpose of the paper is to propose models to reduce the semantic complexity in heterogeneous DLs. The aim is to introduce value‐added services (treatment of term vagueness and document re‐ranking) that gain a certain quality in DLs if they are combined with heterogeneity components established in the project “Competence Center Modeling and Treatment of Semantic Heterogeneity”.

Design/methodology/approach

Two methods, which are derived from scientometrics and network analysis, will be implemented with the objective to re‐rank result sets by the following structural properties: the ranking of the results by core journals (so‐called Bradfordizing) and ranking by centrality of authors in co‐authorship networks.

Findings

The methods, which will be implemented, focus on the query and on the result side of a search and are designed to positively influence each other. Conceptually, they will improve the search quality and guarantee that the most relevant documents in result sets will be ranked higher.

Originality/value

The central impact of the paper focuses on the integration of three structural value‐adding methods, which aim at reducing the semantic complexity represented in distributed DLs at several stages in the information retrieval process: query construction, search and ranking and re‐ranking.
The information‐seeking problems of English high schoolers responding to academic information need
Authors: Shenton Andrew K.
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The problems experienced by young people when looking for information are significantly under‐researched and this paper aims to attempt to expand the fragmented knowledge base. It concentrates on action taken by English high schoolers to meet academic information needs.

Design/methodology/approach

The work draws on qualitative data elicited via an online questionnaire administered in October and November 2006. Thirty‐five participants contributed data on the problems they had encountered.

Findings

Inductive coding of the data revealed that over 20 individual problems were apparent. The most frequently mentioned was an inability to locate the desired information. Some of the other issues related to information use, rather than information‐seeking.

Research limitations/implications

The project was small scale, with data collected from pupils in only one school. It relied solely on self‐reported data and insight into information‐seeking problems was gained purely in terms of behaviour to satisfy academic information needs. A future project may consider issues that develop when youngsters are intent on meeting leisure‐oriented needs.

Practical implications

The findings have implications for the improvement of Web filters and the teaching of information skills, especially with respect to the effective use of search engines and the training of learners in information‐seeking methods beyond the use of the Internet.

Originality/value

The paper is unusual in exploring information‐seeking problems entirely from the perspective of information users. It is envisaged that the research will be of use to academics interested in information behaviour, teachers in secondary schools and information professionals who work with young people.
Friction coefficient and surface roughness of TiN‐coated HSS deposited using cathodic arc evaporation PVD technique
Authors: Ali Mubarak , Hamzah Esah , Radzi Toff Mohammad
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of substrate temperature on friction coefficient and surface roughness of titanium nitride (TiN) coatings deposited on high‐speed steel (HSS) using commercially available cathodic arc evaporation physical vapour deposition system.

Design/methodology/approach

The goal of this work is to determine the usefulness of TiN coatings in order to improve the friction coefficient and surface roughness of HSS verses substrate temperature, as vastly used in cutting tool industry and many others. A Pin‐on‐Disc test was carried out to study the coefficient of friction verses sliding distance. Surface roughness of deposited coatings was studied via surface roughness tester and atomic force microscope (AFM).

Findings

Friction coefficient increased at higher temperature as compared to the coating deposited at lower substrate temperature. Surface roughness measured via both instruments showed similar trend in recorded data and, i.e. increased by increasing substrate temperature. AFM study showed that bearing ratio (per cent) decreased, whereas, fractal dimension increased with an increase in substrate temperature.

Research limitations/implications

It is implied that choosing a substrate temperature above 450°C in the existing coating system could damage some machine parts.

Practical implications

This scenario develops an approach to optimize the coating properties verses substrate temperature for specific application, such as cutting tools for automobiles and aircrafts.

Originality/value

The coating deposited at lower temperature showed better friction coefficient and surface roughness than the coating deposited at higher temperature and vice versa.
Entrepreneurship education: towards an industry sector approach
Authors: Richardson Ita , Hynes Briga
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider the requirements for an industry sector approach to entrepreneurship education – the information and communications technology (ICT) sector. A modified Process Framework for Entrepreneurship Education is presented focusing specifically on ICT. The primary components of the Process Framework are described (inputs, process and content, assessment and outputs) to assist in the design of relevant and targeted entrepreneurship education courses to create an entrepreneurial mindset for graduates in this sector. This Framework can be modified to suit courses focusing on other industry sectors.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on experiential learning and industry sector knowledge, an existing Process Framework for Entrepreneurship Education is modified.

Findings

The Process Framework for Entrepreneurship Education can be modified for a specific sector. Inputs to the process include the personal profiles and personality characteristics of the students. The recognition that particular skills may be required within a sector should be catered for when developing the content focus of the process. Furthermore, the teaching focus should include action learning, problem based learning and discovery teaching. Consideration of all of these elements will help ensure that the entrepreneurship teaching process will develop entrepreneurial‐focused students within the sector. Entrepreneurship education is a flexible learning mode easily modified to accommodate changing workplace and employee needs. The use of the process framework provides for a set of useful and relevant guidelines on the key aspects which should be addressed and used as a checklist in attempting to modify and design suitable and relevant entrepreneurship education programmes for specific industry sectors.

Originality/value

This paper demonstrates that educators need to consider entrepreneurship for industry sectors, thus presenting the requirement for an inter‐disciplinary approach to entrepreneurship. It does so through the refinement of an existing Process Framework for Entrepreneurship Education, taking the specific example of Information and Communications Technology. While the framework can be modified for use in other sectors, this paper presents the integration of and highlights the synergy that exists in the linking of entrepreneurship with the technical disciplines.
Building bridges between university and industry: theory and practice
Authors: Meredith Sandra , Burkle Martha
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the level of benefit to learning through developing strong links between universities and industry, and to suggest a methodology for building bridges between university and industry that provides a full learning experience for students.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study approach which included the development of interactive projects that join students with industry, and follow‐up questionnaire surveys of the outcomes, carried out among students and businesses.

Findings

It was found that both parties feel that they benefit from building bridges between universities and industry, and data from this research are reported on in greater detail in the latter part of this article

Research limitations/implications

Research is limited to students following the Manufacturing Management and Quality Systems courses within the Industrial Engineering Department of the Tecnologico de Monterrey, Mexico, over a one year period.

Practical implications

Provides evidence for a positive factor that linking university students and industry in joint projects increases the potential for a fuller learning experience for the students.

Originality/value

The paper is based on actual experience of students, teachers and companies who participated in this experimental learning process.
Retention and intentions to quit among Australian male apprentices
Authors: Gow Kathryn , Warren Chantelle , Anthony David , Hinschen Connie
Published: May 2008

Purpose

In response to both the increasing concern of the declining rates of apprentices and the limited research in this area, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the individual processes involved in apprentices' decisions to remain in their apprenticeship.

Design/methodology/approach

Specifically, five individual domains were investigated: motivation style (intrinsic and extrinsic motivation); coping style (emotion‐focused and problem‐focused); apprentice experiences (satisfaction, work conditions, expectations, formal training and recognition); financial responsibility; and demographic factors (age, geographic location, education/training and organisational tenure). Three measures were used to assess these five domains: the work preference inventory, the brief cope and the apprentice experience questionnaire. A total of 326 male participants were recruited from Victoria and Queensland.

Findings

Logistic regression was performed to determine if motivation style, coping style, apprentice experiences and demographic factors could predict thoughts towards remaining in an apprenticeship. A Chi‐square test was conducted to determine if financial responsibility had an impact on thoughts towards remaining in a trade. Overall results suggested that intrinsic motivation, satisfaction, working conditions and geographic location could predict apprentices' thoughts towards staying in an apprenticeship.

Research limitations/implications

The results can only be generalised to those who were currently undertaking an apprenticeship and not those who had already left. Furthermore, the outcome variable in this study was “thoughts towards quitting” and not actual quitting per se; however, social desirability effects may have influenced the responses somewhat.

Originality/value

By utilising this data, educators and employers alike could now be one step closer to retaining the much‐needed apprentices of Australia and it may be that other countries such as Germany, India, France, Turkey, the USA, and the UK may pool informational research resources to counter the global downturn in apprentices' availability.
Development of a climbing robot for inspection of long weld lines
Authors: Shang Jianzhong , Bridge Bryan , Sattar Tariq , Mondal Shyamal , Brenner Alina
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The project Climbing Robot Cell for Fast and Flexible Manufacture of Large Scale Structures seeks to modernise and take into the future the technology of the manufacture of large fixed welded structures. It creates a transportable manufacturing cell consisting of a team of cooperating climbing robot work tools whose activities are coordinated and integrated through a central intelligence. The purpose of this paper is to present a wheeled robot, called NDT robot, designed for the real time inspection of long weld lines simultaneously with the welding process.

Design/methodology/approach

Neodymium permanent magnets are used for adhesion, which are capable of producing a maximum adhesion pressure of 4 × 104 Nm−2at a 20 mm air gap. The strong neodymium magnets give the robot a high payload carrying capability. The arrangement of the magnet array increases its performance at large air gaps so that the robot has excellent capability to overcome obstacles, such as weld caps. The design of the wheeled robot with two sections jointed by a hinge joint has the advantage of high speed and good manoeuvrability, as well as working on curved surfaces and transferring between angled adjoining surfaces.

Findings

The NDT robot has been developed with the capability of climbing on steel walls carrying the specified payload and the ability to overcome the obstacles. The robot is also able to climb on curved surfaces with excellent manoeuvrability, and transfer between angled adjoining surfaces.

Originality/value

The arrangement of the magnet array enables the robot to retain a strong holding force at big air gap, so that the ability of the robot to overcome obstacles and work on curvatures is strengthened. The two‐section design improves the robot's performance on curvatures and enables it to transfer between angled adjoining surfaces.
Tracing their roots: genealogical sources for Chinese immigrants to the United States
Authors: Chao Sheau‐yueh J.
Published: May 2008

Purpose

This paper seeks to discuss the genealogical sources for Chinese immigrants as well as the settlement of Chinese in the USA and the historical evolution of Chinese names, their origins, arrangement and development. It aims to cover the origins of various classes of Chinese surnames, followed by the content description of a traditional genealogical book for jiapu.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper researches the various ways that a Chinese person can find out about their ancestry.

Findings

The paper reveals the roles of libraries, including serving the needs of patrons interested in genealogical research, preserving and interpreting information through oral and family history projects and collaborating with other libraries through interlibrary loan, document delivery, library consortia, collection management and international resource‐sharing.

Research limitations/implications

The study provides information on where and how to locate the genealogical resources for researching the genealogy of a Chinese family.

Originality/value

The paper analyzes the value of genealogical research as a documentary source for population history, life expectancy in a clan, marriages and family connections, as well as lineage organizations and inter‐lineage relations.
Adaptive neuro‐fuzzy current control for multilevel inverter fed induction motor
Authors: Tuncer Servet , Dandil Beşir
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The paper aims to propose an adaptive and robust on‐line trained neuro‐fuzzy current controller based on indirect field oriented control (IFOC) for the current control of multilevel inverter fed induction motor (IM).

Design/methodology/approach

Torque current of IM is controlled with Sugeno type neuro‐fuzzy controller (NFC) which has the ability of self tuning against parameter variations and load disturbance. Input variables of the neuro‐fuzzy current controller are chosen error and integral of error in order to eliminate steady state error. The consequent parameters of neuro‐fuzzy current controller are trained on‐line through backpropagation learning algorithm.

Findings

The validity of proposed current control algorithm is shown with experimental results carried out under different speed commands, parameter variations and load disturbances. The experimental results show that control performance of NFC in the current control of IMs is satisfactory because of its adaptive and robust structure.

Originality/value

This paper presents the design of an on‐line trained neuro‐fuzzy current control to improve the current control performance. The performance of the current controller largely depends on using converter systems. In this study, a multilevel inverter is used to obtain less harmonic distortion and near sinusoidal form of output voltage and current waveforms of the converter.
Creation of Digital Library of Manuscripts at Shivaji University, India
Authors: Bansode Sadanand
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the digitization of rare materials in one Indian university.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper highlights the digitization activities undertaken by Shivaji University Library to preserve rare materials. It attempts to calculate the costs incurred in the digitization process.

Findings

The paper finds that digitization is the solution for the preservation of, and access to, rare manuscripts.

Practical implications

The paper provides the complete budget required for the digitization of manuscripts and also suggest best possible preservation and access strategy according to the local needs of the users.

Originality/value

The paper provides valuable insight into the development of digital libraries in India. It is useful for setting the infrastructure required for digitization and a guideline for preservation and access to the rare materials.
The Effects of Library Orientations on Student Usage of the Library
Authors: Walsh John
Published: May 2008

Purpose

This study examines the effect of information literacy orientations on usage statistics in an academic library. The aim of the study is to show that library orientations increase student usage of the library.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper analyzes student usage statistics at Cochise College Library.

Findings

Analysis of survey data collected at Cochise College Library revealed a significant increase in usage of the library by students who received an orientation.

Originality/value

This paper describes the study's design, the results and also lays the foundation for more empirical research into the subject.
Pore network modelling using image processing techniques
Authors: Dimassi M. , Koehl L. , Zeng X. , Peruwelz A.
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The knowledge of structural parameters of nonwovens media is poorly understood. The pores size distribution (PSD) function is one of those parameters. The difficulty is not only the understanding of the distribution of pores but also the identification of pores geometry distribution (PGD) and their behaviour concerning the dynamic fluid transportation. The purpose of this paper is to present an efficient and reliable method based on image analysis which on one hand, performs the estimation of the PSD function and takes into account the geometric aspect of pores, and on the other hand, analyses liquid wicking in very thin filter media.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed methods, in this paper, are applied on thin filter media made of polyester. The samples have not sudden any treatment. The authors set up an optical test bed in order to observe the dynamic properties of the samples. Dynamic raw data about the liquid wicking are extracted directly from video sequences using the appropriate test bed. The structural parameters are extracted from the non‐wetted samples.

Findings

Obtained results allow a better understanding of the liquid wicking in very thin filter media. In addition to the PSD function, the PGD function adds informations about the shape of pores. The dynamic data of the liquid wicking explains that pores have different behaviour when liquid reached them. It can be deduced from this study that the fluid transport in the pore network is defined by three main parameters: geometric parameter (size, shape), capillary action and pores connection in the network.

Research limitations/implications

The led back‐lighting system is not sufficient to observe precisely the liquid wicking. An additional front‐lighting will be added in further studies.

Originality/value

The extraction of dynamic properties from video sequences, by performing image analysis is an original method to characterise the porosity in thin media filter.
Marketing destination Niagara effectively through the tourism life cycle
Authors: Brooker Edward , Burgess Jason
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address reasons why destinations stagnate and lose visitor numbers and to offer a series of methods, which stakeholders can employ to assist with rejuvenation efforts.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a limited literature review of Butler's Tourism Area Life Cycle (1980). The academic theory is applied to the on‐going situation that is occurring in the Niagara region of Canada, although the insights are applicable to other tourism destinations that are facing stagnation and decline.

Findings

While Niagara tourism is currently experiencing a decline in visitor numbers brought about by a series of factors, the destination has the opportunity to rejuvenate its offering. Key components of the rejuvenation include collaboration, strategizing, developing a destination brand that resonates with existing and future visitors and incremental and revolutionary innovation. Once these key elements are in play, the destination should see visitor numbers rebound if not surpass previous high water marks.

Originality/value

This paper is of value to destination marketing officials and entrepreneurs who may believe visitation numbers are lower as a result of a variety of external factors including rising fuel prices, global warming, terrorism threats, changing passport regulations, SARS, hurricanes, tsunamis, and other concerns. By understanding the signals associated with stagnation, destination stakeholders will be in a position to take proactive actions designed to rejuvenate the destination.
Strategic planning in emergent market organizations: empirical investigation
Authors: Al‐Shammari Hussam A. , Hussein Raef T.
Published: May 2008

Purpose

This study is designed to examine strategic planning practices in Jordanian manufacturing organizations (JMOs). Two issues are of primary concern here. The first is related to the extent of using strategic planning in JMOs, while the second issue is concerned with the infrastructure necessary to implement successful strategic planning.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected via a questionnaire that was administered to the CEOs of the 37 manufacturing firms included in this study. Out of the 37 questionnaires distributed, 28 were returned representing a response rate of 76 percent.

Findings

Results reveal that 39 percent of JMOs are implementing strategic planning, whereas 61 percent are not. Results also indicate that while JMOs managers possess strong and positive attitudes toward strategic planning; these attitudes have not been translated into real commitment. A low to moderate level of commitment, low level of participation, and moderate strength of information system are found in this study.

Originality/value

So far, only limited empirical research has been conducted to explore strategic planning practices in Jordanian business organizations (JBOs). Our current study is among the few pioneering studies that have contributed to the enhancement of our understanding of strategic planning practices in JBOs.
Welfare states, families, job attribute preferences, and work
Authors: Corrigall Elizabeth A.
Published: May 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the relationship between welfare state configurations, family status, family responsibilities, job attribute preferences, employment, and weekly paid work hours.

Design/methodology/approach

International data for women and men were analyzed separately using regressions to determine if different welfare state configurations and individual family status and responsibilities predicted job attribute preferences. Additional regressions examined the effects of welfare state configurations, family status, family responsibilities, and job attribute preferences on women's and men's employment and weekly paid work hours.

Findings

In many cases, the variables were significant predictors of women's and men's job attribute preferences, employment and paid work hours.

Practical implications

While the attributes that people seek from their employment vary from individual to individual, it is also important to recognize that there are cultural patterns that can inform motivational efforts.

Originality/value

This multinational study is the first to examine the relationship between family status, conducting housework, providing family income, and job attribute preferences while considering labor market opportunities for women and societal support for the family. In addition, it examines the effects of these variables on employment and weekly paid work hours.
Interest mining in virtual learning environments
Authors: Gu Rong , Zhu Miaoliang , Zhao Liying , Zhang Ningning
Published: May 2008

Purpose

Behaviour in virtual learning environments (VLE), including travel, gaze, manipulate, gesture and conversation, offer considerable information about the user's implicit interest. The purpose of this study is to find an approach for user interest mining via behaviour analysis in a VLE.

Design/methodology/approach

According to research in psychology, any interaction in a VLE has implications for the user's implicit interest. In order to mine a user's implicit interest, an explicit interaction‐interest model needs to be established. This paper presents findings from the concept classification of behaviour in a VLE. Based on this classification, the paper proposes a hierarchical interaction model. In this model the relation between interaction and user interest can be described and used to improve system performance.

Findings

In the experimental prototype the authors found that user‐implicit interest could be mined via stages of web mining, i.e. capture the user's original gesture signal, data pre‐process, pattern discovery, interaction goal and interest mining. The mined user's interest information can be used to update the state of local interest, leading to a reduction in network traffic and promotion of better system performance.

Originality/value

This is an original study using behaviour analysis for interest mining in e‐learning. Research on interest mining in e‐learning focused on content mining or search engine and usage mining in web courses. The paper provides valuable clues regarding user interest mining in a VLE, in which the context is different from usual web courses. The research output can be implemented widely, including online learning, and especially in the VLE.
Supporting partner identification for virtual organisations in manufacturing
Authors: Hans Carl
Published: May 2008

Purpose

Virtual organisations (VOs) in manufacturing represent a promising approach for dealing with today's difficult markets. The selection of the right partners during the creation phase is a prerequisite for their success. Owing to the complexity of the underlying networks as well as the need to react immediately to market opportunities, tool support is necessary for finding a suitable consortia for a given business purpose while reducing the immanent risk of failure. The purpose of this paper is to exemplify the conception and realisation of such a tool.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach taken in this work consists of four steps: first of all, the requirements to be fulfilled by the tool are derived from the main characteristics of VOs. Subsequently, existing approaches which could serve as a technical basis for the tool are presented and ranked. To conclude, a tool design is introduced and applied to a brief case study.

Findings

It is shown that simulation appears as very suitable within the considered problem domain. It is further pointed out that simulation requires user‐friendly components addressing modelling, simulation execution and analysis in order to be applicable and accepted by domain experts as end‐users.

Originality/value

The paper presents an overview of technical approaches supporting partner identification during the establishment phase of VOs. It describes a concept for a simulation environment addressing the needs of practitioners from industry. Finally, it depicts necessary extensions for model verification and solution finding.
Needed: Formal Instruction in Business Ethics for Managers
Authors: Kreitner Robert
Published: May 2008

Considering the highly publicised ethical crisis in public and private administration recently, the flurry of management‐oriented articles on ethics is an encouraging sign. But in their rush to recommend solutions, management theorists have gone off in many different directions. For example, while using the termbusinessethics, Owens has called for written codes of ethics enforced by appropriate sanctions. Boling, meanwhile, preferring the termmanagementethics, has suggested democratically developed codes of ethics to reduce emphasis on policing. Finally, Payne has deplored the lack of substantive behavioural research in the area he labelsorganisationethics. This somewhat confusing array of terminology aside for a moment, an important remedial option has been ignored or overlook‐ed in these and related treatments. Namely, in the face of encouraging testimonial evidence that business ethics instruction works, the business management classroom affords an excellent opportunity to begin redressing the ethics crisis. Moreover, formal business ethics instruction can help reestablish the administrative importance of such ethically‐grounded values as idealism, compassion, and generosity that researchers have found to be seriously atrophied among business school seniors.
Portfolio Diversification for International Leaders A Risk Analysis of the Pacific Rim and Eastern European Nations
Authors: Madura Jeff
Published: May 2008

International lending has been slowed by the repeated loan reschedulings of less developed countries (LDCs) during the 1980s. However, commercial banks recognize that they must provide international loans in order to generate other business from foreign governments and multinational corporations. For this reason, banks must continue to assess the country risk of target countries, especially those in emerging regions such as the Pacific Rim and Eastern Europe. The risk of any country within an emerging region is much higher than the risk of the industrialized countries. Tliis paper addresses the potential benefits from diversifying business within or across these emerging regions. There is much potential for reducing exposure to country risk in Pacific Rim countries through diversification. For Eastern European countries, the benefits are not as substantial. Some banks may still consider some Eastern European businesses to generate higher returns, yet diversify their international portfolio across regions so that exposure to country risk is tolerable.
Students' appraisal of community services: Some useful implications
Authors: Ellencweig A.Y.
Published: May 2008

A workshop on the evaluation of a controversial plan to integrate preventive and curative mother‐and‐child services in Jerusalem was conducted by the Hebrew University — Hadassah School of Public Health and Community Medicine. An extensive field study, conducted by second‐year MPH students led to a better understanding of community problems and needs, and to the formulation of recommendations for closer co‐ordination, rather than integration, between the municipal preventive health services and the curative clinics operated by the sick funds. This paper shows how these recommendations affected the decision‐making process in Jerusalem, and discusses the implications of these and other policy interventions on attaining the various goals of public health academicians.