bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stress corrosion cracking and electrochemistry of C−Mn steels in CO−CO2−H2O environments
Authors: Malik Hassan , Nawaz Fahd
Published: August 2005

Purpose

To discover if stress corrosion cracking (SCC) of C−Mn steel is possible at ambient pressure and temperature in a CO−CO2−H2O environment.

Design/methodology/approach

Approach involved electrochemical testing, slow strain rate testing (SSRT) and fractography. The chemistry within a crack or crevice during SCC differs from that of the bulk environment. To simulate this condition, a specimen was designed containing a steel plate, microelectrodes and artificial crevice. Electrochemical tests were performed to discover if conditions likely to cause SCC could be achieved. Slow strain rate tests and fractography was also carried out to support the electrochemical data.

Findings

Results indicated that CO can adsorb onto the metal and that localized corrosion occurred at defects in the adsorbed CO layer due to CO2, which led to the onset of SCC. Consequently, larger anodic and cathodic currents were measured with or without a crevice, when CO2 was in solution. Similar behaviour was observed on the microelectrodes. Regions of brittle fracture were discovered on the specimen surface after SSRT were conducted in a vapour phase environment. After such tests, the ductility of the steel was found to be impaired.

Practical implications

Practically the results could help to predict the potential range in which SCC may occur.

Originality/value

Paper is new because previous results were at high pressures. However, results indicate that SCC is a danger at atmospheric pressure. The paper is of value to people in the oil and gas industry.
Automated aerostructure assembly
Authors: Webb P. , Eastwood S. , Jayaweera N. , Chen Y.
Published: August 2005

Purpose

Describes the application of standard industrial robots to the assembly and riveting of aerostructure sub‐assemblies.

Design/methodology/approach

Describes the design and operation of special purpose end‐effectors for assembly and solid riveting and their integration in an aerostructure sub‐assembly fabrication cell. The robots are controlled by a novel control system which allows the cell to compensate for distortion and misalignment of the components.

Findings

Demonstrates that with advanced control standard industrial robots can be used to assemble aerostructure sub‐assemblies.

Originality/value

Introduces techniques for compensating for the inherent distortion that occurs in airframe components during manufacture. This is an enabling technology that will significantly increase the number of possible applications for robots in the assembly of aerostructures.
Robot assisted tiling of glass mosaics with image processing
Authors: Kaya Bulent , Berkay Ahmet , Erzincanli Fehmi
Published: August 2005

Purpose

This paper describes a robotic system developed for tiling mosaics based on image processing according to customer expectations.

Design/methodology/approach

Many varieties of mosaics art in different forms has been applied manually over centuries for art decorating. Although the mosaics material is cheap with immense decorative potential, the mosaics tiling process is difficult and costly skill to perform. Therefore, an image processing based robotic tiling system has been presented and applied in this study. An algorithm has been developed for converting the computer image to mosaic picture by using Borland C++ Builder 6.0 and successfully utilized on six degrees of freedom Ultimate Puma 500 type industrial robot for tiling glass mosaics to any plane.

Findings

According to result of this study, it can be realized that the robots could be successfully utilized on decorating processes, e.g. tiling mosaics, for faster and flexible production.

Originality/value

Presented robotic system allows the craftsmen to produce large and extra ordinary mosaic figures by using computer image and glass mosaic tiles. The goal of using a robot in this application is to increase the speed without man‐faults and flexibility.
Selection and diversification of market segments for robotics products
Authors: Shim Sung J. , Kumar Arun
Published: August 2005

Purpose

Examines the selection and diversification of market segments for robotics products with respect to application areas and customer sectors.

Design/methodology/approach

This study attempted to investigate the selection and diversification of market segments by 50 robotics firms in the US with respect to application areas and customer sectors that they serve. Based upon the concept of strategic groups, we classified those robotics firms into three distinct strategic groups along the dimensions of application area diversification and customer sector diversification. The three strategic groups were identified as high, moderate, and low diversification groups, with respect to both application areas and customer sectors.

Findings

The results show that robotics firms vary in their selection of application areas and customer sectors, and more importantly in the degree of diversification of application areas and customer sectors. Also, three distinct strategic groups are observed among them, based upon the degree of diversification of application areas and customer sectors.

Research limitations/implications

A few limitations are recognized in this study. First, we used only the dimensions of market segment diversification in classifying the strategic groups in the US robotics industry. Given the important role of technology in the industry, we may consider pairing market dimensions with technology dimensions in exploring any strategic groups in the industry. Second, we only tested for the existence of strategic groups in the industry. We may further consider investigating the factors or reasons for the differences between the strategic groups, as well as any performance differences between the strategic groups. In studying the firm's performance, it is desirable to utilize financial performance measures such as sales growth and profitability. But securing such financial performance measures for individual robotics firms is hampered by the consolidated financial results of diversified firms and the presence of privately held firms in the industry. Third, we used data compiled from a secondary source. We may consider collecting time‐series data directly from robotics firms. These limitations are not certainly exhaustive but rather important ones for future research.

Practical implications

Given the limited studies on robotics firms and their strategy, the results should be of interest to those who formulate product strategy in the robotics market.

Originality/value

The issues of diversification of market segments and the resultant strategic groups that we examined are well worth trying to understand for more viable market strategy in the field. Particularly, the identification of such strategic groups in the industry would help robotics firms evaluate their competitive positions, as well as competitors' approach to the market place.
Highly accurate contour control of an articulated robot manipulator using a Gaussian neural network
Authors: Zhang Tao , Nakamura Masatoshi , Goto Satoru , Kyura Nobuhiro
Published: August 2005

Purpose

Aims to realize the high accurate contour control with high‐speed motion of articulated robot manipulator (ARM) with interference.

Design/methodology/approach

Proposes a new contour control method by using Gaussian neural network (GNN) to solve the problem of the deterioration of the contour control performance due to the interference between robot links. The construction of the GNN controller and the approximation of the interference are based on the Euler‐Lagrange model of ARM. The actual input/out data about the motion of ARM are used for training the GNN to accurately represent the inverse dynamics of ARM with interference. With the Lyapunov function, the stability and the robustness of the GNN controller are discussed. Through the simulation and experiment, it verified that the precision of the contour control has been improved, and illustrated the good features of the proposed method.

Findings

Finds that the actual data about the motion of ARM, which is easily obtained from the working field, can express the real features of ARM, and the GNN controller can improve the precision of the contour control with good features.

Practical implications

The proposed method provides an effective method for realizing high accurate contour control of ARM with interference. It can be extended to the ARMs with more than two links and concerning more factors affecting the precision of the contour control, such as friction or gravity.

Originality/value

Proposes a new GNN controller for realizing high accurate contour control of ARM with interference, which is significant for industry.
Outsourcing: assessing the risks and benefits for organisations, sectors and nations
Authors: Harland Christine , Knight Louise , Lamming Richard , Walker Helen
Published: August 2005

Purpose

This research aims to assess the risks and benefits of outsourcing for organisations, sectors and nations. The literature on outsourcing contains little evidence of research on holistic issues of its impact at systems levels beyond the firm, notably sectors and nations.

Design/methodology/approach

A Delphi study with senior strategists from private and public sectors captured perspectives and specific observations on benefits and risks of outsourcing. Emergent issues on outsourcing policy, strategy and decision‐making processes were synthesised into a framework for analysing factors associated with outsourcing.

Findings

The findings suggest that a more holistic view of outsourcing is needed, linking local, organisational issues with sector and national level actions and outcomes. In this way, aggregate risks and benefits can be assessed at different systems levels.

Research limitations/implications

Future research might address the motivations for outsourcing; currently there is little research evidence to assess whether outsourcing is a mechanism for failing to solve internal problems, and moving responsibility and risk out of the firm. Additionally most outsourcing research to date has concentrated on an activity either being “in” or “out”; there is little research exploring the circumstances in which mixed models might be appropriate.

Practical implications

The framework provides an aid to research and anaide memoirefor managers considering outsourcing.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to knowledge on understanding of outsourcing at different systems levels, particularly highlighting the implications of outsourcing for sectors and nations. Previously most research has focused at the level of the firm or dyadic relationship.
Ethnocentricity in top marketing journals
Authors: Svensson Göran
Published: August 2005

Purpose

To draw up a demographic profile of editors, editorial boards and contributors, in the specific case of one top‐ranked marketing journal, and to discuss the implications.

Design/methodology/approach

From a list of top‐ranked titles, compiled from various sources, one was chosen as a case study. Demographic data relating to contributors and editors were collected by inspection, for a five‐year period. The anonymity of the journal was preserved.

Findings

North American affiliations dominated among authors, editors and editorial boards. Successive editors have had an American affiliation for many years. This strongly skewed demographic profile raises a number of doubts and questions. The author suggests that one important effect is a kind of academic myopia, caused by demographic uniformity and paradigmatic inertia. He contends that this phenomenon threatens to weaken the scientific reputation of the marketing discipline and its research community.

Research limitations/implications

The study is restricted to a single top‐ranked journal, which is anonymous because the aim is not to focus attention, negative or positive, on a single case, but rather to stimulate debate.

Practical implications

Tentative recommendations are offered to the publishers and editors of marketing journals for reduction of the specific and general damaging effects of demographically induced academic myopia.

Originality/value

This study sows the seed and provides the trigger for further research and discussion of a phenomenon with important practical implications for the academic marketing community.
Market orientation and performance: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Shoham Aviv , Rose Gregory M. , Kropp Fredric
Published: August 2005

Purpose

To assess quantitatively the impact of market orientation on the performance of the firm. While much empirical work has centered on market orientation, the generalizability of its impact on performance has been under‐researched.

Design/methodology/approach

A substantive meta‐analysis quantitatively summarizes the results of empirical studies of the direct and indirect impact of market orientation on three outcomes. A second, methodological meta‐analysis assessed the influence of methodological variables on explained variance in performance.

Findings

The direct, indirect, and total impacts of market orientation on performance were all significant. Additionally, the geographic location of the study and the performance measure used (but not the scale) affected explained variance.

Research limitations/implications

First, across study contexts, market orientation affects performance. Second, its impact might be stronger than previously thought due to the indirect paths not considered in previous research. Third, the strength of its impact depends on the country in which it was implemented; managers should expect higher payoffs in less developed countries.

Originality/value

The findings of this study significantly refine the body of knowledge concerning the impact of market orientation on the performance of the firm, and thereby offer an improved conceptual framework for marketing planners.
Understanding the probability of response to competitive actions
Authors: Otero‐Neira Carmen , Varela‐González José A.
Published: August 2005

Purpose

The interdependence of firms in the marketplace implies that the effectiveness of an action cannot be valued without considering potential reactions. Therefore, the main objectives of this paper are to analyse the effect of the initiating company characteristics on the perceived attributes of its action and to understand the effect of these dimensions on the number of companies that respond to it.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on action‐reaction dynamics, a series of hypotheses was theoretically justified inking the characteristics of the actor with the dimensions of its action, and these dimensions with the probability of response from rivals. Their validity with data obtained from a survey of marketing managers of Spanish companies was checked, using a variety of statistical techniques.

Findings

Results indicate that the probability of reaction is influenced by the level of visible threat of action. Further findings indicate that the leadership position of the actor has an indirect influence on the probability of response.

Research limitations/implications

The size of the sample and the measures used are both limited. Also, the explanatory capacity of the model could be improved by considering new variables.

Practical implications

Prior knowledge of the probability of a reaction is an important input for the managerial process of strategic planning, capable of improving the success rate in implementing actions and thereby the competitive position.

Originality/value

Few research studies of competitive interaction have focused on the probability of response, into which this paper offers an insight.
National customer satisfaction indices: an implementation in the Turkish mobile telephone market
Authors: Aydin Serkan , Özer Gökhan
Published: August 2005

Purpose

To build a National Consumer Satisfaction Index for Turkey, drawing on models already in existence in Sweden, the USA, Norway and the European Union. In so doing, to remedy observed practical shortcomings of those indices.

Design/methodology/approach

Structural equation modelling was applied to the general model, in the specific context of the mobile telephone market in Turkey, based on data collected by questionnaire from more than 1,500 subscribers.

Findings

The purpose‐designed new customer satisfaction index exhibits good fit and strong explanatory power. It is the most comprehensive so far developed, by virtue of adding two new factors to the model.

Research limitations/implications

The new Turkish index was tested for validity and reliability only in the context of mobile telephony; it should ideally now be further tested in different sectors, periodically, to validate comparisons with other national variants. More latent variables and economic data should be incorporated to analyse the links among the index itself, loyalty and economic consequences. It is suggested that the partial least squares method could have been more appropriate than the maximum likelihood iteration procedure actually employed.

Practical implications

Apart from its obvious role in assessing customer satisfaction in a domestic market, a customer satisfaction index can be extended to the level of comparing whole economies. This is of considerable significance for Turkey's ambitions to join the European Union.

Originality/value

This article enhances and extends an established but relatively little known quantitative method for evaluating customer satisfaction, and thereby offers an important diagnostic tool to marketing planners
Size matters: the effect of European Union membership on firms in Slovenia
Authors: Šuštar Boris , Šuštar Rozana
Published: August 2005

Purpose

To investigate the relationship between the size of a firm and the strategic choices it makes with regard to the level of internationalisation, product range and breadth of the customer base, in the context of a new Member State of the European Union: Slovenia.

Design/methodology/approach

Three hypotheses were tested by data collected by a self‐completion postal survey of almost one in five of all manufacturing exporters in the country, directed at general managers or executives involved in making strategic marketing decisions and calling for answers on Likert scales. The response rate was 24 percent.

Findings

There was a clear association between choice of internationalisation strategy and the size of Slovenian firms, which is generally small. That characteristic is a strong predictor of the number of products marketed abroad and the number of customers in export markets served.

Research limitations/implications

Further studies of other variables that may determine export behaviour would add to the utility of these findings for the development of export strategy for firms in developing economies.

Practical implications

As the new countries of the European Union enter new competitive environments, such findings as these are vital intelligence for their marketing planners.

Originality/value

Slovenia is self‐evidently a country of interest to international marketing academics and practitioners.
Organizational and human resource aspects of IT management
Authors: Marouf Laila , ur Rehman Sajjad
Published: August 2005

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the organizational arrangements and employment policies and practices of 30 Kuwait corporate companies in five selected IT operations of system development, software applications, database management, networking, and web applications.

Design/methodology/approach

For the purpose of data collection, key human resource managers of these companies were interviewed. It was investigated what organizational placement had been practiced in these companies and who were the IT professionals in terms of their education, professional background, and other significant affiliations. Issues related to employer perceptions about the preparedness of these professionals and the problems they had faced in their employment were specifically addressed. These companies were conveniently organized into three categories for having distinct organizational policies.

Findings

It was noted that the practices greatly varied. Outsourcing was widely practiced for web applications, system development, and database management. A majority of employers showed dissatisfaction with the quality of local graduates and demanded a number of remedial measures from different quarters in order to ameliorate the problems they faced.

Practical implications

The findings have relevance for the executives and IT managers of Kuwaiti corporate companies for critical assessment of their human resource.

Originality/value

Provides information on the organizational arrangements and employment policies and practices of several Kuwaiti companies.
Displays of Arabic script on web‐based OPACs in GCC institutions
Authors: Elhafiz Ibrahim Ahmed
Published: August 2005

Purpose

This study has the aim of evaluating the compliance of bilingual Arabic scripts web‐based catalogues in the Gulf Cooperative Council (GCC). It also seeks to highlight some of the challenges facing the exchange of bibliographic records and resource sharing among Arabic script online public access catalogues (OPACs).

Design/methodology/approach

Ten OPACs in the GCC countries accessible via the internet were surveyed. Modified guidelines of OPAC displays published in the literature were used for evaluating the Arabic script display in the surveyed web‐based OPACs. The study emphasizes the absence of a dominant model for the display of bibliographic data in the surveyed OPACs. There is inconsistency in label wording, access points provided in record default display, hyperlink to bibliographic elements, and data sequence. MARC format is not utilized in over two thirds of the surveyed catalogues, as well as the Z39.50 protocol. The study argues that the web‐based OPAC could play a landmark role in networking the catalogues of the GCC University libraries as a web‐based e‐union catalogue.

Findings

OPACs have broadened the capacity of the academic library in recording, indexing, archiving, and organising its growth‐oriented collections. The advent of the internet into the library setting has also provided OPACs with powerful searching and retrieval capabilities at a one‐stop portal. Meanwhile, great efforts are currently being done to design and operate an Arabic version of OPAC to be compatible with agreed‐upon MARC standards. This challenge sparked strong interest in evaluating the compliance of the bilingual (Arabic/English) web‐based OPAC operated particularly by some GCC University libraries.

Originality/value

Provides an evaluation of the compliance of bilingual Arabic scripts web‐based catalogues in the GCC.
An evaluation of library automation in some Ghanaian university libraries
Authors: Amekuedee John‐Oswald
Published: August 2005

Purpose

The study was undertaken to find out which library processes have been automated in Ghana's three older public university libraries namely, the Balme Library, the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Library and the University of Cape Coast (UCC) Library.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data obtained through the use of questionnaires, the study examined areas of general automation, automation of specific library processes, networking, internet connectivity, training, and major constraints to library automation.

Findings

The study found out that even though the university libraries realize the importance of library automation, they are hampered by lack of funds, lack of support from the university administrations, and lack of skilled staff to embark on automation of all library processes. It was also revealed that none of the libraries have on OPAC (online public access catalogue).

Originality/value

The study concludes with recommendations that would enhance the university libraries drive towards automation of their library processes and ensure effective and efficient use of the new technology to raise the image of the libraries and give their library clients more services.
Decision support system for library acquisitions: a framework
Authors: Uzoka F.M.E. , Ijatuyi O.A.
Published: August 2005

Purpose

Acquisition of books, serials and other educational materials by libraries involves a complex decision process; especially when there are many books to choose from and the resources are meager. Attempts have been made in the past to take decisions concerning library acquisitions using structured information such as cost, availability of funds, and number of copies needed by the library, author and year of publication. The purpose of this research is to provide a framework for the combination of both structured and unstructured information in the library acquisitions decision process.

Design/methodology/approach

The research methodology involves the design of a knowledge‐based system, which is powered by the classical method of the analytical hierarchy process (AHP), which carries out a pairwise comparison (PWC) of acquisition decision variables.

Findings

The results of the study show that decision variables involved in library acquisitions can be grouped and hierarchically structured. The application of the pairwise comparison matrix produces eigenvectors that aid in stepwise refinement of the results of the conventional acquisition process in order to achieve some level of optimality in the decision process.

Originality/value

The framework provided in this study could be useful for library professionals and information scientists as a veritable library decision support tool that applies both structured and unstructured information in the acquisition decision process.
Regional digital libraries in Poland
Authors: Andrzej Nikisch Jan , Górny Miroslaw
Published: August 2005

Purpose

To review selected activities of Polish libraries in the field of digitising library collections.

Design/methodology/approach

Provides descriptive information on Wielkopolska Digital Library (WDL) – organisational assumptions, technology, functionality and resources. This paper discusses the problem of relations between regional libraries and central library.

Findings

It describes the organisation and technological solutions applied in the WDL, and characterises its resources and functionality. In addition, main problems of librarians developing digital libraries in Poland were indicated.

Originality/value

A concept of a network of regional digital libraries in Poland was presented. Tasks were discussed, which regional libraries should carry out as the completion of tasks performed by the central library.
Constrained finite rotations in dynamics of shells and Newmark implicit time‐stepping schemes
Authors: Brank Boštjan , Mamouri Said , Ibrahimbegović Adnan
Published: August 2005

Purpose

Aims to address the issues pertaining to dynamics of constrained finite rotations as a follow‐up from previous considerations in statics.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual approach is taken.

Findings

In this work the corresponding version of the Newmark time‐stepping schemes for the dynamics of smooth shells employing constrained finite rotations is developed. Different possibilities to choose the constrained rotation parameters are discussed, with the special attention given to the preferred choice of the incremental rotation vector.

Originality/value

The pertinent details of consistent linearization, rotation updates and illustrative numerical simulations are supplied.
Prediction of crack pattern distribution in reinforced concrete by coupling a strong discontinuity model of concrete cracking and a bond‐slip of reinforcement model
Authors: Dominguez Norberto , Brancherie Delphine , Davenne Luc , Ibrahimbegović Adnan
Published: August 2005

Purpose

To provide a reinforced concrete model including bonding coupled to a classical continuum damage model of concrete, capable of predicting numerically the crack pattern distribution in a RC structure, subjected to traction forces.

Design/methodology/approach

A new coupling between bonding model and an alternative model for concrete cracking is proposed and analyzed. For concrete, proposes a damage‐like material model capable of combining two types of dissipative mechanisms: diffuse volume dissipation and localized surface dissipation.

Findings

One of the most important contributions is the capacity of predicting maximal and minimal spacing of macro‐cracks, even if the exact location of cracks remains undetermined. Another contribution is to reiterate on the insufficiency of the local damage model of concrete to handle this class of problems; much in the same manner as for localization problem which accompany strain‐softening behavior.

Practical implications

Bonding becomes very important to evaluate both the integrity and durability of a RC structure, or in particular to a reliable prediction of crack spacing and opening, and it should be integrated in future analysis of RC.

Originality/value

Shows that introduction of the influence of concrete heterogeneities in numerical analysis can directly affect the configuration of the crack pattern distribution. Use of a strong discontinuity approach provides additional cracking information like opening of macro‐cracks.
Shape optimization of two‐phase inelastic material with microstructure
Authors: Ibrahimbegović Adnan , Grešovnik Igor , Markovič Damijan , Melnyk Sergiy , Rodič Tomaž
Published: August 2005

Purpose

Proposes a methodology for dealing with the problem of designing a material microstructure the best suitable for a given goal.

Design/methodology/approach

The chosen model problem for the design is a two‐phase material, with one phase related to plasticity and another to damage. The design problem is set in terms of shape optimization of the interface between two phases. The solution procedure proposed herein is compatible with the multi‐scale interpretation of the inelastic mechanisms characterizing the chosen two‐phase material and it is thus capable of providing the optimal form of the material microstructure. The original approach based upon a simultaneous/sequential solution procedure for the coupled mechanics‐optimization problem is proposed.

Findings

Several numerical examples show a very satisfying performance of the proposed methodology. The latter can easily be adapted to other choices of design variables.

Originality/value

Confirms that one can thus achieve the optimal design of the nonlinear behavior of a given two‐phase material with respect to the goal specified by a cost function, by computing the optimal form of the shape interface between the phases.
The quality of prescribing in general practice in Kerman, Iran
Authors: Gholamreza‐Sepehri  , Meimandi Manzumeh‐Shamsi
Published: August 2005

Purpose

The aim of the present study was to assess the prescribing pattern of general practitioners (GPs) in Kerman province of Iran.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 45,384 prescriptions issued in one year (2002) by GPs in ten cities of Kerman province were investigated for the number of drugs/prescription, drug name, drug category and route of administration. The mean number of drugs/prescription was 3.43.

Findings

Overall most of the drugs (97.2 per cent) were prescribed by generic name. The most frequently prescribed drugs were antibiotics (33.95 per cent), sedative/hypnotics (19.56 per cent), non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (19.2 per cent) and corticosteroids (11.2 per cent). About 42.4 per cent of the patients received an injectable drug.

Originality/value

The results of this study showed inappropriate prescription of antibiotics, NSAIDs, corticosteroids and injectable drugs. So intervention methods should be chosen to change physicians' prescribing behavior, through education of rational drug prescription, to improve the quality of prescribing practice of GPs.
An ISO 9001 quality management system in a hospital
Authors: van den Heuvel Jaap , Koning Lida , Bogers Ad J.J.C. , Berg Marc , van Dijen Monique E.M.
Published: August 2005

Purpose

To describe how The Red Cross Hospital in Beverwijk, The Netherlands implemented an ISO 9000 quality management system throughout the entire organisation, obtained an ISO 9002:1994 and subsequently an ISO 9001:2000 certificate.

Design/methodology/approach

First, a global implementation plan was written concerning the process obtaining in each department. Once improved, each process was subjected to a procedure, and specific protocols effected. On completion the Quality Manual was put together. Quality management was completed by implementing an internal audit system involving 50 co‐workers.

Findings

A number of advantages are found from using ISO. The focus on patients has been re‐established. All processes are identified and subject to continuous improvement. Performance measurements were introduced and give an integrated picture of results. Measurements subsequently lead to improvement of quality of care and to quality system improvements. The documentation system serves the organization's needs without leading to bureaucracy. Positive effects on patient safety could be demonstrated compared with ten other hospitals.

Originality/value

Given the need for adequate quality management tools in health care and the need for demonstrating quality, the positive effects reported in this article show how ISO is expected to become more prevalent in health‐care organisations.
“To protect or not to protect?” Complaining vulnerable adults? That is the challenge
Authors: Bell Louise , Osborne Rachel , Gregg Peter
Published: August 2005

Purpose

Hidden camera television documentaries filmed in care home settings have shown evidence of the abuse of vulnerable adults, been widely discussed in the mass media and have brought the attention of the mass population to the importance of these issues. Governmental documents have also emphasised the need to protect vulnerable adults. It is therefore known that vulnerable adults exist and require protection from abuse in any shape or form. However, this paper aims to argue that protecting vulnerable adults and the current mechanisms for encouraging such individuals to make their views known to services are not mutually compatible. The main technique vulnerable adults may use, the complaints procedure, currently may not be sufficient to enable vulnerable adults to express themselves and their anxieties adequately.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides a case study which clearly demonstrates the nature of the problems, and then recognises and describes a number of levels which could be explored to learn more about these issues.

Research limitations/implications

Potential solutions are explored by the authors, who draw conclusions about the need for further research into this area.

Originality/value

This paper defines a gap between adult protection and complaints procedures, questioning both their efficacy and abilities to meet their stated aims. The paper also highlights that the nature of these may not sufficiently enable complaining vulnerable adults to express their views of services.
Reducing costs through improved returns processing
Authors: Stuart Julie Ann , Bonawi‐tan Winston , Loehr Sarah , Gates Joyce
Published: August 2005

Purpose

To provide fashion catalog distributors with an approach to reduce costs from returns processing by considering an array of characteristics related to demand, lead‐time, and inventory level.

Design/methodology/approach

Apparel return rates from catalog sales are frequently 10‐30 percent of shipped orders. Despite the magnitude of returns processing, return operations are characterized by high backlogs, inefficiency, and excess material handling. Typical catalog clothing returns processing considers the condition of the returned item, fashion obsolescence, and back‐order status to make disposition decisions. In the proposed algorithm, added considerations to select a disposition option for a return include inventory level, demand pattern, cost and lead‐time factors.

Findings

The current and proposed algorithms are tested using disguised data from a fashion catalog sales company. It is shown that the proposed algorithm fills back‐orders more quickly, while reducing the returns‐processing cost and time by over 20 percent.

Research limitations/implications

By combining the tasks, open packaging, credit customer, and evaluate item characteristics including backorder status at the first workstation, the training for staff at the first workstation is increased.

Practical implications

Fashion catalog distributors should examine their returns‐processing system for opportunities to reduce returns‐processing time and costs by consolidating and eliminating tasks and by considering inventory level, demand pattern, cost, and lead‐time when selecting a disposition option for a return. The proposed algorithm can be integrated into the information technology system at the fashion catalog distributor.

Originality/value

This paper addresses how to reduce inefficiency and excess material handling in returns processing at a fashion catalog distributor.
A framework for understanding the interaction of uncertainty and information systems on supply chains
Authors: Prater Edmund
Published: August 2005

Purpose

Today, global supply chains must deal with large amounts of uncertainty. This paper seeks to provide a framework for understanding the different types of uncertainties that can impact supply chains and their attendant information systems.

Design/methodology/approach

Addresses the following questions. What are the different types of uncertainty at the general macro level? How are these macro level uncertainty types broken down into more specific types of uncertainty seen in supply chains? What impact do these uncertainties have on the supply chain and the supporting IS, and what are the current methods for dealing with them?

Findings

The term uncertainty is used as a generic reference for various and sundry different types of problems within the management of supply chains and their supporting information systems (IS). This can lead to confusion about what tools and techniques are available and which tools apply to which types of problems. The framework presented allows researchers and practitioners to more accurately converse about the exact problems encountered in the management of supply chains and the tools that are needed to address these problems.

Originality/value

The paper addresses uncertainty in supply chains and provides a starting‐point for further discussion and research on the management of uncertainty within them.
Childbirth Experiences in Australia of Women Born in Turkey, Vietnam, and Australia
Authors: McLachlan Helen , Waldenström Ulla
Published: August 2005

ABSTRACT:  Background:
Migrant women constitute a growing proportion of the childbearing population in many high‐income countries. The aim of this study was to investigate experiences of childbirth, including recollection of pain and use of pain relief, in women born in Vietnam, Turkey, and Australia who gave birth in Victoria, Australia. Methods:One hundred Vietnamese‐born and 100 Turkish‐born women were compared with 100 Australian‐born women who gave birth in the same metropolitan hospital during the same time period. Only women who had a normal vaginal birth and gave birth to a healthy baby were included. They were interviewed between 24 hours after the birth and hospital discharge. Results:Vietnamese women used less pain relief, reported more pain, and described childbirth overall more negatively than Australian women, while also reporting less anxiety, more confidence, and less panic during labor. Turkish women's responses were more similar to those of Australian women, but they were slightly more satisfied with childbirth overall despite recollecting more pain, and were also more likely to perceive time normally. Turkish women used a similar amount of pharmacological pain relief as Australian women, but used more relaxation and breathing techniques. Conclusions:This study showed that women's responses to childbirth are associated with cultural background. Midwives and other caregivers should be particularly sensitive in assessing Vietnamese women's pain during labor. (BIRTH 32:4 December 2005)
CLONAL ORIGIN OF γ‐GLUTAMYL TRANSPEPTIDASE‐POSITIVE HEPATIC LESIONS INDUCED BY INITIATION‐PROMOTION IN ORNITHINE CARBAMOYLTRANSFERASE MOSAIC MICE
Authors: Tsuji Satoru , Ogawa Katsuhiro , Takasaka Hajime , Sonoda Tomoko , Mori Michio
Published: August 2005

Since the deficiency of ornithine carbamoyl‐transferase (OCT) is inherited as an X‐linked dominant trait in sparse‐fur with abnormal skin and hair (Spf‐ash) mice, the livers of heterozygous Spf‐ash females show mosaicism in regard to OCT. We induced enzyme‐altered foci and nodules, presumptive preneoplastic lesions for hepatocellular carcinomas, in the livers of OCT mosaic mice (Spf‐ash × C3H F1), and investigated the clonality of the lesions. Simultaneous histochemical staining for OCT and γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) demonstrated that all GGT‐positive lesions (ranging in size from 3 cells to a few millimeters in diameter) were either positive or negative for OCT, and no mosaic lesions were detectable. The results indicate that individual enzyme‐altered hepatocytic lesions are the result of clonal proliferation.
Adult T Cell Leukemia‐like Disease Experimentally Induced in Rabbits
Authors: Seto Akira , Kawanishi Michiko , Matsuda Shuichi , Ogawa Katsuhiko , Miyoshi Isao
Published: August 2005

An HTLV‐I‐transformed T cell line, obtained from the peripheral blood of a virus‐infected (B/J × Chbb:HM) F1 rabbit, was able to kill syngeneic newborn rabbits within 7 days, when inoculated intraperitoneally at a dose of 1 × 108 cells. Inoculation of 1 × 107 cells killed or rendered moribund 50% of inoculated animals, while surviving animals exhibited cell‐mediated cytotoxic activities against the transformed cells. The peripheral blood leukocyte counts increased in all surviving animals, in association with appearance of abnormal lymphocytes with convoluted or lobulated nuclei. Pathological examination of animals that died one week post‐inoculation revealed no tumors in the abdominal cavity, but accumulation of ascites containing abnormal lymphocytes. Histological examination showed leukemic infiltration in the liver, lungs, spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes. The same cell line was also able to kill syngeneic adult rabbits in 8–10 days when inoculated intravenously, but not intraperitoneally, at a dose of 1 × 108 cells. Leukemic infiltration was observed in the major organs of these animals. Adult animals which were already virus carriers were resistant to this lethal inoculation. This rabbit ATL‐like disease may prove to be useful as an experimental model for acute adult T cell leukemia.
Specific Reduction of Toxic Side Effects of Adriamycin by Induction of Metallothionein in Mice
Authors: Naganuma Akira , Satoh Masahiko , Imura Nobumasa
Published: August 2005

The effect of preinduction of metallothionein (MT) by bismuth (Bi) compounds on the toxic side effects and antitumor activity of adriamycin (ADR) was investigated in mice. Preinduction of MT by oral administration of bismuth subnitrate (BSN) significantly decreased the lethal toxicity, cardiotoxicity and bone marrow toxicity observed with a single subcutaneous injection of ADR. A significant increase in the concentration of cardiac MT was observed in mice treated with BSN. The MT level in the heart was significantly correlated with the protective effect of BSN against the cardiotoxicity of ADR. In tumor‐bearing mice, pretreatment with BSN did not affect the antitumor activity of ADR, although its cardiotoxicity was significantly depressed. The ability of BSN to reduce specifically the toxicity of ADR may be ascribed to the fact that Bi induces MT in the target tissue of ADR toxicity but not in a tumor. The protective effect of MT against the toxicity of ADR, which is believed to act as an anticancer agent by generating active oxygen, can be assumed to be due to its ability to scavenge free radicals or inhibit their formation.
Effects of the Plasma Concentration of 5‐Fluorouracil and the Duration of Continuous Venous Infusion of 5‐Fluorouracil with an Inhibitor of 5‐Fluorouracil Degradation on Yoshida Sarcomas in Rats
Authors: Fujii Setsuro , Shimamoto Yuji , Ohshimo Hideyuki , Imaoka Takeshi , Motoyama Masaaki , Fukushima Masakazu , Shirasaka Tetsuhiko
Published: August 2005

The correlations of the 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) level in the plasma and the duration of continuous 5‐FU infusion with the antitumor activity of 5‐FU on Yoshida sarcomas in rats were examined. The circadian variation in the plasma level of 5‐FU during continuous infusion was prevented by treatment with 3‐cyano‐2,6‐dihydroxypyridine (CNDP), which strongly inhibits 5‐FU degradation. On continuous venous infusion of 2 to 30 mg/kg of 5‐FU over 24 h with CNDP at a molar ratio of 1:10 into normal rats, the 5‐FU level in the blood was linearly proportional to the dose of 5‐FU. The optimum schedule for antitumor activity on Yoshida sarcomas in rats was found to be infusion of 5‐FU at 5 mg/kg over 24 h for 6 consecutive days, which gave a plasma 5‐FU level of 176 ng/ml. Continuous infusion of 5‐FU to give a plasma level of 300 ng/ml for 6 consecutive days from day 5 after implantation of tumor cells, when the tumors weighed about 1.0 g, resulted in complete regression of the tumors in all rats.
Effects of Sodium Nitrite and Catechol or 3‐Methoxycatechol in Combination on Rat Stomach Epithelium
Authors: Hirose Masao , Fukushima Shoji , Hasegawa Ryohei , Kato Toshio , Tanaka Hikaru , Ito Nobuyuki
Published: August 2005

The effects of sodium nitrite (NaNO2) and catechol or 3‐methoxycatechol in combination were examined in male F344 rats. Animals were treated with 0.3% NaNO2 in the drinking water and 0.8% catechol or 2% 3‐methoxycatechol in powdered diet for 24 weeks. While catechol or 3‐methoxycatechol alone induced low incidences of mild or moderate hyperplasia, simultaneous administration of NaNO2 markedly enhanced the degree of hyperplasia and papilloma formation. In contrast, induction of submucosal hyperplasia and adenomas in the glandular epithelium was reduced. Thus, the results indicate that NaNO2 can modulate the metabolism of antioxidants, so that, possibly via production of new active moieties, targeting of forestomach epithelium is enhanced.
Organization of Mouse DNA Polymerase β Gene Silencer Elements and Identification of the Silencer‐binding Factor(s)
Authors: Yamaguchi Masamitsu , Hayashi Yuko , Furukawa Kazuhiro , Nishimoto Yoshio , Akio Akio
Published: August 2005

Different portions of the 5‐upstream region of the mouse DNA polymerase β gene were combined with bacterial chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) gene of the CAT vector. Transfection of these recombinant plasmids into mouse NIH/3T3 cells has revealed that each of the previously identified two negatively acting regions (silencers I and II) of this gene consists of multiple sub‐domains. The distal silencer (silencer I) at around ‐1.5 kb consists of four sub‐domains (‐1852 to ‐1667, ‐1663 to ‐1616, ‐1564 to ‐1525 and ‐1355 to ‐1257). The promoter‐proximal silencer (silencer II) at around – 0.5 kb consists of two functional domains (‐ 681 to – 523 and – 490 to – 447) separated by a neutral region of 33 base pairs. Silencer II functioned efficiently when silencer I was deleted. Conversely, the distal silencer I functioned efficiently when silencer II was deleted. Thus, these silencers functioned redundantly to each other in NIH/3T3 cells. Nucleotide sequence analysis revealed no extensive sequence similarity between these two silencers. Significant sequence similarity is present between a distal portion of silencer II and the c‐myc gene silencer, and also between a proximal portion of silencer II and the mouse F9 cell‐specific silencer. A protein factor(s) that specifically bound to the silencer elements was detected in nuclear extracts of NIH/3T3 cells and mouse liver in which DNA polymerase β was expressed at a rather low level. The same binding factor(s) can bind to both silencer I and II regions, although its affinity for silencer II is much higher than that for silencer I.