bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heterogeneous chemistry involving methanol in tropospheric clouds
Authors: Tabazadeh A. , Yokelson R. J. , Singh H. B. , Hobbs P. V. , Crawford J. H. , Iraci L. T.
Published: March 2004

In this report we analyze airborne measurements to suggest that methanol in biomass burning smoke is lost heterogeneously in clouds. When a smoke plume intersected a cumulus cloud during the SAFARI 2000 field project, the observed methanol gas phase concentration rapidly declined. Current understanding of gas and aqueous phase chemistry cannot explain the loss of methanol documented by these measurements. Two plausible heterogeneous reactions are proposed to explain the observed simultaneous loss and production of methanol and formaldehyde, respectively. If the rapid heterogeneous processing of methanol, seen in a cloud impacted by smoke, occurs in more pristine clouds, it could affect the oxidizing capacity of the troposphere on a global scale.
Chemical characterization of humic‐like substances (HULIS) formed from a lignin‐type precursor in model cloud water
Authors: Hoffer A. , Kiss G. , Blazsó M. , Gelencsér A.
Published: March 2004

A representative lignin‐type component from biomass burning aerosol has been shown to react with OH radicals in model cloud water yielding colored organic species. In this paper we investigated the chemical properties of the complex reaction products formed from 3,5‐dihydroxybenzoic acid. The reaction was followed by UV‐VIS spectrophotometry, liquid chromatography, electrospray‐mass spectrometry, thermally assisted hydrolysis and methylation‐gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and a thermal method. This paper provides experimental proofs that actually larger molecular weight species are formed in the aqueous phase by free radical oligomerization. The features observed by all analytical techniques closely resemble those found for natural humic acids and HULIS found in rural and biomass burning aerosol. Therefore such processes are assumed to produce the ubiquitous humic‐like substances (HULIS) in atmospheric aerosol. Since these species show intense absorbance in the lower visible to UV range, they might also be important in atmospheric absorption of solar radiation.
The multi‐year development of long‐lived convective chimneys in the Greenland Sea
Authors: Wadhams P. , Budéus G. , Wilkinson J. P. , Løyning T. , Pavlov V.
Published: March 2004

The first convective chimney in the Greenland Sea to have its temperature and salinity structure fully mapped was discovered in March 2001 near 75°N 0°W [Wadhams et al., 2002]. Later cruises have shown that this remarkable feature has survived for a further 26 months, being remapped in summer 2001, winter 2002, summer 2002 and most recently in April–May 2003, making it the longest‐lived chimney yet seen in the world ocean. The chimney has an anticyclonically rotating core and experiences an annual cycle in which it is uniform in properties from the surface to 2500 m in winter, but is capped by lower‐density water in summer. The latest cruise also discovered a second chimney, 70 km NW of the first, during a thorough survey of 15,000 km2 of the gyre centre which left the existence of further chimneys unlikely. We conclude that the 75°/0° chimney is not unique, but that Greenland Sea chimneys are rare and are probably rarer than in 1997, when several such features were discovered by a float survey. This has implications for deep water renewal and for the role of Greenland Sea convection in the North Atlantic circulation.
Statistical evaluation of MPA‐RT high‐resolution precipitation estimates from satellite platforms over the central and eastern Mediterranean
Authors: Katsanos D. , Lagouvardos K. , Kotroni V. , Huffmann G. J.
Published: March 2004

A statistical verification of satellite precipitation estimates has been conducted for a one year period over the Central and Eastern Mediterranean. The NASA real‐time Multi‐satellite Precipitation Analysis (MPA‐RT) data are verified against 73 raingauge data. The verification aims to assess the skill of these satellite estimates to detect rainy areas and to give information on the accumulated precipitation errors. The results show almost unbiased results for the low and medium precipitation thresholds, especially during the wet period of the year. At higher accumulation thresholds, the satellite data overestimate the rain events compared to the raingauges, especially during the dry period of the year, when the major part of precipitation is produced by isolated thunderstorms. Moreover the analysis showed that for the high precipitation amounts and during the whole period the probability of detection is quite low and the false alarm ratio is high (reaching ∼85% during the dry period).
Characteristics of aerosol spectral optical depths over Manora Peak: A high‐altitude station in the central Himalayas
Authors: Sagar Ram , Kumar Brijesh , Dumka U. C. , Moorthy K. Krishna , Pant P.
Published: March 2004

We present, for the first time, spectral behavior of aerosol optical depths (AODs) over Manora Peak, Nainital, located at an altitude of ∼2 km in the Shivalik ranges of the central Himalayas. The observations were carried out using a multiwavelength solar radiometer during January to December 2002. The main results of the study are extremely low AODs during winter, a remarkable increase to high values in summer, and a distinct change in the spectral dependencies of AODs from relatively steeper spectra during winter to shallower ones in summer. A comparison of the total optical depths of the nighttime measurements taken during the 1970s with the daytime values from the current study underlines the fact that loading of larger size particles during summer also occurred at that time, though less severely than it does today. During transparent days the AOD values usually lie below 0.08, while during dusty (turbid) days they lie between 0.08 and 0.69. The average AOD value during the winter, particularly in January and February, is ∼0.03 ± 0.01 at 0.5 μm. The mean aerosol extinction law at Manora Peak during 2002 is best represented by 0.10λ−0.61. However, during transparent days, which covers almost 40% of the time, it is represented by 0.02λ−0.97. This value of wavelength exponent, representing reduced coarse concentration and the presence of fine aerosols, indicates that the station measures aerosol in the free troposphere at least during part of the year.
Optimization approximation with separable variables for the one‐way wave operator
Authors: Chen Jing‐Bo , Liu Hong
Published: March 2004

An optimization approximation with separable variables for the one‐way wave operator is presented in this Letter. This new method approximates the one‐way wave operator by products of functions in space variables and functions in wave number variables by means of optimization approximation with separable variables. This approximation enables us to use FFT algorithm which is independent of space variables while suffering no problem of branch points present in the generalized‐screen method.
Are those in need taking dietary supplements? A survey of 21 923 adults
Authors: Harrison R. A. , Holt D. , Pattison D. J. , Elton P. J.
Published: March 2004

Many people take dietary supplements, but information on characteristics associated with their use is lacking. The relationship between lifestyle behaviours, morbidity and use of dietary supplements has not been examined and earlier studies have limited applicability to a general population. These issues were addressed in the current study. Information was obtained by postal questionnaire sent to a sample of the general population. The questionnaire was completed by 70·5% of the sample (15465 from a total sample of 21923), with at least one-third (35·5%) taking dietary supplements. In adjusted analyses, supplement users were more likely to be women, white, home-owners, non-smokers and physically active. Use of vitamin, mineral and/or antioxidant supplements was associated with eating more fruits and vegetables, and taking fish-oil supplements was associated with eating oil-rich fish. A history of CVD or risk factors for CVD reduced the risk of taking vitamins, minerals and/or antioxidants or fish-oil supplements. Those reporting musculoskeletal disorders such as arthritis were more likely to take fish-oil supplements For the first time, we have shown that dietary supplement use is related to different types of morbidity. In particular, people at risk of primary or secondary CVD seem less likely to use dietary supplements, despite possible benefits shown in clinical trials. Public health organisations need to develop guidelines for the public and health professionals regarding the uncontrolled use of dietary supplements in the community.
Fractional magnesium absorption is significantly lower in human subjects from a meal served with an oxalate-rich vegetable, spinach, as compared with a meal served with kale, a vegetable with a low oxalate content
Authors: Bohn Torsten , Davidsson Lena , Walczyk Thomas , Hurrell Richard F.
Published: March 2004

The aim of the present study was to evaluate Mg absorption from a test meal served with an oxalate-rich vegetable, spinach, as compared with a test meal served with a vegetable with a low oxalate content, kale. Mg absorption was measured by a stable-isotope technique based on extrinsic labelling of the test meals and faecal monitoring of the excreted isotope labels. Nine healthy adults participated in the study. The test meals were based on 100g phytate-free white bread, served with 300g spinach (6·6mmol oxalate; 0·7mmol 25Mg label added, 5·0mmol total Mg) or 300g kale (0·1mmol oxalate; 1·2mmol 26Mg label added, 4·8mmol total Mg). The test meals were served on days 1 and 3, at breakfast and lunch, using a cross-over design. The results from the present study demonstrated that apparent Mg absorption was significantly lower from the meal served with spinach (26·7 (sd 10·4) %) than the meal served with kale (36·5 (sd 11·8) %) (P=0·01). However, the lower fractional apparent Mg absorption from the test meal served with spinach can be assumed to be, at least partly, counterbalanced by the higher native Mg content of spinach as compared with kale. Although based on indirect evidence, i.e. not based on an evaluation of added (or removed) oxalic acid, the difference in Mg absorption observed in the present study is attributed to the difference in oxalic acid content between the two vegetables.
Does dietary calcium have a protective effect on bone fractures in women? A meta-analysis of observational studies
Authors: Xu Liangzhi , McElduff Patrick , D'Este Catherine , Attia John
Published: March 2004

It is generally accepted that supplemental Ca and/or vitamin D is effective in reducing the incidence of bone fractures; this is supported by numerous randomised controlled trials and meta-analyses. However, a question that has received much less attention is whether dietary Ca, i.e. Ca in physiological doses in normal food intake, also affects bone fracture risk. The present study aims to review the effect of dietary Ca on bone fractures at the hip, spine and radius in women >35 years old, and to compare these results with previous meta-analyses. MEDLINE (1966–1999) and reference lists in papers were searched for observational dietary Ca studies. Data were extracted in duplicate and separately. Heterogeneity and publication bias were tested. Observational studies failed to show any association between dietary Ca intake and risk of hip fracture (risk ratio 1·01, 95% CI 0·96, 1·07 for each increment of 300mg dietary Ca intake/d). There is a suggestion that either extremely low Ca intake may increase fracture risk, or that East Asian women may respond differently to increasing Ca intake.
Urinary isoflavone kinetics: the effect of age, gender, food matrix and chemical composition
Authors: Faughnan Marian S. , Hawdon Ann , Ah-Singh Eric , Brown Jonathan , Millward D. J. , Cassidy Aedin
Published: March 2004

Urinary isoflavone excretion is used to monitor compliance and examine biological effects. The present study determined if there were alterations in urinary isoflavone excretion following the ingestion of different soya foods and if age and gender potentially modified profiles. Twenty premenopausal women, seventeen post-menopausal women and twenty men received a defined single oral bolus dose (0·44mg isoflavones/kg body weight) of soya milk, textured vegetable protein (TVP) or tempeh on three separate occasions. Baseline and four consecutive complete 24h pooled urines were collected during each period. Urinary genistein recovery was influenced by gender and food matrix. For women the urinary genistein recovery was higher following soya-milk consumption compared with TVP (P<0·05). Tempeh consumption also resulted in an increased urinary genistein recovery relative to soya milk in premenopausal women (P<0·052). No differences in urinary genistein recoveries between soya foods were observed in the men. Although urinary daidzein excretion was similar across the foods studied and was not affected by age or gender, conversion to its intestinal metabolite, equol, resulted in potential matrix and chemical composition effects; urinary equol excretion was higher (P<0·01) following tempeh ingestion among equol producers. Together these data suggest that the fractional absorption of genistein is potentially different in men and women and is influenced by the food matrix and chemical composition. Furthermore, the data suggest that the metabolism of daidzein may be altered by the chemical composition of the isoflavones ingested. Further studies are required to examine the effect of higher intake and define the relative influence of these factors in elderly population groups.
Domains of deontic reasoning: Resolving the discrepancy between the cognitive and moral reasoning literatures
Authors: Fiddick Laurence
Published: March 2004

Deontic reasoning has been studied in two subfields of psychology: the cognitive and moral reasoning literatures. These literatures have drawn different conclusions about the nature of deontic reasoning. The consensus within the cognitive reasoning literature is that deontic reasoning is a unitary phenomenon, whereas the consensus within the moral reasoning literature is that there are different subdomains of deontic reasoning. We present evidence from a series of experiments employing the methods of both literatures suggesting that people make a systematic distinction between two types of deontic rule: social contracts and precautions. The results call into question the prevailing opinion in the cognitive reasoning literature and provide further support for both an evolutionary view of deontic reasoning and the more domain-specific perspective found in the moral reasoning literature.
Adaptation to tempo changes in sensorimotor synchronization: Effects of intention, attention, and awareness
Authors: Repp Bruno H. , Keller Peter E.
Published: March 2004

Adaptation to tempo changes in sensorimotor synchronization is hypothesized to rest on two processes, one (phase correction) being largely automatic and the other (period correction) requiring conscious awareness and attention. In this study, participants tapped their finger in synchrony with auditory sequences containing a tempo change and continued tapping after sequence termination. Their intention to adapt or not to adapt to the tempo change was manipulated through instructions, their attentional resources were varied by introducing a concurrent secondary task (mental arithmetic), and their awareness of the tempo changes was assessed through perceptual judgements. As predicted, period correction was found to be strongly dependent on all three variables, whereas phase correction depended only on intention.
Infants’ haptic perception of object unity in rotating displays
Authors: Streri Arlette , Gentaz Edouard , Spelke Elizabeth , Van de Walle Gretchen
Published: March 2004

Four-month-old infants were allowed to manipulate, without vision, two rings attached to a bar that permitted each ring to undergo rotary motion against a fixed surface. In different conditions, the relative motions of the rings were rigid, independent, or opposite, and they circled either the same fixed point outside the zone of manipulation or spatially separated points. Infants’ perception of the ring assemblies were affected by the nature of the rotary motion in two ways. First, infants perceived a unitary object when the felt ends of the object underwent a common, rigid rotary motion; perception of object unity was stronger in this condition than when the ends underwent either independent or opposite rotary motions. Second, infants perceived two distinct objects when the felt ends of the objects underwent independent rotary motions that centred on distinct fixed points. Perception of the distinctness of the objects was less clear when the ends underwent opposite or independent rotary motions that centred on a common fixed point. These findings provide the first evidence that infants are sensitive to rotary motion patterns and can extrapolate a global pattern of rigid motion from the distinct, local velocities that they produce and experience at their two hands.
Mixing compatible and incompatible mappings: Elimination, reduction, and enhancement of spatial compatibility effects
Authors: Vu Kim-Phuong L. , Proctor Robert W.
Published: March 2004

In two-choice tasks, the compatible mapping of left stimulus to left response and right stimulus to right response typically yields better performance than does the incompatible mapping. Nonetheless, when compatible and incompatible mappings are mixed within a block of trials, the spatial compatibility effect is eliminated. Two experiments evaluated whether the elimination of compatibility effects by mixing compatible and incompatible mappings is a general or specific phenomenon. Left–right physical locations, arrow directions, and location words were mapped to keypress responses in Experiment 1 and vocal responses in Experiment 2. With keypresses, mixing compatible and incompatible mappings eliminated the compatibility effect for physical locations and arrow directions, but enhanced it for words. With vocal responses, mixing significantly reduced the compatibility effect only for words. Overall, the mixing effects suggest that elimination or reduction of compatibility effects occurs primarily when the stimulus-response sets have both conceptual and perceptual similarity. This elimination may be due to suppression of a direct response-selection route, but to account for the full pattern of mixing effects it is also necessary to consider changes in an indirect response-selection route and the temporal activation properties of different stimulus-response sets.
Orthographic structure and deaf spelling errors: Syllables, letter frequency, and speech
Authors: Olson Andrew C. , Caramazza Alfonso
Published: March 2004

Syllable structure influences hearing students’ reading and spelling (e.g., Badecker, 1996; Caramazza & Miceli, 1990; Prinzmetal, Treiman, & Rho, 1986; Rapp, 1992; Treiman & Zukowski, 1988). This may seem unsurprising since hearers closely associate written and spoken words. We analysed a corpus of spelling errors made by deaf students. They would have learned English orthography with an attenuated experience of speech. We found that the majority of their errors were phonologically implausible but orthographically legal. A tendency to replace uncommon letter sequences with common sequences could not account for this pattern, nor could residual influence from speech. Since syllabically defined constraints are required to keep sequences orthographically legal, the deaf data are marked by an influence of syllable structure. Two main conclusions follow: (1) Our results contribute to evidence that abstract constraints, not derived from peripheral speech or hearing mechanisms, govern the organization of linguistic knowledge; and (2) statistical redundancy could not explain the deaf results. It does not offer a general alternative to suprasegmental structure.
Globalization, Upgrading, and Small Enterprises: A View from Central America
Authors: Sáinz Juan Pablo Pérez
Published: March 2004

This article examines the processes through which small enterprises pursuing an accumulation strategy are inserted into the global economic regime. Our focus on small enterprises in globalization has a dual objective. First, in analytic terms, it suggests that the key question to be addressed concerns the opportunities and threats that globalization produces for this type of enterprise. In this regard, the concept of upgrading proves critical to addressing this question. Second, from a methodological perspective, the approach leads us to adopt a view ‘from below’, i.e., from the position of small enterprises themselves. The analysis is intended to complement rather than to challenge the ‘top-down’ perspectives that characterize studies of globalization, and in which small enterprises tend to be rendered invisible. This study examines two empirical cases: the software sector in Costa Rica and the development of the garment industry in a cluster concentrated in an indigenous community in Guatemala.
Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans of Scalp With Cervical Lymph Node Metastasis
Authors: Lal Pawan , Goel Arun , Mandal A. K.
Published: March 2004

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is an uncommon, slow growing and locally aggressive tumor of the skin with
a high rate of recurrence even after supposedly wide excision. The reports of regional lymph node metastasis and distant
metastasis are very rare. Because of the extreme rarity of these cases with metastasis, the experience with management of
such patients is very limited. A case of recurrent DFSP of scalp, with metastasis to the regional lymph nodes, in a 17‐year‐old
boy is reported here. This is the second case of DFSP involving scalp and 16th case of DFSP of all sites metastasizing to the
regional lymph nodes reported in literature. The patient was treated with wide excision of the lesion and ipsilateral radical
neck dissection (including excision of overlying involved skin).
Giant Osteofibrous Dysplasia (Ossifying Fibroma) of the Tibia: Case Report and Review of Treatment Modalities
Authors: Segev Eitan , Issakov Josephine , Ezra Eli , Wientroub Shlomo , Meller Itzchak
Published: March 2004

We present a case of giant osteofibrous dysplasia (OFB) of the proximal tibia with 15 years of follow‐up. The tumor recurred
after first biopsy and curettage done at the age of 6 years and, again, 4 years later. Following recurrence, the option of
amputation was suggested. Staged treatment of curettage, cryosurgery, bone cement as a temporary spacer with internal
fixation at age 12 years, followed by bone grafting at age 14 years, led to complete healing. The staged protocol for treatment
is proposed as an alternative to more radical solutions. It is suggested to postpone surgical treatment towards skeletal
maturity.
Conceptualizing the (Dis)unity of Science∗
Authors: Grantham Todd A.
Published: March 2004

This paper argues that conceptualizing unity as “interconnection” (rather than reduction) provides a more fruitful and versatile framework for the philosophical study of scientific unification. Building on the work of Darden and Maull, Kitcher, and Kincaid, I treat unity as a relationship betweenfields: two fields become more integrated as the number and/or significance of interfield connections grow. Even when reduction fails, two theories or fields can be unified (integrated) in significant ways. I highlight two largely independent dimensions of unification. Fields aretheoreticallyunified to the extent that we understand how the ontologies, concepts, and generalizations of these fields are connected. (Reductionism is one form of theoretical unity, but not the only form). Fields arepracticallyunified through heuristic connections (e.g., using the heuristics of one field to generate hypotheses in another field) and by the development of methods for integrating the qualitatively distinct bodies of data generated by the two fields. I discuss the relationship between paleontological and neontological systematics to illustrate the utility of conceptualizing unity as interconnection.
Error as Means to Discovery*
Authors: Elliott Kevin
Published: March 2004

This paper argues, first, that recent studies of experimentation, most notably by Deborah Mayo, provide the conceptual resources to describe scientific discovery's early stages as error-probing processes. Second, it shows that this description yields greater understanding of those early stages, including the challenges that they pose, the research strategies associated with them, and their influence on the rest of the discovery process. Throughout, the paper examines the phenomenon of “chemical hormesis” (i.e., anomalous low-dose effects from toxic chemicals) as a case study that is important not only for the biological sciences but also for contemporary public policy. The resulting analysis is significant for at least two reasons. First, by elucidating the importance of discovery'searlieststages, it expands previous accounts by philosophers such as William Wimsatt and Lindley Darden. Second, it identifies the discovery process as yet another philosophical topic on which the detailed studies of the “new experimentalists” can shed new light.
Targeting of TAK1 by the NF-κB protein Relish regulates the JNK-mediated immune response in Drosophila
Authors: Park Jin Mo , Brady Helen , Ruocco Maria Grazia , Sun Huaiyu , Williams DeeAnn , Lee Susan J. , Kato Tomohisa , Richards Normand , Chan Kyle , Mercurio Frank , Karin Michael , Wasserman Steven A.
Published: March 2004

The molecular circuitry underlying innate immunity is constructed of multiple, evolutionarily conserved signaling modules with distinct regulatory targets. The MAP kinases and the IKK-NF-κB molecules play important roles in the initiation of immune effector responses. We have found that the Drosophila NF-κB protein Relish plays a crucial role in limiting the duration of JNK activation and output in response to Gram-negative infections. Relish activation is linked to proteasomal degradation of TAK1, the upstream MAP kinase kinase kinase required for JNK activation. Degradation of TAK1 leads to a rapid termination of JNK signaling, resulting in a transient JNK-dependent response that precedes the sustained induction of Relish-dependent innate immune loci. Because the IKK-NF-κB module also negatively regulates JNK activation in mammals, thereby controlling inflammation-induced apoptosis, the regulatory cross-talk between the JNK and NF-κB pathways appears to be broadly conserved.
Ephrin-B1 forward and reverse signaling are required during mouse development
Authors: Davy Alice , Aubin Josée , Soriano Philippe
Published: March 2004

Eph receptors and ephrin ligands are key players in many developmental processes including embryo patterning, angiogenesis, and axon guidance. Eph/ephrin interactions lead to the generation of a bidirectional signal, in which both the Eph receptors and the ephrins activate downstream signaling cascades simultaneously. To understand the role of ephrin-B1 and the importance of ephrin-B1-induced reverse signaling during embryonic development, we have generated mouse lines carrying mutations in the efnb1 gene. Complete ablation of ephrin-B1 resulted in perinatal lethality associated with a range of phenotypes, including defects in neural crest cell (NCC)-derived tissues, incomplete body wall closure, and abnormal skeletal patterning. Conditional deletion of ephrin-B1 demonstrated that ephrin-B1 acts autonomously in NCCs, and controls their migration. Last, a mutation in the PDZ binding domain indicated that ephrin-B1-induced reverse signaling is required in NCCs. Our results demonstrate that ephrin-B1 acts both as a ligand and as a receptor in a tissue-specific manner during embryogenesis.
Glucocorticoid receptor function in hepatocytes is essential to promote postnatal body growth
Authors: Tronche François , Opherk Christian , Moriggl Richard , Kellendonk Christoph , Reimann Andreas , Schwake Lukas , Reichardt Holger M. , Stangl Katharina , Gau Daniel , Hoeflich Andreas , Beug Hartmut , Schmid Wolfgang , Schütz Günther
Published: March 2004

Mice carrying a hepatocyte-specific inactivation of the glucorticoid receptor (GR) gene show a dramatic reduction in body size. Growth hormone signaling mediated by the Stat5 transcription factors is impaired. We show that Stat5 proteins physically interact with GR and GR is present in vivo on Stat5-dependent IGF-I and ALS regulatory regions. Interestingly, mice with a DNA-binding-deficient GR but an unaltered ability to interact with STAT5 (GRdim/dim) have a normal body size and normal levels of Stat5-dependent mRNAs. These findings strongly support the model in which GR acts as a coactivator for Stat5-dependent transcription upon GH stimulation and reveal an essential role of hepatic GR in the control of body growth.
Validating generational differences
Authors: Arsenault Paul M.
Published: March 2004

Today's workforce is more diverse that ever. One diversity issue that has not been generally recognized is generational differences. Defined as a shared tradition and culture by a group of people that is lifelong, differences in generations have been plagued by erroneous misconceptions. The principal reason has been a lack of research to validate the significance of these differences. This extensive study validates that generations create their own traditions and culture by a shared collective field of emotions, attitudes, preferences, and dispositions. In addition, the study illustrates significant differences in how these generations rank admired leadership characteristics, which correlates to their preferred leadership style and favorite leaders. The conclusion is that generational differences are a legitimate diversity issue that organizations need to recognize and understand and an issue that needs to be addressed in developing current and future leaders.
The influence of organizational culture on attitudes toward organizational change
Authors: Abdul Rashid Zabid , Sambasivan Murali , Abdul Rahman Azmawani
Published: March 2004

This study investigates the influence of organizational culture on attitudes toward organizational change in Malaysia. Based on the work of Goffee and Jones and Dunham et al., a structured questionnaire was developed and self‐administered to 258 companies listed in the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturing directory. The results showed that there is an association between organizational culture and the affective, cognitive, and behavioral tendency of attitudes toward organizational change. The findings also showed that different types of organizational culture have different levels of acceptance of attitudes toward organizational change. This means that certain type of organizational culture could facilitate the acceptability of change, while other types of culture could not accept it. The implications of this research are also discussed.
Leadership and the development of dominant and countercultures
Authors: Jones Robert , Lasky Barbara , Russell‐Gale Heather , le Fevre Mia
Published: March 2004

This article uses a case study analysis to analyse a leadership scenario that permits a dominant culture and a counterculture to develop and coexist simultaneously within a single organisation. Research findings are presented to show the circumstances under which the leadership of a reactive narcissistic founder‐leader can give rise to the coexistence of a dominant and a counterculture through an incremental development process. By employing the “successful‐idealising” concepts of Gagliardi, the case demonstrates how such a leader can allow antagonistic organisational values to exist in a marginalised state alongside those of the dominant culture, as long as such values fall within the latitude of tolerance of the leader. The circumstances under which this process can occur are analysed within the context of the case.
Process improvement within a HR division at a UK police force
Authors: Greasley Andrew
Published: March 2004

A structured approach to process improvement is described in the context of the human resources division of a UK police force. The approach combines a number of established techniques of process improvement such as the balanced scorecard and process mapping with a scoring system developed to prioritise processes for improvement. The methodology described presents one way of ensuring the correct processes are identified and redesigned at an operational level in such a way as to support the organisation's strategic aims. In addition, a performance measurement system is utilised to attempt to ensure that the changes implemented do actually achieve the desired effect over time. The case demonstrates the need to choose and in some cases develop in‐house tools and techniques dependent on the context of the process improvement effort.
Detecting transient voltage stability and voltage sag
Authors: Jurado Francisco , Ramón Saenz José
Published: March 2004

This paper presents method to discriminate between transient voltage stability and voltage sag. The discrete wavelet transform (WT) is a powerful tool in the analysis of the transient phenomena in power systems because of its ability to extract information in both the time and frequency domain. This paper introduces a technique for accurate discrimination by combining WTs with neural networks (NNs). The WT is first applied to decompose the signals into a series of detailed wavelet components. The wavelet components are calculated and then employed to train a NN. The simulated results presented clearly show that the proposed technique can accurately discriminate between transient voltage stability and voltage sag in power system protection.
Charge transport in 1D silicon devices via Monte Carlo simulation and Boltzmann‐Poisson solver
Authors: Majorana A. , Muscato O. , Milazzo C.
Published: March 2004

Time‐depending solutions to the Boltzmann‐Poisson system in one spatial dimension and three‐dimensional velocity space are obtained by using a recent finite difference numerical scheme. The collision operator of the Boltzmann equation models the scattering processes between electrons and phonons assumed in thermal equilibrium. The numerical solutions for bulk silicon and for a one‐dimensional n+‐n‐n+ silicon diode are compared with the Monte Carlo simulation. Further comparisons with the experimental data are shown.
The fuzzy decision tree application to a power system problem
Authors: Lo K.L. , Izham Haji Zainal Abidin Haji
Published: March 2004

This paper describes voltage collapse in power system networks and how it could lead to a collapse of the whole system. Discusses the effect of machine learning and artificial intelligence, leading to new methods. Spotlight, the fuzzy decision tree (FDT) method and its application to voltage collapse assessments. Concludes that FDT can identify and group data sets, giving a new understanding of its application in voltage collapse analysis.
Risk analysis approach for generation adequacy assessment in a deregulated environment
Authors: Lo K.L. , Hashim A.H.
Published: March 2004

A system operator (SO) of a transmission network consistently aims to minimise operating costs whilst still maintaining a certain degree of system adequacy. One of the ways to achieve this is by minimising the level of spinning reserve (SR) in the system. In order to do so, the level of SR must be analysed. This study looks at quantifying the risk of inadequacy when the SR is varied. A study was done for a period of 24 h with 30 m intervals to determine the risk level at each period. The number of generators despatched, system power margin and the system sell price was all taken into account. Risk was then computed by factoring the probability of generation inadequacy and the cost of purchasing the imbalance from the balancing market.
Magnetization identification problem
Authors: Chadebec Olivier , Coulomb Jean‐Louis , Cauffet Gilles , Bongiraud Jean‐Paul , Guérin Sébastien
Published: March 2004

This paper deals with the problem of magnetization identification. We consider a ferromagnetic body placed in an inductor field. The goal of this work is, from static magnetic field measurements taken around the device, to obtain an accurate model of its magnetization. This inverse problem is usually ill‐posed and its solution is non‐unique. It is then necessary to use mathematical regularization. However, we prefer to transform it to a better posed one by incorporating our physical knowledge of the problem. Our approach is tested on the magnetization's identification of a real ferromagnetic sheet.
Competitive advantage, knowledge and relationship marketing: where, what and how?
Authors: Tzokas Nikolaos , Saren Michael
Published: March 2004

An organization's ability to enjoy long‐term competitive advantage is closely related to its capacity for knowledge creation, dissemination and use. From a practical point‐of‐view the value of this statement could be increased if suggestions could be made to managers as to what kind of knowledge to seek for their organization, where and how to look for it. This article provides tentative answers to these questions from a relationship marketing perspective. In doing so the scope, processes and technologies of relationship marketing are discussed and their knowledge content and potential outlined. Finally, a conceptual framework for knowledge generation and dialogue in relationship marketing is proposed and directions for further research, alongside their practical implications for contemporary firms, delineated.
Future directions in marketing knowledge: a panoramic perspective from Hollywood
Authors: “Bruce” Smithee A. , Lee Tommy
Published: March 2004

An unconventional article based on an unfinished manuscript from the late Alan Smithee (“one of the great Hollywood directors”) and completed by his successor in Hollywood, Tommy Lee. Offers some perspectives on what the future of marketing may hold based on past metamorphic successes and makes some critical suggestions for review. Considers a range of metaphors and associated (rather humorous) terminologies. Notes some key questions for marketing theorists, such as: what are the appropriate relationships between business disciplines and their philosophies; and how can marketing academia develop better relationships with practitioners to the mutual benefit of both parties? Points out that unless marketing academics address some of these key questions “significant contributions to knowledge” will continue to be viewed by practitioners as shifts in language rather than substance.
Application of a non‐linear k‐ε model in prediction of convective heat transfer through ribbed passages
Authors: Raisee M. , Noursadeghi A. , Iacovides H.
Published: March 2004

A numerical investigation has been undertaken to study fluid flow and heat transfer through artificially rib‐roughened channels. Such flows are of particular interest in internal cooling of advanced gas turbine blades. The main objective is to test the suitability of recently developed variants of the cubic non‐linear k‐ε model for the prediction of cooling flows through ribbed passages. The numerical approach used in this study is the finite‐volume method together with the SIMPLE algorithm. For the modelling of turbulence, the Launder and Sharma low‐Re k‐ε model and a new version of the non‐linear low‐Re two equation model that have been recently shown to produce reliable thermal predictions in impinging jet flows and also flows through pipe expansions, have been employed. Both models have been used with the form of the length‐scale correction term to the dissipation rate originally proposed by Yap and also more recently developed differential version, NYap. The numerical results over a range of flow parameters have been compared with the reported experimental data. The mean flow predictions show that both linear and non‐linear k‐ε models with NYap can successfully reproduce the distribution of the measured streamwise velocity component, including the length and width of the separation bubble, formed downstream of each rib. As far as heat transfer predictions are concerned, the recent variant of the non‐linear k‐ε leads to marked improvements in comparison to the original version of Craft et al. Further improvements in the thermal prediction result through the introduction of a differential form of the turbulent length scale correction term to the dissipation rate equation. The version of the non‐linear k‐ε that has been shown in earlier studies to improve thermal predictions in pipe expansions and impinging jets; it is thus found to also produce reasonable heat transfer predictions in ribbed passages.
Analysis of liquid‐lubricated herringbone grooved journal bearings
Authors: Lee T.S. , Liu Y.G. , Winoto S.H.
Published: March 2004

Numerical studies are carried out to investigate the liquid‐lubricated herringbone‐grooved journal bearings (HGJBs) performance (such as the pressure and cavitation distribution, load capacity and attitude angle, stability, etc.). Symmetrical and non‐symmetrical HGJBs are studied, respectively, and the herringbone grooves' influence on the stability of HGJBs is analyzed carefully. It was found that the maximum pressure and load capacity increase with the increase of eccentricity ratio while the attitude angle decreases with the increase of eccentricity ratio. The cavitation may occur in the fluid film of journal bearings while the eccentricity ratio increases to some critical value. The area of cavitated region increases with the increase of the eccentricity ratio. For non‐symmetrical HGJBs, the pressure and cavitation distribution is asymmetrical oo.
Risk assessment of accidental spills of toxic and flammable liquids on land
Authors: Badr O. , Marafi A. , Amin F. , Rahimi A. , Al‐Muhannadi K.
Published: March 2004

The main objective of this paper is the assessment of the environmental impact due to accidental spills of toxic and flammable liquids on land. Different case studies of possible accidents in the State of Qatar were considered. An EPA‐based dispersion model was utilized to estimate the size and location of the dangerous clouds generated by such spills at different elapsed times. Three case studies of possible accidents in the State of Qatar involving gasoline were considered. Due to the transient nature of the dispersion processes in the case studies, the results showed clearly the phenomenon of growth and decay of the generated dangerous clouds. An interface between the dynamic results of the dispersion software and the static data of the Qatar geographical information system (GIS) allowed the immediate identification of the major landmarks affected by the considered accidents. These data would be of great help in developing an emergency evacuation plan for such accidents.
Linking experience, education, perception and earthquake preparedness
Authors: Shaw Rajib , Shiwaku Hirohide Kobayashi Koichi , Kobayashi Masami
Published: March 2004

To understand the impact of earthquake experience and education on awareness, a survey was conducted with 1,065 high school first grade students from five prefectures of Japan. Results showed that earthquake experience is not the prime factor to enhance awareness. Education, when it is confined to school education, can provide useful information as the knowledge base for earthquake. However, in the gradual path of knowing, realizing, deepening, decision and action, family, community, and self education are found to be more prominent. While, self education is important for realizing and deepening, family and community education play the most vital role for decision and actions. In school education, more active ways of disaster education through conversation, experiencing, and visual aids are found to be more effective. It is believed that school education, coupled with self, family and community education can help a student to develop a “culture of disaster preparedness”, which, in turn, will urge them to take right decisions and actions as an adult.
Service productivity
Authors: Johnston Robert , Jones Peter
Published: March 2004

It is surprising that little empirical research has been conducted in the area of service productivity given its impact on organisational costs. In order to try to encourage such research, this paper provides a structure for analysing productivity in service organisations by distinguishing between operational and customer productivity. The paper also clarifies the meaning of “productivity” and differentiates it from efficiency and utilisation. The authors identify some of the problems in measuring productivity, especially in a service setting, and then use a few examples to illustrate the sometimes counterintuitive relationship between operational and customer productivity.
Selection for synchronous breeding in the European starling
Authors: Smith Henrik G.
Published: March 2004

Colonial birds often demonstrate considerable breeding synchrony. In southern Sweden the semi‐colonial European starling initiated the vast majority of clutches within one week. Laying dates were positively skewed so that many birds initiated clutches at similar dates early in the season. Breeding was further synchronised by a particularly strong clutch‐size reduction equivalent to one third of an egg per day during the first part of the breeding season. The decline in clutch size with season also held true for separate age‐classes of females, for individual females laying at different times at different years and for individual females laying at different times the same year. Trends in breeding success during nestling rearing were unlikely to explain the high degree of breeding synchrony or the seasonal decline in clutch size; nestling survival and growth were weakly related or unrelated to reproductive timing. In contrast recruitment success of fledged offspring declined sharply with season. Even within the synchronous laying period, defined as clutches initiated during the first week each year, local recruitment success declined. It is suggested that the early seasonal decline is caused by selection for synchronous fledging permitting the immediate formation of flocks after fledging, whereas the late seasonal trends may be caused by either population differences in female quality or deteriorating conditions for raising young.