bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Glimpse of History: Working for the House Majority Whip in the Early Days of the 111th Congress
Authors: Marshall Bryan W.
Published: January 2010

The rapidity, duration, and intensity of it all caught me by surprise. Nearly at a full run, I dashed through a corridor and down a winding staircase to my first morning meeting. I took a place along a wall with a few other staff, but my eyes were fixed upon the principals. Gathered around a vast table were the chairs, the majority leader, and my boss—the house majority whip. The discourse was mostly heavy—President Obama's historic election, the burden of leadership, and the daunting task to balance politics and policy in order to deliver on the promises and hopes of the people who sent them. The immediate business was expanding children's health insurance and a stimulus package to turn around an economy teetering on the brink. The majority leader was resolute. Congress would need to deliver bold actions in order to overcome the deep anxiety of the times and to build confidence for the long struggle ahead. The whip was equally resolute as he summoned back hard lessons from lost eras—Roosevelt's New Deal and Truman's Fair Deal. Congress could not allow mistakes of the past to be repeated. With a clear appreciation of history, the whip made the case for a 21st Century New Deal that ensured the poor and most vulnerable would not be left behind. No sooner did I try to reflect upon this special moment and it was time to rush off once again.
A worksite programme significantly alters nutrient intakes
Authors: Levin Susan M , Ferdowsian Hope R , Hoover Valerie J , Green Amber A , Barnard Neal D
Published: January 2010

Objective

To examine whether a worksite nutrition programme using a low-fat vegan diet could significantly improve nutritional intake.

Design

At two corporate sites of the Government Employees Insurance Company, employees who were either overweight (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) and/or had type 2 diabetes participated in a 22-week worksite-based dietary intervention study.

Setting

At the intervention site, participants were asked to follow a low-fat vegan diet and participate in weekly group meetings that included instruction and group support (intervention group). At the control site, participants received no instruction (control group). At weeks 0 and 22, participants completed 3 d dietary records to assess energy and nutrient intake.

Subjects

A total of 109 participants (sixty-five intervention and forty-four control).

Results

In the intervention group, reported intake of total fat, trans fat, saturated fat and cholesterol decreased significantly (P ≤ 0·001), as did energy and protein (P = 0·01), and vitamin B12 (P = 0·002), compared with the control group. Intake (exclusive of any use of nutritional supplements) of carbohydrate, fibre, vitamin C, magnesium and potassium increased significantly (P ≤ 0·0001), as did that for β-carotene (P = 0·0004), total vitamin A activity (P = 0·004), vitamin K (P = 0·01) and sodium (P = 0·04) in the intervention group, compared with the control group.

Conclusions

The present study suggests that a worksite vegan nutrition programme increases intakes of protective nutrients, such as fibre, folate and vitamin C, and decreases intakes of total fat, saturated fat and cholesterol.
Relative validity of dietary patterns derived from a self-administered diet history questionnaire using factor analysis among Japanese adults
Authors: Okubo Hitomi , Murakami Kentaro , Sasaki Satoshi , Kim Mi Kyung , Hirota Naoko , Notsu Akiko , Fukui Mitsuru , Date Chigusa
Published: January 2010

Objective

Although dietary pattern approaches derived from dietary assessment questionnaires are widely used, only a few studies in Western countries have reported the validity of this approach. We examined the relative validity of dietary patterns derived from a self-administered diet history questionnaire (DHQ) among Japanese adults.

Design

The DHQ, assessing diet during the preceding month, and 4 d dietary records (DR) were collected in each season over one year. To derive dietary patterns, 145 food items in the DHQ and 1259 in the DR were classified into thirty-three predefined food groups, and entered into a factor analysis.

Setting

Three areas in Japan; Osaka (urban), Nagano (rural inland) and Tottori (rural coastal).

Subjects

A total of ninety-two Japanese women and ninety-two Japanese men aged 31–76 years.

Results

We identified three dietary patterns (‘healthy’, ‘Western’ and ‘Japanese traditional’) in women and two (‘healthy’ and ‘Western’) in men, which showed a relatively similar direction and magnitude of factor loadings of food groups across the first and mean of four DHQ (DHQ1 and mDHQ, respectively) and 16 d DR. The Pearson correlation coefficients between DHQ1 and 16 d DR for the healthy, Western and Japanese traditional patterns in women were 0·57, 0·36 and 0·44, and for the healthy and Western patterns in men were 0·62 and 0·56, respectively. When mDHQ was examined, the correlation coefficients improved for women (0·45–0·69).

Conclusions

Dietary patterns derived from the DHQ could be used for epidemiological studies as surrogates of those derived from DR.
Physical weed control in protected leaf-beet in central Italy
Authors: Raffaelli Michele , Fontanelli Marco , Frasconi Christian , Ginanni Marco , Peruzzi Andrea
Published: January 2010

Leaf-beet is a typical and very important protected cultivation crop in central Italy. In leaf-beet protected cultivation, weed control is one of the most important problems because of its fairly long crop cycle (approximately 4–5 months). The aim of this research was to set up an efficient non chemical weed control strategy performed with innovative machines built and set up by the University of Pisa. A two-year (2006–2007) ‘on-farm’ experimental trial was carried out in Crespina (PI). A conventional weed management technique (consisting of one pre-transplanting chemical treatment) was compared with an innovative physical weed control strategy in an organic production system (consisting of using a stale seedbed technique, in several post-emergence precision hoeing and in-row hand-weeding treatments). In the conventional technique, leaf-beet was manually transplanted, while it was sown with a precision pneumatic planter in the organic system. All innovative machines for physical weed control were adjusted and set up for the protected cultivation. Similar yields were recorded for the two systems in this two-year trial. Total labor time (for weed management and crop planting) was appreciably lower in the conventional system in the first year of the experiment (−67%), while in the second year, some improvement in the physical weed control techniques decreased labor needs with respect to the conventional technique (−40%). Weed dry biomass at harvest was significantly lower in the organic cropping system (on average −50%).
Internal displacement: global trends in conflict-induced displacement
Authors: Birkeland Nina M.
Published: January 2010

At the end of 2008, the number of people internally displaced by conflict, generalized violence or human rights violations across the world stood at 26 million, a record high since the IDMC started to monitor internal displacement in 1998. This high figure remains in spite of the growing recognition and implementation of the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement. This article presents the findings of the latest IDMC survey on trends in internal displacement, challenges faced by displaced populations, and the measures taken to address these.
Effect of the dawn‐dusk interplanetary magnetic field By on the field‐aligned current system
Authors: Guo X. C. , Wang C.
Published: January 2010

A constant dawn‐dusk By component is set as an interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) condition in our global MHD simulations to investigate the effects of IMF By on the closure of the field‐aligned current (FAC) in the magnetosphere. On the basis of the steady state magnetosphere results, we trace streamlines of FAC from the ionosphere to draw the global geometry of current streamlines in the magnetosphere. Unlike those cases in which the IMF is purely northward or southward, the introduction of the dominant IMF By significantly changes the topologies of the current streamlines. Cusp and mantle currents arise, and the symmetry of the FAC across the noon‐night meridional plane breaks in the ionosphere. In addition to the self‐closed currents in the Northern or Southern hemispheres, three more types of current streamlines connecting the two ionospheres are shown from the simulation results. The first current, including the cusp current, originates from the southern ionosphere and flows into the northern ionosphere. The second current, mainly the mantle current, and the tail current are connected to form a single current system, threading most of the magnetosphere along a spiral‐like path and closing through the two lobes in the far magnetotail. The third current flowing out of the southern and into the northern ionosphere connects the two ionospheres by finally closing through the bow shock instead of the magnetopause. Quantitative results are presented and discussed for the four types of current streamlines and indicate that for the dominant IMF By conditions the bow shock current should be included among the magnetosphere‐ionosphere current system.
Timing of present and future snowmelt from high elevations in northwest Montana
Authors: Gillan Bonnie J. , Harper Joel T. , Moore Johnnie N.
Published: January 2010

The sensitivity of snowmelt‐driven water supply to climate variability and change is difficult to assess in the mountain west, where strong climatic gradients coupled with complex topography are sampled by sparse ground measurements. We developed a model which ingests daily satellite imagery and meteorological data and is suitable for areas >1000 km2, yet captures spatial variability of snow accumulation and melt in steep mountain terrain. We applied the model for the years 2000–2008 to a 2900 km2 snowmelt‐dominated watershed in NW Montana. We found that >25% of the basin's snow water equivalent (SWE) accumulates above the highest measurement station and >70% accumulates above the mean elevation of surrounding SNOTEL stations. Consequently, scaling point measurements of SWE to describe basin conditions could lead to significant misrepresentation of basin snow. Simulations imply that present‐day temperature variability causes measures of snowmelt timing to vary by over 4 weeks from year‐to‐year. Temperature variability causes a larger spread in snowmelt timing in a warmer climate. On average, snowmelt timing occurs 3 weeks earlier in late 21st century projections, with about 25% of future conditions observed today.
Active-passive calibration of optical tweezers in viscoelastic media
Authors: Fischer Mario , Richardson Andrew C. , Reihani S. Nader S. , Oddershede Lene B. , Berg-Sørensen Kirstine
Published: January 2010

In order to use optical tweezers as a force measuring tool inside a viscoelastic medium such as the cytoplasm of a living cell, it is crucial to perform an exact force calibration within the complex medium. This is a nontrivial task, as many of the physical characteristics of the medium and probe, e.g., viscosity, elasticity, shape, and density, are often unknown. Here, we suggest how to calibrate single beam optical tweezers in a complex viscoelastic environment. At the same time, we determine viscoelastic characteristics such as friction retardation spectrum and elastic moduli of the medium. We apply and test a method suggested [M. Fischer and K. Berg-Sørensen, J. Opt. A, Pure Appl. Opt. 9, S239 (2007)], a method which combines passive and active measurements. The method is demonstrated in a simple viscous medium, water, and in a solution of entangled F-actin without cross-linkers.
A divide and conquer real space finite-element Hartree–Fock method
Authors: Alizadegan R. , Hsia K. J. , Martinez T. J.
Published: January 2010

Since the seminal contribution of Roothaan, quantum chemistry methods are traditionally expressed using finite basis sets comprised of smooth and continuous functions (atom-centered Gaussians) to describe the electronic degrees of freedom. Although this approach proved quite powerful, it is not well suited for large basis sets because of linear dependence problems and ill conditioning of the required matrices. The finite element method (FEM), on the other hand, is a powerful numerical method whose convergence is also guaranteed by variational principles and can be achieved systematically by increasing the number of degrees of freedom and/or the polynomial order of the shape functions. Here we apply the real-space FEM to Hartree–Fock calculations in three dimensions. The method produces sparse, banded Hermitian matrices while allowing for variable spatial resolution. This local-basis approach to electronic structure theory allows for systematic convergence and promises to provide an accurate and efficient way toward the full ab initio analysis of materials at larger scales. We introduce a new acceleration technique for evaluating the exchange contribution within FEM and explore the accuracy and robustness of the method for some selected test atoms and molecules. Furthermore, we applied a divide-and-conquer (DC) method to the finite-element Hartree–Fock ab initio electronic-structure calculations in three dimensions. This DC approach leads to facile parallelization and should enable reduced scaling for large systems.
Copper-free click chemistry in living animals
Authors: Chang Pamela V. , Prescher Jennifer A. , Sletten Ellen M. , Baskin Jeremy M. , Miller Isaac A. , Agard Nicholas J. , Lo Anderson , Bertozzi Carolyn R.
Published: January 2010

Chemical reactions that enable selective biomolecule labeling in living organisms offer a means to probe biological processes in vivo. Very few reactions possess the requisite bioorthogonality, and, among these, only the Staudinger ligation between azides and triarylphosphines has been employed for direct covalent modification of biomolecules with probes in the mouse, an important model organism for studies of human disease. Here we explore an alternative bioorthogonal reaction, the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of azides and cyclooctynes, also known as “Cu-free click chemistry,” for labeling biomolecules in live mice. Mice were administered peracetylated
N
-azidoacetylmannosamine (Ac
4
ManNAz) to metabolically label cell-surface sialic acids with azides. After subsequent injection with cyclooctyne reagents, glycoconjugate labeling was observed on isolated splenocytes and in a variety of tissues including the intestines, heart, and liver, with no apparent toxicity. The cyclooctynes tested displayed various labeling efficiencies that likely reflect the combined influence of intrinsic reactivity and bioavailability. These studies establish Cu-free click chemistry as a bioorthogonal reaction that can be executed in the physiologically relevant context of a mouse.
Automorphism groups on normal singular cubic surfaces with no parameters
Authors: Sakamaki Yoshiyuki
Published: January 2010

The classification of normal singular cubic surfaces in

P

3

\mathbf {P}^3

over a complex number field

C

\mathbf {C}

was given by J. W. Bruce and C. T. C. Wall. In this paper, first we prove their results by a different way, second we provide normal forms of normal singular cubic surfaces according to the type of singularities, and finally we determine automorphism groups on normal singular cubic surfaces with no parameters.
Cloning and expression of the immunoreactive Brucella melitensis 28 kDa outer-membrane protein (Omp28) encoding geneand evaluation of the potential of Omp28 for clinical diagnosis of brucellosis
Authors: Thavaselvam Duraipandian , Kumar Ashu , Tiwari Sapana , Mishra Manvi , Prakash Archana
Published: January 2010

Brucellosis is a disease caused by Gram-negative, facultative, intracellularbacteria belonging to the genusBrucella. It is an emerging zoonosis,and an economically important infection of humans and livestock with a worldwidedistribution. Human infection is known to occur through consumption of infectedraw milk, milk products and undercooked or raw meat. Serodiagnosis of brucellosisis carried out by detection of antibodies generated against LPS or whole-cellbacterial extracts by ELISA or agglutination tests using colorimetry. Thepresent study was designed to develop a highly sensitive and specific indirectELISA in both a microtitre plate and dot-blot format employing the recombinantouter-membrane protein 28 (rOmp28). Cloning and expression ofBrucella melitensisOmp28 protein, which is a group 3 antigen, was accomplishedby PCR amplification and cloning of the gene in a pET-28a expression system,followed by Ni-NTA affinity chromatography purification of the His-taggedrecombinant protein. An indirect ELISA in both a microtitre plate and dot-blotformat was optimized with sera collected from three groups: culture-confirmedcases, clinically suspected cases and healthy individuals. The rOmp28 proteinreacted only with the culture-confirmed positive samples and no reaction wasobserved with culture-negative samples, confirming the immunoreactivity ofthe recombinant protein. The test in both formats had a correlation of approximately90 % with the Rose Bengal plate agglutination test (RBPT)and a standard tube agglutination test, assays that are routinely performedfor the serodiagnosis of brucellosis. The sensitivity and specificity of theassay in the plate format were 97.50 and 85.59 %, and in thedot-blot format were 82.05 and 92.43%, respectively, in comparisonwith RBPT. The specificity of this assay was further confirmed by testingsamples that were positive for malaria and typhoid, which gave negative results.This ELISA system in microtitre plates and a dot-blot format will be usefulfor the rapid screening of large numbers of samples for the diagnosis of humanbrucellosis in endemic areas.
KSHV-encoded miRNAs target MAF to induce endothelial cell reprogramming
Authors: Hansen Amy , Henderson Stephen , Lagos Dimitrios , Nikitenko Leonid , Coulter Eve , Roberts Sinead , Gratrix Fiona , Plaisance Karlie , Renne Rolf , Bower Mark , Kellam Paul , Boshoff Chris
Published: January 2010

Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV) induces transcriptional reprogramming of endothelial cells. In particular, KSHV-infected lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) show an up-regulation of genes associated with blood vessel endothelial cells (BECs). Consequently, KSHV-infected tumor cells in Kaposi sarcoma are poorly differentiated endothelial cells, expressing markers of both LECs and BECs. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short noncoding RNA molecules that act post-transcriptionally to negatively regulate gene expression. Here we validate expression of the KSHV-encoded miRNAs in Kaposi sarcoma lesions and demonstrate that these miRNAs contribute to viral-induced reprogramming by silencing the cellular transcription factor MAF (musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene homolog). MAF is expressed in LECs but not in BECs. We identify a novel role for MAF as a transcriptional repressor, preventing expression of BEC-specific genes, thereby maintaining the differentiation status of LECs. These findings demonstrate that viral miRNAs could influence the differentiation status of infected cells, and thereby contribute to KSHV-induced oncogenesis.
Determinants of US fast food consumption 1994‐1998
Authors: Fanning Jasper , Marsh Thomas , Stiegert Kyle
Published: January 2010

Purpose

Fast food (FF) consumption increased dramatically through the 1990s in the USA, accounting for nearly 35.5 percent of total away‐from‐home expenditures in 1999. Given dramatic changes in food consumption, and heightened public concern about health and obesity, there is a considerable need for research to understand better the factors affecting US FF consumption. This paper aims to fill this gap.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, logistic regression is applied to analyze the socioeconomic and demographic factors influencing the likelihood of consuming FF using United States Department of Agriculture data from the Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals from 1994 to 1996 and the Supplemental Children's Survey of 1998.

Findings

In general, the expected likelihood of FF consumption increases until around 20‐30 years of age and then decreases; increases as household income grows until about $50,000‐60,000 and then decreases; and decreases as household size grows. Further, males from the Midwest and South regions that live outside central cities in Metropolitan Statistical Areas have the highest likelihood of consuming FF.

Originality/value

While much literature has addressed key questions about expenditure on food away from home, this study complements previous work by focusing on food items consumed from FF facilities in the 1990s. In addition, the results find highly significant and important (statistically and economically) interactions between the likelihood of FF consumption and age, income, and household size.
Consumer behavior in food consumption: reference price approach
Authors: Miljkovic Dragan , Effertz Cary
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show that empirical analysis of consumption of a good, using the same empirical and econometric model as it is done in standard applied demand analysis, may be based on the underlying behavioral model other than the rational choice.

Design/methodology/approach

Reference point approach originally developed by psychologists and later translated into reference price approach by business scholars is used to demonstrate this point. Empirically, a model of consumption of broilers in the USA is estimated using regression analysis and its results and implications are discussed.

Findings

The same empirical model can be used to represent more than one underlying model of consumer behavior.

Research limitations/implications

This paper raises the question of which underlying behavioral theory is valid, and under what circumstances might that validity change. The importance of accounting for reference prices appears to be validated, but the fact that both theories lead to the same or similar empirical formulation does little to secure either theory as right or wrong.

Originality/value

Research in consumer behavior and demand generally assumes the existence of one superior theoretical behavioral model. This paper suggests that such claims are unfounded since standard current empirical modeling of consumer behavior accommodates more than one underlying theory.
Does gym use impact upon nutritional knowledge?
Authors: Wade Simona , Kennedy Orla B.
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate gym and non‐gym users' use and understanding of nutrition labels.

Design/methodology/approach

A consumer survey in the form of a questionnaire conducted in the Greater London area in February/March 2005. Subject recruitment process took place in both a gym and university setting. Frequency tables and χ2‐test are used to assess relationships between variables (p=0.05).

Findings

The resulting sample consisted of 187 subjects, with predominance of females and gym users. Of the subjects, 88 per cent reported to at least occasionally read nutrition labels, with higher reading rates amongst women, irrespective of gym user status. Total and saturated fats are the most often information viewed on labels, however the overall knowledge of the calorie content of fat is low, with 53 per cent of subjects responding saturated fat contains more calories per gram when compared with other types of fats. This paper does not find significant differences in the use and understanding of nutrition labels between gym and non‐gym users, but highlights the publics' continued lack of understanding of nutrition labels.

Originality/value

This paper is unique as it investigates whether there is any difference between gym/non‐gym users' use and interpretation of use of nutrition labels. It finds gender impacted more on nutritional labels knowledge than gym user's status. This points to a gender issue and questions the quality of information available to the general public. This paper is valuable as it highlights and identifies an area that requires further research and assessment, and is therefore useful to key stakeholders responsible for public health nutrition.
Survey of the international evidence on the causal relationship between energy consumption and growth
Authors: Payne James E.
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to survey the empirical literature on the causal relationship between energy consumption and economic growth.

Design/methodology/approach

The four major hypotheses (growth, conservation, neutrality, and feedback) are briefly outlined with respect to the energy consumption‐growth nexus and corresponding policy implications of each. The survey focuses on country coverage, variables selected and model specification, econometric approaches, various methodological issues, and empirical results.

Findings

Though there is no clear consensus on the results for a specific country or groups of countries, directions for future research are discussed.

Research limitations/implications

The research surveyed may be dated by the time of publication given the ongoing research in this area.

Originality/value

This paper serves as a reference for researchers on the causal relationship between energy consumption and economic growth.
Identity, identity work and the experience of working from home
Authors: Tietze Susanne , Musson Gill
Published: January 2010

Purpose

This paper seeks to show how the shift of paid work from traditional locations into the home environment raises serious questions of identity for managers who have started to work from home and who have to “cope with” the sometimes conflicting demands imposed by different socio‐cultural spheres.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on an empirical study of working from home, three case studies are presented, which articulate and summarise different modes of engagement with both paid and domestic work and respective identity issues.

Findings

Adding to the extant literature on working from home, the findings indicate that the success or failure of working from home is intrinsically tied into issues related to homeworkers” identity.

Research limitations/implications

The empirical data are taken from a period when homeworkers had to “learn” how to cope with being both “at home and at work”. Further empirical enquiry might focus on longitudinal aspects of the relationship between working from home and identity.

Practical implications

With regard to working from home policies it is advisable to take into account questions of identity, rather than applying exclusively task‐based or technical aspects when considering the organisational benefits of this form of spatial and temporal flexibility.

Originality/value

In conceptualising working from home from an identity perspective, new insights have been gained into the reasons why this mode of work sometimes fails to deliver on its promises, yet proves outstandingly successful on other occasions.
The impact of government and foreign affiliate influence on corporate social reporting
Authors: Amran Azlan , Susela Devi S.
Published: January 2010

Purpose

This paper seeks to investigate the influence of government and foreign affiliates, particularly; multinational companies on corporate social reporting (CSR) development in an economy, where CSR awareness is low coupled with weak pressure group activism.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a cross sectional study that focuses on the information contained in the annual reports for year 2002/2003. This research uses content analysis as method to measure the extent CSR.

Findings

Based on regression analysis, the study evidences on the impact of government influence. However, the impact of foreign affiliation variables is not evident. Institutionalisation of the government's aspirations and commitment to CSR is perhaps the most appropriate description for Malaysian CSR practice.

Research limitations/implications

There are two main limitations of this study. Firstly, this study examines the annual reports for one year. Secondly, this study is annual reports centric. It does not examine any other stand alone reports that the respondents might have produced on the subject of society and the environment.

Practical implications

This study provides justification for government's role in promoting CSR practice. The impact is evidenced although there are no direct concerted efforts at that time by the government in respect of CSR policy implementation. The significant role is attributed to the unique Malaysian socio economic structure.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the CSR literature particularly in the context of economies where governments play a significant role in promoting economic development. It provides empirical evidence of the influence of government and foreign affiliates. It also adds to the literature by explaining the phenomenon from the Institutional perspective and its relevance to a developing economy.
John Kenneth Galbraith: a radical economist?
Authors: Kesting Stefan
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The paper seeks to answer the question: why is John Kenneth Galbraith a radical economist? The purpose of this paper is to show how he contributed to the development of economic theory and how this contribution differs radically from mainstream economics.

Design/methodology/approach

In concentrating on Galbraith's theory of power – certainly his most radical contribution to economics – the paper begins to provide an overview of his conceptual work. This overview includes Galbraith's theory of consumption, the firm and financial crisis and ends with his vision for the future. To demonstrate the radical nature of Galbraith's frameworks, they are compared to other heterodox economic theories – namely Institutional and Post Keynesian economics and to a number of randomly chosen standard economics textbook.

Findings

This comparative and interpretive exercise clearly demonstrates links of Galbraithian with other heterodox economic theories and very little mentioning and uptake of these concepts in widely used economics textbooks. Galbraith's ideas do seem to fit in well with Institutional and Post Keynesian economics, but not with standard economics.

Practical implications

Galbraithian economics is a clear example of a set of heterodox economic ideas that can be taught probably best as a separate and alternative framework of analysis to the mainstream. To familiarize students with Galbraith's economics will certainly strengthen their analytical abilities and provide them with radically different and particularly useful insights in this time of financial crisis.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates the explanatory value of Galbraith's economics and the origin of the radical nature of his concepts which lies in his theory of power.
Leadership in a network of communities: a phenomenographic study
Authors: MacGillivray Alice
Published: January 2010

Purpose

Canada's Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Research and Technology Initiative (CRTI) uses an operating model that is unusual in government. It is created to enable cross‐boundary capability and capacity building and learning. Some consider it a model for other federal science initiatives. The purpose of this paper is to explore the nature of leadership – and its relationship to perceived effectiveness – in this complex network of counter‐terrorism communities, where parts of the network are functioning better than others. At a more academic level, it explores whether complexity theory can inform leadership theory.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative, empirical study uses phenomenography and elements of ethnography as methodologies. Data are gathered through interviews and observation.

Findings

CRTI personnel refer to their initiative as a counter‐terrorism network of communities. The leader of each community works – without positional authority – with participants from many organizations and locations. The paper reveals qualitatively different ways of understanding leadership. Even though CRTI groups have much in common, participants' ways of understanding that work vary greatly. Some understand their work environments as complex systems rather than as traditional government structures; this way of understanding is associated with perceptions of effectiveness. This finding can change the ways in which science and technology professionals make sense of their work in complex, trans‐disciplinary fields such as counter‐terrorism and global warming.

Originality/value

This qualitative, empirical research complements and supports some of the conceptual work about leadership and learning in complex environments.
Team learning on the edge of chaos
Authors: Fisser Sandra , Browaeys Marie‐Joëlle
Published: January 2010

Purpose

Organizations as complex networks aim to survive. The purpose of this paper is to provide an alternative perspective to current organizational challenges by considering team learning as key factor for surviving this turbulent environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The dominating approach in this paper comes from the complexity paradigm. This paper examines team learning of an actual case of an organization in a fast changing environment. It explores the business applicability of concepts of complexity theory to the issues described in the case. Furthermore, it synthesizes these concepts with literature on learning in general and team learning in particular.

Findings

For coping with highly dynamic environments, management should reconsider traditional ways of thinking. Teams as networks of learning are a valuable corporate asset that an organization needs to foster when aiming to survive. Measures like minimal interaction rules, individual autonomy and a flexible organization structure demand a new perspective in which subjectivity, non‐linear methods and understanding replace attempts for objectivity, linear thinking and control.

Practical implications

The alternative approach from the complexity paradigm may be of benefit when handling managerial and organizational issues. Like the challenge of the organization of this case study is shifted from managing teams to facilitating team learning.

Originality/value

The paper offers a better understanding of the team learning process and how learning is shared within an organization from an alternative perspective.
Leadership in network learning: business action research at Monash University
Authors: Haslett Tim , Barton John , Stephens John , Schell Liz , Olsen Jane
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain the emergent nature of leadership in a university‐based learning network of mature‐aged practitioner‐scholars.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on previously published work, interviews, and current research.

Findings

The paper finds that once initial structures have been established, the leadership role falls to different members depending on the needs of the group. Intellectual leadership becomes important in this setting.

Research limitations/implications

The study is drawn from a single case although supported by research done in a similar group in the UK. Research indicates that cohorts and support networks increase success rates in PhD completions. This paper outlines one example of the structures and processes of a successful one.

Practical implications

There is significant leverage for universities in developing the network structures and process, beyond the simple supervisor/student relationship that support doctoral students. It focuses on the contribution a learning network can make to mature‐aged part‐time students.

Originality/value

This paper develops the current literature on supervision of doctoral students.
Design and analysis of a novel fine pitch and highly stretchable interconnect
Authors: Hsu Yung‐Yu , Gonzalez Mario , Bossuyt Frederick , Axisa Fabrice , Vanfleteren Jan , Vandevelde Bart , de Wolf Ingrid
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate electromechanical properties of a new stretchable interconnect design for “fine pitch” applications in stretchable electronics.

Design/methodology/approach

A patterned metal interconnect with a zigzag shape is adhered on an elastomeric substrate. In situ home‐built electromechanical measurement is carried out by the four‐probe technique. Finite element method is used to analyze the deformation behavior of a zigzag shape interconnect under uniaxial tensile loading.

Findings

The electrical resistance remains constant until metal breakdown at elongations beyond 40 percent. There is no significant local necking in either the transverse or the thickness direction at the metal breakdown area as shown by both scanning electron microscopy micrographs and resistance measurements. Micrographs and simulation results show that a debonding occurs due to the local twisting of a metal interconnect, out‐of‐plane peeling, and strain localized at the crest of a zigzag structure.

Originality/value

In this paper, the zigzag shape is, for the first time, proven as a promising design for stretchable interconnects, especially for fine pitch applications.
High photoluminescence of silicon nanostructures synthesized by laser‐induced etching
Authors: Ramizy Asmiet , Omar Khalid , Hassan Z.
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to synthesize Si (porous silicon (PS)) by laser‐induced etching (LIE) technique. The LIE process has the added advantage of a controlling size and optical properties without using of electrodes. The LIE process is a promising technique for fabricating many optoelectronic devices including: light‐emitting devices, detectors, sensors and large‐scale integrated circuits.

Design/methodology/approach

PS has been fabricated by LIE technique. Surface morphology and structural properties of nanostructures are characterized by using scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). Photoluminescence (PL) measurement is also performed at room temperature by using He‐Cd laser (λ=325 nm) and Raman scattering has been investigated using Ar+ laser (λ=514 nm).

Findings

Surface morphology indicated that chemical reaction has been initiated with laser power density of 12 W/cm2, resulting in irregular structure. Micro‐columns are structured on surface with laser power density of 25 W/cm2. The pores structures are confined to smaller size, and the walls between the pore become extremely thin and shorter at 64 W/cm2 power density and 120 min irradiation time. PL spectra at room temperature for PS prepared at power density of 64 W/cm2 and irradiation time of 120 min shows the blue shift of PL at 400 nm and the full‐width and half maximum is about 60 nm. The broadening of the band gap energy occurs with a decrease of the crystallite size. The average diameter of nanosize Si crystallites is about 6‐10 nm. XRD indicated that the broadening in spectrum is due to the small size crystallites.

Originality/value

LIE processes have been used to produce high‐luminescent nanocrystallites with small size and size distribution, which is due to the quantum confinement effect.
Diffusion of product signs in industrial networks: the advantage of the trend‐setter
Authors: Dell'Era Claudio , Verganti Roberto
Published: January 2010

Purpose

Nowadays, the strategic role of design is reinforced by the increased attention that customers pay to the aesthetic, symbolic and emotional values of products. These values can be communicated through the appropriate combination of product signs (such as form, colours, materials and so on), which gives meaning to a product. Consequently, companies are investing substantial efforts in appropriate strategies for the development of product signs and languages. Firms must understand how knowledge about new products signs diffuses in industrial networks in order to be able to access and exploit it. The purpose of this paper is to ask, does the capability to propose new product trends allow companies to be recognized as innovators? Does the early adoption of product signs positively affect consumer preferences?

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical analysis is conducted on strategies regarding a specific type of product within the Italian furniture industry (namely, chairs). In particular, the paper explores the roles played by furniture companies in the diffusion processes of product signs. Analysing approximately 300 chairs marketed by 35 leading Italian furniture manufacturers between 1996 and 2005, the paper explores different strategies adopted in the diffusion processes of product signs.

Findings

The empirical results illustrate how trend‐setters are able to attain the best performance in terms of innovativeness and, in part, consumer preferences by forwarding new interpretations of existing material combinations starting at the early phases of diffusion.

Originality/value

The paper analyses the different roles played by companies in the diffusion processes of product signs and thus provides interesting insights regarding the exploitation of the industrial resources of companies.
Lessons from the First Great Cyberwar Era
Authors: Rutkowski A.M.
Published: January 2010

Purpose

As we approach the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the international treaty that ended the First Great Cyberwar Era, it seems worth marking the event with a reflection on the steps taken and the extent those actions remain applicable today. Almost every significant new “cyber” technology has proceeded through the same cycle of behavior by innovators, industry and governments. Excitement, euphoria, and innovation by geeks are followed by industry assimilation and exploitation, which gives rise to pervasive public implementations, and then conflict among nations to maintain perceived advantages. Chaos and global cyber conflict then drives international cooperation and accommodations. This paper aims to address these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Historical analysis applied to contemporary developments.

Findings

For the First Great Cyberwar Era, it took a dramatic incident like the sinking of the Titanic to bring about major change in US policies. Will that be the case again today, and what will be the requisite level of shock and awe to obtain substantial US action and cooperation? It is long past due to institute the seven proven components of a global cybersecurity framework.

Originality/value

This is original work that draws upon decades of analysis, and is not known to be reflected in any published material.
Why there have been so few spectrum trades in the UK: lessons for Europe
Authors: Akalu Rajen
Published: January 2010

Purpose

This paper seeks to define a coherent management preference function for determining the conditions when the market can be effectively used in the management of spectrum based on abduction and volitional pragmatism.

Design/methodology/approach

Volitional pragmatism based on the logic of abduction is used to provide an explanation for real world empirical observation of few spectrum trades in the UK. This is generalized for application with wider context of European frequency management.

Findings

There has been a considerable regulatory effort directed toward spectrum trading in the EU. The UK experience with trading is clearly not what was expected. It was suggested that this is a result of an analytical approach based on deductive validationism subject to ceteris paribus assumptions. This approach does have merit but its application is over extended. This is due in large part institutional under specification of what constitutes the market and the nature of the transaction taking place.

Research limitations/implications

The emphasis is in this paper is on the explanation of real world facts rather than normative prescription based on deductive validationism. Such an approach though fallible (all facts cannot be taken into account) is no less valuable in the process of regulatory decision making than deductive validationism.

Practical implications

This paper provides a more coherent explanation of spectrum development and the spectrum management reform process.

Originality/value

A set of conditions are provided for determining when the market can be used in the management of spectrum. This makes explicit the intended operation of the market as well as its limitations.
The role of public services in the convergence era: IPTV case
Authors: Lee Ji‐Eun , Shin Minsoo
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the aims of IPTV‐based public services in Korea.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a case study written based on the results of a government research project that the authors participated in.

Findings

Korea's IPTV promotion policies are driven with a strong force. Focusing on public as well as industrial benefits, the Korean government decided to provide public services through IPTV. For example, the Korean government introduced a plan called “tailored IPTV education services” to expand education services through IPTV. The study of this case is expected to provide implications about new public services under the ubiquitous environment that combines broadcasting and communication.

Research limitations/implications

IPTV‐based public services are currently in trial phase. Therefore, additional research is necessary to analyze the effectiveness of services after a commercial launch.

Practical implications

This case serves as a reference for other countries that are pursuing public interests through the new media.

Originality/value

This is the first study that looks into the effects of IPTV‐based public services.
ANP‐based marketing activity selection model for construction companies
Authors: Polat Gul , Donmez Umit
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide construction companies with an analytic model, namely a four‐level analytic network process (ANP) model, to assist them in prioritising and thereby selecting marketing activities which offer maximum return on investment, for which they should primarily allocate their limited resources.

Design/methodology/approach

The research methodology of this study mainly involves: reviewing the literature on marketing and construction marketing in order to identify the marketing activity selection criteria and their constituent sub‐criteria; determining the marketing activity alternatives in which construction companies may consider to invest; constructing an analytic model, namely a four‐level ANP model – to assist them in selecting the most viable marketing activities for which they should primarily allocate their limited resources; and conducting two case studies, one in a bidding contractor and the other in a developer, in order to illustrate how the model works.

Findings

This paper illustrates how to empirically prioritise marketing activities by using a four‐level marketing activity selection model. Two case studies are also demonstrated in order to illustrate how the model works. The case studies indicate that the rankings of the marketing activities for these companies are rather different due to the type of the construction company (i.e. bidding contractors or building developers) and its client profile (i.e. public or private owners). The findings of the case studies concurred with the expected direction in these companies.

Originality/value

This model is of benefit to construction companies and researchers. The proposed ANP model offers an efficient, convenient and simple tool that allows construction companies to select the marketing activities for which they should primarily allocate their limited resources. It also allows researchers to see the potential use of ANP in the marketing activity selection problem.