bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short‐term Lining Temperature Changes during Tapping in a Blast Furnace
Authors: Swartling M. , Sundelin B. , Tilliander A. , Jönsson P.
Published: September 2010

The following paper presents a three‐dimensional heat transfer model of the blast furnace hearth. The model has been developed with the objective of studying the short term changes in lining temperature during regular tappings. It is based on the actual conditions of Blast Furnace No. 2 at SSAB Oxelösund in Sweden. The model was evaluated and analysed using thermocouple data from the operating furnace. The study showed that a layer of tap clay around the tap hole had a significant effect on the heat transfer by reducing the heat variations in the lining. More specifically, a layer of 10–15 cm gave the best correlation between calculated and thermocouple data. A simulation was performed where the melt temperature and the tap cycle duration was based on process data from the operating furnace. Moreover, the size of the area subjected to changes due to the regular tappings was defined. It was found to be the region within an angle of 13° from the tap hole, 0.9 m above and 0.8 m below the tap hole.
Reduction of Pellets‐Nut Coke Mixture under Simulating Blast Furnace Conditions
Authors: Mousa E. , Senk D. , Babich A.
Published: September 2010

In recent years an intensive work has been carried out to decrease the coke losses of the blast furnace through mixing small‐sized coke called “nut coke” in the iron ore burden layers. In order to clarify the influence of nut coke on the pellets reducibility, industrial iron ore pellets were reduced with and without nut coke participation under different temperatures and atmospheres. Isothermal and non‐isothermal reduction tests under simulating blast furnace conditions were performed using an experimental laboratory rig. Furthermore, reflected light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray technique were applied to characterize the microstructure and different phases developed in the origin and reduced pellets. Pellets reduced isothermally without nut coke participation exhibited reduction retardation (RR) at elevated temperature (≥1373 K) whereas the presence of nut coke had a positive effect of preventing such phenomena. The non‐isothermal reduction of pellets showed that, as the amount of nut coke in pellets bed increased, the reducibility of pellets increased, too. The rate controlling mechanism of pellets and pellets‐nut coke mixtures was predicted from the correlation between apparent activation energy calculations and microstructure examination.
The Thermodynamics of Some Transition Metals in Molten Slags
Authors: Yan B. , Zhang J.
Published: September 2010

In the present paper, the thermodynamic behaviour of transition metals, such as Cr, Ti, Nb and V in molten slags is systematically analysed based on a literature survey. These metals exist in molten slags with multi valences. Oxygen partial pressure, slag basicity, total content of each transition metal, content of each component in slag, and temperature are the influential factors on their thermodynamic properties in molten slags. Higher basicity and strong oxidative atmosphere are generally favourable for the stable existence of transition‐metal ions with higher oxidation states. Temperature is a factor that is less influential than the above‐mentioned ones. For a transition metal in molten slag, the concentration ratio of ions of different valences depends on the activity coefficient ratio of their oxides. The present paper summarizes the activity studies regarding the transition metal oxides in various molten slags. For chromium and titanium oxides, information on CaOSiO2 based systems is involved. For titanium oxides, its thermodynamic behaviour in MnOSiO2 based slags is introduced. For niobium and vanadium, the information in Na2OSiO2, CaOCaF2SiO2 systems is provided. Thermodynamic studies are described for Nb2O5MnOSiO2 molten slag equilibrated with liquid iron at 1828 K.
Infiltration of Open Porous Cellular Iron with α‐Al2O3
Authors: Jiang Y. , Hajas D. E. , Schneider J. M.
Published: September 2010

Open porous cellular iron may be used as structural material but also in filters and heat exchangers due to its large specific surface area, low density, and good thermal conductivity. Currently, the low oxidation resistance of iron limits its use. One way to enhance the oxidation resistance is to deposit a protective α‐Al2O3 coating onto the cellular iron surface using chemical vapour infiltration. Here, we investigate the influence of deposition temperature on the α‐Al2O3 coating thickness homogeneity. Furthermore, the oxidation resistance of the infiltrated cellular iron is studied by thermogravimetric analysis. X‐ray diffraction results show that phase‐pure α‐Al2O3 coatings grow at 950∼1100 °C. Homogeneous coating thickness is favoured at infiltration temperatures below 1000 °C, which is a prerequisite for efficient oxidation protection. Based on the thermogravimetric analysis at 600 °C, the parabolic rate constant of the as received cellular iron is 56% larger than its three hour‐infiltrated counterpart, indicating an improved oxidation resistance due to the protective film. In‐line processing integrating annealing on green cellular iron sample and TiN infiltration treatment steps in one process was successfully carried out.
Transdural motor cortex stimulation reverses neuropathic pain in rats: A profile of neuronal activation
Authors: Paganol Rosana L. , Assisl Danielle V. , Claral Joseph A. , Alvesl Adilson S. , Dalel Camila S. , Teixeiral Manoel J. , Fonoffl Erich T. , Brittol Luiz R.
Published: September 2010

Motor cortex stimulation (MCS) has been used to treat patients with neuropathic pain resistant to other therapeutic approaches; however, the mechanisms of pain control by MCS are still not clearly understood. We have demonstrated that MCS increases the nociceptive threshold of naive conscious rats, with opioid participation. In the present study, the effect of transdural MCS on neuropathic pain in rats subjected to chronic constriction injury of the sciatic nerve was investigated. In addition, the pattern of neuronal activation, evaluated by Fos and Zif268 immunolabel, was performed in the spinal cord and brain sites associated with the modulation of persistent pain. MCS reversed the mechanical hyperalgesia and allodynia induced by peripheral neuropathy. After stimulation, Fos immunoreactivity (Fos‐IR) decreased in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord and in the ventral posterior lateral and medial nuclei of the thalamus, when compared to animals with neuropathic pain. Furthermore, the MCS increased the Fos‐IR in the periaqueductal gray, the anterior cingulate cortex and the central and basolateral amygdaloid nuclei. Zif268 results were similar to those obtained for Fos, although no changes were observed for Zif268 in the anterior cingulate cortex and the central amygdaloid nucleus after MCS. The present findings suggest that MCS reverts neuropathic pain phenomena in rats, mimicking the effect observed in humans, through activation of the limbic and descending pain inhibitory systems. Further investigation of the mechanisms involved in this effect may contribute to the improvement of the clinical treatment of persistent pain.
MicroRNA‐24 targeting RNA‐binding protein DND1 in tongue squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Liu Xiqiang , Wang Anxun , Heidbreder Caroline E. , Jiang Lu , Yu Jinsheng , Kolokythas Antonia , Huang Lei , Dai Yang , Zhou Xiaofeng
Published: September 2010

Deregulations of microRNA have been frequently observed in tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC), but their roles in tumorigenesis are not entirely clear. Here, we reported the up‐regulation of miR‐24 in TSCC. MiR‐24 up‐regulation reduced the expression of RNA‐binding protein dead end 1 (DND1). Knockdown of miR‐24 led to enhanced expression of DND1. The direct targeting of miR‐24 to the DND1 mRNA was predicted bioinformatically and confirmed by luciferase reporter gene assays. Furthermore, the miR‐24‐mediated change in DND1 expression suppressed the expression of cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor 1B (CDKN1B), and also led to enhanced proliferation and reduced apoptosis in TSCC cells.
The full‐length isoform of the mouse pleckstrin homology domain‐interacting protein (PHIP) is required for postnatal growth
Authors: Li Shuai , Francisco Adam B. , Han Chunchun , Pattabiraman Shrivatsav , Foote Monica R. , Giesy Sarah L. , Wang Chong , Schimenti John C. , Boisclair Yves R. , Long Qiaoming
Published: September 2010

PHIP was isolated as an insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS‐1) interacting protein. To date, the physiological roles of PHIP remain unknown. Here we show that mice lacking PHIP1, the full‐length isoform of PHIP, are born at normal size but suffer a 40% growth deficit by weaning. PHIP1 mutant mice develop hypoglycemia and have an average lifespan of 4–5 weeks. PHIP1‐deficient mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) grow markedly slower than wild‐type MEFs, but exhibit normal AKT phosphorylation and an increased cell proliferation in response to IGF‐1 treatment. Together these results suggest that PHIP1 regulates postnatal growth in an IGF‐1/AKT pathway‐independent manner.
Effects of metoclopramide on emesis in cats sedated with xylazine hydrochloride
Authors: Kolahian Saeed , Jarolmasjed Seyedhosein
Published: September 2010

The prophylactic anti-emetic effect of five dosages of metoclopramide (0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1 mg/kg, IM) was evaluated against saline solution, both injected 1 h before administration of xylazine in cats. Saline was administered to cats (day 0) followed by sequentially increasing dosages of metoclopramide at 1-week intervals. After xylazine injection, all cats were carefully observed to record the frequency of emesis and the time until onset of the first emetic episode. The onset of sedation in these cats was also studied. Prior treatment with each dosage of metoclopramide significantly reduced the frequency of emetic episodes (P<0.05). Metoclopramide administration prior to xylazine injection did not alter the time until onset of the first emetic episode at any of mentioned dosages, but significantly reduced the time until onset of sedation only at the dose of 1 mg/kg. Metoclopramide may be used as a prophylactic anti-emetic in cats sedated with xylazine hydrochloride.
Reflections on the evolving landscape of social enterprise in North America
Authors: Mendell Marguerite
Published: September 2010

Social enterprises, at least in the United States, internalize a hybrid mix of public, private and civil society activity, each and all of which are constituent and confluent. Is social enterprise re-embedding the market in civil society through its engagement to generate social wealth, or is it contributing to a process of dis-embedding, as a market-based approach to address societal issues imposes a strategy of commercialization? Simply asking this question demonstrates how difficult it is to capture this phenomenon in a homogeneous “new welfare mix” paradigm that realigns state, market and civil society relations. Not only do national contexts matter, but degrees of marketization or commercialization do as well. This article provides a broad overview of social enterprise in the North American context. In examining the literature on social enterprise, one navigates through a lexicon of numerous terms and definitions.
Axonal α7 nicotinic ACh receptors modulate presynaptic NMDA receptor expression and structural plasticity of glutamatergic presynaptic boutons
Authors: Lin Hong , Vicini Stefano , Hsu Fu-Chun , Doshi Shachee , Takano Hajime , Coulter Douglas A. , Lynch David R.
Published: September 2010

In association with NMDA receptors (NMDARs), neuronal α7 nicotinic ACh receptors (nAChRs) have been implicated in neuronal plasticity as well as neurodevelopmental, neurological, and psychiatric disorders. However, the role of presynaptic NMDARs and their interaction with α7 nAChRs in these physiological and pathophysiological events remains unknown. Here we report that axonal α7 nAChRs modulate presynaptic NMDAR expression and structural plasticity of glutamatergic presynaptic boutons during early synaptic development. Chronic inactivation of α7 nAChRs markedly increased cell surface NMDAR expression as well as the number and size of glutamatergic axonal varicosities in cortical cultures. These boutons contained presynaptic NMDARs and α7 nAChRs, and recordings from outside-out pulled patches of enlarged presynaptic boutons identified functional NMDAR-mediated currents. Multiphoton imaging of presynaptic NMDAR-mediated calcium transients demonstrated significantly larger responses in these enlarged boutons, suggesting enhanced presynaptic NMDAR function that could lead to increased glutamate release. Moreover, whole-cell patch clamp showed a significant increase in synaptic charge mediated by NMDAR miniature EPSCs but no alteration in the frequency of AMPAR miniature EPSCs, suggesting the selective enhancement of postsynaptically silent synapses upon inactivation of α7 nAChRs. Taken together, these findings indicate that axonal α7 nAChRs modulate presynaptic NMDAR expression and presynaptic and postsynaptic maturation of glutamatergic synapses, and implicate presynaptic α7 nAChR/NMDAR interactions in synaptic development and plasticity.
Using coalitional games on biological networks to measure centrality and power of genes
Authors: Moretti Stefano , Fragnelli Vito , Patrone Fioravante , Bonassi Stefano
Published: September 2010

Motivation: The interpretation of gene interaction in biological networks generates the need for a meaningful ranking of network elements. Classical centrality analysis ranks network elements according to their importance but may fail to reflect the power of each gene in interaction with the others.

Results: We introduce a new approach using coalitional games to evaluate the centrality of genes in networks keeping into account genes' interactions. The Shapley value for coalitional games is used to express the power of each gene in interaction with the others and to stress the centrality of certain hub genes in the regulation of biological pathways of interest. The main improvement of this contribution, with respect to previous applications of game theory to gene expression analysis, consists in a finer resolution of the gene interaction investigated in the model, which is based on pairwise relationships of genes in the network. In addition, the new approach allows for the integration of a priori knowledge about genes playing a key function on a certain biological process. An approximation method for practical computation on large biological networks, together with a comparison with other centrality measures, is also presented.

Contact:  stefano.moretti@dauphine.fr
Sphingomonas xinjiangensis sp. nov., isolated from desert sand
Authors: An Hongli , Xu Mengbo , Dai Jun , Wang Yang , Cai Feng , Qi Huan , Peng Fang , Fang Chengxiang
Published: September 2010

A Gram-negative, aerobic, motile, Sphingomonas-like rod, strain 10-1-84T, was isolated from a sand sample collected from the desert of Xinjiang, China. The isolate contained Q-10 as the predominant ubiquinone and C18 : 1ω7c, C16 : 0, C16 : 1ω7c and C14 : 0 2-OH as the major fatty acids. The polyamine pattern contained predominantly sym-homospermidine. The main polar lipids were sphingoglycolipid, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidyldimethylethanolamine and an unknown polar lipid. The DNA G+C content was 63.3 mol%. 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between strain 10-1-84T and the type strains of species of the genus Sphingomonas ranged from 91.11 to 96.54 %. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that strain 10-1-84T belonged to the genus Sphingomonas. On the basis of phylogenetic analysis and physiological and biochemical characterization, strain 10-1-84T represents a novel species of the genus Sphingomonas, for which the name Sphingomonas xinjiangensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 10-1-84T ( = CCTCC AB 208035T  = NRRL B-51332T).
Classification of organisms previously reported as the SP and Stewart–Letscher groups, with descriptions of Necropsobacter gen. nov. and of Necropsobacter rosorum sp. nov. for organisms of the SP group
Authors: Christensen H. , Korczak B. M. , Bojesen A. M. , Kuhnert P. , Frederiksen W. , Bisgaard M.
Published: September 2010

To allow classification of bacteria previously reported as the SP group and the Stewart–Letscher group, 35 isolates from rodents (21), rabbits (eight), a dog and humans (five) were phenotypically and genotypically characterized. Comparison of partial rpoB sequences showed that 34 of the isolates were closely related, demonstrating at least 97.4 % similarity. 16S rRNA gene sequence comparison of 20 selected isolates confirmed the monophyly of the SP group and revealed 98.5 %–100 % similarity between isolates. A blast search using the 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the highest similarity outside the SP group was 95.5 % to an unclassified rat isolate. The single strain, P625, representing the Stewart–Letscher group showed the highest 16S rRNA gene similarity (94.9–95.5 %) to members of the SP group. recN gene sequence analysis of 11 representative strains resulted in similarities of 97–100 % among the SP group strains, which showed 80 % sequence similarity to the Stewart–Letscher group strain. Sequence similarity values based on the recN gene, indicative for whole genome similarity, showed the SP group being clearly separated from established genera, whereas the Stewart–Letscher group strain was associated with the SP group. A new genus, Necropsobacter gen. nov., with only one species, Necropsobacter rosorum sp. nov., is proposed to include all members of the SP group. The new genus can be separated from existing genera of the family Pasteurellaceae by at least three phenotypic characters. The most characteristic properties of the new genus are that haemolysis is not observed on bovine blood agar, positive reactions are observed in the porphyrin test, acid is produced from (+)-l-arabinose, (+)-d-xylose, dulcitol, (+)-d-galactose, (+)-d-mannose, maltose and melibiose, and negative reactions are observed for symbiotic growth, urease, ornithine decarboxylase and indole. Previous publications have documented that both ubiquinones and demethylmenaquinone were produced by the proposed type strain of the new genus, Michel A/76T, and that the major polyamine of representative strains (type strain not included) of the genus is 1,3-diaminopropane, spermidine is present in moderate amounts and putrescine and spermine are detectable only in minor amounts. The major fatty acids of strain Michel A/76T are C14 : 0, C16 : 0, C16:1ω7c and summed feature C14 : 0 3-OH/iso-C16 : 1 I. This fatty acid profile is typical for members of the family Pasteurellaceae. The G+C content of DNA of strain Michel A/76T was estimated to be 52.5 mol% in a previous investigation. The type strain is P709T ( = Michel A/76T  = CCUG 28028T  = CIP 110147T  = CCM 7802T).
Intracellular survival of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi in human macrophages is independent of Salmonella pathogenicity island (SPI)-2
Authors: Forest Chantal G. , Ferraro Elyse , Sabbagh Sébastien C. , Daigle France
Published: September 2010

For successful infection, Salmonella enterica secretes and injects effector proteins into host cells by two distinct type three secretion systems (T3SSs) located on Salmonella pathogenicity islands (SPIs)-1 and -2. The SPI-2 T3SS is involved in intracellular survival of S. enterica serovar Typhimurium and systemic disease. As little is known regarding the function of the SPI-2 T3SS from S. enterica serovar Typhi, the aetiological agent of typhoid fever, we investigated its role for survival in human macrophages. Mutations in the translocon (sseB), basal secretion apparatus (ssaR) and regulator (ssrB) did not result in any reduction in survival under many of the conditions tested. Similar results were obtained with another S. Typhi strain or by using human primary cells. Results were corroborated based on complete deletion of the SPI-2 T3SS. Surprisingly, the data suggest that the SPI-2 T3SS of S. Typhi is not required for survival in human macrophages.
Correlation of helicopter rotor aeroelastic response with HART‐II wind tunnel test data
Authors: Arun Kumar A. , Viswamurthy S.R. , Ganguli R.
Published: September 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to validate a comprehensive aeroelastic analysis for a helicopter rotor with the higher harmonic control aeroacoustic rotor test (HART‐II) wind tunnel test data.

Design/methodology/approach

Aeroelastic analysis of helicopter rotor with elastic blades based on finite element method in space and time and capable of considering higher harmonic control inputs is carried out. Moderate deflection and coriolis nonlinearities are included in the analysis. The rotor aerodynamics are represented using free wake and unsteady aerodynamic models.

Findings

Good correlation between analysis and HART‐II wind tunnel test data is obtained for blade natural frequencies across a range of rotating speeds. The basic physics of the blade mode shapes are also well captured. In particular, the fundamental flap, lag and torsion modes compare very well. The blade response compares well with HART‐II result and other high‐fidelity aeroelastic code predictions for flap and torsion mode. For the lead‐lag response, the present analysis prediction is somewhat better than other aeroelastic analyses.

Research limitations/implications

Predicted blade response trend with higher harmonic pitch control agreed well with the wind tunnel test data, but usually contained a constant offset in the mean values of lead‐lag and elastic torsion response. Improvements in the modeling of the aerodynamic environment around the rotor can help reduce this gap between the experimental and numerical results.

Practical implications

Correlation of predicted aeroelastic response with wind tunnel test data is a vital step towards validating any helicopter aeroelastic analysis. Such efforts lend confidence in using the numerical analysis to understand the actual physical behavior of the helicopter system. Also, validated numerical analyses can take the place of time‐consuming and expensive wind tunnel tests during the initial stage of the design process.

Originality/value

While the basic physics appears to be well captured by the aeroelastic analysis, there is need for improvement in the aerodynamic modeling which appears to be the source of the gap between numerical predictions and HART‐II wind tunnel experiments.
Downsizing implementation and financial performance
Authors: Muñoz‐Bullon Fernando , Sanchez‐Bueno Maria J.
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The objective of this paper is to analyze whether the way that downsizing is implemented has any impact on the firm's performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample under investigation consists of a set of Spanish companies, which downsized between 1995 and 2001. The paper includes downsizing announcements and combines information from two different datasets (BARATZ and SABI). The focus is placed on the size of downsizing and the use of disengagement incentives.

Findings

A negative relationship between the size of downsizing and post‐downsizing corporate performance is found. In particular, firms which announced severe downsizing experience relatively lower performance in the year following the announcement.

Originality/value

The analysis advances organizational research by reinforcing the concept that firm performance is not only contingent on strategies, but also influenced by the means through which these strategies are implemented.
Competitive strategy, structure and firm performance
Authors: Pertusa‐Ortega Eva M. , Molina‐Azorín José F. , Claver‐Cortés Enrique
Published: September 2010

Purpose

Decisions about the design of the organization and the competitive strategy of a firm are very important in order to gain competitive advantage and to improve firm performance. The relationship between organizational structure, competitive strategy, and firm performance has usually been analyzed using the contingency approach. The objective of this paper is to extend the relevant empirical literature of the strategy‐structure‐performance paradigm by comparing the resource‐based view (RBV) with contingency theory. To that end, the paper seeks to examine how organizational structure affects firm performance, taking into account the relationship with competitive strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of large Spanish firms was studied using the partial least squares (PLS) technique.

Findings

The results support both the RBV and the contingency approach, but the RBV is more strongly supported. The findings show that organizational structure does not exert a direct influence on performance, but has an indirect influence through competitive strategy.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are limited to large firms. Therefore, they cannot be generalized to smaller companies. In addition, the use of opinion scales gives the study a subjective character. However, in this respect, most of the characteristics of organizational structure and competitive strategy are difficult to measure with objective data.

Originality/value

Researchers have studied the relationship between strategy and structure for a long time based on contingency theory. This study provides an alternative formulation for organizational design theory, based on the RBV, which makes it possible to reframe the relationships between strategy and structure by analyzing the organizational structure as a valuable resource and a source of competitive advantage.
An approach for selecting a theoretical framework for the evaluation of training programs
Authors: Eduardo Tasca Jorge , Ensslin Leonardo , Rolim Ensslin Sandra , Bernardete Martins Alves Maria
Published: September 2010

Purpose

This research paper proposes a method for selecting references related to a research topic, and seeks to exemplify it for the case of a study evaluating training programs. The method is designed to identify references with high academic relevance in databases accessed via the internet, using a bibliometric analysis to sift the selected articles.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is descriptive, in so far as its goal is to describe a method, and the nature of the paper is theoretical. The study incorporates an inductive logic, and draws on secondary data sources. The study combines qualitative and quantitative methods, and can therefore be described as mixed method. The research involves the application of a technical procedure.

Findings

The method employed sifted a large number of potential resources identified in a search of the internet and, after 11 stages in the proposed process, 11 papers were identified as being relevant to the research topic and highly cited. Descriptive statistics are provided of where those articles were published, how extensively the authors of those papers were published, the nature of the journals in which the papers appeared, and scientific recognition (number of citations).

Originality/value

The relevance of this work for HRD research is in the proposal for a structured process for identifying relevant academic articles relating to the research context, in the presentation of 11 highlighted articles in the area of training programs evaluation, in the identification of the main authors of this area of knowledge, and in the identification of the main journals that address the theme of the evaluation of training programs. Thus, practitioners, researchers and students can direct their attention to the articles, authors and journals that are most relevant to the theme of evaluation of training programs.
Senior managers' perceptions of the HRM function during times of strategic organizational change
Authors: Rees Christopher J. , Johari Hasanah
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the role played by the human resource management (HRM) function in strategic organizational change initiatives. The objectives of the paper are to assess the extent to which the HRM function is perceived by senior managers to have contributed to the strategic organizational change agenda during a period of rapid change, and identify major challenges HRM professionals face as facilitators of strategic change management initiatives in contexts of this nature.

Design/methodology/approach

The research objectives were addressed using literature‐based evidence and primary interview data obtained from qualitative in‐depth interviews with the directors and deputy directors of a public sector banking institution in Malaysia.

Findings

In addition to identifying positive perceptions of the HRM function, the findings raise issues about the strategic focus, independence, credibility, and leadership strategies associated with the HR function's attempts to engage with strategic change initiatives. The findings also reveal the respondents' views about the extent to which HRM activities have or should have ethical, spiritual, and religious foci.

Practical implications

The implications of the research findings for HRM are discussed with reference to issues such as: the transfer of Western‐originating change management approaches to non‐Western settings; the need for organizational change outcomes (including wider societal objectives) to be delineated clearly with reference to organizational change initiatives; and the close association between ethics, spirituality, and HRM in certain Asian contexts.

Originality/value

The paper offers a valuable insight into the role of the HRM function in organizational change interventions with specific reference to the context of Malaysia.
From “taking” network pictures to “making” network pictures
Authors: Purchase Sharon , Lowe Sid , Ellis Nick
Published: September 2010

Purpose

An earlier researcher, Wood, proposed that cinema is the most appropriate metaphor for interpretation of contemporary life and organizations. The paper adopts the enthusiasm for the cinema metaphor and explores the implications for industrial marketing and business networks, with particular reference to the Industrial Marketing and Purchasing (IMP) Group research.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper outlines the Cartesian picture theory of the early Wittgenstein, the comparable “pictures agenda” within the IMP, then the post‐Cartesian “language gaming” approach adopted by the later Wittgenstein, and associates it with an agenda to introduce a more “cinematographic” approach, introducing issues within the “linguistic turn” to the study of business networks.

Findings

The transformation of the contemporary “post‐Cartesian” culture from “written” to “visual” was not fully appreciated until the invention and mass appeal of cinema and the concomitants of a visual culture became more apparent. In the notion of the “spectacle”, Debord was amongst the first to show that the postmodern visual culture was one where social relations are dominated by commodified images. The images that prevail, from this critical viewpoint, are “social opiates” masquerading as progress that control actors through addictive consumption and acquisition by spectator consumers. In this context, business to business relationships are about how these image‐based addictions are maintained within business cultures.

Research limitations/implications

The adoption of a cinematographic metaphor would appear to be a pertinent development for understanding of business network relationships.

Originality/value

The advantage of a cinematographic metaphor over other, less visual, metaphors is that cinema is more visually sophisticated and entirely embedded in cultures dominated by commodified images. It is appropriate, therefore, that visual literacy, realities as increasingly “image‐dominated” and “virtual” business networks are better understood through the lens of a cinematographic metaphor.
Crafting sustainable work: development of personal resources
Authors: Kira Mari , van Eijnatten Frans M. , Balkin David B.
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to conceptualize employees' sustainable work abilities, or their long‐term adaptive and proactive abilities to work, farewell at work, and contribute through working. Sustainable work is defined as to promote the development in personal resources leading to sustainable work ability.

Design/methodology/approach

The conceptual paper distinguishes vital personal resources underlying an employee's sustainable work ability and categorizes these resources with the help of integral theory. Collaborative work crafting was outlined as a tool to promote the development of personal resources and sustainable work ability.

Findings

Sustainable work ability depends on personal resources relating to our human nature as both individual and communal beings with both interior and exterior worlds. Work crafting may create sustainable work in which existing personal resources are benefited from, developed further through learning, or translated into novel resources.

Practical implications

When formal job descriptions and preplanned job design do not work in post‐industrial work, traditional job design can be replaced by collaborative work crafting, which allows development in both work and employees.

Originality/value

The paper synthesizes different types of personal resources needed for sustainable working and outlines their development processes, rather than adds one more theory to explain some specific aspect of well‐being, development, and functioning. The paper offers one of the first definitions of sustainable work.
The social, physical and temporal characteristics of primary school dining halls and their implications for children's eating behaviours
Authors: Moore Sue N. , Murphy Simon , Tapper Katy , Moore Laurence
Published: September 2010

Purpose

Social, physical and temporal characteristics are known to influence the eating experience and the effectiveness of nutritional policies. As the school meal service features prominently in UK nutritional and health promotion policy, the paper's aim is to investigate the characteristics of the primary school dining context and their implications for eating behaviours.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study of one local authority in Wales was conducted involving 11 primary schools stratified into socio‐economic quartiles. Focussed observations were carried out over two to three lunchtimes per school to explore their social, physical and temporal characteristics. These were supplemented by semi‐structured interviews with catering staff and midday supervisors.

Findings

The dining halls had numerous generic attributes (e.g. accommodation, equipment, length of lunchtime, social actors). These interacted to have a direct, but not necessarily positive, bearing on food choice and consumption. Overcrowded, multi‐purpose dining halls coupled with time pressures and dynamic social situations detracted from the eating experience and the ability of staff to encourage children to eat.

Practical implications

Without addressing these underlying issues, school nutritional policy may only play a limited role in influencing what children eat. It is recommended that policy places a greater emphasis on factors such as the eating environment; the time available for eating; and the role of the midday supervisor.

Originality/value

Previous studies of dining halls have generally been part of process evaluations of nutritional interventions. This study adds value by conducting a focussed investigation into the relationship between the dining hall environment and eating behaviours.
Accounting: an un‐Australian activity?
Authors: Evans Steve , Jacobs Kerry
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand if accounting is an un‐Australian activity, contrasting the notion of the bush and bushman present in popular Australian poetry and cultural myth with the notion expressed by Maltby of the link between the soul of the middle class and the practice of bookkeeping. The paper aims to explore the notion of a tension between what might be seen as indigenous values and the values of Western capitalism.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents an analysis of Australian poetry to identify in this culturally significant media how the city and the technologies of accounting are negatively contrasted with the bush and the bushman. Since many Australians migrated from European countries, we might expect bookkeeping to claim a foundational place in the Australian soul.

Findings

This literature shows bush dwellers as being exploited by those from the city, and city professionals such as the accountant and the lawyer as having lost their sense of self and soul. The sense of “other” reflected by the concept of the bush in Australian literature represents a tension between a structured and ordered European sense of self expressed by Maltby and an archetypical sense of self implied by the character of the bushman and connected to the Australian landscape, with its inherent but little acknowledged debt to the Aboriginal. In this landscape the absence of both accounting and the associated rhetoric of economic rationality allow other forms of rationality to emerge.

Originality/value

This is the first time that poetry has been examined in relation to accounting. It shows a deep insight into the place of archetype of the accountant in Australian cultural identity. In addition it argues that responses to accounting can reflect underlying rhetorics of rationality.
A study on the customer satisfaction and customer loyalty of furniture purchaser in on‐line shop
Authors: Jeong Yongju , Lee Yongsung
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The paper intends to explore the influencing factors on customer satisfaction and customer loyalty in the internet shopping mall through service quality based on the data obtained from furniture purchaser.

Design/methodology/approach

The research model and the relevant research hypothesis were set up through the data derived from the existing researches, and then the relevant hypothesis was tested through regression analysis.

Findings

As result of analysis, the influencing factors on customer satisfaction of furniture purchaser in the internet shopping mall were proved to be product diversity of service quality, tangibles, responsiveness, interaction, stability, and customer satisfaction was found to be a significant influencing factor on customer loyalty in the internet shopping mall.

Research limitations/implications

Although this study was carried out against actual furniture purchaser in selecting the samples, it reached the limit in considering the diversity of internet shopping mall, and sorting into on‐line and off‐line concurrent shopping mall and internet exclusive shopping mall.

Originality/value

The study reviews the service quality measure suggested in the existing literature on service quality, newly applying it to on‐line services environment, and then finding out the influence of service quality in internet shopping mall on customer satisfaction, customer loyalty, and repurchase intention as well as in which dimension they are built up.
The development of an industrial air pollution monitoring system for safety and health enhancement and a sustainable work environment using QFD approach
Authors: Leman A.M. , Omar A.R. , Jung Won , Yusof M.Z.M.
Published: September 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to develop of an industrial air pollution monitoring system (IAPMOS) as one of the target solutions for monitoring mechanisms in the workplace.

Design/methodology/approach

Quality function deployment approaches were used in this study. The process of getting data from workers was by using questionnaires. The questionnaire regarding the welding process work environment was given to two selected automotive industries located in Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia.

Findings

From the data, the system development was analysed in order to formalize the specific needs of workers and management. The preliminary data were discussed regarding the development process and reliability factors that influenced the IAPMOS. The voice of the customer was then input during the design stage of IAPMOS.

Research limitations/implications

The monitoring of industrial air pollution which was done in the welding process used a direct reading method and the date was assigned as “base line” during system development. The standards International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001: 2008, ISO 14001: 2008, and the Malaysia Standard, MS 1722: 2003 were the major sources helping to improve the working environments. The working environment is important to productivity and has a direct impact on human intervention.

Social implications

Poor working environments will give a negative impact and an uncondusive work environment will create a potential health hazard and less productivity.

Originality/value

The paper provides information to aid in improving workplace environment.
Extracting content holes by comparing community‐type content with Wikipedia
Authors: Nadamoto Akiyo , Aramaki Eiji , Abekawa Takeshi , Murakami Yohei
Published: September 2010

Purpose

Community‐type content that are social network services and blogs are maintained by communities of people. Occasionally, community members do not understand the nature of the content from multiple perspectives, and so the volume of information is often inadequate. The authors thus consider it necessary to present users with missing information. The purpose of this paper is to search for the content “hole” where users of community‐type content missed information.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed content hole is defined as different information that is obtained by comparing community‐type content with other content, such as other community‐type content, other conventional web content, and real‐world content. The paper suggests multiple types of content holes and proposes a system that compares community‐type content with Wikipedia articles and identifies the content hole. The paper first identifies structured keywords from the community‐type content, and extracts target articles from Wikipedia using the keywords. It then extracts other related articles from Wikipedia using the link graph. Finally, it compares community‐type content with the articles in Wikipedia and extracts and presents content holes.

Findings

Information retrieval looks for similar data. In contrast, a content‐hole search looks for information that is different. This paper defines the type of content hole on the basis of viewpoints. The proposed viewpoints are coverage, detail, semantics, and reputation.

Originality/value

The paper proposes a system for extracting coverage content holes. The system compares community‐type content with Wikipedia and extracts content holes in the community‐type content.
The financial value of corporations in a cobweb economy
Authors: Declerck Francis , Cloutier L. Martin
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a model and simulation results for the corporate financial value of an industry in a cobweb economy. Production‐consumption cycles affect profit and financial needs in terms of equity and debt capital, and thus corporate value over time. The model is applied to the Champagne industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper simulates the financial value of Champagne makers by taking into account developments on the Champagne market and the short‐ and long‐term responses by input suppliers and Champagne makers. Financial modeling is combined with a vertical coordination model of production and consumption in a cobweb economy.

Findings

This paper makes theoretical advances in modeling the impact of short‐ and long‐run temporal tensions in production decisions on the financial value of processors. Temporal tensions are central to the decisions made by input suppliers (grape growers) and processors (Champagne makers) as they negotiate in a context of vertical coordination in a cobweb economy. Financial aggregates are forecast by the model and used as market multiples for estimating corporate financial value. Furthermore, this research strengthens previously published simulation studies in agriculture and food markets since system dynamics (SD) is applied in modeling both input production and consumption and the processor's financial value. SD modeling is well suited to simulation in a critical context, and Champagne makers find themselves in such a context: the Champagne protected designation of origin (PDO) area has reached its legally authorized size limit, while world demand continues to grow.

Practical implications

The market for corporate control of Champagne makers is active. The model presented is a useful guide for decision makers because it improves the anticipation of corporate value and improves understanding of the future of value creation in a legal framework currently considering revision of both authorized annual yield (short‐run decision) and the size of the appellation area (long‐run decision).

Originality/value

Two original features of this paper add specific value to the existing research: first, the theory is enlarged to capture the temporal tensions affecting decision making by input suppliers and processors operating in a cobweb economy, and deduce processors' financial value using financial aggregates forecast by the model. Second, the SD simulation method is applied in modeling input production and consumption and processors' financial value.
Strategic operations and concentration in the Bordeaux‐Aquitaine region
Authors: Pesme Jacques‐Olivier , Belis‐Bergouignan Marie‐Claude , Corade Nathalie
Published: September 2010

Purpose

Working from the example of two of the main players in the Aquitaine wine sector; the co‐operatives and the wine merchants, the aim of this paper is to analyse the nature of strategic operations from the point of view of the concentration process taking place in the Bordeaux‐Aquitaine region.

Design/methodology/approach

After providing a theoretical framework about the industrial cluster and its strategic operations in the area of consolidation, the paper provides descriptive and quantitative data, collected from in‐depth interviews; surveys conducted by the authors; and secondary sources.

Findings

This paper provides both qualitative and quantitative evidence to prove that a number of collaborative approaches have been adopted in the region. It highlights the fact that these players are now more willing to respond to the conditions of a new competitive environment, and consequently to consider new strategic approaches.

Originality/value

The present paper, contrary to these received ideas, demonstrates that the Aquitaine wine value chain is undergoing deep restructuring process. With the spotlight focused on producing a size effect on the sector through concentration, the paper examines in greater detail what this process really is. It is not limited to size objectives as it commits the players to thorough production and market changes. This led to concentration operations being analysed in terms of strategic changes, notably with regard to the margin for manoeuvre that the players are meant to design and develop.