bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Dynamic Air Permeameter for Coarse‐Textured Soil Columns and Cores
Authors: Tyner J. S. , Wright W. C. , Lee J. , Crenshaw A. D.
Published: May 2005

The objective of this research was to develop a rapid method to measure the air permeability of multiple layers of a coarse‐textured soil column or core. The method required dry air to be pumped through an initially wet soil column, which evaporated the water from the soil within 24 to 48 h. During the drying process, the airflow rate was recorded, and the air pressure was measured at multiple locations along the length of the column. Concurrently, a γ‐ray system was employed to collect water content and dry bulk density measurements. The air permeability as a function of water content was then calculated for each measured interval along the length of the soil column. The method was applied to a hand‐packed soil sample intended to be as homogenous as possible, and it was shown that small variations in bulk density contributed to measurable variation in the resulting air permeability. A two‐layer, hand‐packed soil sample was similarly tested, and the method clearly identified the air permeability of both layers. The method was also successfully performed on an intact heterogeneous field sample collected in a brass sampling tube. Measured air permeabilities from the three tests ranged from 9.8 × 10−13 to 2.1 × 10−10 m2 The method is not appropriate for fine‐textured soils or those that shrink significantly when dried.
Adsorption–Desorption of Arsenate in Three Spanish Soils
Authors: Álvarez‐Benedí J. , Bolado S. , Cancillo I. , Calvo C. , García‐Sinovas D.
Published: May 2005

Adsorption–desorption processes of As in agricultural soils are of great importance because of the risk of entry of this contaminant into the food chain, As(V) being the main form of As in well‐aerated environments. This study presents the dynamics of the adsorption of As(V) in three agricultural soils (Xerochrept, Xerofluvent, and Xerorthent) with loamy sand, sandy clay loam, and clay textures, respectively. Initially obtained kinetic data showed a relatively rapid first adsorption stage reaching pseudoequilibrium within a few hours. The adsorption–desorption isotherms revealed the presence of an unrecoverable fraction of As linked to the soil, which was further supported by a strong hysteresis subsequently observed in the desorption process. The temperature showed a relatively small effect on the isotherm within 10 to 25°C, although a decrease in the fraction of sorbed As(V) was found at 40°C as expected for an exothermic process. Finally, the effects of other ions typically present in productive agricultural systems were evaluated by quantifying their effects on the As(V) adsorption isotherm. The presence of phosphates significantly decreased the adsorption of As, thus increasing its bioavailability, while nitrate had the opposite effect. The presence of chlorides and sulfates did not present similar significant effects. Values obtained from modeling the sorption experiments in this study can provide a basis for the use of solute transport simulation models. Further application of such models will allow the establishment of future production strategies in zones having elevated As content in irrigation water.
Soil Water‐Holding Capacity Assessment in Terms of the Average Annual Water Balance in Southern Spain
Authors: Vanderlinden Karl , Giráldez Juan V. , Van Meirvenne Marc
Published: May 2005

Knowledge of the soil water‐holding capacity,w0, is essential to the evaluation of regional soil water balance. In this paper, we produced a map ofw0for the region of Andalusia, southern Spain, using pedotransfer functions (PTFs) and geostatistics. The information available consisted of analytical and morphological data from 521 soil profiles in the region, and the 1:400 000 soil map of Andalusia. Thew0values were calculated using 10 published PTFs. The soil map only slightly improved the spatial interpolation of the PTF‐calculatedw0's. The PTF estimates forw0ranged from near 0 to 235 mm, with an average value of 110 mm and a SD of 48 mm. Since no independent field observations were available, thew0estimates were evaluated in terms of the average annual total runoff and actual evapotranspiration. Both components were calculated at 160 meteorological observatories using a simple bucket water balance model, driven by daily meteorological data. The spatial variability ofw0had little effect on the calculated average annual water balance of the region. Increasingw0to 150 to 200 mm produced a better fit of the water balance predicted with Budyko's empirical functions. The difference could be partly explained by seasonality‐related characteristics of the climate in the region. Comparison of the results with other studies suggests that the estimatedw0values should be increased by 45%. These differences can be attributed entirely to an inconsistent definition of field capacity (FC).
Volatile Organic Compounds in the Saturated–Unsaturated Interface Region of a Contaminated Phreatic Aquifer
Authors: Ronen Daniel , Graber Ellen R. , Laor Yael
Published: May 2005

Three volatile organic compound (VOC) field profiles were obtained during a period of 13 mo with a passive multilayer sampler (MLS) from a monitoring well located in the VOC‐contaminated sandy phreatic Coastal Plain aquifer of Israel in the Tel Aviv area. The profiles presented here are unique in that they span both the saturated and unsaturated zones, through the saturated–unsaturated interface region (SUIR), and represent VOC concentrations from a single borehole. In groundwater just below the water table, the major contaminant, trichloroethylene (TCE), was present in concentrations up to 260 000 μg/L water, and in the unsaturated zone just above the water table, in concentrations up to 124 000 μg/L air. Other contaminants detected in high concentrations (as high as several thousands of μg/L) included tetrachloroethylene (PCE), cis‐1,2‐dichloroethylene (cis‐1,2‐DCE) and 1,1‐dichloroethylene (1,1‐DCE). In the three profiles, TCE and PCE concentrations were greatest at the water table and decreased with increasing distance from the water table both into the saturated and unsaturated zones. Temporal variations in maximal TCE vapor concentrations ranging from 44 000 to 124 000 μg/L air were also observed between profiles. The passive diffusion sampling characteristic of the MLS makes it possible to obtain unmixed vertical samples such that, for example, differences as great as 24 000 μg TCE/L air can be measured in consecutive samples located only 12 cm apart in the unsaturated zone. The vertical detail is unique compared with other field sampling methods. Vertical detail is of utmost importance in interface regions, such as the SUIR, where water content in both the unsaturated and saturated zones varies significantly with depth, time, and space.
Characterization of Nitrogen Transformations, Sorption and Volatilization Processes In Urea Fertilized Soils
Authors: Rodríguez S. Bolado , Alonso‐Gaite A. , Álvarez‐Benedí J.
Published: May 2005

The fate and transport of nitrogen compounds in urea‐fertilized soils has historically been a topic of great interest. At present, several models exists for simulating the various transformations involved. A major constraint in the application of these models is the assignment of numerical values to the coefficients that quantify these transformations. This study attempts to characterize the processes linked to the hydrolysis of urea, adsorption and volatilization of ammonia, and nitrification in agricultural soils. We followed the temporal sequence of volatilization of ammonia in two different soils fertilized with urea under controlled conditions in the laboratory. The amounts of nitrate and ammonia in soil were also measured at the end of each trial. Several modeling alternatives were analyzed in order to accurately reproduce the results. Among these alternatives, the most successful approaches included the kinetics of urea hydrolysis and ammonia adsorption and desorption processes. Urea hydrolysis required a parameter accounting for an activation time, which was found to be greater at relatively high urea concentrations and low experimental temperatures. The adopted methodology in this study can provide rate data for N transformation and coupled sorption processes critically needed in N fate and transport studies. Values were estimated for kinetic coefficients which may be useful in general‐purpose models. Rate data presented in this work quantify the effects of temperature, soil moisture, and initial concentration of applied urea on the dynamics of urea hydrolysis, nitrification, and ammonia sorption and volatilization.
Simplified Method to Estimate the Green–Ampt Wetting Front Suction and Soil Sorptivity with the Philip–Dunne Falling‐Head Permeameter
Authors: Regalado C. M. , Ritter A. , Álvarez‐Benedí J. , Muñoz‐Carpena R.
Published: May 2005

Wetting front suction and soil sorptivity (S) are relevant parameters to water movement in the vadose zone. Both may be estimated with the Philip–Dunne falling‐head permeameter, given the moisture increment (Δθ) and measured times (tmed and tmax) during an infiltration event. Previous studies have shown that the Philip–Dunne falling head permeameter can be used for estimating saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks), but its potential to estimate the soil's sorptivity has received little attention. We investigate the ability of the Philip–Dunne method to estimate S and the Green–Ampt's suction at the wetting front, Ψ, by performing a parameter sensitivity analysis, focusing on the boundary conditions that limit the search space of physically sound solutions, and studying the shape factors used in Philip's analysis to reduce the three‐dimensional flux of water in the soil to one dimension. Finally, a useful approximate solution is provided that allows computing both Ks and the Green–Ampt's suction at the wetting front, Ψ, (and hence the macroscopic capillary length parameter, α*) from only two infiltration times, tmed and tmax, without having to resort to such a costly measurement as the soil moisture increment, Δθ, required by the original method.
Experimental System for Studying the Hydromechanical Behavior of Porous Media
Authors: Rodríguez Roberto , Candela Lucila , Lloret Antonio
Published: May 2005

An experimental system to perform hydromechanical tests on a column of porous material under different environmental and boundary conditions was designed and constructed. The system allows different porous materials (natural or anthropogenic soil, mine waste, and resins) to be studied under variably saturated conditions. The automatic system has three main components: the physical apparatus itself, an electronic interface, and an automatic data logging and control unit. Experimental results obtained on metallurgical waste (MW) demonstrate that the system is capable of accurately measuring soil suction, changes of water content, temperature, and relative humidity at different points in the sample, as well as vertical shrinkage and evaporation. Performance of the system was found to be excellent because it allows increases or reductions in the sample size and changes in various parameters and variables according to the purpose of the tests. The system was used to study flow under saturated and unsaturated conditions, using metallurgical waste from the Cuban nickel industry. Results show the influence of hydromechanical processes on the soil hydraulic properties and flow in porous media.
Defining Geometric Similarity in Soils
Authors: Das Bhabani S. , Haws Nathan W. , Rao P. Suresh C.
Published: May 2005

Scaling of soil hydraulic properties is a convenient way to characterize soil variability in a unified manner. Scaling techniques implicitly assume geometric similitude for the soils being scaled; however, the meaning of similar media is somewhat ambiguous. This study focuses on the question of how to define geometric similarity. This question is addressed using the physically based scaling (PBS) technique proposed by Kosugi and Hopmans to coalesce 247 soil water retention curves (WRCs) measured from soil cores collected across eight different counties in Indiana, USA. These soil cores represented 29 different soil series and included seven broad textural classes. Although all the 247 WRCs could be scaled together, the RMSEs of the scaling results were improved when WRCs within each textural group were scaled separately. Thus, soil texture may be used as a preliminary guide to group similar soils. This study shows that the sample standard deviations of the pore‐size distribution should be used to quantify geometric similarity among soils. Specifically, the coefficient of variation among standard deviations (CVσ) for selected WRCs may be used to demarcate the limit of similarity among soils. Our results show that the CVσ ≤ 10% may be used as a working definition for similarity in soils.
Comparison of a Lattice‐Boltzmann Model, a Full‐Morphology Model, and a Pore Network Model for Determining Capillary Pressure–Saturation Relationships
Authors: Vogel H.‐J. , Tölke J. , Schulz V. P. , Krafczyk M. , Roth K.
Published: May 2005

Effective hydraulic properties of porous media such as the capillary pressure–saturation relation and the hydraulic conductivity function are a direct manifestation of the underlying pore geometry. The porous structure of a macroscopically homogeneous porous medium (sintered glass) was measured in detail using X‐ray microtomography. We investigated the possibility of deriving the water characteristic on the basis of structure analysis. We compared three approaches differing in the amount of required input data, the effort of data processing, and their predictive potential. With increasing complexity, these were (i) a simple pore network model based on a few structural parameters and a simplified process model, (ii) a direct simulation of the pressure–saturation relation based on the full morphology of the porous structure together with a simplified process model, and (iii) Lattice‐Boltzmann (LB) simulations based on the full morphology of the porous structure and modeling the complete multiphase fluid dynamics. We found that the network model, the most simple approach, may be sufficient for estimating the main drainage curve, thus suggesting that the complex pore structure can be reduced to a small set of geometric properties. If dynamic effects are considered, the LB approach provides a reliable representation, but at the cost of substantial computational efforts. Since very thin water films exist in the dry range, the continuity of the water phase cannot be described correctly with the LB approach, which presently uses uniform grids.
Scaling and Estimation of Evaporation and Transpiration of Water across Soil Textures
Authors: Kozak Joseph A. , Ahuja Lajpat R. , Ma Liwang , Green Tim R.
Published: May 2005

A recent study showed all parameters in the Brooks‐Corey equations of soil hydraulic properties are strongly correlated to the pore‐size distribution index (λ). These λ values relate and can scale cumulative infiltration and water contents during redistribution across dissimilar textural classes under different rainfall and initial conditions. The objectives of this work were to explore if relationships exist between evaporation (E) and transpiration (T) and λ across different soil types and if these relationships can be used to scale E and T among these soils. The Root Zone Water Quality Model generated evaporation under four potential rates and transpiration under one potential rate with a goosegrass [Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn.] in 11 soil textural classes under near‐saturated initial conditions. Stage I cumulative evaporation or transpiration that occurs when the soil is sufficiently wet to meet the potential rates had a quadratic relationship with λ. However, both Stage II cumulative evaporation and transpiration were cubic functions of λ with time‐dependent coefficients. It is shown that these relationships can be used to estimate both Stage I and II cumulative evaporation and transpiration across unknown soils, especially when data for one dominant reference soil type is known. The methods developed for estimating cumulative evaporation were applied and compared with experimental results of three initially saturated soils under constant evaporation with good results. These results for simple homogeneous soils should be useful in quantifying spatial variability of evaporation and transpiration in the field under similar conditions, and could form the basis for further research of more complex conditions.
Simulating Solute Transport in Porous or Fractured Formations Using Random Walk Particle Tracking: A Review
Authors: Delay Frédérick , Ackerer Philippe , Danquigny Charles
Published: May 2005

Since the first attempts some 20 yr ago in the field of hydrology, random walk (RW) particle tracking as applied to solute transport has experienced profound changes. Concepts and mathematical techniques have improved to the point that numerically difficult problems (e.g., advection‐dominated transport in highly heterogeneous media, or reactive transport) are now much easier to address. Random walk has never been widely used for multiphase flow, probably because numerical dispersion is not a major problem for modeling exercises at large scales. However, vadose zone hydrologic studies often point out very strong variations in fluid velocity over relatively short distances. Random walk methods may be well suited for such studies, a possibility which motivated us to write this review. We first give a comprehensive discussion of the theoretical context of the method. The Fokker–Planck–Kolmogorov equation (FPKE) is established for solute transport, as well as the ordinary Langevin equation and its simplifications for transport of small particles (e.g., colloids). Next, numerical methods are developed for the motion of particles in space. An important section is subsequently dedicated to recent RW concepts in the time domain, and to their application to anomalous (non‐Fickian) transport and inverse problems. Adaptations of RW to transport with solute–solid reactions are also provided, as well as several numerical recipes for resolving a few computational difficulties with the RW method. We purposely did not include any comparisons with Eulerian and Lagrangian approaches. These approaches are discussed at length in several references cited in this review. We note, however, that today's computing capabilities provide new incentives to using RW methods for problems where Eulerian methods are potentially unstable or hampered by numerical diffusion.
Buckingham, 1907: An Appreciation
Authors: Narasimhan T. N.
Published: May 2005

Nearly a century ago, Edgar Buckingham published a seminal work on the movement of soil moisture that is part of the foundation of modern soil physics. It also constitutes a pioneering contribution in the study of multiphase flow in porous media. A physicist, Buckingham took on an earth science issue of importance to society and produced superb basic science as a byproduct. Buckingham impresses us with his ability to combine experiment and theory and his capacity to intuitively explain difficult ideas to a wide audience. Science progresses both by gradual accretion of knowledge and by sudden influx of ideas. Buckingham's contribution belongs in the latter category. After a brief, four‐year rendezvous with soil science, he went on to pursue a long and distinguished career in physics with the National Bureau of Standards. This paper is an appreciation of Buckingham's contribution on soil moisture in the context of contemporary developments in diffusion theory and the rapid growth of science in America at the turn of the 20th century.
An Improved Dual‐Permeability Model of Water Flow and Solute Transport in the Vadose Zone
Authors: Larsbo Mats , Roulier Stephanie , Stenemo Fredrik , Kasteel Roy , Jarvis Nicholas
Published: May 2005

We introduce an improved, one‐dimensional, non‐steady‐state dual‐permeability model (MACRO 5.1). The model simulates water flow and solute transport in the vadose zone of structured soils by coupling a high‐conductivity–low porosity macropore domain to a low‐conductivity–high porosity domain representing the soil matrix. Mass exchange between the domains is approximated by first‐order expressions. The numerical solutions are briefly described, focusing on the dual‐permeability formulation. The solution method for water flow in macropores was verified by comparing simulation results with analytical solutions for a “kinematic wave”. The model was tested against high time‐resolution measurements of water flow and nonreactive (Cl−) solute transport in transient microlysimeter experiments. The objective was to test the identifiability of four key model parameters determining the degree of preferential flow using the generalized likelihood uncertainty estimation (GLUE) procedure. The parameters were chosen either because they are difficult or impossible to measure directly or because they were considered sensitive on the basis of earlier experience with the model. The measurements, indicating strong preferential flow, were adequately reproduced by the model simulations (overall model efficiency = 0.62). The GLUE procedure conditioned the saturated matrix hydraulic conductivity, the macroporosity, and the mass exchange coefficient (diffusion pathlength), indicating that these parameters would be identifiable in inverse modeling approaches based on microlysimeter experiments. The conditioning of the kinematic exponent was poor, which was attributed primarily to correlation with the macroporosity.
Diastolic coronary artery compression in a cardiac transplant recipient: Treatment with a stent
Authors: Garg Ravi K. , Anderson Allen S. , Jolly Neeraj
Published: May 2005

Myocardial bridges, with resultant systolic compression of the coronary artery, are common inborn anomalies that generally have a benign course. Diastolic compression of the coronary artery, however, is a rare finding that is believed to be an acquired lesion. It can be hypothesized that during diastole, when left ventricular filling occurs, the coronary artery is compressed against epicardial scar tissue or a noncompliant pericardium. This can then lead to diminished intracoronary blood flow. We present a case of functionally significant diastolic coronary artery compression in a cardiac transplant recipient who was successfully treated with intracoronary stent placement. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Negotiating Compliance in Heart Failure: Remaining Issues and Questions
Authors: Leventhal Marcia J.E. , Riegel Barbara , Carlson Beverly , De Geest Sabina
Published: May 2005

Living with heart failure (HF) means living with a chronic illness characterized by periods of acute decompensation alternating with periods of relative stability. Improved medical care for patients with cardiovascular diseases, coupled with the aging of the populations in the developed world, has resulted in a steadily increasing prevalence of HF. Rehospitalization rates are high for this patient population. In 20–64% of the cases, poor compliance by patients with the prescribed HF treatment is a contributing factor to hospitalization. This article uses a review of the literature on HF non-compliance, including the prevalence, barriers, consequences, and the long-term outcomes of non-compliance with HF therapy, to illustrate remaining issues and questions. Original studies published in English or German between 1966 and June 2004 identified by combining patient compliance, non-compliance, adherence, self-care, rehospitalization, patient education, and management programs, with heart failure in the search strategy are included. Creative approaches to achieving a true partnership between providers and patients are needed if clinical outcomes are to improve.
A review of techniques for treating missing data in OM survey research
Authors: Tsikriktsis Nikos
Published: May 2005

The treatment of missing data has been overlooked by the OM literature, while other fields such as marketing, organizational behavior, economics, statistics and psychometrics have paid more attention to the issue. A review of 103 survey‐based articles published in the Journal of Operations Management between 1993 and 2001 shows that listwise deletion, which is often the least accurate technique of dealing with missing data, is heavily utilized by OM researchers. The paper also discusses the research implications of missing data, types of missing data and concludes with recommendations on which techniques should be used under different circumstances in order to improve the treatment of missing data in OM survey research.
Universal appeals with local specifications
Authors: Hsieh Ming‐Huei , Lindridge Andrew
Published: May 2005

Purpose

Aims to explore the factorial structure of automobile brand image in the context of a cross‐national study. More specifically, we intend to answer two questions: whether the factor structure of brand image perception differ across countries, and whether these differences are owing to nation's culture and level of economic development.

Design/methodology/approach

An existing data set, which consists of data collected from survey research, was employed. Data covering the top 20 automobile markets consisting of 4,320 eligible new car owners. Perception of and attitude towards automobile brand associations were measured using nominal scales.

Findings

Provides empirical evidence that supports the applicability of multiple brand image dimensions corresponding to the consumer's sensory, utilitarian, symbolic and economic needs at the global level. The study also suggested that factor structure of brand image differs across nations and these differences might be reflective to a nation's culture and its level of economic development.

Research limitations/implications

As with any empirical study, this research inevitably has its limitations, which presents opportunities for further research: extensions of the present framework to other product categories; extensions of the national factors; extensions of the brand associations; and measurement improvement.

Practical implications

Understanding the similarities or differences of the factor structure of brand image across the globe facilitates the formation of a successful global image strategy. First of all, by exploring brand image structure at the global level; and the specific interrelationships among the corresponding associations

Originality/value

The results derived from the 20 diverse nations in the present study not only enhance our understanding of brand image structure but also provide a strong test of the empirical generalizability of automobile brand image dimensionality and factor structure in a global context.
Countering negative country‐of‐origin with low prices: a conjoint study in Vietnam
Authors: Speece Mark , Phung Nguyen Duc
Published: May 2005

Purpose

Aims to view two key issues, the importance of country‐of‐origin (COO) and perceptions of individual brands across different segments of consumers, and whether price cutting helps overcome negative perceptions.

Design/methodology/approach

Uses conjoint methods to investigate whether low prices can be used to overcome negative images for TVs among Vietnamese consumers.

Findings

The results show that price cuts by the Korean brands do little to attract customers away from the higher perceived quality Japanese brands. Perceived quality differentials are too large to gain most customers who buy Japanese brands at any realistic level of price cuts.

Originality/value

While most non‐Japanese Asian brands have not yet built strongly positive brand images, there are now some, such as Acer, which are making quite good progress, so there are some examples to examine. Future research should focus on which tactics a brand with negative COO image could use to build a stronger association with quality.
Loyalty to price tiers in purchases of bottled wine
Authors: Romaniuk Jenni , Dawes John
Published: May 2005

Purpose

Investigates the purchasing of brands across different price tiers. The purpose was to determine if buying across price tiers followed the same pattern widely found in brand purchasing, known as the Duplication of Purchase Law.

Design/methodology/approach

Uses a consumer survey methodology, using bottled wine as an example category. It provides evidence that while buyers exhibit repeat‐purchase loyalty to price tiers, they also buy from a repertoire of different price tiers.

Findings

Finds that sharing of purchases with other price tiers does approximate the Duplication of Purchase Law. That is, a price tier shares customers with other price tiers approximately in line with the overall popularity of those other price tiers. This suggests that competition between price tiers is largely predictable, and based on the prevalence of purchases at each tier. However, there is also consistent “partitioning” where adjacent price tiers share customers to a greater extent than would be expected under the Duplication of Purchase Law.

Originality/value

This research is valuable to both marketers and researchers, as it provides a quantifiable context and structure to those examining competition from a pricing perspective. It provides insights into where new brands should be launched and potential cannibalization effects. Finally, the presence of a price repertoire suggests that researchers should be wary of categorizing buyers to specific segments based on single answers to questions about “last” or “typical” price paid for purchases. Several fruitful areas for further research also emerge from this study, in particular the examination of what price levels or tiers actually constitute break‐points in markets, whereby brands residing in one tier are recognized as markedly different to those in other tiers.
Dynamics of price sensitivity among mobile service customers
Authors: Munnukka Juha
Published: May 2005

Purpose

Price sensitivity is one of the key factors affecting to companies pricing choices. Yet in mobile services sector business practitioners are facing problems in pricing decisions as they are short of knowledge on their customers’ price sensitivity levels and dynamics. Therefore this study aims to focus on this unexplored field in order to provide more accurate tools for mobile service providers to price their services more effectively.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is conducted on Finnish mobile services markets. The focus is on examining how customers’ price sensitivity differs between different customer segments and which factors affect to the price sensitivity levels. The sample data is collected through a quantitative postal survey in which 3,000 questionnaires was sent to mobile service customers of a Finnish teleoperator. In analyzing the empirical data the explanatory factor analysis and multiple regression analysis was applied.

Findings

It was discovered that mobile service customers differ significantly in their price sensitivity levels; customers with moderate usage of mobile services are least price sensitive, while intensive and low‐end users are most sensitive to price changes. Important was also the notion that customers’ price perceptions and innovativeness levels were accurate indicators of their price sensitivity.

Research limitations/implications

This paper has concentrated only on Finnish mobile services markets. In order to construct a robust set of indicators for international use, cross‐cultural study on testing the factors of this study should be conducted.

Practical implications

For business practitioners, the most distinctive finding of this paper are a new set of factors through which segmenting of their customers can be made more accurately.

Originality/value

With the findings of this paper a mobile service provider is able to increase efficiency of pricing of mobile services.
National Competitive Advantage in E-Commerce Efforts: A Report from Five Caribbean Nations
Authors: Fraser Simon , Wresch William
Published: May 2005

During July and August 2004 the principal investigators visited business executives in five Caribbean nations. Thirty-six businesses and government agencies were interviewed. General results showed significant e-commerce efforts underway in these countries. Leading companies interviewed were experiencing modest to significant successes in this business approach, but all were experiencing impacts from national characteristics. Characteristics examined in detail were factor conditions, demand conditions, support industries, firm strategy, and government policy. Results showed generally supportive business conditions but problems existed in government agencies, niche markets, the banking sector, and industry sector. The results of this study will suggest improved strategies for SMEs in developing countries and for national governments seeking to use e-commerce to expand business activities.
The Promise of E-Development? A Critical Assessment of the State ICT for Poverty Reduction Discourse in South Africa
Authors: Moodley Sagren
Published: May 2005

In the hands of the South African government, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) for development operates as a powerful discourse, which functions both as an ideology and a rhetorical tool. The South African government's discourse is framed in a rigid modernization schema informed by an overoptimistic understanding of the power and valence of ICT for poverty reduction and broad-based development. Government invokes new ICT as an autonomous and largely unassailable force. Over the last decade, a narrow and deterministic model of ICT for poverty reduction has become hegemonic as an ideal as well as a set of development practices, a model which operates to exclude alternatives. The view of technology as an external, autonomous force exerting an influence on society presents a limited set of options: (1) uncritical embracing of technological change or (2) defensive adaptation to it. If we are to attempt a more objective, detached analysis of ICT for development, then it would seem appropriate to move beyond the linear "cause and effect" model of technological determinism and explore alternative perspectives on society and technology.
Impact of Globalization on the Technological Regime in India: Aspects of Change
Authors: Pattnaik Binay Kumar
Published: May 2005

Changes unleashed by liberalization and globalization acquire great significance in the context of India as a result of its economy formerly being inward-looking for decades. Here is a bird's eye view of certain trend developments in the technological regime in India that now characterize an outward-looking economy. Such changes are perceived as a threefold articulation: reorienting the industrial research laboratories, particularly the public-funded ones; reshaping technological research in academics; and adapting to competition through technological changes in industry, particularly in the manufacturing sector. The paper brings out the unfolding technological dynamism experienced by a developing economy, with its industrial capitalism only recently integrated through globalization. It shows how the technological regime is adapting to hard conditions via the emergence of globalization.
Technology Development as Innovative Crisis: Georg Simmel's Reflections on Modern Science and Technology
Authors: Gross Matthias
Published: May 2005

This paper introduces some of Georg Simmel's neglected reflections on modern science and technology and their implications for the understanding of the development of technology in modern societies in general. Using Simmel's perspective on the production of side effects via accumulating non-knowledge as a touchstone, this paper suggests how unexpected occurrences can be incorporated into a model of scientific and technological development that includes the re-cursive handling of "surprises." Simmel, therefore, outlines his understanding of progress as an innovative crisis, where unexpected occurrences—both positive and negative—are positioned at the core of modern science and technology and are not understood as mere side efiects.
Verification and validation: The West Coast Mainline railway upgrade programme
Authors: Horgan D J
Published: May 2005

Verification and validation (V&V) is not new to engineering projects although it has become much more formalized in recent years. In particuar, Network Rail with Parsons Brinckerhoff Ltd have applied a formal, highly structured verification and validation process to the West Coast (WC) Programme. The adoption of formal V&V processes on the comples WC programme was a significant challenge and some of the initial procedures required modification before the eventual, very effective process was implemented. The paper will elaborate on the WC process, the problems encountered, the human issues, and the successes. The formal process has presented the client with cost savings, recuced risk, and positive confirmation of compliance with the many and exacting programme requirements.
Combining optimizer and metamodelling for railcar structural optimization
Authors: Liu L , Wakeland W
Published: May 2005

Stress constraint is a hard issue for structural topology optimization, especially for large-scale structures, e.g. railcars. Another technique is proposed to combine a sizing optimizer with metamodelling for topology optimization. At the lower level, for each topology design sampled within the topology design space, a sizing optimizer finds feasible and optimal solutions in terms of sizing variables (plate thickness in continuum structures). All performance constraints such as stress, displacement, and stability, are handled only at this level. At the upper level, a metamodel is built to fit all the optimal solutions found at the lower level and is optimized for topology design. The only constraints left at the upper level are topological constraints and topological variable bounds. Only the objective function (e.g. weight) versus topological variables, and not the constraints, is approximated. The number of topology design variables is much smaller than those used in many other topology optimization approaches. Thus it may be able to handle large-scale structural systems. It was applied to two boxcar design projects, resulting in 18 per cent and 36 per cent weight savings and significant reductions in manufacturing cost and total cost.
The process of achieving 270 km/h operation for Tokaido Shinkansen - Part 2: Technology development
Authors: Morimura T , Seki M
Published: May 2005

Part 1 briefly described the course taken to speed up the Tokaido Shinkansen from 220 km/h to 270 km/h. Part 2 will deal with eight technical issues that were challenged and solved with the designing of the Series 300, 300X, and the Series 700. The details of each of the technologies discussed will be left to papers specializing in each of the fields. As with Part 1, the authors wish to emphasize the concept that the railway is a ‘system’ compiled from the elements.
The course of achieving 270 km/h operation for Tokaido Shinkansen - Part 1: Technology and operations overview
Authors: Morimura T , Seki M
Published: May 2005

The Tokaido Shinkansen began service in 1964. Autumn 2003 sees the inauguration of a new station at Shinagawa, and with it a maximum operating speed of 270 km/h for all rolling stock; this will greatly enhance the line's accessibility and level of service. The project to speed up the Tokaido Shinkansen to 270 km/h started in 1988, and this paper will chart the course of the adaptation and development of the technology.
The Contextualised Court: Litigating ‘Culture’ in Canada
Authors: Currie Robert J.
Published: May 2005

This article surveys the manner in which the courts of Canada have treated the concept of ‘culture’ as a justiciable matter in litigation. It starts from the premise that a constitutionally ‘multicultural’ society has manifest impetus to factor cultural realities into court-based decision-making, and acknowledges that judicial use of ‘contextualism’ appears to have provided the framework for reception of cultural evidence. Using the rules of evidence as a lens, the article: surveys how courts have found culture to be relevant, material and admissible in various kinds of legal disputes; analyses the trends; and offers some preliminary thoughts as to how the law of evidence should continue to adapt in order to accommodate culture in a principled manner.
Vie hors serie, fin dramatique: The Paris Press Coverage of the Death of Ernest Hemingway
Authors: Bittner John R.
Published: May 2005

The fact that Ernest Hemingway died on the 4th of July weekend (generally a quiet time for news) contributed to the amount and prominence of press coverage his death received in the United States. In France, there was no similar "news hole" for that period: in July 1961, the press was much concerned with the crisis in Algeria confronting President Charles de Gaulle. Nevertheless, for an entire week the French press gave prominent attention to events in Ketchum, Idaho, and reflected on the importance of Hemingway to contemporary literature. Leading literary figures evaluated Hemingway's writing, and the great majority of them were passionately affirmative. A survey of twelve Parisian newspapers (daily and weekly) reflects the range and the intensity of French feeling about the writer.
Death in the Afternoon As Seen by Tomas Orts-Ramos (Uno al Sesgo)
Authors: Bredendick Nancy
Published: May 2005

In 1933, the Spanish bullfight critic Tomás Orts-Ramos reviewed Death in the Afternoon as a highly successful effort to distance the corrida from all that is primitive and barbarous, and to attract more fans in the English speaking world. After summarizing negative views also inspired by the book, my essay explores Orts-Ramos's enthusiasms and reservations about Death in the Afternoon and notes his effort to place them in the context of problems facing bullfight writing in his time. Of more than just historical interest, Orts-Ramos's review brings into sharp focus how central the formation of new aficionados is to the work.
"My True Occupation Is That Of A Writer": Hemingway's Passport Correspondence
Authors: Robinson Daniel
Published: May 2005

While most scholars are familiar with the F.B.I.'s records on Ernest Hemingway, few have searched through information archived by other federal departments and agencies. This note presents material obtained through the Freedom of Information Act from the U.S. Department of State, principally the Passport Division.
Trauma Theory and Hemingway's Lost Paris Manuscripts
Authors: Seals Marc
Published: May 2005

Ernest Hemingway wrote about the 1922 loss of his early Paris manuscripts in four major published works—A Moveable Feast, Islands in the Stream, The Garden of Eden, and True at First Light—although Hemingway's editors have not always included the episode in the published versions. His repeated writing about this loss might have served as a sort of creative flashback, allowing him to face and deal with the trauma. When these works are read in order of composition and in light of modern trauma theory, a pattern of forgiveness and psychological healing emerges.
Systematische Modellbildung und Grundsätze der Bereichskalibrierung (Systematic Modelling and Fundamentals of Range Calibration)
Authors: Sommer Klaus-Dieter , Siebert Bernd R. L.
Published: May 2005

Der „Leitfaden zur Angabe der Unsicherheit beim Messen (GUM)“ ist das grundlegende Dokument für die Ermittlung der Messunsicherheit. Er konzentriert sich im Wesentlichen auf lineare Modelle mit einer Ausgangsgröße und bietet, abgesehen von einigen Beispielen, wenig Information über die Modellbildung, die in der Anwendung das größte Problem darstellt. Dieser Bericht zeigt, dass die Modellbildung systematisiert und damit vereinfacht werden kann. Eine Erweiterung auf Messprobleme mit mehreren Ausgangsgrößen ist leicht möglich. Die Bereichskalibrierung ist ein Anwendungsbereich, bei dem man Modelle mit mehr als einer Ausgangsgröße hat, und sie ermöglicht in der Regel eine deutliche Verringerung der anzugebenden Unsicherheiten.
Software zur Unterstützung bei der Ermittlung der Messunsicherheit (Software Supporting the Determination of Measurement Uncertainty)
Authors: Weckenmann Albert , Wiedenhöfer Thomas
Published: May 2005

Software zur Unterstützung bei der Ermittlung der Messunsicherheit eines Messergebnisses existiert für nahezu jeden Anwendungsfall. Um hier eine geeignete Auswahl treffen zu können, wurde ein Überblick über vorhandene Softwarepakete erstellt. Darüber hinaus werden Kriterien zu deren Beurteilung und Auswahl vermittelt.
Entwicklung einer Kalibrierrichtlinie für Rastersondenmikroskope (Development of a Calibration Guideline for Scanning Probe Microscopes)
Authors: Dziomba Thorsten , Koenders Ludger , Wilkening Günter , Flemming Marcel , Duparré Angela
Published: May 2005

Nicht nur in Forschung und Entwicklung, sondern auch zunehmend in der industriellen Fertigung kommen immer kleinere funktionelle Strukturen bis hin zu nanotechnologischen Komponenten zum Einsatz. Dadurch erlangt die Rastersondenmikroskopie auch als quantitatives Messverfahren wachsende Bedeutung und damit die Frage, wie diese Geräte zu kalibrieren sind. Dieser Bericht zielt deshalb darauf ab, den gegenwärtigen Stand der Diskussionen zu einer zukünftigen Kalibrierrichtlinie zusammenzufassen und somit ein mögliches Schema für die quantitative Charakterisierung von SPM-Messsystemen vorzustellen. Kritische Punkte werden dabei teilweise auch anhand von praktischen Beispielen diskutiert.
Messunsicherheit von Gasfeuchtemessungen (Uncertainty of Humidity Measurement of Gases)
Authors: Mitter Helmut
Published: May 2005

Die Feuchtigkeit von Luft oder allgemein von Gasen kann auf verschiedenste Arten beschrieben werden, die je nach Anwendungsfall ihre Vorteile haben. Die unterschiedlichen Beschreibungen der Luftfeuchte sind alle äquivalent und die einzelnen Größen können aus jeder anderen berechnet werden, wobei meist noch die Lufttemperatur eine entscheidende Rolle spielt. Es werden die einzelnen Feuchtegrößen vorgestellt und für die beiden in der Praxis wichtigsten — Taupunkttemperatur und relative Feuchte — die wesentlichen Unsicherheitsbeiträge bei der Kalibrierung und im messtechnischen Einsatz diskutiert.
Oxygen
Authors: Hansel James G. ,   Updated by Staff
Published: May 2005

Oxygen is a key element for the existence of life on earth as well as an ingredient for a wide variety of manufacturing processes. Oxygen is produced commercially by the cryogenic separation of air into mainly oxygen and nitrogen or by vacuum swing adsorption procedures. The oxygen is transported to users primarily by pipelines as a high pressure gas or within tank trucks as a cryogenic liquid. Most oxygen is used captively. It is widely used in steel and other metal refining and fabrication industries as well as in the production of many petrochemicals and in health‐related fields. Specifications depend on use.

In some cases oxygen is used as a replacement for air in a process; in other applications air is enriched in oxygen. In many applications, reducing or eliminating the nitrogen normally present in the air typically increases the combustion temperature, increases the yield of product formed, and reduces the volume of waste gas to be treated.
Polymer Blends
Authors: Horák Zdeněk , Fortelný Ivan , Kolařík Jan , Hlavatá Drahomíra , Sikora Antonín
Published: May 2005

Blending of two or more different polymers makes possible to achieve various property combinations of the resulting material, mostly in a more cost‐effective way than by synthesis of new polymers. The resulting multicomponent and mostly heterogeneous blends are an extraordinarily important group of polymer materials, which make about one‐third of the world polymer production. Common features of preparation, evaluation, and application of polymer blends are the main subject of the article.

The basic problems associated with the nonequilibrium phase structure and its coarsening, the effects of interfacial energy of components, the strategies of compatibilization of immiscible polymers, and methods of phase structure analysis are elucidated. Special attention is paid to mechanical properties of heterogeneous blends and their prediction. Commercially important types of polymers blends as well as recycling of commingled plastic waste are briefly discussed.