bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LPA66 Is Required for EditingpsbFChloroplast Transcripts in Arabidopsis
Authors: Cai Wenhe , Ji Daili , Peng Lianwei , Guo Jinkui , Ma Jinfang , Zou Meijuan , Lu Congming , Zhang Lixin
Published: May 2009

To gain insight into the molecular mechanism of RNA editing, we have characterized the low psii accumulation66 (lpa66) Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) mutant, which displays a high chlorophyll fluorescence phenotype. Its perturbed chlorophyll fluorescence is reflected in reduced levels of photosystem II (PSII) proteins. In vivo protein labeling showed that synthesis rates of the PSII reaction center protein D1/D2 were lower, and turnover rates of PSII core proteins higher, than in wild-type counterparts. The assembly of newly synthesized proteins into PSII occurs in the lpa66 mutant but with reduced efficiency compared with the wild type. LPA66 encodes a chloroplast protein of the pentatricopeptide repeat family. In lpa66 mutants, editing of psbF that converts serine to phenylalanine is specifically impaired. Thus, LPA66 is specifically required for editing the psbF transcripts in Arabidopsis, and the amino acid alternation due to lack of editing strongly affects the efficiency of the assembly of PSII complexes.
TriFLDB: A Database of Clustered Full-Length Coding Sequences from Triticeae with Applications to Comparative Grass Genomics
Authors: Mochida Keiichi , Yoshida Takuhiro , Sakurai Tetsuya , Ogihara Yasunari , Shinozaki Kazuo
Published: May 2009

The Triticeae Full-Length CDS Database (TriFLDB) contains available information regarding full-length coding sequences (CDSs) of the Triticeae crops wheat (Triticum aestivum) and barley (Hordeum vulgare) and includes functional annotations and comparative genomics features. TriFLDB provides a search interface using keywords for gene function and related Gene Ontology terms and a similarity search for DNA and deduced translated amino acid sequences to access annotations of Triticeae full-length CDS (TriFLCDS) entries. Annotations consist of similarity search results against several sequence databases and domain structure predictions by InterProScan. The deduced amino acid sequences in TriFLDB are grouped with the proteome datasets for Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), rice (Oryza sativa), and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) by hierarchical clustering in stepwise thresholds of sequence identity, providing hierarchical clustering results based on full-length protein sequences. The database also provides sequence similarity results based on comparative mapping of TriFLCDSs onto the rice and sorghum genome sequences, which together with current annotations can be used to predict gene structures for TriFLCDS entries. To provide the possible genetic locations of full-length CDSs, TriFLCDS entries are also assigned to the genetically mapped cDNA sequences of barley and diploid wheat, which are currently accommodated in the Triticeae Mapped EST Database. These relational data are searchable from the search interfaces of both databases. The current TriFLDB contains 15,871 full-length CDSs from barley and wheat and includes putative full-length cDNAs for barley and wheat, which are publicly accessible. This informative content provides an informatics gateway for Triticeae genomics and grass comparative genomics. TriFLDB is publicly available at http://TriFLDB.psc.riken.jp/.
Microbial Siderophores Exert a Subtle Role in Arabidopsis during Infection by Manipulating the Immune Response and the Iron Status
Authors: Dellagi Alia , Segond Diego , Rigault Martine , Fagard Mathilde , Simon Clara , Saindrenan Patrick , Expert Dominique
Published: May 2009

Siderophores (ferric ion chelators) are secreted by organisms in response to iron deficiency. The pathogenic enterobacterium Erwinia chrysanthemi produces two siderophores, achromobactin and chrysobactin (CB), which are required for systemic dissemination in host plants. Previous studies have shown that CB is produced in planta and can trigger the up-regulation of the plant ferritin gene AtFER1. To further investigate the function of CB during pathogenesis, we analyzed its effect in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) plants following leaf infiltration. CB activates the salicylic acid (SA)-mediated signaling pathway, while the CB ferric complex is ineffective, suggesting that the elicitor activity of this siderophore is due to its iron-binding property. We confirmed this hypothesis by testing the effect of siderophores structurally unrelated to CB, including deferrioxamine. There was no activation of SA-dependent defense in plants grown under iron deficiency before CB treatment. Transcriptional analysis of the genes encoding the root ferrous ion transporter and ferric chelate reductase, and determination of the activity of this enzyme in response to CB or deferrioxamine, showed that these compounds induce a leaf-to-root iron deficiency signal. This root response as well as ferritin gene up-regulation in the leaf were not compromised in a SA-deficient mutant line. Using the Arabidopsis-E. chrysanthemi pathosystem, we have shown that CB promotes bacterial growth in planta and can modulate plant defenses through an antagonistic mechanism between SA and jasmonic acid signaling cascades. Collectively, these data reveal a new link between two processes mediated by SA and iron in response to microbial siderophores.
Plant Physiological Adaptations to the Massive Foreign Protein Synthesis Occurring in Recombinant Chloroplasts
Authors: Bally Julia , Nadai Marie , Vitel Maxime , Rolland Anne , Dumain Raphael , Dubald Manuel
Published: May 2009

Genetically engineered chloroplasts have an extraordinary capacity to accumulate recombinant proteins. We have investigated in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) the possible consequences of such additional products on several parameters of plant development and composition. Plastid transformants were analyzed that express abundantly either bacterial enzymes, alkaline phosphatase (PhoA-S and PhoA-L) and 4-hydroxyphenyl pyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD), or a green fluorescent protein (GFP). In leaves, the HPPD and GFP recombinant proteins are the major polypeptides and accumulate to higher levels than Rubisco. Nevertheless, these engineered metabolic sinks do not cause a measurable difference in growth rate or photosynthetic parameters. The total amino acid content of transgenic leaves is also not significantly affected, showing that plant cells have a limited protein biosynthetic capacity. Recombinant products are made at the expense of resident proteins. Rubisco, which constitutes the major leaf amino acid store, is the most clearly and strongly down-regulated plant protein. This reduction is even more dramatic under conditions of limited nitrogen supply, whereas recombinant proteins accumulate to even higher relative levels. These changes are regulated posttranscriptionally since transcript levels of resident plastid genes are not affected. Our results show that plants are able to produce massive amounts of recombinant proteins in chloroplasts without profound metabolic perturbation and that Rubisco, acting as a nitrogen buffer, is a key player in maintaining homeostasis and limiting pleiotropic effects.
Recognition of AvrBs3-Like Proteins Is Mediated by Specific Binding to Promoters of Matching Pepper Bs3 Alleles
Authors: Römer Patrick , Strauss Tina , Hahn Simone , Scholze Heidi , Morbitzer Robert , Grau Jan , Bonas Ulla , Lahaye Thomas
Published: May 2009

The pepper (Capsicum annuum) bacterial spot (Bs) resistance gene Bs3 and its allelic variant Bs3-E mediate recognition of the Xanthomonas campestris pv vesicatoria type III effector protein AvrBs3 and its deletion derivative AvrBs3Δrep16. Recognition specificity resides in the Bs3 and Bs3-E promoters and is determined by a defined promoter region, the UPA (for up-regulated by AvrBs3) box. Using site-directed mutagenesis, we defined the exact boundaries of the UPA  AvrBs3 box of the Bs3 promoter and the UPA  AvrBs3Δrep16 box of the Bs3-E promoter and show that both boxes overlap by at least 11 nucleotides. Despite partial sequence identity, the UPA  AvrBs3 box and the UPA  AvrBs3Δrep16 box were bound specifically by the corresponding AvrBs3 and AvrBs3Δrep16 proteins, respectively, suggesting that selective promoter binding of AvrBs3-like proteins is the basis for promoter activation specificity. We also demonstrate that the UPA  AvrBs3 box retains its functionality at different positions within the pepper Bs3 promoter and confers AvrBs3 inducibility in a novel promoter context. Notably, the transfer of the UPA  AvrBs3 box to different promoter locations is always correlated with a new transcriptional start site. The analysis of naturally occurring Bs3 alleles revealed many pepper accessions that encode a nonfunctional Bs3 variant. These accessions showed no apparent abnormalities, supporting the supposition that Bs3 functions only in disease resistance and not in other developmental or physiological processes.
Phosphorylation of SOS3-LIKE CALCIUM BINDING PROTEIN8 by SOS2 Protein Kinase Stabilizes Their Protein Complex and Regulates Salt Tolerance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Lin Huixin , Yang Yongqing , Quan Ruidang , Mendoza Imelda , Wu Yisheng , Du Wenming , Zhao Shuangshuang , Schumaker Karen S. , Pardo José M. , Guo Yan
Published: May 2009

The Salt Overly Sensitive (SOS) pathway plays an important role in the regulation of Na+/K+ ion homeostasis and salt tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana. Previously, we reported that the calcium binding proteins SOS3 and SOS3-LIKE CALCIUM BINDING PROTEIN8 (SCaBP8) nonredundantly activate the protein kinase SOS2. Here, we show that SOS2 phosphorylates SCaBP8 at its C terminus but does not phosphorylate SOS3. In vitro, SOS2 phosphorylation of SCaBP8 was enhanced by the bimolecular interaction of SOS2 and SCaBP8 and did not require calcium ions. In vivo, this phosphorylation was induced by salt stress, occurred at the membrane, stabilized the SCaBP8-SOS2 interaction, and enhanced plasma membrane Na+/H+ exchange activity. When a Ser at position 237 in the SCaBP8 protein (the SOS2 phosphorylation target) was mutated to Ala, SCaBP8 was no longer phosphorylated by SOS2 and the mutant protein could not fully rescue the salt-sensitive phenotype of the scabp8 mutant. By contrast, when Ser-237 was mutated to Asp to mimic the charge of a phosphorylated Ser residue, the mutant protein rescued the scabp8 salt sensitivity. These data demonstrate that calcium sensor phosphorylation is a critical component of SOS pathway regulation of salt tolerance in Arabidopsis.
An approach to simulate cold roll‐forging of turbo‐engine thin compressor blade
Authors: Sedighi M. , Mahmoodi M.
Published: May 2009

Purpose

Studying manufacturing process of compressor blade can reduce the production cost and time in aircraft turbo‐engine industries. In the cold roll‐forging of thin compressor blades, the elastic behavior of machine structure and rolls is considerable due to the higher volume of roll separating force. Owing to this kind of elastic deformation during rolling, the adjusted gap between the rolling dies is increased and this causes unexpected flow of material, shape and thickness. The purpose of this paper is to present a new approach for simulation of cold rolling of thin blades and studying the effect of elastic behavior of the machine structure as well as rolls deflection on the material flow and roll separating force.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the process has been investigated using experimental test and simulation by introducing a new approach in a decision‐making flowchart. Instead of simulating of the entire system structure, a couple of virtual deformable rolls are suggested. The specifications of these rolls are selected to behave elastically during rolling same as whole roll stand. In addition, the thickness values are compared in both experiment and simulation. Also, the roll separating force is compared with and without using this approach.

Findings

A decision‐making algorithm has been presented that can be used to study the process. This finding provides the basis to investigate the effect of elastic deformation of machine structure and rolls on dimensional accuracy and roll force.

Originality/value

Result of this work can promote the position of simulation of the thin rolled sections to an extent more compatible with reality. For instance, the amount of increased gap between two dies during rolling can be estimated accurately. Also the influence of this gap on final blade thickness and the roll force and on the roll torque can be investigated by this approach.
Linearization in satellite attitude control with modified Rodriguez parameters
Authors: Özgür Doruk R.
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the results of the Jacobian matrix linearization of the satellite attitude dynamics with modified Rodriguez parameters (MRP) as attitude representation.

Design/methodology/approach

The satellite dynamics is linearized using Jacobian differentiation around origin and reference values of the MRP. The controller is designed through linear quadratic regulation approach.

Findings

It is found that, for both cases the overall system converges but there exists a tracking error. The error can be reduced by increasing the controller coefficients in both cases however cannot be eliminated. In the case of linearization around zero, the torque requirements are quite higher than the case of linearization around the reference attitude trajectory.

Originality/value

The attempt of Jacobian linearization of a satellite dynamics with the MRP as the attitude representation constitutes the value of this paper. In addition, the results obtained in the derivations may be used in future research.
Effects of boundary‐layers bleeding on performance parameters of hypersonic inlets
Authors: Chang Juntao , Fan Yi
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the effects of boundary‐layers bleeding on performance parameters of hypersonic inlets.

Design/methodology/approach

The inner flowfield of a hypersonic inlet at different bleeding rates is simulated with a Reynolds‐averaged Navier‐Stokes solver using a renormalization group k‐ε turbulence model.

Findings

In contrast with no bleeding, the performance parameter of hypersonic inlets without backpressure is reduced slightly, but the flow uniformity is improved. The interaction between boundary layers and shocks is weakened at the action of the bleeding, which leads to that the boundary‐layers separations at the entrance of the isolator caused by the high‐backpressure occur later, and it can improve the maximum backpressure ratio of hypersonic inlets. With the bleeding rate increasing, the maximum backpressure ratio of hypersonic inlets is added, while the total‐pressure recovery coefficient and mass‐captured coefficient are reduced.

Originality/value

This paper is a useful reference to the design and performance improvement of hypersonic inlets and propulsion systems.
A neuro‐optimal approach for thrust‐insensitive trajectory planning
Authors: Pourtakdoust S.H. , Pazooki F. , Fakhri Noushabadi M.
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to devise a new approach to synthesize closed‐loop feedback guidance law for online thrust‐insensitive optimal trajectory generation utilizing neural networks.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed methodology utilizes an open‐loop variational formulation that initially determines optimal launch/ascent trajectories for various scenarios of known uncertainties in the thrust profile of typical solid propellant engines. These open‐loop optimized trajectories will then provide the knowledge base needed for the subsequent training of a neural network. The trained network could eventually produce thrust‐insensitive closed‐loop optimal guidance laws and trajectories in flight.

Findings

The proposed neuro‐optimal guidance scheme is effective for online closed‐loop optimal path planning through some measurable and computable engine and flight parameters.

Originality/value

Determination of closed‐loop optimal guidance law for non‐linear dynamic systems with uncertainties in system and environment has been a challenge for researchers and engineers for many years. The problem of steering a solid propellant driven vehicle is one of these challenges. Even though a few researchers have worked in the area of non‐linear optimal control and thrust‐insensitive guidance, this paper proposes a new strategy for the determination of closed‐loop online thrust insensitive guidance laws leading to optimal flight trajectories for solid propellant launch and ascent vehicles.
Strain concentrations in notched laminates under bending
Authors: Kennedy Timothy C. , Arias Sergio G.
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the validity of using classical laminated plate theory to predict strain concentration factors in notched laminates under bending.

Design/methodology/approach

The objective was accomplished by comparing results predicted by classical theory to those from more refined theories that incorporate transverse shear and other 3D effects in the analysis. Three notch sizes and two laminate types were considered. The results were obtained through finite element analysis.

Findings

Strain concentration factors predicted by the classical theory were generally found to be significantly lower than those predicted by the more refined theories. However, these differences tended to be very localized to the vicinity of the notch tip.

Originality/value

This study points out a potential deficiency in a commonly used design tool. The seriousness of this deficiency can best be determined by further research, particularly through a systematic testing program.
Mission‐based optimal control of Stewart manipulator
Authors: Omran A. , Kassem A. , El‐Bayoumi G. , Bayoumi M.
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show the merit of using mission information in tuning the controller gains for Stewart manipulator instead of the generic inputs previously developed in literature.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper introduces two optimization techniques based on mission information. The first technique, a partial‐information technique, uses gain scheduling that applies different controllers for different mission tracks. The second technique, a full‐information technique uses a single robust controller by considering the full mission data. For demonstrating these techniques' feasibility, a nonlinear numerical simulation for a Stewart manipulator was built and tested using a generic mission. This mission consists of two piecewise trajectories (tracks). The proposed techniques were compared with one of the previous optimization techniques in literature, no‐information technique, in which a step response is used to search for optimal controller gains without any information about the mission. Genetic algorithms were used to search for the optimal controller gain in each case with different cost functions.

Findings

Based on the numerical simulations, the proposed mission‐based optimization techniques have superior performances compared with no‐information technique.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed techniques were applied in a joint space or for a decentralized control. The work can be extended to be applied in a task space or for a centralized control.

Originality/value

The paper proposes two novel optimization techniques: partial‐ and full‐information techniques for tuning the controller gains of a Stewart manipulator, where mission information was imbedded into the cost function. These two techniques are generally applicable for other nonlinear systems such as aircraft stability and control augmentation systems.
The on‐board software architecture and distributed testbed of micro‐satellite clusters
Authors: Xiande Wu , Hui Li , Zhaowei Sun
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The micro‐satellite clusters have been discussed for several years, however, there is not a common framework about its software, and various researches distributed at different domains. In order to conduct the future work well, the purpose of this paper is to systematically describe micro‐satellite clusters' characteristics, clusters software model, and present a distributed testbed to shorten test process, and minimize the development cost.

Design/methodology/approach

The cluster characteristics and model is summarized through analyzing the past satellite cluster programs. Then the ground test system is designed to shorten micro‐satellite's development period, improve its reliability.

Findings

The clusters' characteristics are discussed, such as coverage, scalability, fault tolerance, low cost, etc. The clusters' data flow and on‐board software architecture are presented according to properties of clusters. Finally, the distributed testbed that focuses on future on‐board software and hardware technologies that aim to rapid design, build, integration, test, deployment, and operation of the future micro‐satellite is designed.

Originality/value

The presentation of software architecture of cluster member can improve the micro‐satellite's development, and the distributed testbed can improve the ground test efficiency, especially, when the micro‐satellite quantity is big.
Micro‐scale synthetic‐jet actuator flow simulation with characteristic‐based‐split method
Authors: Celik Bayram , Oguz Edis Firat
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a computational study to investigate the effects of rectangular cavity design of a piezoelectrically driven micro‐synthetic‐jet actuator on generated flow.

Design/methodology/approach

Flow simulations were done using a compressible Navier‐Stokes solver, which is based on finite element method implementation of a characteristic‐based‐split (CBS) algorithm. The algorithm uses arbitrary Lagrangian‐Eulerian formulation, which allows to model oscillation of the synthetic jet's diaphragm in a realistic manner. Since all simulated flows are in the slip‐flow‐regime, a second order slip‐velocity boundary condition was applied along the cavity and orifice walls. Flow simulations were done for micro‐synthetic‐jet configurations with various diaphragm deflections amplitudes, cavity heights, and widths. All of the simulation results were compared with each other and evaluated in terms of the exit jet velocities, slip‐velocities on the orifice wall and instantaneous momentum fluxes at the jet exit.

Findings

It is shown that compressibility and rarefaction have important effects on the flow field generated by the micro‐synthetic‐jet actuator. The effect of the geometrical parameters of the cavity to important flow features such slip and phase lag are presented.

Originality/value

The paper reports results of a systematical study of the flow field inside a micro‐scale synthetic‐jet actuator, providing designers of such devices additional information for sizing the cavity within slip flow regime. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the CBS, together with slip boundary conditions can be successfully used to compute such flows.
Benchmarking quality systems in two European academic libraries
Authors: Balagué Núria , Saarti Jarmo
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to benchmark two ISO 9001:2000 based quality management systems, one in the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain, and the other in Kuopio University, Finland.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a case study in which both libraries' approach to the building of their quality management system are compared.

Findings

The ISO 9001:2000 guides institutions so that they will develop their quality management systems along similar lines. Both libraries have devised the same kinds of solutions to the key points of the standard and it has helped them to develop their services and analyze how they have succeeded in this task.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is based on the experiences of two libraries.

Practical implications

The paper gives examples for the implementation of the ISO 9001:2000 quality standard inside an academic library.

Originality/value

The paper provides ideas on how a quality system is best developed.
Strategic planning and management for the public libraries
Authors: Kostagiolas Petros A. , Banou Christina , Laskari Evangelia‐Maria
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is twofold: to provide an overview of the present situation at the Greek central public libraries and to identify strategic development areas in regard to education and training, social and economic development, e‐government, reading policy, cultural cohesion and identity.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted in January and February 2008 through extensive semi‐structured interviews with all the 29 Greek central public libraries.

Findings

The paper finds that a formal strategic plan is becoming necessary for the Greek central public libraries in order to understand themselves, redefine their policies and priorities, and further consider the needs and expectations of their users and of the society as a whole.

Practical implications

This paper contributes to the discussion on the development of strategic planning aimed at the central public libraries in Greece and may assist in providing evidence for strategic planning in a national and/or in an institutional level.

Originality/value

It is one of the very few studies in Greece providing empirical evidence for the strategic planning and management of the central public libraries.
Needed competencies for collection managers and their development
Authors: Ameen Kanwal
Published: May 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to discover perceptions of university librarians regarding the needed competencies for collection managers in Pakistan in the emerging digital paradigm.

Design/methodology/approach

The mixed‐method approach was followed using a questionnaire and interview to collect data. The self‐completion questionnaire was sent to central libraries of 40 major, accredited universities of Pakistan and 30 responses were obtained. Then, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 20 librarians using interview‐guide. Interviews were transcribed to analyze and categorize according to the thematic approach. The interpretation and comments of the interviewees have also been reported to strengthen the arguments.

Findings

It was found that the university libraries of Pakistan are gradually adopting a digital paradigm and providing access to hybrid collections. But, collection managers would not perceive fully the competencies needed to manage hybrid collections. It also appeared that there were meagre opportunities for university librarians to develop their competencies through regular and continuing education.

Originality/value

This is the first study on the needed competencies for collection managers in Pakistan. The paper may invoke, among academia and working professionals, the need to learn the practices of collection management in digital environment.
Librarian interrupted! Ur‐librarian to un‐librarian, or ur‐librarian to uber‐librarian?
Authors: Storey Colin
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address the dangers and opportunities for a highly trained group of professionals – librarians – in responding to the present and future challenges, for example from the web's so‐called digital natives and from the web's bare‐fisted market forces.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a general view of the current state‐of‐play in library management vis‐a‐vis the e‐revolution, in terms of the history and future of the profession.

Findings

Librarians are in danger of casting off the primordial and deeply original tenets of the profession (the term “ur‐librarianship” is suggested here to refer to this canon of library beliefs). Librarians may well become irrelevant shadows of their former selves by embracing a mish‐mash of misdirected and misappropriated ideologies and peripheral priorities from other, newer, professions and undo centuries of hard work (here referred to as “un‐librarianship”). In consequence, readers, in a cloud of unknowing, would not understand who librarians are, what they do, and especially, what they stand for. Librarians have opportunities to re‐enliven the developmental arc of venerable tradition and to recast agile services to sustain, as in the long past, an absolutely unquestioned place in society (“uber‐librarianship”). Is it going to be “Librarian Interrupted!”, or “Librarian Triumphant!”?

Practical implications

Librarians need to brand themselves and their libraries distinctly for a successful and relevant future.

Originality/value

Using practical examples from many years of experience in librarianship, the author states some strong opinions on librarians' professional futures.
The innovative university library: strategic choice, construction practices and development ideas
Authors: Jing Guo , Jin Chen
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose the strategic choice of innovative university library, including its definitions, structure framework. As a case study, the construction practice and idea development of the innovative library in Shanghai Jiao Tong University are also to be introduced and explained.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper combines the methods of scenario analysis and theoretical explanation, modeling presentation and case study.

Findings

A model of innovative university library and IC2@SJTUL, a kind of new mode adapting to it are put forward in the paper. These modes apply to university libraries, which need innovation and support training of innovative users.

Research limitations/implications

At present the necessary have been built but environments for IC2@SJTUL its effects need practice testing.

Originality/value

The basic definition and structure framework of an innovative university library are designed in this paper. The pioneer concept, i.e. IC2, is demonstrated and the new mode of IC2@SJTUL is also presented.
Prioritizing academic library service quality indicators using fuzzy approach
Authors: Jamali Reza , Sayyadi Tooranloo Hossein
Published: May 2009

Purpose

Fuzzy logic provides a useful tool for dealing with decisions in which the phenomena are imprecise and vague. The purpose of this paper is to prioritize the library service quality indicators from the student's point of view at Ferdowsi University, Iran, using this method. It also aims to identify the main indicators that help users satisfaction and consequently, the best budget allocation by library managers.

Design/methodology/approach

This research was performed among students of the university and questionnaires were distributed to students that used the library service at least once each month. The basis of the questionnaire was a SERVQUAL model developed for academic libraries. The characteristics/quality components with fuzzy‐TOPSIS technique were prioritized to meet the requirements of students as customers of the academic libraries. Using fuzzy set theory, customers' perceptions of service quality are generally expressed subjectively in vague linguistic terms, and this paper tries to apply a fuzzy approach to service quality in Ferdowsi university libraries.

Findings

The results show that there is no equal importance between library service quality indicators. After prioritizing indicators it was found that having the ability to find information 24 hours a day has the most importance and a secure and safe place is the least important indicator for making a high quality library.

Practical implications

The results of this study will be helpful for planners to pay attention to some indicators that have most importance but low performance. With this result higher users can obtain satisfaction with lower efforts.

Originality/value

The concept in the paper can be useful for two reasons. The first is low budget of academic libraries. It is true that libraries are the heart of a university but there is not enough allocated budget to maintain this situation. The budget can then be allocated for the best indicators. Second is the freshness of fuzzy approach to service quality. In developing the use of this approach to academic libraries, it is hoped that the libraries can satisfy user demands and make the best strategies for improvement.
Theory, research, and practice in library management 6
Authors: Walton Graham
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how uncertainty as a concept is being faced in many areas of work (including libraries). The use of scenario planning in managing this uncertainty is to be examined.

Design/methodology/approach

Reasons for the prominence of uncertainty are identified from the broad management literature. The impact uncertainty has on the organisation, and the individual and strategic direction is also discussed using the literature. This provides the context to establish how uncertainty, has historically been faced, by libraries. The same approach is applied when the application of scenario planning in managing uncertainty is established. Scenario planning is investigated at the wider level and then the focus moves to its relevance for libraries.

Findings

Uncertainty is a strategic concern for many organisations (both proffer and not for profit), which poses specific challenges for managers. It is caused by technological developments and changes in markets with other contributions from environmental, fiscal and political factors. Scenario planning is a proactive way to manage the impact of uncertainty. By using scenarios it is possible to identify key factors that will have serious implications in the future. Taking actions and informed decisions based upon the scenarios, future risks can be avoided and possible opportunities anticipated. Effective scenarios can be produced by going through an agreed group process.

Originality/value

The paper provides an examination of different aspects of uncertainty, its management through scenario planning and the relevance for libraries.
The balanced scorecard: a new challenge
Authors: Chavan Meena
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on one strategy known as “The Balanced Scorecard”, discussing the growing importance of balanced scorecard performance systems, exploring issues that organizations face in building and implementing scorecard systems, and sharing lessons learned from Australian organizations that have taken the balanced scorecard journey.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach taken is the case study methodology to depict the real world examples of organisations that have confidence in the “Balanced scorecard performance system“ so that other organisations can follow suit.

Findings

The paper concludes that the balanced scorecard approach may require some substantial changes in culture within the organization.. The balanced scorecard requires understanding, commitment and support from the very top of the business down. The balanced scorecard will evolve. As culture changes and develops to accept the new approach and members of the organisation mature within the new culture, the organisation will find new things to measure, new goals in different areas, to make the balanced scorecard even more balanced and effective in supporting a living, growing, viable organisation. Different organisations have quite different needs, market areas, people, products and services, and will end up with significantly different balanced scorecards.

Research limitations/implications

The outcomes were based on two multinational corporations and may differ with small and medium enterprises.

Practical implications

The balanced scorecard is balanced in another dimension – not just a balance of measures of essential areas of the business, but also a balance of goals versus accountability. If people do not accept accountability for achievement of the balanced measures and goals of the balanced scorecard, there is no balanced scorecard. The people of the organisation are the key to the success of the balanced scorecard system.

Originality/value

The paper specifically looks at the implementation of the “Balanced Score Card Performance Management System” in Australian corporations.
CPD as a hyperbole: why don't employers mention it in managerial job adverts?
Authors: Gbadamosi Gbolahan , Evans Carl
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to establish whether employers specify the requirement of CPD when recruiting managers and, in doing so, to open up the debate on the importance attached to CPD by employers.

Design/methodology/approach

An observational analysis was undertaken of job advertisements placed in four regional newspapers and a national online job web site over a two‐month period (August and September 2006).

Findings

From the newspaper job advertisements scrutinized none indicated CPD either directly or indirectly as a requirement for managerial jobs. Job experience (84 per cent) and personal attributes (82 per cent) were the most important requirements indicated for managerial jobs. An online national jobs web site, however, implied or specifically mentioned CPD for only five managerial posts.

Research limitations/implications

Some of the job advertisements provided very scant details. The study has only taken a surface view of the posts, as opposed to a detailed reviewing of the person specification for jobs. Targeting “Managers” focused on only middle level positions and even this could have excluded some posts.

Practical implications

The lack of CPD evidence now challenges employers to consider the importance of CPD when preparing managerial job advertisements.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the gap between the value of CPD and its absence in job advertisements and discusses the impact of the findings on relevant stakeholder groups. It argues the need for employers to detail CPD implicitly or explicitly in job advertisements to enhance the quality of job applicants.
Observing the invisible
Authors: Kempster Stephen
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the invisible role of observational learning in the development of leadership practice. A model of observational learning and leadership practice is suggested to help guide theorizing and design intervention.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach takes the form of empirical qualitative research that utilizes a time‐line interview technique with 34 managers to enable in‐depth data to be revealed of observational leadership learning. Data analysis is through a phenomenological grounded theory approach.

Findings

The paper illustrates that observational learning from “notable people” is a prominent influence of these managers' conceptions of leadership. Such observational learning differed between men and women and between employed and self‐employed contexts.

Research limitations/implications

The variety, availability and diversity of people to observe and engage with are argued here to have significant implications for the development of leadership practice.

Practical implications

The conclusions suggest that interventions into the leadership development of men and women, and between the employed and self‐employed need to be different and such interventions need to be responsive to established structural practices.

Originality/value

The paper responds to a call for contextualized, in‐depth qualitative research into leadership development, making prominent the significance of observational learning to leadership practice and how such observational learning varies between men and women, and between the employed and the self‐employed. It also provides a model of observational learning and leadership practice to guide understanding of informal leadership development.
How passive voice weakens your scholarly argument
Authors: Sigel Thomas
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to convey to authors that, by avoiding passive constructions in scholarly writing, academics can demonstrate a more thorough understanding of materials, thus strengthening arguments and presenting articles with clarity.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on 12 years' experience in academic publishing, the author has worked directly with major scholars and global publishing houses to shape and craft scholarly content to meet the needs of customers, namely, academics and students in higher education. The article responds to the complaint that passive voice weakens and muddles scholarly arguments.

Findings

The paper provides sound advice on how to structure one's writing in active voice in order to provide a solid, cogent argument that focuses on clarity and precision. It recognises that many scholars bog down their writing with passive voice and offers alternatives to combat passive voice.

Research limitations/implications

The paper suggests that scholars utilise active voice in scholarly writing, but it does not imply that one cannot implement passive voice construction in the appropriate context.

Practical implications

The study is a very useful guide for academics to help them hone their writing skills in order to produce quality articles that will clearly and cogently convey their scholarly arguments and allow them to stand out in an already crowded market.

Originality/value

The paper fulfils an identified information need and offers practical writing advice to academics who will be submitting articles for journal publication, as well as book chapters to academic presses.
A direct‐writing approach to the micro‐patterning of copper onto polyimide
Authors: Ng J.H.‐G. , Desmulliez M.P.Y. , Lamponi M. , Moffat B.G. , McCarthy A. , Suyal H. , Walker A.C. , Prior K.A. , Hand D.P.
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a novel manufacturing process that aims to pattern metal tracks onto polyimide at atmospheric pressure and ambient environment. The process can be scaled up for industrial applications.

Design/methodology/approach

From a thorough literature survey, different approaches were carried out for processing polyimide. Following a design of experiments for the processing and various characterisation techniques, a micro‐coil was manufactured as a test demonstrator.

Findings

The characteristics of some main formaldehyde‐based electroless copper baths were compared. The quality of the sidewalls was characterised and the performance of the process was assessed.

Originality/value

This paper demonstrates a high‐value manufacturing technique that is mass manufacturable, low cost and suitable for use on 3D surfaces. Criteria required for the development of a direct‐writing process have been described. The issues surrounding electroless plating on polyimide have been explained.
Cracking phenomena on flexible‐rigid interfaces in PCBs under thermo cycling loading
Authors: Arruda Luciano , Bonadiman Renato , Costa Josineto , Reinikainen Tommi
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop simulation models for flexible‐printed circuit boards' flex‐rigid interfaces and to perform experimental tests in the laboratory in order to evaluate the cracking phenomena when these devices are submitted to thermal cycling.

Design/methodology/approach

A device was proposed in order to evaluate the reliability of flex‐rigid interconnections. Thermal cycling tests were performed in an environmental chamber and failure mechanisms investigated using optical and scanning electron microscope techniques. The failure modes were analyzed using computational modelling via the finite element method.

Findings

Through failure analysis, it was observed that device design and thermal expansion/contraction could contribute to the occurrence of high stresses in the copper pad connections. The simulation model proposed was able to identify the critical regions, as they had occurred in the tests. Thus, the qualitative approach may be considered successful enough to be applied in the early stages of design.

Research limitations/implications

The materials proprieties were considered as being linear. Thus, in order to enhance the simulation models to provide a quantitative model for the evaluation of product life, non‐linear (visco‐elastic) behaviour in the material properties and a fracture model should be considered.

Originality/value

Typical causes of cracking failure in electronic devices are related to mechanical stress, moisture, heat from transportation and field use. Thus, finite element analysis is an important tool in order to evaluate the reliability of electronic components regarding these types of loads in the early stages of design.
A multilayer process for the connection of fine‐pitch‐devices on molded interconnect devices (MIDs)
Authors: Leneke Thomas , Hirsch Soeren , Schmidt Bertram
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a new multilayer process for three‐dimensional molded interconnect devices (3D‐MIDs) that allows the assembly of modern area array packaged semiconductors.

Design/methodology/approach

A new 3D‐MID multilayer process based on local overmolding is developed. To investigate this new process, a 3D demonstrator is designed, simulated and fabricated. Various technologies such as injection molding, maskless laser assisted electroless metallization, overmolding and laser via drilling are used.

Findings

Using the new 3D‐MID multilayer process a 3D demonstrator with three metallization layers is fabricated. Injection molding simulation is utilized to ensure a feasible demonstrator design. It is shown that a surface laser treatment improves layer‐to‐layer adhesion during the process. Shear and pull tests prove the adhesion promotion. The 3D fine‐pitch‐metallization is done down to 60 μm track width. Via resistance is measured by four terminal sensing in agreement with previous results. Design rules for process compatible vias are introduced. The fabricated demonstrator is suitable for flip‐chip‐based area array packaged semiconductors.

Research limitations/implications

A proof of concept is given by the fabricated demonstrator. Further, work should include reliability tests of the multilayer structures and improvement of individual process steps.

Originality/value

The paper describes a new multilayer process for 3D‐MIDs. It overcomes existing restrictions regarding the electrical routing on 3D‐MID surfaces. The compatibility of area array packaged semiconductors with a high‐inputs/outputs count and the 3D‐MID technology is improved.