bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structures oscillations monitoring with global positioning system and adaptive filtering techniques
Authors: Larocca Ana Paula C. , Ernesto Schaal Ricardo , Simões da Fonseca Edvaldo
Published: July 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to detect small dynamic displacements by analysis of L1 Global Positioning System carrier frequency using an improved method for collecting data and filtering techniques on monitoring large structures. It is proposed to analyze the phase residuals directly from the raw phase observable data collected in a short baseline during a limited time span, in lieu of obtaining the residual data file from regular GPS processing programs.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach of this paper is an update on the method based on the interferometer idea for analyzing the Global Positioning Systems signals applying adaptive filtering techniques on the phase residuals computed through the double difference adjusted by the 3rd order polynomial. The method is based on the frequency domain analysis of the phase residuals resulted from the L1 double difference static data processing of only two satellites.

Findings

This research improves the ability to characterize the dynamic behavior of large structures though the detection of millimeter‐level data of structural amplitude oscillation response and its frequency value.

Practical implications

Support of Civil Engineers by collaboration on monitoring oscillations of spans and towers of large bridges; determination of amplitude oscillations value and low‐frequency modal values. The paper presents two trials to verify the proposed methodology for using GPS as a tool for monitoring large structures.

Originality/value

The paper presents a comprehensive framework and implementation approach to demonstrate the capabilities of Global Positioning System as a tool for monitoring large structures providing accurate response data at high levels of precision.
An assessment of supply chain managers' trust in online auctions
Authors: Nadler S. Scott , Kros John F.
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to empirically test the levels of trust supply chain managers exhibit regarding online auctions. The study seeks to test the hypotheses that supply chain managers with higher levels of trust in online auctions would exhibit more familiarity with online auctions, more positive relationships with suppliers, stronger focus on cost management, a stronger focus on revenue enhancement, and greater levels of participation.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of the extant literature provided the basis for the development of an online pilot study that was e‐mailed to 100 supply chain managers. The results of the pilot study were used to develop an online survey instrument that was e‐mailed to 2,313 current members of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) and the Institute of Supply Management. A total of 213 usable questionnaires were returned, resulting in a 9.2 percent response rate.

Findings

The data were analyzed via t‐test, MANOVA and ANOVA. The study indicated that online auction users exhibit high levels of trust in online auctions. The study also found that those with higher levels of familiarity with online auctions, with stronger positive relationships with online auction suppliers, and with stronger focus on cost management also exhibited higher levels of trust in online auctions. Contrary to expectations study findings indicate that higher levels of perceived firm profitability and of online auction participation do not lead to increased levels of trust in online auctions.

Practical implications

The study provides a number of important implications. First, it is important for supply chain managers to recognize the important role that trust continues to play in business relationships. Supply chain managers are advised to be cognizant of the fact that some suppliers may be reluctant to participate in online auctions because they fear participation might damage customer relationships that they have spent years cultivating. Finally, supply chain managers are advised to consider the use of online auctions in order to achieve cost management objectives.

Originality/value

The research makes an important contribution to the literature because it seeks to assess supply chain managers' level of trust in online auctions and how this impacts on the extent to which they participate in this exchange mechanism. An equally important contribution provided by the research is that it focuses on the level of trust in online auctions in general, whereas the preponderance of past research has focused on reverse or price descending auctions only.
The underlying social identities of a nation's brand
Authors: Lee Richard , Klobas Jane , Tezinde Tito , Murphy Jamie
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to draw on self‐categorisation theory and nation branding to investigate the social identities and influences which underpin consumer preferences for national brands.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey in Mozambique, an underdeveloped African country, compared a domestic mobile phone company whose brand contains the country name against a European brand. Consumer ethnocentrism might arise identifying with the national brand or with Mozambican personalities endorsing the brand. Value‐expressiveness might arise from consumers associating with celebrity endorsers. A dichotomy of youth versus older consumers moderated the relationships between social identities and brand preference. Bayesian structural equation modelling using Monte Carlo simulations estimated the path coefficients from a sample of 611.

Findings

Across age groups, ethnocentrism is stronger than value‐expressiveness in determining preference for national brands. Moreover, ethnocentrism is stronger with the older rather than younger consumers. Consumer ethnocentrism stemmed mainly from injunctive influence (IN) with both age groups. With older consumers, value‐expressiveness related significantly to descriptive influence, but not to IN. With youth, neither social influence significantly related to value‐expressiveness.

Research limitations/implications

Single‐item measures might be less effective than multi‐item measures for psychological concepts of social identities and influences.

Practical implications

Understanding the role of social identity in consumer preferences for national brands may help managers heighten consumers' social identities and increase their loyalty for national brands. Shedding light on under‐researched African consumers may help firms doing business in these emerging markets as well as African governments that are attempting to strengthen the perceptions of their nation brand.

Originality/value

This paper bridges research in social psychology and international marketing by investigating the social identities and influences that underpin consumer preferences for national brands.
Study on an evolving complex network with fixed number of vertices
Authors: Fang Aili , Zhang Siying , Wang Zhenling
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a complex network model which can study the specified objects in a complex system within which the number of agents is fixed while the interactions and the outside environments are evolving with time.

Design/methodology/approach

The complex network model is analyzed by the master equation method and the rigorous four‐step statistical test is applied to test whether the degree distribution in the real world fits power law or not.

Findings

By theoretical analysis, the vertex degrees of the model follow power law distribution p(k)∼k−2 which is different from that of the Barabási‐Albert model. By empirical research, the result shows that the citations of papers published in 2001 on the small‐world networks follow a power law distribution which is tested by the statistical test.

Research limitations/implications

The small sample and short evolving time may cause some deviation from the theoretical expectation.

Practical implications

This evolving complex network model with fixed number of vertices and the statistical test process for power‐law will have a great significance for the theoretical and empirical study on complex networks.

Originality/value

This paper presents a new model of evolving complex networks which can be used to analyze the specified objects in a dynamic system and a quantitative method for power law test.
A committee machine with two‐layer expert nets
Authors: Jin Jian , Liang Dao‐Lei , Bao Yu , Huang Guo‐Xing
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a committee machine (CM) with two‐layer expert nets to overcome the lack of approximating ability of CM with single‐layer expert nets.

Design/methodology/approach

A frequently used structure of CM, with a fuzzy c‐means clustering algorithm as splitting and combining unit and some single‐layer linear neural nets as expert modules, was applied to short‐term climate prediction. Considering the complexity of the climate conditions, use was made of two‐layer back propagation (BP) neural nets instead of single‐layer linear nets to test the effect of the model. Experiments were performed on both synthetic and realistic climatic data.

Findings

Prediction accuracy is raised when the BP nets were used and as the number of hidden neurons increased at some stages. It implies that improving the approximating ability of individual expert module of a CM is beneficial.

Research limitations/implications

The optimal learning rate, the optimal cluster numbers and the maximal number of iteration were not well treated.

Practical implications

The paper is a useful alternative worth consideration for the complicated prediction problems.

Originality/value

A CM with two‐layer expert nets are presented. Comparisons are made between CMs with simple and complex expert nets.
A predicting algorithm of RNA secondary structure based on stems
Authors: Liu Zhendong , Li Hengwu , Zhu Daming
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to design an algorithm to predict RNA secondary structure, compared with other relevant algorithm, its time complexity and space complexity are reduced.

Design/methodology/approach

The dynamic programming algorithm need more time and space; it is very difficult to predict the RNA secondary structure which have more 1,000 bases. The nested RNA secondary structure algorithms cannot predict the RNA secondary structure containing pseudoknots, so the fast algorithm is needed to predict the RNA secondary structure containing pseudoknots urgently. Based on the greedy principle, a model is designed to solve the problem.

Findings

A greedy algorithm is presented to predict RNA secondary structure.

Research limitations/implications

The problem for predicting RNA secondary structure including pseudoknots is NP‐complete.

Practical implications

The paper presents a valuable and useful method for predicting the RNA secondary structure.

Originality/value

The new algorithm needs O(n3) time and O(n) space; the experimental results indicate that the algorithm has good accuracy and sensitivity.
The role of cultural barriers in the relationship between open‐mindedness and organizational innovation
Authors: Hernández‐Mogollon Ricardo , Cepeda‐Carrión Gabriel , Cegarra‐Navarro Juan G. , Leal‐Millán Antonio
Published: July 2010

Purpose

There is no empirical evidence, particularly in relation to small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs), to support the concept of cultural barriers and how they relate to open‐mindedness (OM). Some of these cultural barriers can be linked to outdated knowledge, which can impede the adoption of new configurations. The purpose of this paper therefore is to test the role of cultural barriers in the relationship between OM and organizational innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

These relationships are examined through an empirical investigation of 133 SMEs.

Findings

The results show that the relationship between OM and organizational innovation is likely to suffer if a firm does not overcome previously its cultural barriers. An explanation for this could be thatoutdated knowledge can impede the adoption of new configurations. Therefore, it is important for organizations to provide an appropriate environment for overcoming cultural barriers. Otherwise new knowledge will not be acted on or incorporated into new products and services.

Originality/value

The authors point out the importance for organizations of taking this perspective into account when they are seeking to respond proactively to the challenges thrown up by the external environment.
Finding middle ground management strategy for software development
Authors: Goldstein Zvi , Petrie David , Sherif Yosef
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to advance a dynamic programming model that encompasses critical attributes of plan‐driven development, rapid development, agile development, and the hybrid open source development. The paper aims to put forward a middle ground management strategy for software development to gain more effectiveness and efficiency in delivering projects on time and within budget.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper combines narrative with argument and analysis with a dynamic programming model. The model was applied to numerical cases with different project operating costs, duration, expected setup costs for a development iteration, and business penalties for a failed iteration. Sensitivity analysis is performed by changing several parameters and observing the effects these changes have on the optimal solution.

Findings

The model delivers a middle ground management strategy for software development and obtains an optimal solution that is better than if a project used one specific development methodology.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates how the dynamic programming model when used with middle ground management strategy would produce the ultimate goal of delivering projects on time and within budget.
Relational factors that explain supply chain relationships
Authors: Ferrer Mario , Santa Ricardo , Hyland Paul W. , Bretherton Phil
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to gain a better understanding of the types of relationships that exist along the supply chain and the capabilities that are needed to manage them effectively.

Design/methodology/approach

This is exploratory research as there has been little empirical research into this area. Quantitative data were gathered by using a self‐administered questionnaire, using the Australian road freight industry as the context. There were 132 usable responses. Inferential and descriptive analysis, including factor analysis, confirmatory factor and regression analysis was used to examine the predictive power of relational factors in inter‐firm relationships.

Findings

Three factors were identified as having significant influence on relationships: sharing, power and interdependency. “Sharing” is the willingness of the organisation to share resources with other members of the supply chain. “Power” relates to exercising control based on experience, knowledge and position in the supply chain. “Interdependency” is the relative levels of dependency along the supply chain.

Research limitations/implications

The research only looks at the Australian road freight industry; a wider sample including other industries would help to strengthen the generalisability of the findings.

Practical implications

When these factors are correlated to the types of relationship, arm's length, cooperation, collaboration and alliances, managerial implications can be identified. The more road freight businesses place importance on power, the less they will cooperate. The greater the importance of sharing and interdependency, the greater is the likelihood of arm's length relationships.

Originality/value

This paper makes a contribution by describing empirical work conducted in an under‐researched but important area – supply chain relationships in the Australian road freight industry.
Education for sustainable development at Universities in Japan
Authors: Kitamura Yuto , Hoshii Naoko
Published: July 2010

Purpose

Education for sustainable development (ESD) aims at changing the approach to education that integrates principles, values and practices of sustainable development, and needs to be incorporated into all forms of learning and education. The purpose of this paper is to review the way in which ESD has been developed at universities in Japan. The paper also seeks to examine major patterns of education and research related to ESD at Japanese universities.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors adopted two research approaches: a review of literature and electronic resources, mainly the web sites of universities, to present the overview of ESD at Japanese universities; and a questionnaire survey which analyzed responses from 18 undergraduate programs and 14 postgraduate programs at Japanese universities.

Findings

The paper points out that the ESD implementation in higher education in Japan lacks coherence with other education reforms and is not linked with ESD at school and local levels. The paper also stresses that initial stages of ESD in Japan have prioritized environmental sustainability and have not yet adequately expanded to include wider issues concerning ESD. Moreover, the paper discusses that there is a lack of internal consensus to promote ESD and shared recognition inside universities, combined with a lack of effective guidance designed to enable students to acquire cross‐disciplinary perspectives.

Originality/value

There are many universities implementing ESD‐related programs and activities in various countries. Yet, there has not been enough study done to reveal the constraints/problems universities are facing to promote ESD. This paper's originality and value addresses this research gap.
Environmental management systems for educational institutions
Authors: Jain Suresh , Pant Pallavi
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to put forth a model for implementation of an environmental management system (EMS) in institutes of higher education in India.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors carried out initial environmental review (IER) and strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis to identify the major environmental concerns in the university. This was followed by preparation of environmental policy and plan based on ISO 14001 guidelines.

Findings

The key concerns in the university have been identified as energy consumption, waste generation, transportation, etc. The SWOT analysis shows that the university is doing satisfactorily in energy efficiency and water conservation while there is scope for improvement in case of waste management, transportation and landscaping. The environmental management plan has been prepared keeping in mind the gaps observed through the IER and SWOT analysis.

Research limitations/implications

Carbon footprint and water footprint analysis have not yet been carried out and hence, quantifiable targets have not been included in the environmental management plan.

Practical implications

Implementing an EMS at the university will help reduce the impact on environment due to various day‐to‐day activities. It will also lead to developing environmental consciousness in the minds of young professionals who graduate from the university as well university staff.

Originality/value

There have been very few examples of environmental consciousness in educational institutions in India. There is a need for model systems for incorporating environmental management in the university set‐up. This research documents the process of identification of environmental concerns followed by preparation of the management plan for an educational institution. The research also documents the need for different aspects of the environmental management plan.
Integrating sustainability in higher education: a generic matrix
Authors: Rusinko Cathy A.
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a framework in the form of a generic matrix of options for integrating sustainability in higher education (SHE) so that university faculty and administrators can make more appropriate and strategic choices with respect to SHE.

Design/methodology/approach

This original matrix draws from and extends previous empirical and conceptual research on integrating SHE. The paper addresses the needs and weaknesses stated in earlier literature on SHE.

Findings

The matrix includes four different options or scenarios for integrating SHE; these options are based on delivery of SHE and focus of SHE. Advantages and disadvantages of each option are discussed, as well as rationales for choosing each option. In addition, suggestions for future research are included.

Practical implications

The matrix can provide a platform from which to launch discussions about SHE, as well as a template with respect to “how to” integrate SHE.

Originality/value

This original matrix contributes to the literature by providing a broad, non‐discipline‐specific orientation; it is applicable at course, program, and cross‐disciplinary/cross‐university levels, and can be applied internationally. Users can move between and among options, and can implement multiple options simultaneously. Further, the matrix includes all dimensions of sustainability – environmental, social, and economic/financial.
Knowledge sharing in architectural design institutes: a multiple‐case study
Authors: Ding Zhikun , Ng Fungfai
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The complexity of knowledge in architectural design results in its unique management characteristics not being fully recognized and appreciated. Little research has been done in this area. This paper aims to bridge this knowledge gap.

Design/methodology/approach

A multiple‐case study methodology is applied to identify the knowledge sharing pattern in architectural design institutes in the People's Republic of China. Content analysis is employed to analyse the qualitative data collected by in‐depth interview, site observation and document review.

Findings

The results show that individual architects share their own knowledge by means of reflection‐in‐action, conversation and problem solving. Either formal or informal mentoring, legitimate peripheral participation, communities of practice and workshops are the major mechanisms for architectural design institutes to share organizational knowledge but the knowledge sharing pattern are quite different for different kinds of architectural design institutes.

Research limitations/implications

The major limitation of this research is associated with sample selection. Although the cases being selected are fairly representative of the architectural design institutes in People's Republic of China, not all types of architectural design institutes are included due to the availability of data.

Practical implications

The identified knowledge sharing patterns can help managers of architectural design institutes as well as individual architects to better understand how knowledge is shared in their field and how to improve their overall performance.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the existing body of research on how knowledge is shared in the construction industry. In particular, a knowledge sharing pattern is identified to offer insights in architectural design institutes in China. The paper addresses a number of research questions which are not fully explored in current literature.
Is your team truly aligned?
Authors: Stone Laura
Published: July 2010

This article describes a four‐step process for guiding leaders and teams through an effective alignment process.

Design/methodology/approach

This four‐step process is based on the author's extensive experience helping companies achieve better alignment with the needs and goals of their customers.

Findings

By clarifying the team's perspective, soliciting external feedback, understanding the gap and planning for the future, a company can ensure that the right work is getting done.

Practical implications

When teams are aligned, they are far more efficient and effective than when they are fragmented. Taking a small amount of time upfront to have the critical questions answered and integrated into plans can yield positive financial, customer and employee results.

Originality/value

The value of the article to leaders and managers lies in its clear description of an alignment process, with real‐life examples drawn from the author's experiences working with companies.
Mergers in Indian industry: performance and impacting factors
Authors: Ramakrishnan K.
Published: July 2010

Purpose

Even though there is a vast body of research on the performance of mergers in the developed markets, many issues are still unresolved. There is almost negligible research in the form of published papers on the performance of merged firms and the strategic factors impacting this performance, in the context of Indian industry. This study aims to address this gap in knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a quantitative method and statistically analyses secondary data.

Findings

The study finds that merged firms demonstrate better operating performance as compared to both their industries and their pre‐merger performance. Merging firms belonging to unrelated industries appear to be performing better in the long‐term as compared to the related firms. Mergers which witness transfer of corporate control demonstrate a better performance than the ones that do not. Sick acquired firms negatively impact long‐term performance.

Research limitations/implications

The first limitation of the study is that the financial sector has not been included since it follows different accounting norms. The second limitation is that the findings apply broadly across Indian industry and the limited sample size does not facilitate an industry‐specific focus. The study points towards further research using a longer time frame that might help understand longitudinal variations in merged firm performance. It also encourages future finer‐grained studies on each of the factors which impact merged firm performance.

Practical implications

Managers can prudently utilize mergers to improve firm performance in Indian industry. It appears that firms belonging to unrelated industries bestow better long‐term post‐merger cash flow returns. Managers in India do not thus have to constrain themselves to only horizontal mergers. Managers would be well‐advised to improve on their managerial capabilities since this study points towards a developing market for corporate control in the Indian context.

Originality/value

This is probably the first paper of its kind on research on the performance of merged firms in India.
The boom and the lean times in global REITs: the 2000‐2008 period
Authors: Parhizgari A.M. , Pavlova Ivelina
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider two global real estate periods (2000‐2006 and 2007‐2008) that will probably be recorded in history as the most significant periods in terms of a surge and then an eventual downturn in the real estate prices and returns. The paper aims to offer investment strategies in the real estate sector and pinpoint the optimum momentum strategies that provide the maximum returns in the real estate investment trusts (REITs) markets of seven countries.

Design/methodology/approach

Within an iterative framework, a two‐step procedure was employed. The first step drew upon an established momentum approach. The second step, however, departed from it and employed an evolutionary (genetic) algorithm to optimize the investment strategies that could be pursued.

Findings

The findings suggest that momentum effects have been present during the 2000‐2008 periods. However, in contrast with prior studies, momentum portfolio returns are statistically insignificant during the boom years, but are highly significant during the downturn periods. These findings are attributed to the heterogeneous returns during these periods.

Practical implications

Profitable REITs momentum investment is not uniform across the countries considered. Taking long positions in the winners and short positions in the losers during the boom periods in the real estate market may not necessarily be an optimum strategy. Since the profitability of the investment strategy during the downturn is driven by short positions, the practical implementation of such strategy will be limited if short sales constraints are imposed.

Originality/value

The paper employs a unique and novel approach for the first time in the field of real estate investment. It introduces genetic algorithm into the momentum literature. This approach pinpoints the optimum profitability of the momentum/persistence strategies that could be pursued.
Tenurial “competition”, tenure dynamics and the private rented sector
Authors: Hulse Kath , Jones Colin , Pawson Hal
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to re‐appraise the role of the private renting in the housing system drawing on a review of public policies toward the sector in six countries. It re‐examines the adequacy of explanations about tenurial “competition” and the dynamics of tenurial change using a cross disciplinary perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper critiques key explanations on the nature and type of competition between housing tenures, notably dual and unitary models, and the role of private renting in explanations of tenure dynamics. The paper also explores some of these ideas empirically by examining the changing role of the private renting relative to other tenures in a number of European countries and in Australia.

Findings

The paper expresses doubts about the potential for unitary markets to develop/continue as integrated markets because of the fundamental problems about ensuring continuing investment in the private rented sector and constraints on the maturation process, particularly where ownership of rental housing is diverse and small‐scale. The analysis suggests that housing tenures are quite fluid and with a general trend towards deregulation of private rents there is a blurring of the distinction between different types of rental systems.

Practical implications

The analysis suggests that it is critical to understand changes in private renting taking into account broader economic conditions, trade‐offs about housing consumption and investment, and public policy settings.

Originality/value

The analysis draws out theoretically, and explores empirically, the process of change in tenure relations by for the first time focusing on the role of private renting in these dynamics.
Does the judiciary matter for accountability of administration in Bangladesh?
Authors: Awal Hossain Mollah Mohammed
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to analyze the role of the judiciary in ensuring legal accountability of government officials and its impact on governance in the context of Bangladesh. Although, the judicial system of Bangladesh comprises Supreme Court, subordinate courts and tribunals. However, this study focuses Supreme Court only to keep the study in a manageable extent.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is qualitative in nature and based on content analysis. Dhaka Law Report (DLR), which is a monthly published report on case laws[1] decided by the Supreme Court has been selected as content for this study. Some case laws selected from DLR (2004‐2008) were analyzed using purposive sampling method, with a view to evaluating the effectiveness of judiciary (as an external but formal mechanism of accountability) in accountability of government administration and management and its impact on overall governance.

Findings

The most important finding of this paper is that the judiciary is very effective for ensuring legal accountability of government officials, which ultimately contributes to human rights and good governance. However, a major problem found was that until and unless an affected person files a case against a government authority, maintaining the required procedures of judiciary, it (the judiciary) has no scope to settle any disputes. Though there is a provision of Suo Muto (by own initiative) rule of the Supreme Court, this practice is very rare in Bangladesh. Furthermore, the executive is responsible for implementing the verdict of the judiciary. Therefore, if the government has not enough respect for, or does not care to implement judiciary's verdict, justice and rule of law will not be ensured. This study also found some cases like this.

Research limitations/implications

This work does not address detailed issues of governance and is not based on empirical data.

Practical implications

This is a mixed study of judiciary and public administration, which is very rare in Bangladesh. Therefore, it will be brought into line with current practice by the concerned researchers and policy makers in public administration and judiciary.

Originality/value

This paper will be of interest to legal practitioners, policy makers, academicians and those in the field of governance.
Empirical study of the relations between the knowledge base and innovation performance of an economy
Authors: Niu Panqiang , Xie Fuji , Leonard Tchuta
Published: July 2010

Purpose

There are many literatures on the factors that affect innovation performance, but few on the effects of knowledge base of an economy on innovation performance. One of the reason is that knowledge base is difficult to measure. Leydesdorff put forward a new method called the triple‐helix model of “technology, organization, and territory” to measure knowledge base of an economy. So, the purpose of this paper is to attempt to validate empirically whether knowledge base in terms of triple‐helix relations among “technology, organization, and territory” has a positive effect on innovation performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors developed three hypotheses on the basis of reviews, and used multiple regression models and data from the Statistical Yearbook of China to study empirically the relations between knowledge base of an economy, expressed in terms of the triple‐helix relations among “technology, organization, and territory”, and innovation performance.

Findings

Not all types of innovation performance are promoted by knowledge base in terms of the triple‐helix relations among “technology, organization, and territory”. The positive effect of knowledge base on patent produced as innovation performance is significant, but is not significant on technology produced and new product development. The technology level and organizational type of a region are important factors that affect patent produced and technology produced. However, their effect on new product development is not significant. “Size of enterprises” can better represent a helix of triple‐helix relations than “ownership of enterprises”. This means that the effect of “size of enterprises” is more direct. Medium‐tech sectors are more important than high‐tech sectors to patent production when the mechanism of interaction and synergy of technology, organization and territory exists.

Originality/value

This paper designs multiple regression models in terms of the triple‐helix relations among “technology, organization, and territory”, and helps to put forward some suggestions to enhance the innovation performance of a country or region.
Towards new organizational forms
Authors: Sanchez‐Bueno Maria J. , Suarez‐Gonzalez Isabel
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The objective of this paper is to analyze the organizational change in 100 of the largest Spanish firms (a new national context) over the period 1993‐2003 (a more recent time period).

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve this purpose, consideration has been given to both traditional organizational categories and new organizational forms, such as cooperative multidivisional, competitive multidivisional, and the internal network. Detailed definitions of the new organizational forms being developed by companies are provided in the paper. Thus, these new organizational forms may differ in several aspects, such as the decision‐making process and integration between divisions.

Findings

The results show that over this period, Spanish firms experienced a steadily rising trend towards divisionalization. The cooperative multidivisional structure is the one most frequently adopted in Spain, as opposed to the competitive multidivisional form and the internal network.

Originality/value

The systematic study of the distinctive attributes of the new forms of organization, providing accumulated knowledge, is in an emergent phase of development in the international field, and this work seeks to contribute to such development. The nature of the study strengthens the global implications of the work, and the information obtained from top practitioners in these Spanish firms enhances the contribution of the study.
Effects of a tropical cyclone on the distribution of hatchery‐reared black‐spot tuskfish Choerodon schoenleinii determined by acoustic telemetry
Authors: Kawabata Y. , Okuyama J. , Asami K. , Okuzawa K. , Yoseda K. , Arai N.
Published: July 2010

The effects of a tropical cyclone on the distribution of hatchery‐reared black‐spot tuskfish Choerodon schoenleinii were examined using acoustic telemetry. Nine fish were released in Urasoko Bay, Ishigaki Island, Japan, in September 2006, and another nine were released in June to July 2007, before a cyclone's passing through the area in September 2007. Data for the fish released in 2006 were used as the cyclone‐inexperienced group to compare their distribution pattern to that of the 2007 cyclone‐experienced group. Both groups of fish were monitored for up to 150 days. Of the nine fish in each group, four (44%) and two (22%) were monitored for over 150 days in the cyclone‐inexperienced and the cyclone‐experienced groups, respectively. Three of the five fish that had settled in the monitoring area left the area within a few days of the cyclone event. To estimate the time of disappearance of the fish, maximum wind speed during a period of 7 days (indicating the occurrence and intensity of the tropical cyclone), fish size and release year were evaluated as explanatory variables using a Cox proportional hazards model with Akaike's information criterion. The best predictive model included the effect of maximum wind speed. One fish that left the monitoring area displayed movement patterns related to strong winds, suggesting that wind‐associated strong currents swept the fish away. No relationships were found between the movement patterns of the other two fish and any physical environmental data. The daily detection periods of one of the two fish gradually decreased after the cyclone hit, and this fish eventually left the monitoring area within 3 days, suggesting that it shifted to a habitat outside the monitoring area. These results indicate that tropical cyclones have both direct and indirect effects on the distribution of hatchery‐reared C. schoenleinii.
Is Vancouver Canada's supervised injection facility cost‐saving?
Authors: Pinkerton Steven D.
Published: July 2010

Objective  To determine whether Vancouver's Insite supervised injection facility and syringe exchange programs are cost‐saving—that is, are the savings due to averted HIV‐related medical care costs sufficient to offset Insite's operating costs?

Methods  The analyses examined the impact of Insite's programs for a single year. Mathematical models were used to calculate the number of additional HIV infections that would be expected if Insite were closed. The life‐time HIV‐related medical costs associated with these additional infections were compared to the annual operating costs of the Insite facility.

Results  If Insite were closed, the annual number of incident HIV infections among Vancouver IDU would be expected to increase from 179.3 to 262.8. These 83.5 preventable infections are associated with $17.6 million (Canadian) in life‐time HIV‐related medical care costs, greatly exceeding Insite's operating costs, which are approximately $3 million per year.

Conclusions  Insite's safe injection facility and syringe exchange program substantially reduce the incidence of HIV infection within Vancouver's IDU community. The associated savings in averted HIV‐related medical care costs are more than sufficient to offset Insite's operating costs.
Using the internet to research hidden populations of illicit drug users: a review
Authors: Miller Peter G. , Sønderlund Anders L.
Published: July 2010

Aims  To review the current research of hidden populations of illicit drugs users using web‐based methods and discuss major advantages and disadvantages.

Methods  Systematic review of 16 databases, including PubMed, PsycINFO (EBSCOhost), CSA Sociological Abstracts, Expanded Academic ASAP and Google Scholar.

Findings  Substances researched were most commonly ‘party/club drugs’ (such as ecstasy) and cannabis. All of the studies reviewed concluded that the internet is a useful tool for reaching hidden populations, but is likely to impose some bias in samples. Advantages include: access to previously under‐researched target groups; speed; international applications; increased ease of data entry; and improved confidentiality for respondents. The major disadvantage is a lack of representativeness of samples.

Conclusions  Internet research is successful at accessing hidden populations of illicit drugs users, when appropriately targeted and provides unprecedented opportunities for research across a wide range of topics within the addictions field. Findings are unlikely to be generalisable to the general public, but appropriate for describing target populations.
The influence of cultural orientation, alcohol expectancies and self‐efficacy on adolescent drinking behavior in Beijing
Authors: Shell Duane F. , Newman Ian M. , Xiaoyi Fang
Published: July 2010

Objective  We hypothesized that the drinking behavior of adolescents in China is influenced by expectancies and self‐efficacy and that adolescents' cultural orientation towards western versus traditional Chinese values influences expectancies, self‐efficacy and drinking behavior, with western values leading to more dysfunctional patterns of beliefs and drinking, and that these beliefs are influenced by students' gender and school environment.

Methods  A total of 1020 high school students from Beijing completed the Chinese Adolescent Alcohol Expectancy, the Chinese Cultural Orientation and the Chinese Self‐regulation Self‐efficacy questionnaires.

Results  Results generally confirmed our hypotheses. Higher negative expectancies and higher self‐efficacy reduced the likelihood of drinking significantly. Higher positive expectancies increased the likelihood of regular drinking but not occasional drinking. Having western cultural orientation increased the likelihood of drinking. Higher levels of western cultural orientation also increased positive expectancies, lowered negative expectancies and lowered self‐efficacy. Having more western (less traditional) views towards traditional Chinese values decreased positive and negative expectancies. Gender influenced beliefs, with males having higher positive and lower negative expectancies, lower self‐efficacy and more traditional cultural orientation. Students in key and general schools had less traditional cultural orientation and key school students had higher self‐efficacy.

Conclusions  Results indicate that cultural orientation influences adolescent drinking and this influence is mediated partially through cultural orientation influences on adolescent drinking expectancies and self‐efficacy. Having more western and less traditional Chinese cultural orientation leads to more drinking, lower self‐efficacy for regulating drinking and more risk‐promoting alcohol expectancies.
Calreticulin is a B cell molecular target in some gastrointestinal malignancies
Authors: Pekáriková A , Sánchez D , Palová-Jelínková L , Šimšová M , Beneš Z , Hoffmanová I , Drastich P , Janatková I , Mothes T , Tlaskalová-Hogenová H , Tučková L
Published: July 2010

Calreticulin, upon translocation to the cell surface, plays a critical role in the recognition of tumour cells and in experimentally induced cellular anti-tumour immunity. However, less is known about anti-calreticulin antibodies and their role in malignancies. Using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), we found immunoglobulin (Ig)A and/or IgG anti-calreticulin antibodies in sera of approximately 63% of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), 57% of patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma (CRA) and 47% of patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PACA), while healthy controls, patients with viral hepatitis C and with chronic pancreatitis reached only 2%, 20% and 31% seropositivity, respectively. We found significantly elevated mean levels of IgA anti-calreticulin antibodies (P < 0·001) in patients with HCC (78·7 ± 52·3 AU, mean ± standard deviation), PACA (66·5 ± 30·9 AU) and CRA (61·8 ± 25·8 AU) when compared to healthy controls (41·4 ± 19·2 AU). Significantly elevated mean levels of IgG anti-calreticulin antibodies (P < 0·001) were detected in patients with HCC (121·9 ± 94·2 AU), gall bladder adenocarcinoma (118·4 ± 80·0 AU) and PACA (88·7 ± 55·6 AU) when compared to healthy controls (56·7 ± 22·9 AU). Pepscan analysis revealed a large number of antigenic epitopes of calreticulin recognized by both IgA and IgG antibodies of patients with HCC and PACA, indicating robust systemic immune response. Moreover, significantly elevated levels of antibodies against peptide KGEWKPRQIDNP (P < 0·001) in these patients, tested by ELISA, confirmed the distinct character of antibody reactivity against calreticulin. The high occurrence and specificity of serum anti-calreticulin autoantibodies in the majority of patients with some gastrointestinal malignancies provide the evidence for their possible clinical relevance.
Toll‐like receptor 4 signalling pathway activation in a rat model of Acanthamoeba Keratitis
Authors: REN M. Y. , WU X. Y.
Published: July 2010

The pathogenesis of Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is complicated. In our previous studies, TLR4 was found involved in the process of infection by Acanthamoeba in human corneal cells. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) signalling pathway in Wistar rats challenged with Acanthamoeba. The rat model of AK was established. Corneas were collected and analysed by real‐time PCR to assess the mRNA levels of TLR 2, 4, myeloid differentiation protein (MyD)88, nuclear factor (NF)‐κB, extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK), interleukin (IL)‐8, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and interferon (IFN) –β. Immunocytochemistry and Western blot were conducted to examine the proteins of TLR2, TLR4, p‐Erk1/2 and p‐IκB. Specific inhibitors PDTC and U0126 were used to pretreat the animals to determine the exact receptor and signalling pathway involved in pathogenesis. Expressions of TLR4, MyD88, all three cytokines, NF‐κB, p‐IκB and p‐Erk1/2 were increased in Acanthamoeba‐treated rat corneas. PDTC inhibited the production of IL‐8 and TNF‐α, while U0126 inhibited the synthesis of IFN‐β. TLR4 was involved in sensing the challenge of Acanthamoeba and inducing production of cytokines through TLR4–NF‐κB and TLR4–Erk1/2 pathways in corneas of Wistar rats.