bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting infection risk of airborne foot-and-mouth disease
Authors: Schley David , Burgin Laura , Gloster John
Published: September 2008

Foot-and-mouth disease is a highly contagious disease of cloven-hoofed animals, the control and eradication of which is of significant worldwide socio-economic importance. The virus may spread by direct contact between animals or via fomites as well as through airborne transmission, with the latter being the most difficult to control. Here, we consider the risk of infection to flocks or herds from airborne virus emitted from a known infected premises. We show that airborne infection can be predicted quickly and with a good degree of accuracy, provided that the source of virus emission has been determined and reliable geo-referenced herd data are available. A simple model provides a reliable tool for estimating risk from known sources and for prioritizing surveillance and detection efforts. The issue of data information management systems was highlighted as a lesson to be learned from the official inquiry into the UK 2007 foot-and-mouth outbreak: results here suggest that the efficacy of disease control measures could be markedly improved through an accurate livestock database incorporating flock/herd size and location, which would enable tactical as well as strategic modelling.
Rapid whole-genome mutational profiling using next-generation sequencing technologies
Authors: Smith Douglas R. , Quinlan Aaron R. , Peckham Heather E. , Makowsky Kathryn , Tao Wei , Woolf Betty , Shen Lei , Donahue William F. , Tusneem Nadeem , Stromberg Michael P. , Stewart Donald A. , Zhang Lu , Ranade Swati S. , Warner Jason B. , Lee Clarence C. , Coleman Brittney E. , Zhang Zheng , McLaughlin Stephen F. , Malek Joel A. , Sorenson Jon M. , Blanchard Alan P. , Chapman Jarrod , Hillman David , Chen Feng , Rokhsar Daniel S. , McKernan Kevin J. , Jeffries Thomas W. , Marth Gabor T. , Richardson Paul M.
Published: September 2008

Forward genetic mutational studies, adaptive evolution, and phenotypic screening are powerful tools for creating new variant organisms with desirable traits. However, mutations generated in the process cannot be easily identified with traditional genetic tools. We show that new high-throughput, massively parallel sequencing technologies can completely and accurately characterize a mutant genome relative to a previously sequenced parental (reference) strain. We studied a mutant strain of Pichia stipitis, a yeast capable of converting xylose to ethanol. This unusually efficient mutant strain was developed through repeated rounds of chemical mutagenesis, strain selection, transformation, and genetic manipulation over a period of seven years. We resequenced this strain on three different sequencing platforms. Surprisingly, we found fewer than a dozen mutations in open reading frames. All three sequencing technologies were able to identify each single nucleotide mutation given at least 10–15-fold nominal sequence coverage. Our results show that detecting mutations in evolved and engineered organisms is rapid and cost-effective at the whole-genome level using new sequencing technologies. Identification of specific mutations in strains with altered phenotypes will add insight into specific gene functions and guide further metabolic engineering efforts.
Copy number variation and evolution in humans and chimpanzees
Authors: Perry George H. , Yang Fengtang , Marques-Bonet Tomas , Murphy Carly , Fitzgerald Tomas , Lee Arthur S. , Hyland Courtney , Stone Anne C. , Hurles Matthew E. , Tyler-Smith Chris , Eichler Evan E. , Carter Nigel P. , Lee Charles , Redon Richard
Published: September 2008

Copy number variants (CNVs) underlie many aspects of human phenotypic diversity and provide the raw material for gene duplication and gene family expansion. However, our understanding of their evolutionary significance remains limited. We performed comparative genomic hybridization on a single human microarray platform to identify CNVs among the genomes of 30 humans and 30 chimpanzees as well as fixed copy number differences between species. We found that human and chimpanzee CNVs occur in orthologous genomic regions far more often than expected by chance and are strongly associated with the presence of highly homologous intrachromosomal segmental duplications. By adapting population genetic analyses for use with copy number data, we identified functional categories of genes that have likely evolved under purifying or positive selection for copy number changes. In particular, duplications and deletions of genes with inflammatory response and cell proliferation functions may have been fixed by positive selection and involved in the adaptive phenotypic differentiation of humans and chimpanzees.
AtCCX3 Is an Arabidopsis Endomembrane H+-Dependent K+ Transporter
Authors: Morris Jay , Tian Hui , Park Sunghun , Sreevidya Coimbatore S. , Ward John M. , Hirschi Kendal D.
Published: September 2008

The Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) cation calcium exchangers (CCXs) were recently identified as a subfamily of cation transporters; however, no plant CCXs have been functionally characterized. Here, we show that Arabidopsis AtCCX3 (At3g14070) and AtCCX4 (At1g54115) can suppress yeast mutants defective in Na+, K+, and Mn2+ transport. We also report high-capacity uptake of 86Rb+ in tonoplast-enriched vesicles from yeast expressing AtCCX3. Cation competition studies showed inhibition of 86Rb+ uptake in AtCCX3 cells by excess Na+, K+, and Mn2+. Functional epitope-tagged AtCCX3 fusion proteins were localized to endomembranes in plants and yeast. In Arabidopsis, AtCCX3 is primarily expressed in flowers, while AtCCX4 is expressed throughout the plant. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction showed that expression of AtCCX3 increased in plants treated with NaCl, KCl, and MnCl2. Insertional mutant lines of AtCCX3 and AtCCX4 displayed no apparent growth defects; however, overexpression of AtCCX3 caused increased Na+ accumulation and increased 86Rb+ transport. Uptake of 86Rb+ increased in tonoplast-enriched membranes isolated from Arabidopsis lines expressing CCX3 driven by the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter. Overexpression of AtCCX3 in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) produced lesions in the leaves, stunted growth, and resulted in the accumulation of higher levels of numerous cations. In summary, these findings suggest that AtCCX3 is an endomembrane-localized H+-dependent K+ transporter with apparent Na+ and Mn2+ transport properties distinct from those of previously characterized plant transporters.
The F-Box Gene Family Is Expanded in Herbaceous Annual Plants Relative to Woody Perennial Plants
Authors: Yang Xiaohan , Kalluri Udaya C. , Jawdy Sara , Gunter Lee E. , Yin Tongming , Tschaplinski Timothy J. , Weston David J. , Ranjan Priya , Tuskan Gerald A.
Published: September 2008

F-box proteins are generally responsible for substrate recognition in the Skp1-Cullin-F-box complexes that are involved in protein degradation via the ubiquitin-26S proteasome pathway. In plants, F-box genes influence a variety of biological processes, such as leaf senescence, branching, self-incompatibility, and responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. The number of F-box genes in Populus (Populus trichocarpa; approximately 320) is less than half that found in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana; approximately 660) or Oryza (Oryza sativa; approximately 680), even though the total number of genes in Populus is equivalent to that in Oryza and 1.5 times that in Arabidopsis. We performed comparative genomics analysis between the woody perennial plant Populus and the herbaceous annual plants Arabidopsis and Oryza in order to explicate the functional implications of this large gene family. Our analyses reveal interspecific differences in genomic distribution, orthologous relationship, intron evolution, protein domain structure, and gene expression. The set of F-box genes shared by these species appear to be involved in core biological processes essential for plant growth and development; lineage-specific differences primarily occurred because of an expansion of the F-box genes via tandem duplications in Arabidopsis and Oryza. The number of F-box genes in the newly sequenced woody species Vitis (Vitis vinifera; 156) and Carica (Carica papaya; 139) is similar to that in Populus, supporting the hypothesis that the F-box gene family is expanded in herbaceous annual plants relative to woody perennial plants. This study provides insights into the relationship between the structure and composition of the F-box gene family in herbaceous and woody species and their associated developmental and physiological features.
Terpene Biosynthesis in Glandular Trichomes of Hop
Authors: Wang Guodong , Tian Li , Aziz Naveed , Broun Pierre , Dai Xinbin , He Ji , King Andrew , Zhao Patrick X. , Dixon Richard A.
Published: September 2008

Hop (Humulus lupulus L. Cannabaceae) is an economically important crop for the brewing industry, where it is used to impart flavor and aroma to beer, and has also drawn attention in recent years due to its potential pharmaceutical applications. Essential oils (mono- and sesquiterpenes), bitter acids (prenylated polyketides), and prenylflavonoids are the primary phytochemical components that account for these traits, and all accumulate at high concentrations in glandular trichomes of hop cones. To understand the molecular basis for terpene accumulation in hop trichomes, a trichome cDNA library was constructed and 9,816 cleansed expressed sequence tag (EST) sequences were obtained from random sequencing of 16,152 cDNA clones. The ESTs were assembled into 3,619 unigenes (1,101 contigs and 2,518 singletons). Putative functions were assigned to the unigenes based on their homology to annotated sequences in the GenBank database. Two mono- and two sesquiterpene synthases identified from the EST collection were expressed in Escherichia coli. Hop MONOTERPENE SYNTHASE2 formed the linear monterpene myrcene from geranyl pyrophosphate, whereas hop SESQUITERPENE SYNTHASE1 (HlSTS1) formed both caryophyllene and humulene from farnesyl pyrophosphate. Together, these enzymes account for the production of the major terpene constituents of the hop trichomes. HlSTS2 formed the minor sesquiterpene constituent germacrene A, which was converted to β-elemene on chromatography at elevated temperature. We discuss potential functions for other genes expressed at high levels in developing hop trichomes.
Extremely High-Level and Rapid Transient Protein Production in Plants without the Use of Viral Replication
Authors: Sainsbury Frank , Lomonossoff George P.
Published: September 2008

Plant-based overexpression of heterologous proteins has attracted much interest and development in recent years. To date, the most efficient vectors have been based on RNA virus-derived replicons. A system based on a disabled version of cowpea mosaic virus RNA-2 has been developed, which overcomes limitations on insert size and introduces biocontainment. This system involves positioning a gene of interest between the 5′ leader sequence and 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of RNA-2, thereby emulating a presumably stable mRNA for efficient translation. Thus far, the sequence of the 5′ UTR has been preserved to maintain the ability of the modified RNA-2 to be replicated by RNA-1. However, high-level expression may be achieved in the absence of RNA-1-derived replication functions using Agrobacterium-mediated transient transformation. To investigate those features of the 5′ UTR necessary for efficient expression, we have addressed the role of two AUG codons found within the 5′ leader sequence upstream of the main initiation start site. Deletion of an in-frame start codon upstream of the main translation initiation site led to a massive increase in foreign protein accumulation. By 6 d postinfiltration, a number of unrelated proteins, including a full-size IgG and a self-assembling virus-like particle, were expressed to >10% and 20% of total extractable protein, respectively. Thus, this system provides an ideal vehicle for high-level expression that does not rely on viral replication of transcripts.
Transcriptome Analyses Show Changes in Gene Expression to Accompany Pollen Germination and Tube Growth in Arabidopsis
Authors: Wang Yi , Zhang Wen-Zheng , Song Lian-Fen , Zou Jun-Jie , Su Zhen , Wu Wei-Hua
Published: September 2008

Pollen germination, along with pollen tube growth, is an essential process for the reproduction of flowering plants. The germinating pollen with tip-growth characteristics provides an ideal model system for the study of cell growth and morphogenesis. As an essential step toward a detailed understanding of this important process, the objective of this study was to comprehensively analyze the transcriptome changes during pollen germination and pollen tube growth. Using Affymetrix Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) ATH1 Genome Arrays, this study is, to our knowledge, the first to show the changes in the transcriptome from desiccated mature pollen grains to hydrated pollen grains and then to pollen tubes of Arabidopsis. The number of expressed genes, either for total expressed genes or for specifically expressed genes, increased significantly from desiccated mature pollen to hydrated pollen and again to growing pollen tubes, which is consistent with the finding that pollen germination and tube growth were significantly inhibited in vitro by a transcriptional inhibitor. The results of Gene Ontology analyses showed that expression of genes related to cell rescue, transcription, signal transduction, and cellular transport was significantly changed, especially for up-regulation, during pollen germination and tube growth. In particular, genes of the calmodulin/calmodulin-like protein, cation/hydrogen exchanger, and heat shock protein families showed the most significant changes during pollen germination and tube growth. These results demonstrate that the overall transcription of genes, both in the number of expressed genes and in the levels of transcription, was increased. Furthermore, the appearance of many novel transcripts during pollen germination as well as tube growth indicates that these newly expressed genes may function in this complex process.
ArabidopsisWRKY38 and WRKY62 Transcription Factors Interact with Histone Deacetylase 19 in Basal Defense
Authors: Kim Kang-Chang , Lai Zhibing , Fan Baofang , Chen Zhixiang
Published: September 2008

Arabidopsis thaliana WRKY38 and WRKY62, encoding two structurally similar type III WRKY transcription factors, are induced in a Nonexpressor of PR Gene1 (NPR1)–dependent manner by salicylic acid (SA) or by virulent Pseudomonas syringae. Disease resistance and SA-regulated Pathogenesis-Related1 (PR1) gene expression are enhanced in the wrky38 and wrky62 single mutants and, to a greater extent, in the double mutants. Overexpression of WRKY38 or WRKY62 reduces disease resistance and PR1 expression. Thus, WRKY38 and WRKY62 function additively as negative regulators of plant basal defense. WRKY38 and WRKY62 interact with Histone Deacetylase 19 (HDA19). Expression of HDA19 is also induced by P. syringae, and the stability of its induced transcripts depends on SA and NPR1 in infected plants. Disruption of HDA19 leads to compromised resistance, whereas its overexpression results in enhanced resistance to P. syringae. Thus, HDA19 has a role opposite from those of WRKY38 and WRKY62 in basal resistance to the bacterial pathogen. Both WRKY38 and WRKY62 are transcriptional activators in plant cells, but their activation activities are abolished by overexpressed HDA19. Interaction of WRKY38 and WRKY62 with HDA19 may act to fine-tune plant basal defense responses.
RNase-Based Self-Incompatibility: Puzzled byPollen S
Authors: Newbigin Ed , Paape Timothy , Kohn Joshua R.
Published: September 2008

Many plants have a genetically determined self-incompatibility system in which the rejection of self pollen grains is controlled by alleles of an S locus. A common feature of these S loci is that separate pollen- and style-expressed genes (pollen S and style S, respectively) determine S allele identity. The long-held view has been that pollen S and style S must be a coevolving gene pair in order for allelic recognition to be maintained as new S alleles arise. In at least three plant families, the Solanaceae, Rosaceae, and Plantaginaceae, the style S gene has long been known to encode an extracellular ribonuclease called the S-RNase. Pollen S in these families has more recently been identified and encodes an F-box protein known as either SLF or SFB. In this perspective, we describe the puzzling evolutionary relationship that exists between the SLF/SFB and S-RNase genes and show that in most cases cognate pairs of genes are not coevolving in the expected manner. Because some pollen S genes appear to have arisen much more recently than their style S cognates, we conclude that either some pollen S genes have been falsely identified or that there is a major problem with our understanding of how the S locus evolves.
Comparative Genomics and Reverse Genetics Analysis Reveal Indispensable Functions of the Serine Acetyltransferase Gene Family in Arabidopsis
Authors: Watanabe Mutsumi , Mochida Keiichi , Kato Tomohiko , Tabata Satoshi , Yoshimoto Naoko , Noji Masaaki , Saito Kazuki
Published: September 2008

Ser acetyltransferase (SERAT), which catalyzes O-acetyl-Ser (OAS) formation, plays a key role in sulfur assimilation and Cys synthesis. Despite several studies on SERATs from various plant species, the in vivo function of multiple SERAT genes in plant cells remains unaddressed. Comparative genomics studies with the five genes of the SERAT gene family in Arabidopsis thaliana indicated that all three Arabidopsis SERAT subfamilies are conserved across five plant species with available genome sequences. Single and multiple knockout mutants of all Arabidopsis SERAT gene family members were analyzed. All five quadruple mutants with a single gene survived, with three mutants showing dwarfism. However, the quintuple mutant lacking all SERAT genes was embryo-lethal. Thus, all five isoforms show functional redundancy in vivo. The developmental and compartment-specific roles of each SERAT isoform were also demonstrated. Mitochondrial SERAT2;2 plays a predominant role in cellular OAS formation, while plastidic SERAT2;1 contributes less to OAS formation and subsequent Cys synthesis. Three cytosolic isoforms, SERAT1;1, SERAT3;1, and SERAT3;2, may play a major role during seed development. Thus, the evolutionally conserved SERAT gene family is essential in cellular processes, and the substrates and products of SERAT must be exchangeable between the cytosol and organelles.
Determination and extrapolation of the glider load spectra
Authors: Rodzewicz Mirosław
Published: September 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a study on methods for load spectrum (LS) determination and extrapolation, basing on data obtained from experiments.

Design/methodology/approach

A sequence of loads registered in flight becomes an object of analysis aimed to calculate full cycles of loads, and on this basis two possible types of LS are determined, i.e. as the transfer array, or in classic form (as the plot presenting appearances of load increments, called “incremental load spectrum”). While the use of incremental LS enables just application of deterministic extrapolation methods, the transfer array enables application of the stochastic method of extrapolation that consists of random redistribution of the transfer array cell values.

Findings

The paper presents a comparison between the results of application of deterministic or stochastic extrapolation methods. Attention was focused on the LS registered during thermal flights. The stochastic extrapolation method is less conservative than the deterministic ones, and enables better adjustment of estimated LS to the reality.

Originality/value

The novel extrapolation method consists of cumulation of the results of stochastic redistribution of the values in transfer array obtained from the experiment.
A new method for design cycle period management in aircraft design process
Authors: Soltanmohammad B. , Malaek S.M.
Published: September 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present research into reducing the aircraft design cycle period, by reducing the necessary number of design cycle iterations. The design cycle period is one of the main characteristics of the design process and design cycle iterations play a major role in the design cycle period.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the above‐mentioned goal, the paper presents a mathematical model of iterations for the aircraft design process. This model describes the design coupled tasks as a discrete‐linear time invariant dynamic system. This model also helps identify tasks which are the most important for generating iterations. This new method basically helps break information cycles that create iterations among important tasks.

Findings

Studies conducted on a general aviation (GA) airplane (FAJR‐3) design process show the success of the suggested approach. This procedure eventually leads to an expedited convergence rate for the design iterations. That is, through proper breaking of information cycles, the convergence rate of the most dominant design mode could be increased by up to 31 percent. The process also leads to decoupling of the so‐called “coupled parts of design process,” which in turn leads to a more modular design with relatively easier management.

Practical implications

This method offers a new way of managing aircraft design processes while having to deal with constraints such as time and resources. The approach could be easily implemented as it manages any complex design‐process based on its resemblance to a dynamic system. The method can also be used as a component of an Integrated Airframe Design (IAD), as a tool for “Cycle time reduction”.

Originality/value

The advantage of this new approach, over other existing ones, lies in its ability to distinguish the important information cycles in a systematic manner. This helps to break the design process in a way that guarantees the increase in convergence speed of the whole design process.
Multiple specification controller design for F‐16 fighters
Authors: Fung Eric H.K. , Wong Y.K. , Liu Hugh H.T. , Li Y.C.
Published: September 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show how to design effective and practical controllers that satisfy multiple simultaneous specifications (MSS) criteria concurrently.

Design/methodology/approach

In automatic flight control system or autopilots, MSS such as good holding (small static altitude holding error), fast response, smooth transition (less oscillation, overshoot) are needed to be satisfied concurrently. So how to design the MSS controller effectively and practically is a very significant and challenging job. An MSS controller design method is proposed. The paper further applies the method together with the fine‐tuning technique to the 6 DoF non‐linear F‐16 fighter longitudinal control channel. Simulation results show its applicability to non‐linear flight control system.

Findings

It was found that the simulation results demonstrate that the MSS design method with controller fine‐tuning can be applied to the nonlinear F‐16 fighter longitudinal control system.

Research limitations/implications

The practical implementation of this research work needs further investigation.

Practical implications

The simplicity of the design algorithm facilitates the application of the design to other aircrafts by use of Matlab.

Originality/value

The simulation results presented demonstrate that the proposed MSS apply well to non‐linear F‐16 fighters.
Fuzzy logic‐based automated engine health monitoring for commercial aircraft
Authors: Demirci Seref , Hajiyev Chingiz , Schwenke Andreas
Published: September 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop an automated engine health monitoring system (AEHMS) for commercial aircraft.

Design/methodology/approach

The AEHMS is developed by using fuzzy logic. The input of the fuzzy logic is engine performance parameters gathered from aircraft for every flight during cruise. The fuzzy rule inference system for different engine faults is based on expert knowledge and real life data in the Turkish Airlines fleet. The very smallest is used for defuzzification, since it provides a more meaningful result than others. The complete loop of engine health monitoring (EHM) is automatically performed by the programs and Fuzzy Logic Toolbox in MATLAB. The system produces output values between 0 – faulty and 1 – not faulty for every fault or deterioration on a time series. The program triggers an alert if any output exceeds a specified value. Finally, the method is utilized for monitoring the engines in the Turkish Airlines fleet.

Findings

Health monitoring has been a very popular subject to increase aircraft availability with the minimum maintenance cost. Fuzzy logic is a very useful method for automated health monitoring strategies.

Research limitations/implications

It does not provide long‐term engine maintenance decisions such as scheduling overhaul times, predicting the remaining life of the engine components.

Originality/value

The paper provides a robust method for EHM with the application to real aircraft data. The AEHMS can greatly simplify the EHM system for airlines and minimizes its drawbacks, such as extra labor hours, human error and requirement for engineering expertise.
Aircraft sustaining: a holistic and systemic approach establishing the various support components
Authors: Camelier Ivan A. , Lourenço Luis A. , Lourenço da Saúde José
Published: September 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the results of research into the support activities of commercial aircraft (A/C).

Design/methodology/approach

The work is associated with A/C operations (OPS) providing a structure establishing the A/C sustaining during the in‐service phase. The process involved the implementation of a field survey in order to capture heuristically A/C support practices to enable one to identify system requirements. This part of the work utilized the collaboration of 21 A/C operators and maintenance repair and overhaul companies from various regions of the world.

Findings

Using systems engineering methodology, the research process led to the development of a prototype sustaining system. The solution comprises a tree of support functionalities (similar to a work breakdown structure). The result was verified by major local national airlines which confirmed the ability of the solution in terms of representing a viable structure establishing an A/C sustaining system.

Originality/value

The research initiative presented represents a contribution in the domain of A/C OPS, namely in terms of management aspects, by making available a solution that serves as a reference element, with a holistic nature, that integrates, normalizes and unifies commercial A/C support practices.
Autonomous orbit and attitude determination of satellite using SEMOI
Authors: Zhang Y. , Jing W.X. , Liu L.K.
Published: September 2008

Purpose

An onboard autonomous technique can significantly reduce the costs of the mission. The purpose of this paper is to deal with the autonomous orbit determination and attitude determination of a satellite based on the sun, the earth and the moon sensors.

Design/methodology/approach

The models of the conical earth scanner are presented, and its measurement with information from the sun and the moon sensors is processed to simultaneously acquire the orbit and attitude of the satellite via extended Kalman filter.

Findings

The numerical simulation shows that the presented method can obtain the orbit and attitude information precisely; even in the new moon period, it can be used to get the satisfied results.

Originality/value

Autonomous orbit determination and attitude determination based on direction information of celestial objects, such as sun, earth and moon, are put forward. The method improves the survival ability of the satellite and decreases its reliance on the ground stations.
Aircraft sensor fault detection based on unknown input observers
Authors: Kiyak Emre , Çetin Ömer , Kahvecioğlu Ayşe
Published: September 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to generate residuals which can be used to detect fault and isolate on a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft dynamic model.

Design/methodology/approach

In the proposed approach, a generalized observer scheme method based on an unknown input observer is used for residual generation and applied to detect and isolate a faulty sensor. A bank of robust unknown input observers estimates the state variables of the system and gathers necessary information for fault detection and isolation purposes.

Findings

A sinus signal is considered as a non‐linear disturbance in simulations. A failure simulation was prepared in different times. In this situation an unknown input observer should be designed which could predict the states of the system against the disturbances or unknown inputs. In the real world, there exist unknown inputs such as system non‐linearities, noise and disturbances. The paper shows that the system based on UIO is robust for unknown inputs mentioned above.

Originality/value

It is simulated on a VTOL dynamic model using MATLAB/Simulink. Any single sensor fault could be detected and isolated correctly. This kind of observer is also robust and flexible.
The determination of relative orbit for formation flying subject to J2
Authors: Jian‐feng Liu , Si‐yuan Rong , Nai‐gang Cui
Published: September 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider relative navigation – a vital technology to satellites formation flying, and to propose a new concept for relative navigation determination along with a technical approach for its practical implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

The determination of relative orbit is considered with the relative distance elevation and azimuth measurements about formation flying while the primary satellite is in a circle or ellipse orbit. This measurement is obtained by laser range finder and the estimations of the intersatellite relative position and velocity are obtained by utilizing the unscented Kalman filter instead of extended Kalman filter.

Findings

The simulation results show that the error of the relative position and velocity can be estimated with the order of cm and mm/s, respectively, under the effect of J2, converge faster than EKF, and then demonstrate that the approach is feasible.

Originality/value

The paper proposes a new concept for relative navigation determination and describes a technical approach for its practical implementation.
Vaxholm/Laval case: its implementations for trade unions
Authors: Gennard John
Published: September 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this editorial is to examine the implementations of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruling in December 2007 on the Laval case in Sweden for trade unions.

Design/methodology/approach

The editorial outlines the ECJ decision and then examines the response of the European Trade Union Confederation and the social partners and governments in Sweden and Denmark.

Findings

The ECJ upholds in European Union (EU) law the right to strike as a fundamental right and the right of a union to undertake industrial action against wage dumping. The judgement, however, restraints these rights to ensuring that foreign service providers are complying with the minimum employment standards as laid down in the host country legislation. Trade unions in the host county cannot undertake industrial action to force a foreign service provider to provide better terms and conditions of employment than that provided by the laws of the host country. The judgement implies that trade unions cannot in host countries by means of collective action, demand more than the legal minimum rate of pay from a company coming from a different EU member state.

Originality/value

The editorial offers insights into EU law and its implementations for preventing wage dumping between EU member states.
Union availability, union membership and immigrant workers
Authors: Turner Thomas , D'Art Daryl , O'Sullivan Michelle
Published: September 2008

Purpose

The paper's purpose is to examine the propensity of recent immigrants to join Irish trade unions compared to Irish workers.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is based on the 2005 Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS), a quarterly survey carried out by the Central Statistics Office.

Findings

Results show that immigrant workers are less likely to join Irish trade unions than comparable native workers. Length of residency is an important factor in the likelihood of immigrants being unionised but employment in the public or private sector assumes even greater importance than nationality in determining union membership.

Research limitations/implications

While the QNHS is generally a robust representative sample survey of the population, errors may occur in the proportion of non‐Irish nationals surveyed due to difficulties of ensuring their inclusion in the sample population. Language may also be an obstacle, particularly for recently arrived immigrants.

Practical implications

From a trade union perspective the results highlight the need for trade unions to regularly conduct organising campaigns targeted at immigrants. Government policy aimed at integrating immigrants into the Irish labour force and ensuring adequate labour standards would be well served by ensuring greater union availability to immigrant workers.

Originality/value

The paper provides a profile and analysis of the extent to which immigrants are joining trade unions compared to Irish workers.
Evaluating and rewarding OCBs
Authors: Bret Becton J. , Giles William F. , Schraeder Mike
Published: September 2008

Purpose

The paper aims to address a topic that has not been systematically studied in the organisational citizenship behaviour (OCB), performance appraisal and rewards literature. Specifically, this paper seeks to examine the potential effects of rewarding OCBs by explicitly incorporating them into performance appraisal and reward systems.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of relevant theory and literature is provided and propositions concerning the possible effects of assessing and rewarding OCBs are offered.

Findings

The findings show that there are potential advantages and disadvantages of formally incorporating OCBs into performance appraisal systems and that it seems likely that more organisations will move toward formally measuring and rewarding OCBs.

Originality/value

While most research indicates that OCBs are associated with positive outcomes, this paper also addresses potential negative consequences of formally evaluating and rewarding OCB.
Representing fixed‐term workers: the anatomy of a trade union campaign
Authors: Conley Hazel , Stewart Paul
Published: September 2008

Purpose

Drawing on literature that examines trade union representation of “non‐standard” workers, this paper aims to analyse the attempts of the Association of University Teachers (AUT) to integrate the interests of contract research staff (CRS) employed on fixed‐term contracts between 1974 and 2002. The paper examines the union campaign under five areas identified in the literature as important to the development of representation of non‐standard workers: trade union orientation to non‐standard workers; recruitment; participation; collective bargaining; extending representation beyond collective bargaining.

Design/methodology/approach

The main sources of data are drawn from analyses of union documentation, including internal memoranda and reports dating back to 1974, which chart the antecedents and progress of the AUT campaign against casualisation. This is supported by participant and non‐participant observation of 14 union meetings and events coupled with data from 20 semi‐structured interviews with a range of national officers and local activists conducted between 1999 and 2002.

Findings

The data support previous research that has identified changing union orientations to non‐standard workers. In the AUT, recruitment of CRS was propelled by instrumental needs to build and extend a declining membership base, but active participation of members employed on fixed‐term contracts has influenced union democracy and the collective bargaining agenda. However, the results, in terms of concrete gains in job security for CRS, have been limited.

Research limitations/implications

The paper examines a case study of one union in particular circumstances. Although the findings add to the general knowledge of union representation on non‐standard workers, the outcomes are specific to the case study union. The paper concludes with an evaluation of the effectiveness of the AUT campaign against casualisation whilst highlighting the implications for the development of conceptual and theoretical frameworks on the representation of “non‐standard” workers.

Originality/value

The paper provides unique and detailed historical data on one trade union's attempts to integrate the interests of academics employed on fixed‐term contracts into union structures originally designed to service one of the most secure sectors of the British workforce.
Beatrice and Sidney Webb and the intellectual origins of British industrial relations
Authors: Farnham David
Published: September 2008

Purpose

This paper has the aim of revisiting the works of Beatrice and Sidney Webb in the field of industrial relations and assessing their intellectual contributions to the study of the labour market, unions and collective bargaining in Britain.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses the Webbs' studies of trade union history and union organisation, policy and methods that were first published at the end of the nineteenth century.

Findings

In refuting critiques of unions in the market economy by English classical and neo‐classical economists, and drawing on the ideas of the German school of historical economics, the Webbs incorporated organised labour into mainstream economic and political thought. Their major theoretical propositions were to set out an “agency model” of trade unions and an advanced system of democracy, in politics and at work, which unions would play a major part in promoting. In justifying the collectivisation of the employment relationship, the Webbs provided the intellectual foundations of the pluralist‐institutional model of industrial relations, which was built upon by other scholars following the end of the World War II. Their prediction that collective bargaining would decline in importance, as democracy matured, and be replaced by legal regulation, has taken place for reasons unforeseen by themselves.

Originality/value

The value of this paper is its reassessment of the Webbs' contribution to theory in the field and to the British collectivist tradition of industrial relations.
HRM and knowledge management
Authors: Runar Edvardsson Ingi
Published: September 2008

Purpose

This paper sets out, first, to integrate HR strategies into knowledge management (KM) systems; second, to examine the type of HR strategies to be pursued and third, it looks at the probable behaviour effects of such a strategy in the creation, distribution and use of knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses recent literature on the link between KM and human resource management (HRM).

Findings

The HRM strategy and the general strategy of a firm make up the general KM strategies. Two were identified in this paper: exploitative strategy and explorative strategy. Both strategies have behaviour effects, which have some impact on the KM process. Thus, the exploitative strategy will put greater emphasis on knowledge storage, technical skills, as well as distributing explicit knowledge via IT solutions. This increases the risk that firms adopting such strategy will be locked into past design and to be unable to reach for future applications. Explorative strategy places greater weight on knowledge creation, as well as on human interaction to transfer tacit knowledge and use knowledge to increase innovation and new learning. Firms adopting such strategy tend to lack structure and processes to utilise the innovations into competitive advantages.

Research limitations/implications

The analysis of the paper is based on literature review, therefore the concepts developed in the paper need empirical testing.

Originality/value

This paper attempts to integrate HRM into KM systems.
The Trades Union Congress and civil alliance building: towards social movement unionism?
Authors: Parker Jane
Published: September 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine why and how the Trades Union Congress (TUC) – the labour movement's peak body, “think tank” and exemplar – engages in alliance building with civil movements and groups. In particular, it investigates: the rationale for such; the nature of the alliances and the extent to which they inform TUC revival efforts or a new approach to trade unionism.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with eight senior TUC personnel. Most interviewees provided documentary evidence to elaborate on their comments. The dimensions of a thematic analysis of this and web site evidence were structured to reflect the above areas of inquiry.

Findings

The findings are that: interest in the TUC and labour movement in alliance building with civil groups is building at all levels; TUC engagement with, promotion of and guidance on civil alliances is largely emergent and sporadic; notwithstanding this, certain parts of the TUC have increased its promotion of and to a lesser extent direct engagement with alliances. It also is shown that: such engagement looks likely to continue to grow as a feature of other revival strategies and there is little assessment of whether alliance building can help strengthen the British labour movement.

Practical implications

The findings inform the paper's discussion of potential TUC and union revival purpose, policy and practice.

Originality/value

This paper provides an in‐depth empirical study of the TUC's involvement in alliance building with other social movements and groups. Policy‐maker and practitioner interest in such is growing rapidly, particularly in light of the debatable effectiveness of familiar British union revival strategies.
Effects of labor market institutions and establishment characteristics on gender wage inequality in Africa
Authors: Temesgen Tilahun
Published: September 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the major determinants of establishment level gender pay gap, with a particular focus on analysing the effects of labor market institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

A two‐stages procedure is used in analysing the varying impacts of labor market institutions and firm level characteristics on gender wage gaps in the Nigerian urban labor market, using information from worker and establishment level survey data.

Findings

Primarily it was found that labor market institutions such as unions, and firm characteristics such as ownership, affect the level of gender wage inequality at the firm level. It was also found that unions have significant influence on firm level gender wage gaps in Nigeria, where they are historically known to be strong. Specifically the paper shows that wage gaps are higher in unionized firms in Nigeria because women are generally less likely to join unions, thus being less likely to benefit from union‐induced wage premiums; and within unionized firms a higher rate of unionization tends to reduce gender wage gaps because the higher the rate of unionization in a firm, the higher becomes the probability of women being members, and that raises the likelihood that they get union induced wage premiums. Public enterprises however are found to be more gender‐egalitarian compared with private firms; and firm level investment on workers' training plays an important gender wage‐gap narrowing role.

Originality/value

The paper is original in that it investigates the relationships between institutions and labor market outcomes in an African context, using survey data from the most populous country in the region.
Citizenship, sexual identity and social exclusion
Authors: Concannon Liam
Published: September 2008

Purpose

Central to the notion of citizenship is equality, social inclusion and social justice, yet heterosexual constructions of citizenship continue to privilege. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between citizenship, social policy and sexual identity, comparing experiences found in the UK and the USA.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines the concepts of nation, identity and belonging, taking account of normative discourses and structures such as the family, to illustrate how social policy creates second‐class status for lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgendered people (LGBT).

Findings

The paper finds that within the relationship between the state and LGBT citizens, there is institutional hostility towards LGBT people, and explores the ways in which policy makers characterise difference as abnormal, inferior, of less worth and importantly, problematic.

Originality/value

The paper is of value in discussing Queer theory and in seeking to challenge and transform the social exclusion of LGBT citizens, by contributing to the rise in new forms of citizenship. The paper takes account of evolving models of citizenship that seek to redress current inadequate mainstream structures.
To disclose or not to disclose?
Authors: Moore Ami , Kalanzi Dorothy N. , Amey Foster K.
Published: September 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the patterns of self‐disclosure of HIV/AIDS infection and reasons respondents did not disclose their serostatus to their children.

Design/methodology/approach

Convenience sample of 151 people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Lomé, Togo, was used. Semi‐structured interviews were administered.

Findings

Unlike studies conducted in the USA, it was found that although all of the respondents had disclosed their status to HIV/AIDS service providers from whom they received help and support, they had low rates of disclosure to their significant others. For instance, only 12 per cent of the participants had disclosed to their mothers and 16 per cent had disclosed to their children. Additionally, reasons given by respondents for non‐disclosure of their infected status to their children were varied. Regardless of the age of the children, half of the parents believed that the children were either too young or were minors and should not know about their HIV infected status.

Research limitations/implications

Implications for helping people with HIV/AIDS, their service providers, and policy makers are discussed.

Originality/value

The study shows that HIV/AIDS service providers need to understand the family dynamics of PLWHA in Africa in order to appropriately help them to disclose.