bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pathotypes and Genetic Relationship of Worldwide Collections of Elsinoë spp. Causing Scab Diseases of Citrus
Authors: Hyun J. W. , Yi S. H. , MacKenzie S. J. , Timmer L. W. , Kim K. S. , Kang S. K. , Kwon H. M. , Lim H. C.
Published: May 2009

Two scab diseases are recognized currently on citrus: citrus scab, caused by Elsinoë fawcettii, and sweet orange scab, caused by E. australis. Because the two species cannot be reliably distinguished by morphological or cultural characteristics, host range and molecular methods must be used to identify isolates. Four pathotypes of E. fawcettii and two of E. australis have been described to date based on host range. The host specificity and genetic relationships among 76 isolates from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Korea, New Zealand, and the United States were investigated. Based on pathogenicity tests on eight differential hosts, 61 isolates were identified as E. fawcettii and 15 as E. australis. Of 61 isolates of E. fawcettii, 24 isolates were identified as the Florida broad host range (FBHR) pathotype, 7 as the Florida narrow host range (FNHR) pathotype, 10 as the Tryon's pathotype, and 3 as the “Lemon” pathotype. Two new pathotypes, the “Jingeul” and the satsuma, rough lemon, grape-fruit, clementine (SRGC), are described, and four isolates did not fit into any of the known pathotypes of E. fawcettii. Of the 15 isolates of E. australis from Argentina and Brazil, 9 belonged to the sweet orange pathotype and 6 from Korea to the natsudaidai pathotype. E. fawcettii and E. australis were clearly distinguishable among groups by random amplified polymorphic DNA-polymerase chain reaction (RAPD-PCR) assays and the E. fawcettii group was divided into three subgroups, A-1, A-2, and A-3. The A-1 group was composed of the FBHR, FNHR, and SRGC pathotypes; some Lemon pathotypes; and the uncertain isolates. The A-2 subgroup included all of the Tryon's pathotype isolates and one of the three Lemon pathotype isolates and the A-3 group contained the Jingeul pathotype isolates. E. australis was differentiated into two groups: B-1, the natsudaidai pathotype isolates, and B-2, the sweet orange pathotype isolates. Isolates of E. fawcettii and E. australis were clearly distinguishable by sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and the translation elongation factor 1 α (TEF) gene. There were also fixed nucleotide differences in the ITS and TEF genes that distinguished subgroups separated by RAPD-PCR within species. We confirmed two species of Elsinoë, two pathotypes of E. australis, and at least six pathotypes of E. fawcettii and described their distribution in the countries included in this study.
Cacopsylla melanoneuraHas No Relevance as Vector of Apple Proliferation in Germany
Authors: Mayer Christoph J. , Jarausch Barbara , Jarausch Wolfgang , Jelkmann Wilhelm , Vilcinskas Andreas , Gross Jürgen
Published: May 2009

Long-term field surveys on the distribution and natural infection rates of Cacopsylla melanoneura were carried out in commercial and abandoned apple-proliferation-infected orchards throughout Germany, northern Switzerland, and eastern France. Although the infection rates of some orchards reached up to 80%, only 0.09% of all C. melanoneura collected on apple were infected by the pathogen ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma mali’. Despite higher population densities, no infected individual was found on wild hawthorn. Individuals of C. melanoneura were not able to transmit phytoplasmas to healthy plants, and even the acquisition of ‘Ca. P. mali’ from infected plants was very inefficient. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction demonstrated that the very few infected individuals of C. melanoneura harbored phytoplasma concentrations 10,000 times lower than individuals of C. picta, the main vector species in Germany. Oviposition bioassays showed that hawthorn is the preferred reproduction host plant for C. melanoneura in Germany, not apple. Because hawthorn is not a suitable host plant for ‘Ca. P. mali’, it does not play a role in the spread of apple proliferation. In contrast to data reported from northwestern Italy, C. melanoneura developed on either apple or hawthorn has no relevance as a vector of apple proliferation in Germany. The existence of epidemiologically different populations is proposed.
Migration Patterns of the Emerging Plant Pathogen Phytophthora ramorum on the West Coast of the United States of America
Authors: Prospero S. , Grünwald N. J. , Winton L. M. , Hansen E. M.
Published: May 2009

Phytophthora ramorum (oomycetes) is the causal agent of sudden oak death and ramorum blight on trees, shrubs, and woody ornamentals in the forests of coastal California and southwestern Oregon and in nurseries of California, Oregon, and Washington. In this study, we investigated the genetic structure of P. ramorum on the West Coast of the United States, focusing particularly on population differentiation potentially indicative of gene flow. In total, 576 isolates recovered from 2001 to 2005 were genotyped at 10 microsatellite loci. Our analyses of genetic diversity and inferences of reproductive mode confirm previous results for the Oregon and California populations, with the strong majority of the genotypes belonging to the NA1 clonal lineage and showing no evidence for sexual reproduction. The high incidence of genotypes shared among populations and the lack of genetic structure among populations show that important large-scale, interpopulation genetic exchanges have occurred. This emphasizes the importance of human activity in shaping the current structure of the P. ramorum population on the West Coast of the United States.
Differentiation of Molecular Genotypes and Virulence Phenotypes of Puccinia triticina from Common Wheat in North America
Authors: Ordoñez M. E. , Kolmer J. A.
Published: May 2009

Wheat leaf rust caused by Puccinia triticina is widely distributed in the wheat growing regions of the United States and Canada, and is subject to selection for virulence phenotype by leaf rust resistance genes in wheat cultivars. The objective of this study was to determine the number of genetically differentiated groups of P. triticina that are currently present in North America. In total, 148 isolates of P. triticina from the 1980s to 2005 were collected from wheat-growing regions of the United States and Canada and tested for virulence on 20 lines of wheat with single genes for leaf rust resistance and for molecular genotype with 23 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. In total, 91 virulence phenotypes and 65 SSR genotypes were found. After removal of isolates with identical virulence and SSR genotypes, 125 isolates were included for further analysis. Bayesian cluster analysis indicated five different groups of isolates based on SSR genotypes that also differed for virulence to leaf rust resistance genes Lr2a, Lr2c, Lr3bg, Lr17, and Lr28. Isolates avirulent to Lr14a and Lr20 that have increased since 2003 had SSR genotypes identical or similar to older isolates in one of the five groups, indicating that these isolates were derived by mutation from the previously existing population of P. triticina. The representative collection of P. triticina isolates had characteristics consistent with an asexual dikaryotic population of genetically differentiated groups of SSR genotypes with high levels of heterozygosity and disequilibrium within which stepwise mutation at avirulence or virulence loci regularly occurs.
Fusarium Head Blight Severity and Deoxynivalenol Concentration in Wheat in Response to Gibberella zeae Inoculum Concentration
Authors: Stein J. M. , Osborne L. E. , Bondalapati K. D. , Glover K. D. , Nelson C. A.
Published: May 2009

The relationship between inoculum dose and resulting disease levels and deoxynivalenol (DON) accumulation in the Fusarium head blight (FHB) of wheat pathosystem was examined under controlled conditions. Greenhouse-grown spring wheat plants were inoculated at flowering with suspensions that varied in Gibberella zeae macroconidia concentration. The spikes were bagged for 72 h to promote infection and plants were then kept under ambient greenhouse conditions and disease allowed to develop. Spikes were rated at 15 days after inoculation for disease incidence and severity, removed from the greenhouse, and dried. DON concentration was determined in grain-only and whole-spike samples for each inoculation treatment. Regression analysis was used to evaluate the mathematical relationship between inoculum dose and the (i) disease metrics or (ii) DON concentration. Both disease incidence and severity were found to increase sharply in relation to inoculum concentration until an asymptote was reached. In both instances, a negative exponential function was found to best explain this relationship. By contrast, DON concentration in both grain-only and whole-spike tissues increased with additional inoculum. These relationships were best explained with linear functions for both sample types, although DON accumulation increased at a greater rate in whole-spike tissue. The functions were evaluated further using data collected from unrelated field studies and, although not particularly consistent, provided reasonably accurate predictions in growing seasons when the environment was only moderately favorable for FHB.
Estimating the Level of Susceptibility to Phytophthora infestans in Potato Genotypes
Authors: Yuen Jonathan E. , Forbes Gregory A.
Published: May 2009

Resistance and susceptibility are closely related terms but differ in their underlying assumptions and measurement. Standardized methods for determining the level of resistance and susceptibility in potato to Phytophthora infestans, the causal agent of late blight, have traditionally been semiquantitative and are not based on a true interval scale, thus making their use in most mathematical and statistical operations inappropriate. Recently, researchers have attempted to develop interval scales using regression analysis of the direct or transformed area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC). In this article, a similar approach is described based on the relative AUDPC (RAUDPC) of one or two reference cultivars and tested using a data set of field trials involving cultivars with varying levels of susceptibility evaluated in different environments in several countries. The coefficient of variation (CV) among trials of the AUDPC was reduced when the RAUDPC was used and even more so when the RAUDPC was made relative to the RAUDPC of cv. Bintje (RaRAUDPC), which was present in all trials. The RaRAUDPC was used in regression models to estimate scale values for eight potato cultivars in 13 to 15 locations (depending on cultivar). The CVs of scale values measuring variation among sites were similar to those of the RaRAUDPC. Using two cultivars gave a slight improvement in CV, which was statistically significant. The scale developed here has ascending numbers for increasing susceptibility, is simple, and can be constructed as a ratio measure, which permitted the calculation of mean, variance, and CV.
Networks of influence and infection: parental choices and childhood disease
Authors: Eames Ken T. D.
Published: May 2009

Clusters of unvaccinated individuals are at risk of outbreaks of infection. When an individual's decision to choose vaccination is influenced by the choices of his social group, such clusters can readily arise. However, when the interactions that influence decision-making and those that permit the transmission of infection are different—for instance, when parents make vaccination decisions on behalf of their children—it is unclear how large the impact of this social influence will be. Here we use a modelling approach to represent social influence within a network of parents and the transmission of infection through a network of children. We show that the effect of social influence depends on the amount of overlap between the two different networks; large overlap means that clusters of parents who choose not to vaccinate are likely to have interacting children, generating clusters of unvaccinated children. Spatially local connections can further increase the impact of social influence. Outbreaks are most likely when parents who do not vaccinate have children who interact.
cis-Element- and Transcriptome-Based Screening of Root Hair-Specific Genes and Their Functional Characterization in Arabidopsis
Authors: Won Su-Kyung , Lee Yong-Ju , Lee Ha-Yeon , Heo Yoon-Kyung , Cho Misuk , Cho Hyung-Taeg
Published: May 2009

Understanding the cellular differentiation of multicellular organisms requires the characterization of genes whose expression is modulated in a cell type-specific manner. The Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) root hair cell is one model for studying cellular differentiation. In this study, root hair cell-specific genes were screened by a series of in silico and experimental filtration procedures. This process included genome-wide screening for genes with a root hair-specific cis-element in their promoters, filtering root-specific genes from the root hair-specific cis-element-containing genes, further filtering of genes that were suppressed in root hair-defective plant lines, and experimental confirmation by promoter assay. These procedures revealed 19 root hair-specific genes, including many protein kinases and cell wall-related genes, most of which have not been characterized thus far. Functional analyses of these root hair-specific genes with loss-of-function mutants and overexpressing transformants revealed that they play roles in hair growth and morphogenesis. This study demonstrates that a defined cis-element can serve as a filter to screen certain cell type-specific genes and implicates many new root hair-specific genes in root hair development.
Large, larger, largest – a family of cluster-based tantalum copper aluminides with giant unit cells. I. Structure solution and refinement
Authors: Weber Thomas , Dshemuchadse Julia , Kobas Miroslav , Conrad Matthias , Harbrecht Bernd , Steurer Walter
Published: May 2009

This is the first of two parts, where we report the structure determination of a novel family of cluster-based intermetallic phases of unprecedented complexity: cF444-Al63.6Ta36.4 (AT-19), a = 19.1663 (1) Å, V = 7040 Å3, cF(5928 − x)-Al56.6Cu3.9Ta39.5, x = 20 (ACT-45), a = 45.376 (1) Å, V = 93 428 Å3 and cF(23 256 − x)-Al55.4Cu5.4Ta39.1, x = 122 (ACT-71), a = 71.490 (4) Å, V = 365 372 Å3. The space group is F{\bar 4}3m in all three cases. These cluster-based structures are closely related to the class of Frank–Kasper phases. It is remarkable that all three structures show the same average structure that resembles the cubic Laves phase.
A solution to the observed Z′ = 2 preference in the crystal structures of hydrophobic amino acids
Authors: Görbitz Carl Henrik , Vestli Kristian , Orlando Roberto
Published: May 2009

Chiral amino acids without functional groups in their side chains (hydrophobic amino acids) systematically form crystals with two molecules in the asymmetric unit. In contrast, racemates of the same compounds form crystals with Z′ = 1. The present investigation addresses the origin of this important difference between enantiomeric and racemic crystals. Through a series of ab initio calculations on infinite two-dimensional slabs, derived from crystal structures, as well as calculations on full crystal structures it is shown that it is indeed possible to explain the observed behaviour. Additionally, the (not unexpected) observation that amino acids usually form racemates in the solid phase rather than undergoing racemic separation upon crystallization is rationalized on the basis of energy calculations.
Managing university libraries
Authors: Walton Graham , Burke Liz , Oldroyd Margaret
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the management function of second tier posts in both Australia and the UK university libraries, including the identification of trends about their demography and responsibility range. The study aims to examine the major managerial challenges they face as individuals as well as the challenges for the wider university library. Various aspects of the skills needed by second tier university library manager are to be explored.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were gathered using an online questionnaire completed by second tier university library managers in both Australia and the UK

Findings

Various trends are shown about the age, length of time in post and intended retirement age of second tier mangers as well as the range of their responsibilities. Key challenges are determined for them as individuals as well as those for the wider university library.

Research limitation/implications

The study demonstrates how effective research can be done across countries relying solely on information and communication technologies (ICT) for data collection and project communication/management.

Practical implications

Clear direction and guidance is provided by the outcomes of the study into the development of future second tier university library managers

Originality/value

No other study has been published in this area for over ten years and very little has taken place before then. It is also the first cross‐national investigation on second tier roles.
Auditing the library's quality system
Authors: Balagué Núria
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to describe the main features of a university library quality management system, focusing specially on internal auditing.

Design/methodology/approach

Adopting a case study approach, the paper attempts to show how auditing is a useful information management tool to improve library services.

Findings

Internal auditing helps to consolidate the culture of quality and promote appropriate ethics and values.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is based on a study case and the professional experience of the author.

Practical implications

A view on a consolidated library's quality management system is presented in the paper.

Originality/value

The paper provides ideas on how a library approaches an internal audit.
The information commons at Sichuan University Jiang'an Library
Authors: Yao Leye , Liu Liu , Cai Na
Published: May 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to give a snapshot of planning, building and developing the information commons at a comprehensive research university library in China. It seeks to frame and confirm a new and effective strategy for the future development of university libraries illustrated by its actually positive outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper begins with an overview of information commons as a major international concern that represents a strategic direction of library development, followed by the changing academic landscape in China. It then explains the background and process of building the information commons at Sichuan University Jiang'an Library with its emphasis on its positive outcomes, illustrated by the latest factual data compared with other university libraries in Sichuan. It also discusses the future prospects of developing the information commons.

Findings

The paper reveals that information commons is undergoing its international journey from theory to practice and has proved its positive impact on improving the usage of physical and virtual space, resources and services of university libraries in the changing information environment.

Practical implications

Detailed recommendations regarding the construction and development of information commons in Chinese university libraries are provided.

Originality/value

This case study offers insight into practical and effective approaches to enhancing the usage of university libraries in China and emphasizes the importance of integrating the actual situation and background of the university, the region and the nation.
Job characteristics, work attitudes and behaviors in a non‐western context
Authors: Abu Elanain Hossam M.
Published: May 2009

Purpose

Previous studies on job characteristics have been performed mainly in Western contexts. More empirical evidence is needed to understand the important job characteristics of positive job outcomes in a non‐Western context. Therefore, this research has two objectives: to assess the impact of five job characteristics on work attitudes and behaviors in the UAE, and to test the mediating impact of distributive justice on the job characteristics‐work outcomes relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The study reports responses of 350 employees from five large organizations operating in Dubai. Data were collected on a structured questionnaire containing standards scales of job characteristics, job satisfaction, organizational commitment, turnover intentions, distributive justice, and some demographic variables. After testing scales reliability and validity, the proposed linear relationships were tested using a series of separate hierarchical regression analyses. Proposed mediation hypotheses were tested using Baron and Kenny's recommendations.

Findings

Consistent with studies conducted in a Western context, the study showed that skill variety and feedback have functional impacts on job satisfaction, organizational commitment and turnover intentions. Contrary to Western studies, the study reported that task identity and task significance have functional effects on work attitudes and behaviors. Autonomy also showed unexpected positive relationship with turnover intentions. Additionally, distributive justice mediates some of the relationships between job characteristics and work outcomes.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of common method bias and cross‐sectional data are discussed in the light of implications for future research. Nevertheless, the results provide new insights on the influence of job characteristics on work outcomes in a non‐Western context of the UAE. Also, the study reported evidence for the mediating impact of distributive justice on the job characteristics‐work outcomes relationship.

Practical implications

The study has implications for enhancing work behaviors and attitudes. In general, enhancing certain job characteristics can result in higher‐level employee outcomes. Also, managers should improve some of the contextual factor (i.e. distributive justice) in order to enhance the impact of job characteristics on work outcomes.

Originality/value

The study is considered to be one of the first to examine the job characteristics‐work outcomes relationship in a non‐western context of the UAE. Also, it is among the first studies to test the role of distributive justice as a mediator for the job characteristics‐work outcome relationship.
Library communication outside a library context: instant messaging as library service
Authors: Jørn Nielsen Hans
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to put librarian use of instant messaging (IM) into a context of new media development. The paper aims to evaluate use of IM from findings in a research project of a Danish IM test.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is grounded on findings related to the author's research of a specific Danish instant messaging test called Need2Know. With help of theories of communication patterns on the internet and of media theory of Web 2.0 IM is assessed as a tool for public libraries.

Findings

Instant messaging is an instance of expanding conversational and decentralized ways of communication on the internet. It is a useful communication tool to get in touch with young users, but it may be a waste of resources if the purpose primarily is to answer short questions of encyclopaedic facts. If the service is not anchored in an explicit library context or in library resources, the ask service easily will decay to a type of “living search machine” and not be part of a participatory culture promised by Web 2.0.

Originality/value

The paper assesses an instant messaging tool, Need2Know. The Need2Know service mirrors a traditional attitude to the relationship between users and library. Today users are able to find simple information themselves, and they are even able to disseminate and share this information through numerous social technologies.
Customized mapping and metadata transfer from DSpace to OCLC to improve ETD work flow
Authors: Deng Sai , Reese Terry
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present methods for customized mapping and metadata transfer from DSpace to Online Computer Library Center (OCLC), which aims to improve Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETD) work flow at libraries using DSpace to store theses and dissertations by automating the process of generating MARC records from Dublin Core (DC) metadata in DSpace and exporting them to OCLC.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper discusses how the Shocker Open Access Repository (SOAR) at Wichita State University (WSU) Libraries and ScholarsArchive at Oregon State University (OSU) Libraries harvest theses data from the DSpace platform using the Metadata Harvester in MarcEdit developed by Terry Reese at OSU Libraries. It analyzes certain challenges in transformation of harvested data including handling of authorized data, dealing with data ambiguity and string processing. It addresses how these two institutions customize Library of Congress's XSLT (eXtensible Stylesheet Language Transformations) mapping to transfer DC metadata to MarcXML metadata and how they export MARC data to OCLC and Voyager.

Findings

The customized mapping and data transformation for ETD data can be standardized while also requiring a case‐by‐case analysis. By offering two institutions' experiences, it provides information on the benefits and limitations for those institutions that are interested in using MarcEdit and customized XSLT to transform their ETDs from DSpace to OCLC and Voyager.

Originality/value

The new method described in the paper can eliminate the need for double entry in DSpace and OCLC, meet local needs and significantly improve ETD work flow. It offers perspectives on repurposing and managing metadata in a standard and customizable way.
Modeling non‐linear passive direct methanol fuel cells
Authors: Alotto Piergiorgio , Guarnieri Massimo , Moro Federico
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to simulate micro direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) for portable electronic devices by means of a non‐linear equivalent circuit based on a fully coupled, dynamic, electrochemical model.

Design/methodology/approach

The equivalent circuit accounts for electrochemical reactions and electric current generation inside the catalyst layers, electronic and protonic conduction, fuel crossover across the membrane, mass transport of reactants inside the diffusion layers. The V‐I characteristic of the device is obtained by combining mass transport and electric equations. The transient dynamics is accounted for by an equivalent capacitance, while the slow dynamics by the mass conservation equation. The equivalent circuit is embedded in the Matlab/Simulink® dynamic model of a hybrid system, consisting of a micro fuel cell and a Li‐ion rechargeable battery.

Findings

An original equivalent circuit of a passive DMFC suitable for static and dynamic simulations under variable loading conditions is proposed and validated.

Research limitations/implications

The one‐dimensional model of the micro cell does not take into account transverse mass transfer and current density variations in the cell layers, which can be due to non‐homogeneous materials or to the complex dynamics of the convective mass flow in the reservoir and in the room air.

Practical implications

The equivalent circuit can be used for simulating the dynamic performance in realistic operating conditions when the fuel cell is used to supply the electronic equipment through a power management unit.

Originality/value

The DMFC is described from an electrical point of view as a controlled non‐linear generator; such equivalent representation is particularly suited for designing power management units for electronic portable devices.
Scattering by a two‐dimensional doped photonic crystal presenting an optical Kerr effect
Authors: Godard Pierre , Zolla Frédéric , Nicolet André
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss two‐dimensional electromagnetic diffraction by a finite set of parallel nonlinear rods (optical Kerr effect). To point out the versatility of this approach, a nonlinear (Kerr‐effect) finite crystal is considered.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, a new route for obtaining the scattered field by nonlinear obstacles is proposed. The basic idea consists in simulating the real incident field (e.g. plane waves) by a virtual field emitted by an appropriate antenna, located in a meshed domain, and encompassing or lying above the obstacles. This latest problem is then solved by a finite element method that is well suited to take into account the material inhomogeneities due to the nonlinearity of the permittivity.

Findings

The transmission through a finite Kerr crystal doped by a microcavity is given and a resonant wavelength is obtained. At this resonant wavelength, it is shown that the nonlinearity has a large influence on the behaviour of the electromagnetic wave.

Originality/value

Introducing the concept of virtual antenna, the paper proposes a rigorous treatment of the scattering of an electromagnetic wave by a bounded nonlinear obstacle of arbitrary shape.
9th International Bielefeld Conference 2009: “Upgrading The eLibrary: Enhanced Information Services Driven by Technology and Economics”
Authors: Gastinger Almuth
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to share with readers the issues of the 9th International Bielefeld Conference.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a descriptive report.

Findings

The conference discussed essential current and future developments towards enhanced libraries and information infrastructures meeting the emerging demands of eScience and eLearning.

Originality/value

Will be of interest to library and information professionals.
The entrepreneurial library
Authors: Dhanjal Catherine
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the recent Axiell conference on entrepreneurial activities in relation to libraries in the public sector.

Design/methodology/approach

Provide an overview of the conference.

Findings

Provides an overview of the conference.

Research limitations/implications

Provides an overview of the conference subject to the author's interpretation.

Practical implications

Provides case studies and thoughts on entrepreneurship from the public library and other sectors which could be used to spark ideas for libraries in the public sector and beyond to help reinvent their services and offerings in the wake of Google, Amazon and other “competitor” services.

Originality/value

Of interest to librarians in the public sector and beyond, in the UK and Nordic countries and further afield. A shorter version of this paper appears on the Axiell web site.
Boundary transfer operators in one‐way nesting schemes for heat flow problems
Authors: Shavelzon Evgeny , Givoli Dan
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The interaction of a global model (GM) and a local (regional) model (LM) of heat flow is considered under the framework of so‐called “one‐way nesting”. In this framework, the GM is constructed in a large domain with coarse discretization in space and time, while the LM is set in a small subdomain with fine discretization.

Design/methodology/approach

The GM is solved first, and its results are then used via some boundary transfer operator (BTO) on the GM–LM interface in order to solve the LM. Past experience in various fields of application has shown that one has to be careful in the choice of BTO to be used on the GM–LM interface, since this choice affects both the stability and accuracy of the computational scheme. Here the problem is first theoretically analyzed for the linear heat equation, and stable BTOs are identified. Then numerical experiments are performed with one‐way nesting in a two‐dimensional channel for heat flow with and without radiation emission and linear reaction, using four different BTOs.

Findings

Among other conclusions, it is shown that the “negative Robin” BTO is unstable, whereas the Dirichlet, Neumann and “positive Robin” BTO are all stable. It is also shown that in terms of accuracy, the Neumann and “positive Robin” BTOs should be preferred over the Dirichlet BTO.

Originality/value

This study may be the first step in analyzing BTO accuracy and stability for more general atmospheric systems.
Application of thermal resistance network model in optimization design of micro‐channel cooling heat sink
Authors: Shaoi Baodong , Wang Lifeng , Li Jianyun , Sun Zhaowei
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to optimize the configuration sizes of micro‐channel cooling heat sink using the thermal resistance network model. The optimized micro‐channel heat sink is simulated by computational fluid dynamics method, and the total thermal resistance is calculated to compare with that of thermal resistance network model.

Design/methodology/approach

Taking the thermal resistance and the pressure drop as goal functions, a multi‐objective optimization model was proposed for the micro‐channel cooling heat sink based on the thermal resistance net work model. The Sequential Quadratic Programming procedure was used to do the optimization design of the structure size of the micro‐channel. The optimized micro‐channel heat sink was numerically simulated by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software.

Findings

For the heat sink to cool a chip with the sizes of L × W = 2.5 mm × 2.5 mm and the power of 8 W, the optimized width and height of the micro‐channel are 154 μm and 1,000 μm, respectively, and its corresponding total thermal resistance is 8.255 K/W. According to the simulation results, the total thermal resistance of whole micro‐channel heat sink Rtotal is 7.596 K/W, which agrees well with the analysis result of thermal resistance network model.

Research limitations/implications

The convection heat transfer coefficient is calculated approximatively here for convenience, and that may induce some errors. Originality/value –The maximum difference in temperature of the optimized micro‐channel cooling heat sink is 59.064 K, which may satisfy the requirement for removal of high heat flux in new‐generation chips.
Strategic renewal: how an organization realigned structure with strategy
Authors: Zand Dale E.
Published: May 2009

Purpose

This disguised case of a unit of a Fortune 500 firm aims to consider two core questions when considering the decision of whether it's time to renew a corporate strategy. They are: Does the strategy truly fit the current business environment? and Is a change in the organizational structure required to fit the intended strategy?

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses “Wyler Company,” a business that was lulled into complacency by prospects of seemingly steady growth, to examine whether the firm's current structure is aligned with leadership's intended strategy.

Findings

A self‐directed study process revealed that the intended strategy had been gradually subverted as the organization grew in complexity and specialization. Management quickly developed a consensus that favored a dramatic change in the organization's structure.

Research limitations/implications

The author was a consultant to an oil exploration and production unit of a Fortune 500 company during a period when many of the critical decisions studied by this disguised case were made.

Practical implications

Management needs to continually monitor the gap between implemented and intended strategy, which often increases as the organization evolves a specialized structure to primarily pursue near‐term gains.

Originality/value

Top management's need to analyze whether the operating structure is aligned with its intended strategy for a dynamic business environment is not an unusual problem. When competition increases, many firms change their structure to concentrate on a few profitable activities. This response, though, can inadvertently subvert their intended strategy.
Panel modelling of retail yields in Asia‐Pacific cities
Authors: Tsolacos Sotiris , Kim Kyung‐Min , Peng Ruijue
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the variation and dispersion of prime retail yields in eight Asia‐Pacific centres. It seeks to provide empirical evidence on the significance of real estate and capital market influences as systematic drivers of retail yields in the sample of eight cities. The aim is to build a model that enables market participants to obtain base case yield forecasts.

Design/methodology/approach

A panel model is deployed in this study utilising a database of yields of eight years (2001‐2007). The small number of observations for retail yields across cities is addressed with this approach, which combines time‐series and cross‐section data. A fixed‐effect specification allows for city specific influences that partially capture the heterogeneity of cities in the sample. Within this framework the influence of time varying factors across markets and random effects on yields is examined.

Findings

The empirical estimates established significant influences from real rent growth and interest rates on retail yields explaining 78 per cent of their variation when allowed for fixed effects. Systematic time influences and market size are not significant. Retail yields are found fairly sensitive to long‐term interest (LTI) rates with 1 per cent change in LTI rates resulting in an over 80 basis points shift in yields. In general, investors should be aware of interest rate shocks as these can move retail yields in the region significantly. Based on the actual and simulated values for 2007 Shanghai and Hong Kong are broadly fairly priced. In Tokyo, Sydney and Singapore retail yields are somewhat lower than the simulated values, which are attributed to greater liquidity and transparency in these markets than indicating over‐pricing. In Delhi, the prime yield above the actual a sign of a possible outward movement is found. Beijing appears under‐priced. Finally, in Mumbai, which has the highest yield in the sample, the simulated yield is below actual as per 2007. An adjustment may not be expected as this difference is attributed to the pricing of supply risks in this market.

Originality/value

This study addresses the dearth of research work on retail yields in the Asia‐Pacific region. Through the panel methodology proposed market participants can obtain fundamentals‐based forecasts for prime retail yields in the sample of the eight cities, understand the exposure to interest rate movements and make calls as to whether markets are mispriced. The study shows that pooling data and panel techniques represent a good option to study market dynamics in situations of small datasets.
The relative importance of sector and regional factors in Italy
Authors: Gabrielli Laura , Lee Stephen
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The relative benefit of sector and regional diversification is a topic of continuing interest to academics, however, the issue has not previously been investigated in Italy. Additionally, previous studies have used geographically defined regions, rather than economically functional areas, when performing the analysis even though most would argue that it is the economic structure of the area that will lead to differences in demand and hence property performance. Therefore the purpose of this paper is to use the economically defined regions of Italy to test the relative benefits of regional diversification versus sector diversification within the Italian real estate portfolio.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses the dummy variable methodology of Heston and Rouwenhorst on the sector and regional affiliation of 27 cities in Italy using annual data over the period 1989 to 2007 for three property‐type: residential, retail and offices and four economically defined regions: the North West, the North East, the Centre of Italy and the South and Islands.

Findings

In contrast, to previous studies it is found that the sector and regional factors effect the returns of properties in Italy in almost equal measure, which is probably a result of using the diverse economic regions of Italy rather than arbitrary geographically locations. Nonetheless, the results show that the sector factor has started to dominate the regional effect in Italy since 1997.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to study the relative benefits of sector and regional diversification in Italy. Additionally, this is the first paper to use regions which are defined on an economic functional basis rather than a geographical basis. The results suggest that, unlike managers in other countries, Italian real estate managers need to monitor both the regional and sector composition of their portfolios.
Union for the Mediterranean: how realistic an exercise in foresight?
Authors: Richardson Jacques
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The objective of this paper is to determine the feasibility of binding, politically, economically and culturally, the Mediterranean Sea's southern and northern coasts.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper evokes the gains and limitations of such an undertaking.

Findings

The paper finds that the initiative may be premature, but a formal relationship should strengthen ties between the new Europe and industrializing portions of North Africa and the western Middle East.

Originality/value

Strong efforts by one European leader to rationalize the relationships of the European Union with nearly two‐dozen Islamic States hold promise politically, economically and perhaps culturally.
Pushed to the abyss of exclusion: ICT and social exclusion in developing countries
Authors: Tambulasi Richard I.C.
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the extent to which information communication technologies (ICTs) have worked as instruments of perpetuating social exclusion in developing countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses theoretical and conceptual analysis method based on an extensive survey of literature. It greatly draws from the theoretical and empirical insights of social policy sub disciplines of social inclusion/exclusion and social aspects of ICTs.

Findings

The paper finds that ICTs in developing countries work to further social marginalization and exclusion. The argument is that developing countries already experience high levels of social exclusion and as a result, ICTs deepen this exclusion.

Originality/value

Theoretically, the paper contributes to the development of literature on the impacts of ICTs in developing countries which are in most cases only assumed. The paper is also pivotal for policy analysis purposes as it informs policy makers on appropriate interventions that can ensure sustainable integration of the socially excluded groups in developing countries. In addition, this paper creates a research sub area for further empirical analysis.
The presentation of a network model for the development of innovation in R&D centers
Authors: Noori S. , Jafari M. , Fathian M. , Ebrahimi M. , Fesharaki M.
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The growing complexity and pace of industrial technological changes are forcing firms to forge new alliances and to respond more efficiently to the market changes. This process is leading some companies toward more strategic joint integration with others. The development of new engineering‐based products is one of the key factors in both corporate and national success. The importance of the new product development process to corporate success is now firmly recognized. It is reflected in continuing interest so as to how this process might be most effectively and efficiently “managed.” This paper aims to investigate this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology of research is soft system methodology (SSM) and statistical. This paper, first, reviews the role of innovation, relationship between time/cost of production, effective factors of product efficiency. Then, using SSM, the authors introduces an integrated network model innovation based on internal and external organizational elements when it applies to the research and development complex environment of engineering‐based new product development programs.

Findings

While previous attempts in modelizing the process of innovation was not adequate in view of the increasing complexity, changing conditions are now influencing the innovation process.

Originality/value

The paper discusses the evolution, changing perceptions and changing practices of what constitutes the dominant model of best practice in the innovation process.
The role of switching costs on service loyalty: a canonical correlation analysis
Authors: He Yanqun , Cheung Shuk‐Man , Tse Siu‐Keung
Published: May 2009

Purpose

There have been mixed results regarding the impacts of satisfaction, service quality and service value on consumer loyalty. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the moderating effects of switching costs between the three antecedents and consumer loyalty via four loyalty dimensions, i.e. repurchase intentions, appreciating behavior, complaining behavior, and price‐increase tolerance.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual framework is developed where the canonical correlations among the antecedents and components of consumer loyalty are analyzed. Three hypothesis sets are proposed and tested based on 12 service industries in Hong Kong markets.

Findings

The findings provide strong evidence of the moderating effects on repurchase preference, but only partial support on the other three loyalty dimensions.

Practical implications

The above findings enable managers to adjust their strategies in response to varying levels of switching costs among services, which affect the relationships between the three primary antecedents and repurchase preference.

Originality/value

Consumer loyalty is considered as an important source of competitive advantages for service firms. Although potential antecedents of loyalty, including satisfaction, service quality and service value, have been identified, their influences on loyalty vary among different service industries. This research highlights the moderating effects of switching costs on the four consumer loyalty dimensions.
Downregulation of MSP58 inhibits growth of human colorectal cancer cells via regulation of the cyclin D1–cyclin‐dependent kinase 4–p21 pathway
Authors: Shi Hai , Chen Sunxiao , Jin Haifeng , Xu Chunsheng , Dong Guanglong , Zhao Qingchuan , Wang Weizhong , Zhang Hongwei , Lin Wei , Zhang Jing , Davidovic Laetitia , Yao Libo , Fan Daiming
Published: May 2009

We have investigated the expression and role of the 58‐kDa microspherule protein (MSP58) in colorectal carcinoma (CRC). By immuhistochemistry and immunofluorescence, we observed MSP58 in the nucleus and cytoplasm of CRC cells, and found MSP58 to be present in CRC specimens more often than in adjacent non‐tumor tissues (92.5 vs 36.3%, P < 0.01). The average staining score in adjacent non‐tumor tissues was significantly lower than in CRC tissues (2.05 ± 1.13 vs 5.23 ± 1.38, P < 0.01). Moreover, MSP58 mRNA and protein appeared to be upregulated in six fresh CRC samples compared to their adjacent non‐cancerous tissues. MSP58 expression was also detected in the human CRC‐derived cell lines LoVo, CoLo205, HCT116, HT‐29, SW620, and SW480. Downregulation of MSP58 inhibited in vitro growth and attenuated tumor growth in animal models by induction of cell cycle arrest, and was associated with reduced levels of cyclin D1, cyclin‐dependent kinase 4, phosphorylation‐Rb (p‐Rb), p21, and Retino blastoma (Rb) proteins. These results indicated that MSP58 might play an important role in the carcinogenesis of CRC via regulation of the cyclin D1–cyclin‐dependent kinase 4–p21 pathway. (Cancer Sci 2009; 100: 1585–1590)