bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early appearance of germinal center–derived memory B cells and plasma cells in blood after primary immunization
Authors: Blink Elizabeth J. , Light Amanda , Kallies Axel , Nutt Stephen L. , Hodgkin Philip D. , Tarlinton David M.
Published: February 2005

Immunization with a T cell–dependent antigen elicits production of specific memory B cells and antibody-secreting cells (ASCs). The kinetic and developmental relationships between these populations and the phenotypic forms they and their precursors may take remain unclear. Therefore, we examined the early stages of a primary immune response, focusing on the appearance of antigen-specific B cells in blood. Within 1 wk, antigen-specific B cells appear in the blood with either a memory phenotype or as immunoglobulin (Ig)G1 ASCs expressing blimp-1. The memory cells have mutated VH genes; respond to the chemokine CXCL13 but not CXCL12, suggesting recirculation to secondary lymphoid organs; uniformly express B220; show limited differentiation potential unless stimulated by antigen; and develop independently of blimp-1 expression. The antigen-specific IgG1 ASCs in blood show affinity maturation paralleling that of bone marrow ASCs, raising the possibility that this compartment is established directly by blood-borne ASCs. We find no evidence for a blimp-1–expressing preplasma memory compartment, suggesting germinal center output is restricted to ASCs and B220+ memory B cells, and this is sufficient to account for the process of affinity maturation.
Identifying protein–protein interactions in somatic hypermutation
Authors: Goodman Myron F. , Scharff Matthew D.
Published: February 2005

Somatic hypermutation (SHM) in immunoglobulin genes is required for high affinity antibody–antigen binding. Cultured cell systems, mouse model systems, and human genetic deficiencies have been the key players in identifying likely SHM pathways, whereas “pure” biochemical approaches have been far less prominent, but change appears imminent. Here we comment on how, when, and why biochemistry is likely to emerge from the shadows and into the spotlight to elucidate how the somatic mutation of antibody variable (V) regions is generated.
The true identity of the supposed giant fossil spiderMegarachne
Authors: Selden Paul A , Corronca José A , Hünicken Mario A
Published: February 2005

Megarachne servineifrom the Permo-Carboniferous Bajo de Véliz Formation of San Luis Province, Argentina (32° 17′ S, 65° 25′ E), was described as a giant mygalomorph spider (‘tarantula’) and, with its body length of 339 mm, the largest known spider ever to have lived on Earth. Its identification as a spider was based on interpretations of the shape of the carapace, the position of the eye tubercle, the anterior protrusion of the carapace as a pair of chelicerae, and the posterior circular structure as the abdomen. X-radiography revealed possible morphology hidden in the matrix: cheliceral fangs, sternum, labium and coxae, and so a reconstruction ofMegarachneas a giant spider was presented. Difficulties with the interpretation (unusual cuticular ornament, suture dividing the carapace and spade-like anterior border of the chelicera), together with non-preservation of synapomorphies of Araneae, provoked debate about its interpretation as a spider. Now, the holotype and a new specimen have become available for study.Megarachneis shown to be a bizarre eurypterid (‘sea-scorpion’), similar to rare forms known from Carboniferous rocks of Scotland and South Africa, and is the most complete eurypterid so far recorded from Carboniferous strata of South America.
A geological history of reflecting optics
Authors: Parker Andrew Richard
Published: February 2005

Optical reflectors in animals are diverse and ancient. The first image-forming eye appeared around 543 million years ago. This introduced vision as a selection pressure in the evolution of animals, and consequently the evolution of adapted optical devices. The earliest known optical reflectors—diffraction gratings—are 515 Myr old. The subsequent fossil record preserves multilayer reflectors, including liquid crystals and mirrors, ‘white’ and ‘blue’ scattering structures, antireflective surfaces and the very latest addition to optical physics—photonic crystals. The aim of this article is to reveal the diversity of reflecting optics in nature, introducing the first appearance of some reflector types as they appear in the fossil record as it stands (which includes many new records) and backdating others in geological time through evolutionary analyses. This article also reveals the commercial potential for these optical devices, in terms of lessons from their nano-level designs and the possible emulation of their engineering processes—molecular self-assembly.
Ribbed elastic structures under a mean flow
Authors: Metcalfe Paul D
Published: February 2005

The problem of a ribbed membrane or plate submerged in a fluid with mean flow is studied. We first derive a method which can be used to reduce this, and similar problems to a band matrix inversion. We then find the pass and stop band structure found in the case of static fluid persists when a mean flow is introduced, and we give an explanation in terms of the eigenvalues of the transfer matrix of the system. We then study disordered structures and observe the phenomenon of Anderson localization. In some parameter régimes the addition of disorder causes significant delocalization.
The invasive Korea and Japan types ofVarroa destructor, ectoparasitic mites of the Western honeybee (Apis mellifera), are two partly isolated clones
Authors: Solignac Michel , Cornuet Jean–Marie , Vautrin Dominique , Le Conte Yves , Anderson Denis , Evans Jay , Cros-Arteil Sandrine , Navajas Maria
Published: February 2005

Varroa destructor, now a major pest of the Western honeybee,Apis mellifera, switched from its original host, the Eastern honeybee,A. cerana,ca. 50 years ago. So far, only two out of several known mitochondrial haplotypes ofV. destructorhave been found to be capable of reproducing onA. mellifera(Korea and Japan). These haplotypes are associated in almost complete cytonuclear disequilibrium to diagnostic alleles at 11 microsatellite loci. By contrast, microsatellite polymorphism within each type is virtually absent, because of a severe bottleneck at the time of host change. Accordingly, 12 mitochondrial sequences of 5185 nucleotides displayed 0.40% of nucleotide divergence between haplotypes and no intra haplotype variation. Hence, each type has a quasi–clonal structure. The nascent intratype variability is subsequent to the clone formation 50 years ago: in both types the variant alleles differ from the most common by one (in 10 cases), two (five cases) or three (one case) repeated motifs. In addition to individuals of the two ‘pure’ types, five F1hybrids and 19 recombinant individuals (Japan alleles introgressed into the Korea genetic background) were detected. The existence of F1and recombinant individuals in admixed populations requires that double infestations of honeybee cells occur in a high proportion but the persistence of pure types suggests a post–zygotic isolation between the two clones.
Male mate choice influences female promiscuity in Soay sheep
Authors: Preston B. T. , Stevenson I. R. , Pemberton J. M. , Coltman D. W. , Wilson K.
Published: February 2005

In most animal species, males are predicted to compete for reproductive opportunities, while females are expected to choose between potential mates. However, when males' rate of reproduction is constrained, or females vary widely in ‘quality’, male mate choice is also predicted to occur. Such conditions exist in the promiscuous mating system of feral Soay sheep on St Kilda, Scotland, where a highly synchronized mating season, intense sperm competition and limitations on sperm production constrain males' potential reproductive rate, and females vary substantially in their ability to produce successful offspring. We show that, consistent with predictions, competitive rams focus their mating activity and siring success towards heavier females with higher inclusive fitness. To our knowledge, this is the first time that male mate choice has been identified and shown to lead to assortative patterns of parentage in a natural mammalian system, and occurs despite fierce male–male competition for mates. An additional consequence of assortative mating in this population is that lighter females experience a series of unstable consorts with less adept rams, and hence are mated by a greater number of males during their oestrus. We have thus also identified a novel male–driven mechanism that generates variation in female promiscuity, which suggests that the high levels of female promiscuity in this system are not part of an daptive female tactic to intensify post–copulatory competition between males.
Genome-wide RNAi screen reveals a specific sensitivity of IRES-containing RNA viruses to host translation inhibition
Authors: Cherry Sara , Doukas Tammy , Armknecht Susan , Whelan Sean , Wang Hui , Sarnow Peter , Perrimon Norbert
Published: February 2005

The widespread class of RNA viruses that utilize internal ribosome entry sites (IRESs) for translation include poliovirus and Hepatitis C virus. To identify host factors required for IRES-dependent translation and viral replication, we performed a genome-wide RNAi screen in Drosophila cells infected with Drosophila C virus (DCV). We identified 66 ribosomal proteins that, when depleted, specifically inhibit DCV growth, but not a non-IRES-containing RNA virus. Moreover, treatment of flies with a translation inhibitor is protective in vivo. Finally, this increased sensitivity to ribosome levels also holds true for poliovirus infection of human cells, demonstrating the generality of these findings.
Kalman filter and neural network‐based icing identification applied to A340 aircraft dynamics
Authors: Aykan Rahmi , Hajiyev Chingiz , Çalişkan Fikret
Published: February 2005

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to maintain safe flight and to improve existing deicing (in‐flight removal of ice) and anti‐icing (prevention of ice accretion) systems under in‐flight icing conditions.Design/methodology/approach– A recent academic research on aircraft icing phenomenon is presented. Several wind tunnel tests of an experimental aircraft provided by NASA are used in the neural network training. Five ice‐affected parameters are chosen in the light of these experiments and researches. An offline artificial neural network is used as an identification technique. The Kalman filter is used to increase the state measurement's accuracy such that neural network training performance gets better. A linear A340 dynamic model is selected in cruise conditions. This linear model is simulated in time varying manner in terms of changing icing parameters in a system dynamic matrix. The obtained data are used in neural network training and testing.Findings– Airframe icing can grow in many ways and many points on aircraft. In this research, wing leading edge ice occurrence is only considered at the same level in both left and right wings. During ice growth other faults or anomalies are ignored.Originality/value– Existing icing sensors can only provide an indication about possible ice presence. They cannot give information of the exact level of ice. However, the efficiency of current control system of changed model decreases. The proposed technique offers a method to find out the model changes under icing conditions.
On‐line monitoring and diagnosis for satellite telemetry data
Authors: Long Bing , Song Zhengji , Jiang Xingwei
Published: February 2005

Purpose

To improve the speed and precise of online monitoring and diagnosis for satellite using satellite telemetry data.Design/methodology/approach – In monitoring system, a fuzzy range which gives the probability of alarm for telemetry channels using fuzzy reasoning is outlined. A failure confidence factor is presented to modify the traditional real‐time diagnosis algorithm based on multisignal model to describe the relative failure possibility for suspected components. According to the modified real‐time diagnosis algorithm based on multisignal model, it rapidly generates the states for all the components of the system such as good, bad, suspected and unknown. Then the failure probability for suspected components is obtained by Mamdani fuzzy reasoning algorithm.Findings – The experimental results reveal that the diagnosis system can not only improve diagnosis of speed but also can improve the diagnostic precision by giving failure probability for suspected fault components which may be potential failure components.Research limitations/implications – It requires the clear fault dependency relationship between components and tests.Practical implications – A very useful method for researchers and engineers who are engaged in satellite online monitoring and diagnosis.Originality/value – This paper presents a new method combining multisignal model and fuzzy theory to give the failure probability for suspected components which improves the speed and precision for fault diagnosis.
Dynamic stability characteristics of doubly curved panels with circular cutout subjected to follower edge load
Authors: Ravi Kumar L. , Datta P.K. , Prabhakara D.L.
Published: February 2005

Purpose

To predict the critical flutter load and frequencies of doubly curved panels using first‐order shear deformation theory considering the effects of shear deformation and rotary inertia.Design/methodology/approach – A finite element analysis procedure is based on the extension of dynamic, shear deformable theory initially according to Sanders' theory, which can be reduced to Love's and Donnell's theories by means of tracers.Findings – Flutter is observed to be more common than divergence under follower loading; the magnitude of the flutter load is gradually decreasing with the increasing cut‐out size; load bandwidth and type of load conditions have significant influence on flutter and divergence characteristics of both isotropic and laminated curved panels; damping is perceived to have significant effect on flutter behaviour; the effect of direction control parameter with damping significantly affects the critical load.Practical implications – The practical behaviour of follower forces involving: aerodynamic drag; engine thrust; cantilever pipe conveying fluid; gas turbine rotor; automatic control system application; and automobile disk brakes can be monitored more successfully.Originality/value – Will assist students of elastic systems, both conservative and non‐conservative.
A robust approach to employee skill and knowledge development
Authors: Lyons Paul
Published: February 2005

Purpose

To explain and demonstrate an interactive approach to skill development and knowledge attainment that may serve varied purposes for employee learning and development.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explains in detail and demonstrates the process of skill charting. Skill charting is an interactive, constructivist approach to learning. The process, as a training design, is contrasted with a more traditional training design to demonstrate how performance was improved.

Findings

Team leaders trained with skill charting performed more effectively, in general, with regard to several performance behaviors than did a comparable group of team leaders trained with other methods. The findings support the efficacy of skill charting as a process.

Practical implications

The skill charting process as presented in this paper adds to the tool‐box of the professional trainer, the human resources specialist, and managers. The process, as a sequence of events, offers a template for a variety of employee development activities. The process can be used for training purposes, for exploration of new skills, for some change initiative, and for other purposes. The approach involves employees directly in performance improvement as well as increasing the likelihood that changes in work practices will achieve greater employee acceptance.

Originality/value

The skills‐charting process offers a practical tool and multi‐faceted resource. While related to quality improvement tools such as the Affinity Diagram and the Relationship Diagram, the process offers a wide range of training and development possibilities that spring from graphical and representational origins. The grounding of the approach in transformative and constructivist learning concepts establishes strong motivational prompts for participants.
ROI on a shoe‐string: strategies for resource‐constrained environments
Authors: Burkett Holly
Published: February 2005

Purpose

Despite heightened interest in return on investment (ROI) and increased accountability for training professionals to prove their bottom‐line organizational value, many practitioners are deterred from comprehensive measurement and ROI evaluation due to concerns about the cost, time, and human resources necessary to fully implement the process. The purpose of this two‐part series is to present ten best practice, cost‐saving approaches for developing a credible, economical ROI strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

A systemic approach to measuring training's impact begins with an evaluation framework. For the purposes of this article, Jack Phillips’ five‐level framework for capturing the financial impact of training programs was referenced. Based on over 20 years of research and global applications, Phillips’ ROI model also includes techniques for isolating the impact of other variables, besides training, on performance improvement.

Findings

Many organizations around the globe are using cost‐saving approaches so they can begin conducting ROI evaluation within their current budget, while others use cost‐saving approaches in order to increase the number of ROI studies they conduct. The ten cost‐saving approaches for measuring programs at the ROI level have been proven to significantly decrease resource requirements while still providing sound, credible data. Despite these factors, establishing an evaluation culture is no easy task. In many ways, implementing a system‐wide ROI effort is similar to implementing a large‐scale change initiative.

Practical implications

Practical application of these cost‐saving approaches allows the resource‐constrained training function to present their work in terms of financial benefits that leaders understand and have come to expect. It is a vital step in establishing business partnerships that will enhance commitment for training programs, products, and services going forward.

Originality/value

By evaluating training programs with the ROI in mind, training functions can be perceived in a more credible light. Programs aligned with organization strategy are offered, while others that add little value are redesigned and sometimes eliminated. Trainers, designers and developers can use the findings of an ROI evaluation to increase training alignment with business needs and to improve the efficiency of the training design, development, and delivery life cycle.
Fight past the jargon and find the benefits
Authors: Humphries David
Published: February 2005

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to inform businesses about the best practice in getting the most out of the government‐funded Knowledge Transfer Partnerships – a method of transferring university expertise to the benefit of business.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes how these Knowledge Transfer Partnerships work, the kind of projects that get funded, and the benefits that surveyed companies have experienced. It then gives three case studies of Knowledge Transfer Partnerships to illustrate how they work.

Findings

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships significantly improve productivity and profitability in most businesses where the projects take place. They also cover a broad range of projects than simply technology transfer.

Originality/value

The paper is valuable to businesses, especially SMEs, who might be looking to undertake projects that involve some innovative or research element as it explains how to obtain significant government funding.
The economics of repository libraries in the context of the future conventional libraries
Authors: O'Connor Steve
Published: February 2005

Purpose

This paper sets out to explore the place of the repository library in today's information world.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper argues that it is important to view repository libraries anew and to re‐invigorate the debate as to their value and their place in the digital world. The paper is also set in the context of the Caval Archival Records Management Centre (CARM), located in Melbourne, Australia.

Findings

There seem to be three basic roles for the repository in the emerging digital world. First, there is a role managing the low‐use legacy collections that will never be digitised, providing access to them in some defined service and pricing model. Second, there is a role to manage the vast array of learning objects that are being developed institutionally for online learning programs on behalf of existing institutional libraries and their learning and teaching units. Third, it can be argued that the peer review process is under severe pressure in the emerging digital world.

Originality/value

Ascertains that repository libraries need to debate a new, more active and involved role in their information communities. Much will be gained from a rigorous re‐examination of the economics of systems rather than of individual repositories.
Preserving African digital resources: is there a role for repository libraries?
Authors: Johan Lor Peter
Published: February 2005

Purpose

To determine whether repository libraries in developed countries have a role to play in the preservation of the digital resources of developing countries.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature‐based conceptual analysis of: categories of digital resources produced in developing countries; capacity of African institutions and stakeholders to preserve African digital resources; and issues and challenges to be faced by repository libraries in preserving these resources.

Findings

The volume of digital material being published in sub‐Saharan Africa is relatively small but it is growing and it is of significance as a part of Africa's heritage. African institutions currently do not have the capacity to collect and preserve this material. It is possible for repository libraries in the north to play a role in ensuring the long‐term preservation and accessibility of digital material from Africa, provided that they take into account certain technical, organisational, economic, political, legal and ethical aspects, especially the “soft” issues. Projects should as far as possible be undertaken in consultation and collaboration with digital resource creators and African heritage institutions.

Research limitations/implications

Based on conditions in sub‐Saharan Africa, with emphasis on South Africa.

Practical implications

Issues that may otherwise be overlooked by institutions in developed countries are identified.

Originality/value

Provides caveats and guidelines for institutions in developed countries that may want to embark on projects to preserve African digital heritage.
Storage solutions in a co‐operative library system
Authors: Kempf Klaus
Published: February 2005

Purpose

Aims to highlight how the complex issue of storage problems is managed within the context of German and Bavarian libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

Introduces very briefly the main features of the German scholarly library system, focusing on the aspects of storage and archiving. Then, presents the characteristics and peculiarities of the repository concepts realized on the national and the regional level. For the latter, focuses on Bavaria, which provides perhaps the best example of a working co‐ordinated regional archiving system.

Findings

In Germany, establishing a repository library like those in the Scandinavian countries or in the Anglo‐Saxon world seems impossible. In the last few years in the area of storage concepts there has been an avoidance of the idea of central and regional storage libraries. The few existing co‐operative models (examples are to be found in the states of North Rhine Westphalia and Baden‐Württemberg) have failed. In light of experiences thus far, the idea of a more or less self‐sufficient, self‐staffed and independently organized regional storage library must be viewed with scepticism.

Originality/value

A storage library is, at least in Germany, currently only conceivable in the sense of a stacks enlargement project, or in the creation of an additional stacks location for an already existing and already archive‐friendly library. The best example is Bavaria.
Telephone survey research for library managers
Authors: Calvert Philip , Pope Adam
Published: February 2005

Purpose

To explore and evaluate the evidence about the value of using telephone surveys, especially in market research for a library.

Design/methodology/approach

A critical summary and review of the literature in this field.

Findings

This paper demonstrates that there are five major reasons for using this method of surveying customer preferences: response rates are higher; data can be analysed sooner; the cost of surveys is lower than alternative methods; calls can be monitored for quality; and the telephone offers the benefits of spontaneity.

Practical implications

The paper contains extensive information on “best practice” of telephone surveying including designing the questionnaire and conducting the interview. There is information on getting a representative sample, plus coping with “no answers”, unlisted numbers and answering machines.

Originality/value

Library managers with a commitment to using innovative techniques for market research will find telephone surveys offer a useful and cheap alternative to other survey methods. No previous paper has examined the use of, and the value of, telephone surveys in libraries.
Management musings 20
Authors: Line Maurice B.
Published: February 2005

Purpose

Aims to briefly discuss a personal journey through part of a library career.

Design/methodology/approach

The method is (loosely) process recall and personal reflection.

Findings

The author's career has been eventful in many and varied ways.

Originality/value

Provides personal recollections of library work.
Creating a winning board
Authors: Coulson‐Thomas Colin
Published: February 2005

Purpose

To share the key findings of continuing research programs into successful and unsuccessful approaches to managing change, business development, competing and winning.

Design/methodology/approach

The underpinning research compares approaches adopted with outcomes achieved to identify critical success factors for key corporate activities such as winning business, building relationships, managing change and creating and exploiting know‐how.

Findings

The directors and boards of successful and unsuccessful companies behave in very different ways. Corporate performance depends primarily upon what boards actually do and how their members behave. Winning boards are distinguished by the attitudes and conduct of their members and the approaches they adopt. Corporate governance arrangements are often a symptom and consequence rather than a cause of board effectiveness.

Practical implications

The focus, priorities and preoccupations of many directors and boards need to change if they are to add more value to creating the future.

Originality/value

Provides an overview of the main differences between the behaviors of directors and boards of successful and unsuccessful companies.
American Association of Engineering Education: Engineering Libraries Division
Authors: Gelfand Julia
Published: February 2005

Briefly notes the topics covered at the annual meeting of the American Association of Engineering Education, which took place in Salt Lake City in June 2004.
WiLSWorld 2004: Virtual Chase: In Hot Pursuit of Electronic Solutions
Authors: McKiernan Gerry
Published: February 2005

Reports on selected presentations at the WiLSWorld conference, held in July 2004 at the University of Wisconsin‐Madison.
A Brief Introduction to a Humanities Data Grid
Authors: Hancock Brian
Published: February 2005

Focuses on the setting up of a distributed computing system to access resources on multiple machines at the Center for Electronic Texts in the Humanities at Rutgers University. Outlines the features of the chosen software and systems and the benefits that grid computing provides – improvement in productivity and multi‐disciplinary collaboration, the sharing of resources, and the optimal use of computing capabilities.
World Library and Information Congress 2004: Buenos Aires
Authors: Gelfand Julia
Published: February 2005

Provides an overview of the World Library and Information Congress 70th IFLA General Conference held in Argentina in August 2004. The theme "Libraries as tools for education and development" was carried out in many ways with a variety of programming, industry updates, keynote sessions, nearly 80 poster sessions, invited guests and local tours to area libraries and institutions.
E‐Mail Usage by Technical Education Students in Nigerian Universities
Authors: Akinseinde Samuel I. , Adomi Esharenana E.
Published: February 2005

This work surveys use of e‐mail by Technical Education students in Nigerian universities. Questionnaires were used to collect data from technical education students in three Nigerian universities: University of Benin, Nnamdi Azikiwe University and Delta State University. Data were analysed and presented by gender using frequency counts and percentages. Findings reveal that a majority of the respondents used e‐mail to communicate with parents/relatives and friends, followed by with course mates, a majority of them have e‐mail address with yahoo, use/access e‐mail in cyber cafés, send and receive less than 10 mails per week, prefer e‐mail to postal system and are deterred by slow computer response from use of e‐mail; conclusion was drawn in the light of findings.
Around the World: Campus Library on the High Seas
Authors: Thomes Kate
Published: February 2005

Focuses on the author’s experiences during the Summer 2004 voyage of the Semester at Sea program when she sailed as the ship’s librarian. The program, run by the Institute for Shipboard Education (ISE) and academically based at the University of Pittsburgh, provides a floating college campus to students and faculty on a ship that sails around the world with stops in several countries on each voyage. The question of what is the essence of a library was of particular concern because ISE acquired a new ship about three weeks prior to the voyage, and, since this did not have an academic library on board, much work was needed in a very short period of time to create one – an opportunity to see a library set up from scratch and to ponder the essentials of service and practice.
Frankfurt Book Fair: “Buch Messe 2004”
Authors: Gelfand Julia
Published: February 2005

Reports on the 2004 Frankfurt Book Fair. Provides some information on exhibitors, subject groups and other topics about the world’s largest trade show for the publishing industry.
Fashions of learning: improving supply‐chain relationships
Authors: Preiss Kenneth J. , Murray Peter A.
Published: February 2005

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a new model of organisational learning that can be used to identify the actual and desired behavioural gaps between firms engaged in supply‐chain relationships. Improved learning implementation is expected to improve significantly the competitive dynamics between supplier‐client‐customer relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the paper discusses the boundary‐spanning chain that takes information from consumers and uses it to tell manufacturers what products to make. For many, transforming down‐side requirements from thought into action has required major reengineering of existing organisational structures, business processes, and the information technology that supports them. The paper discusses why organisational learning is an inherent part of this process. Next, the paper examines various types of organisational learning processes. Third, the paper discusses various strategies for improving learning. The discussion suggests that supply‐chain processes will improve when organisational competencies are tackled by sophisticated learning strategies.

Findings

Based on previous empirical work on the relationship between management competencies and learning behaviour, the paper seeks to make a contribution by recognising the theoretical contributions relevant to the field. The model proposed is a new approach in understanding the relationship between learning and supply chain management.

Originality/value

The exploratory nature of the paper will be of significant interest to practitioners in the field.
Trust, commitment and relationships in supply chain management: a path analysis
Authors: Kwon Ik‐Whan G. , Suh Taewon
Published: February 2005

Purpose

The primary purpose of this study is to examine the relationships between the level of trust and several relevant constructs drawn from transaction cost analysis (such as asset specificity, behavioral uncertainty, and partner's opportunism) and social exchange theory (informational sharing).

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive questionnaire based on various theories on trust and commitment was mailed in 2001 to supply chain practitioners in the Midwest region. A total of 171 valid returns were received out of 1,800 mailings (9.5 percent). A path analysis was used to estimate parameters or relationship between relevant constructs and trust, and trust with the level of commitment.

Findings

A firm's trust in their supply chain partner is highly associated with both parties’ specific asset investments and social exchange theory. Information sharing has a primary impact on reducing (improving a partner's uncertainty behavior which, in turn, would improve the level of trust. Finally, the level of commitment is strongly related to the level of trust, supporting Morgan and Hunt's hypothesis.

Research limitations/implications

This research used supply chain practitioners in one region as a target population. It is highly recommended to duplicate this study in other regions to verify the findings.

Originality/value

This is the first research paper linking various variables to trust and trust to commitment in supply chain management using path model.
Curriculum design and management in theDigital Media U
Authors: Selby Les , Russell David
Published: February 2005

Purpose

To report on the progress of Digital Media U, a tailor‐made portal, learning environment and management system.

Design/methodology/approach

Discusses the design of the learning content domains, acquisition of the content and the systems for managing the curriculum in the future, including the application of a new model of accreditation.

Findings

Digital Media U applies the theories and concept of corporate universities to the digital media business sub‐sector, providing continuing professional development that supports regional and individual business strategies. DM‐U creates a “sectoral learning community” in the supply chain of project partners, educational institutions, learners and their organisations. DM‐U curriculum offers choices of topic, delivery, price and location, accommodating the learning needs of micro and SMEs from “just in time/just enough” through to accreditation.

Originality/value

Provides information on a new learning community and network for small and medium‐sized enterprises.
A model of values and actions for personal knowledge management
Authors: Zuber‐Skerritt Ortrun
Published: February 2005

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a “soft methodology” model in knowledge management that addresses the problem of accessing and managing one particular type of knowledge: personal (implicit/tacit) knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

The model is based on the theories and methodologies of grounded theory, adult learning, collaborative action learning and action research. These are the approaches advocated and used actively by some international action learning associations and business schools. Discusses their philosophy and explores how the values and actions that they advocate can be used to access personal knowledge for professional and organizational learning.

Findings

The model presented consists of seven commonly shared values and principles of an action learning and action research (ALAR) culture, captured in the acronym ACTIONS. The paper demonstrates how these seven principles can actually be translated into concrete actions, giving examples from ALAR programs. The matching actions are captured in another acronym – REFLECT. The resulting model, from which are generated seven kinds of personal knowledge, can be used for knowledge management in management education and the workplace.

Originality/value

Provides a model for developing individual knowledge management skills, which is a central concern for corporate universities and business schools.
Achieving integrated performance management with the corporate university
Authors: Dealtry Richard
Published: February 2005

Purpose

This article aims to deliver synoptic perspectives on the evolution taking place in corporate university management best practice.

Design/methodology/approach

The insights are based on the author's co‐creative client experience in the design, management and impact studies of this business and organisation development intervention. The text and narrative imagery provide contextual insights into the many challenges and pivotal issues that have to be addressed and resolved if the potential of the corporate university is to be fully realised as a definitive agency for managing the psyche of the learning organisation in knowledge‐intensive environments.

Findings

The article articulates the timeline evolution of the new‐generation corporate university concept and introduces practical frameworks for configuring and upgrading these platforms through higher levels of value‐added design and development.

Practical implications

Provides a breakthrough perspective on the real‐time co‐creative multi‐disciplinary environment, infrastructures and transferable skill sets around which viable new generation company solutions are being designed and sustained.

Originality/value

The article will be of special interest to those career‐minded professional managers and academics who wish to envision the new genre of the corporate university and be well informed about the concepts, practicalities and professionalism required for success.
Designing and managing a strategic academic alliance: an Australian university experience
Authors: Ryan Lindsay , Morriss Ross
Published: February 2005

Purpose

This article outlines the experience and approach of an Australian university in developing and managing education program partnerships within industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Describes how the university has established a specialist Strategic Partnerships unit for managing the customisation and delivery of postgraduate award programs and executive education to industry. Discusses some of the key issues that have contributed to the management of industry partnerships.

Findings

Some of the key issues that have contributed to the management of industry partnerships include project management of industry programs and flexibility in developing and delivering education programs to industry from a university perspective.

Originality/value

Provides an illustration of the growth of university and corporate education partnerships in an Australian context.
Modelling accessibility to urban services using fuzzy logic
Authors: Thériault Marius , Des Rosiers François , Joerin Florent
Published: February 2005

Purpose

This paper is an attempt to bridge the gap between, on the one hand, the mobility behaviour of households and their perception of accessibility to urban amenities and, on the other hand, house price dynamics as captured through hedonic modelling.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to analyse the mobility behaviour of individuals and households, their sensitivity to travel time from home to service places is estimated so as to assess their perceived accessibility, using “subjective” indices based on actual trips, as reported in the 2001 origin‐destination survey designed for Quebec City. For comparative purposes, both objective and subjective accessibility indices based, in the former case on observed travel times and, in the latter case on fuzzy logic criteria, are computed and used as a complement to a centrality index in a hedonic model of house prices.

Findings

Findings indicate that there are statistically significant differences in the way accessibility is structured depending on trip purposes and household profiles. They also suggest that, while an objective measure of accessibility yields good results, resorting to subjective, and more comprehensive, accessibility indices derived from fuzzy logic provides greater insight into the understanding of commuting patterns and travel behaviour of people.

Practical implications

Better understanding the complexity of individuals’ and households’ mobility behaviour should result in more adequate initiatives and decisions being taken by transportation and city planning authorities.

Originality/value

Accessibility to jobs and services has long been known as a major determinant of urban, residential and non residential, rents. Yet, it is more often than not assumed to derive from a rather straightforward process, which this paper shows is not the case.
Discounted cash flow: accounting for uncertainty
Authors: French Nick , Gabrielli Laura
Published: February 2005

Purpose

Valuation is the process of estimating price. The methods used to determine value attempt to model the thought processes of the market and thus estimate price by reference to observed historic data. This information is utilised in the discounted cash flow (DCF) valuation model to determine the single point valuation figure. However, the valuation will be affected by uncertainties: uncertainty in the comparable data available; uncertainty in the current and future market conditions and uncertainty in the specific inputs for the subject property. These input uncertainties will translate into an uncertainty with the output figure, the estimate of price. This paper discusses ways in which uncertainty can be incorporated into the DCF model.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper looks at the way in which uncertainty can be incorporated into the explicit DCF model. This is done by recognising that the input variables are uncertain and will have a probability distribution pertaining to each of them. Thus by utilising a probability‐based valuation model (using Crystal Ball) it is possible to incorporate uncertainty into the analysis and address the shortcomings of the current model.

Findings

The outcome of introducing uncertainty in the inputs is to produce a range of different answers. The central tendency of this distribution is very close to the single point estimate of the static model, yet the user of the technique now benefits from an understanding of the upside and downside risk pertaining to this single point estimate.

Originality/value

This study contributes significantly to the practical application of probability‐based models to valuation. In particular, the findings from the study will be useful for clients to understand better the context in which a valuation figure is provided to them.
Critical Issues in Contraceptive and STI Acceptability Research
Authors: Severy Lawrence J. , Newcomer Susan
Published: February 2005

We review conceptual issues and theoretical frameworks related to users' acceptability of new technologies designed to protect reproductive health and prevent unwanted pregnancy. Special attention is given to distinctions among different kinds of users' perspectives regarding acceptability, as well as differentiating acceptability from assessments of the efficacy of innovative methods. Emphasis is also given to the larger context of couple decision‐making and cultural variation. We argue that concern for sexual pleasure plays a central role in determining user perspectives regarding new methods. The female condom, contraceptive ring, contraceptive skin patch, microbicides, vaccines, emergency contraception, and PERSONA are discussed within the context of the identified critical issues.
Development and Evaluation of the Abortion Attributes Questionnaire
Authors: Harvey S. Marie , Nichols Mark D.
Published: February 2005

This paper describes the development and evaluation of the Abortion Attributes Questionnaire (AAQ), an instrument designed to assess the perceived importance of specific characteristics of abortion methods. Women receiving medical abortions (n= 186) and women who chose surgical procedures (n= 118) completed the AAQ. Participants were asked to rate how important each of 21 characteristics would be “when choosing between surgical and medical abortion.” Factor analyses revealed that the AAQ consists of four factors and, as subscales, the factors have good internal reliability. The validity of the AAQ was established through discriminant function analysis and results indicated that three of the four factors predicted choice. Taken together, these findings provide empirical support for the constructs measured by the AAQ.
The Legal Aspects of Parental Rights in Assisted Reproductive Technology
Authors: Ciccarelli John K. , Ciccarelli Janice C.
Published: February 2005

This paper provides an overview of the different legal approaches that are used in various jurisdictions to determine parental rights and obligations of the parties involved in third party assisted reproduction. Additionally, the paper explores the differing legal models that are used depending on the method of surrogacy being utilized. The data demonstrates that a given method of surrogacy may well result in different procedures and outcomes regarding parental rights in different jurisdictions. This suggests the need for a uniform method to resolve parental rights where assisted reproductive technology is involved.
When Practices, Promises, Profits, and Policies Outpace Hard Evidence: The Post‐Menopausal Hormone Debate
Authors: Naughton Michelle J. , Jones Alison Snow , Shumaker Sally A.
Published: February 2005

Currently, there is widespread controversy regarding the risks and benefits of hormone therapy for women over 50. The history of hormone therapy provides an excellent example of how different constituencies with competing objectives can produce health practices and policies of questionable benefit. We examine this history from the perspectives of women who now live longer, expecting higher quality of life throughout their later years, healthcare providers who are influenced by the real and perceived needs of their patients as well as information provided by drug manufacturers, the pharmaceutical industry which seeks to identify and promote drugs that offer the most promise for both patients and shareholders, and medical researchers—including the National Institutes of Health and the Federal Drug Administration.