bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Models for the formation of a critical layer in water wave propagation
Authors: Johnson R. S.
Published: March 2012

A theory is presented which provides a model for the appearance of critical layers within the flow below a water wave. The wave propagates over constant depth, with constant (non-zero) vorticity. The mechanism described here involves adjusting the surface-pressure boundary condition; two models are discussed. In the first, the pressure at the surface is controlled (mimicking the movement of a low-pressure region associated with a storm) so that the speed and development of the pressure region ensure the appearance of a critical layer. In the second, the pressure boundary condition is allowed to accommodate the reduction of pressure with altitude, although the effects have to be greatly enhanced for this mechanism to produce a critical layer. These two problems are analysed using formal parameter asymptotics. In the second problem, this leads to a Korteweg–de Vries equation for the surface wave, and then the evolution of appropriate solutions of this equation gives rise to the appearance of a critical layer near the bottom; the corresponding problem at the surface can be formulated but not completely resolved. The appearance of a stagnation point and then a critical layer, either at the surface or the bottom, are discussed; the nature of the flow, and the corresponding streamlines are obtained and some typical flow fields are depicted.
Streptomyces endophyticus sp. nov., an endophytic actinomycete isolated from Artemisia annua L.
Authors: Li Jie , Zhao Guo-Zhen , Zhu Wen-Yong , Huang Hai-Yu , Xu Li-Hua , Zhang Si , Li Wen-Jun
Published: March 2012

Three filamentous actinomycetes, strains YIM 65594T, YIM 65638 and YIM 65642, were isolated from the surface-sterilized roots of Artemisia annua L. collected from Yunnan province, south-west China. These strains were found to have morphological and chemotaxonomic characteristics typical of the genus

Streptomyces

. The organisms formed an extensively branched substrate mycelium, with abundant aerial hyphae that differentiated into spores. The cell wall of the isolates contained ll-diaminopimelic acid and the menaquinones were MK-9(H8) and MK-9(H6). The major fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C17 : 0 and iso-C16 : 0. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences of these strains revealed that the strains clustered together and were most closely related to

Streptomyces kunmingensis

NBRC 14463T, with 98.5–98.6 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity. The results of DNA–DNA hybridization and physiological tests allowed the genotypic and phenotypic differentiation of strains YIM 65594T, YIM 65638 and YIM 65642 from related species. However, the high level of DNA–DNA relatedness between them showed that these three strains belong to the same species. Strain YIM 65594T ( = DSM 41984T = CCTCC AA 209036T) was selected as the type strain to represent this novel species, for which the name Streptomyces endophyticus sp. nov. is proposed.
Nonomuraea jabiensis sp. nov., isolated from arid soil
Authors: Camas Mustafa , Sazak Anil , Spröer Cathrin , Klenk Hans-Peter , Cetin Demet , Guven Kiymet , Sahin Nevzat
Published: March 2012

A novel actinomycete, strain A4036T, was isolated from a soil sample collected from the Jabi district in Abuja, Nigeria. The taxonomic position of strain A4036T was established using a combination of genotypic and phenotypic analyses. The organism formed extensively branched substrate and aerial hyphae that generated spiral chains of spores with warty surfaces. The cell wall contained meso-diaminopimelic acid and the cell-wall sugars were glucose, madurose, mannose and ribose. The predominant menaquinone was MK-9(H4). The polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylmethylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol mannoside, hydroxy-phosphatidylethanolamine, hydroxy-phosphatidylmethylethanolamine, two unidentified phospholipids and four unknown glucosamine-containing phospholipids. The major cellular fatty acids were iso-C16 : 0 2-OH, iso-C16 : 0 and 10-methyl C17 : 0. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity studies, strain A4036T grouped in the genus

Nonomuraea

, being most closely related to

Nonomuraea angiospora

IFO 13155T (99.05 %),

Nonomuraea candida

HMC10T (98.78 %),

Nonomuraea kuesteri

GW 14-1925T (98.49 %),

Nonomuraea endophytica

YIM 65601T (98.42 %),

Nonomuraea maheshkhaliensis

16-5-14T (98.40 %),

Nonomuraea turkmeniaca

DSM 43926T (98.38 %),

Nonomuraea helvata

IFO 14681T (98.29 %),

Nonomuraea rubra

DSM 43768T (98.10 %) and

Nonomuraea salmonea

DSM 43678T (98.06 %). Levels of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to the type strains of other species of the genus

Nonomuraea

were <98 %. Despite the high 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities, DNA–DNA relatedness values and phenotypic data demonstrated that strain A4036T was clearly distinguished from all closely related species of the genus

Nonomuraea

. Thus, this isolate is considered to represent a novel species of the genus

Nonomuraea

, for which the name Nonomuraea jabiensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is A4036T ( = DSM 45507T = KCTC 19870T).
Modeling of mesencephalic locomotor region for Nao humanoid robot
Authors: Shahbazi Hamed , Jamshidi Kamal , Hasan Monadjemi Amir
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to model a motor region named the mesencephalic locomotors region (MLR) which is located in the end part of the brain and first part of the spinal cord. This model will be used for a Nao soccer player humanoid robot. It consists of three main parts: High Level Decision Unit (HLDU), MLR‐Learner and the CPG layer. The authors focus on a special type of decision making named curvilinear walking.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors' model is based on stimulation of some programmable central pattern generators (PCPGs) to generate curvilinear bipedal walking patterns. PCPGs are made from adaptive Hopfs oscillators. High level decision, i.e. curvilinear bipedal walking, will be formulated as a policy gradient learning problem over some free parameters of the robot CPG controller.

Findings

The paper provides a basic model for generating different types of motions in humanoid robots using only simple stimulation of a CPG layer. A suitable and fast curvilinear walk has been achieved on a Nao humanoid robot, which is similar to human ordinary walking. This model can be extended and used in other types of humanoid.

Research limitations/implications

The authors' work is limited to a special type of biped locomotion. Different types of other motions are encouraged to be tested and evaluated by this model.

Practical implications

The paper introduces a bio‐inspired model of skill learning for humanoid robots. It is used for curvilinear bipedal walking pattern, which is a beneficial movement in soccer‐playing Nao robots in Robocup competitions.

Originality/value

The paper uses a new biological motor concept in artificial humanoid robots, which is the mesencephalic locomotor region.
Technology business incubators and industrial development: resource‐based view
Authors: Somsuk Nisakorn , Wonglimpiyarat Jarunee , Laosirihongthong Tritos
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine enabling factors influencing the success of technology business incubators (TBIs) with respect to existing and acquired resources, and describe how these enabling factors have been implemented in practice.

Design/methodology/approach

The potential enabling factors were identified based on the literature review through the lens of the resource‐based view (RBV) perspective. The Q‐sort method was then applied to classify those factors according to the experts' opinions, for evoking group consensus on the classifications. Finally, a Thailand science park incubator was taken as a case to illustrate the applicability of the findings.

Findings

The strategic resources and their categories which can be considered as TBIs' enabling factors were found through the RBV theory. They are important to TBIs' success and improvement of technology‐based SMEs' competitive advantage.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the lack of international comparisons and the experts' panel selection bias, attempts to generalize the findings should be made with caution.

Practical implications

The findings have been formulated into a set of comprehensive recommendations for all stakeholders (mainly public policy makers), which will help to enhance the development of business incubation in Thailand.

Originality/value

The paper presents an approach to determine enabling factors influencing the successful TBIs, coming from the RBV perspective.
Education and fertility: an investigation into Italian families
Authors: Aldieri Luigi , Paolo Vinci Concetto
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the correlation between the educational level and the number of children in Italy, where a very low fertility rate may be observed.

Design/methodology/approach

Since the number of children ever born is a count variable, Poisson regression is the suitable statistical procedure used to conduct the empirical analysis. First, the authors estimate the correlation between the female's education and her number of children, and then the authors use also partner's education to take into account the family dimension. Furthermore, in the context of fertility, zero observations might be due either to the choice not to have children, or to the impossibility of becoming a mother. For this reason, the authors adopt also a more appropriate tool, that is a zero‐inflated Poisson regression.

Findings

From the empirical results, a significant negative correlation may be observed between the level of education and the number of children.

Originality/value

There are other studies in the literature focusing on the correlation between female participation rate and her fertility rate in the Italian case. In those frameworks, the education variable is usually considered as a control variable. The paper's contribution to the literature is twofold: on one hand the authors develop a theoretical model giving an intuition reason of mechanism underlying the fertility behaviour of families; on the other hand, the authors implement more appropriate empirical models to test for this hypothesis, taking education as the main variable.
The measurement of inequality in Fiji's household income distribution
Authors: Gounder Rukmani , Xing Zhongwei
Published: March 2012

Purpose

Measures of inequality determine the effectiveness of social and economic policies aimed at reducing inequality and to design effective intervention policies. The purpose of this paper is to focus on poverty reduction and welfare improving impacts of reducing income inequality in the case of Fiji. Using Fiji's Household Income and Expenditure Survey 2002‐2003, a comprehensive analysis is used to measure the level of inequality by household income, quintile income distribution, decomposition of inequality by ethnicity and regional groups, and the household income inequality by source of income.

Design/methodology/approach

Several statistical techniques have been applied to investigate the degree of inequality in the household income. These include the Gini coefficient, the Nelson ratio, the concentration index and the Atkinson index. An evaluation by ethnicity, regions and household income sources reflects the level of inequality, and concerns for policies and governance.

Findings

The results show that urban households, in particular, experience greater inequalities, in both positive and normative terms. The Indo‐Fijian households experience greater income inequalities than the Fijian households. Decomposition results for the separate factor income components also indicate major sources of inequality. These findings clearly establish that Fiji still has a long way to go in reducing the income gaps between the rich and the poor in both rural and urban households.

Originality/value

The paper is a first study that estimates various measures of inequality in the case of Fiji. The implication of the empirical findings suggests that Fiji is unlikely to achieve its Millennium Development Goal of halving poverty rate by 2015 due to the large income differentials by ethnicity and in the urban‐rural areas.
Exploring factors affecting the proper use of derivatives
Authors: Bezzina Frank H. , Grima Simon
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate factors that safeguard or hinder the proper use of derivatives, with evidence from active users and controllers of derivatives.

Design/methodology/approach

An online panel of 420 users and controllers of derivatives responded to a self‐report questionnaire that was purposely designed for the present study. Exploratory factor analysis was used to guide scale construction and the resulting factor scores were examined overall and across four demographic variables (gender, experience, education, position held with firm).

Findings

Factor analysis provided support for the five hypothesised dimensions of proper derivative usage: Risk management controls; Misuse; Expertise; Perception; and Benefits. Summary statistics of the factor scores revealed that the respondents agree that: they are giving proper attention to risk management controls; factors such as greed, politics, inappropriate standards and inadequate controls encourage misuse; they are capable of dealing with derivatives even in complex situations; derivatives are valuable financial instruments; and they are aware of the benefits derivatives provide to firms, when properly handled. However, some respondents reported contrasting views while the respondents' education, position held and experience with derivatives produced a significant impact on the factor scores. The implications of the findings are discussed.

Originality/value

This study provides a better understanding and assessment of five factors that affect the proper use of derivatives and addresses practical recommendations aimed at ensuring that the true values and qualities of the derivative instrument are not obscured.
Through a game darkly: student experiences with the technology of the library research process
Authors: Markey Karen , Leeder Chris , Young Rieh Soo
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the nature of students' library‐research difficulties, especially difficulties rooted in technology, to describe how the BiblioBouts information literacy game helps students overcome these difficulties, and to discuss how BiblioBouts has evolved in order to reduce students' difficulties with the technology of the library‐research process.

Design/methodology/approach

Data collection was multi‐modal involving quantitative instruments such as questionnaires and logs of students' game‐play activity and qualitative involving game diaries that students voluntarily completed after time they played the game, focus group interviews with students who played and did not play the game, and personal interviews with instructors before and after their students played the game.

Findings

The technology underlying the library research process is difficult to use. BiblioBouts helps students overcome their difficulties. BiblioBouts continues to evolve to enable students to reduce their difficulties with this technology.

Research limitations/implications

Playing BiblioBouts gives students exposure to searching library databases but game play per se does not focus on searching.

Practical implications

Students benefit from playing BiblioBouts. They gain first‐hand experience and practice with library‐research technologies such as the library portal for database selection, library databases for quality information, and Zotero for citation management. They are exposed to more sources than they would have found on their own and a logical, methodical process for evaluating the sources they find.

Social implications

Online social gaming has been enlisted to transform library research from a solitary activity into a collaborative activity where students document their research activities and share in the research trail that individual game players leave behind.

Originality/value

The research underlines gaming's effectiveness for teaching incoming undergraduate students information literacy skills and concepts.
Collaboration and personal information management (PIM)
Authors: Fourie Ina
Published: March 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the potential of personal information management (PIM) and reference management. The contribution focuses on collaboration: the issues that need to be addressed in planning, the human component in collaborative information seeking, and issues for research by librarians.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is written against the background of research from information behaviour, PIM, collaborative information seeking and collaborative work.

Findings

There is growing emphasis on collaboration in information seeking, learning and work. PIM and reference management practices and their supporting software can greatly support this. There are, however, many planning/conceptual issues as well as the human component to recon with.

Originality/value

Although much has been published on developments in PIM and reference management, there is limited coverage of collaboration and PIM and reference management.
The impact of discontinuity on firms' business relationship behaviour
Authors: Hadjikhani Amjad , Lindh Cecilia , Thilenius Peter
Published: March 2012

Purpose

With a comparative aim, the purpose of this paper is to challenge the general assumption behind relationship longevity. The question under attention is whether firms' relationship of a discontinuous nature is different from continuous relationships and if so what this diversity entails. In the essay, a conceptual view is developed and tested statistically. The ambition is to add new knowledge to the field of business relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

The essay's theoretical foundation rests on relationship theory and employs the four relationship behaviour elements of trust, commitment, cooperation and adaptation. Differences/similarities in the effects among these elements are tested for two types of relationships, i.e. those of continuous and discontinuous exchange, using data from 353 Swedish firms.

Findings

The results show that a firm's behaviour in continuous relationships rests on incremental change, in the sense that the relationship elements of trust, commitment, cooperation and adaptation display sequential and progressive effects. This supports the common notion of a gradual strengthening of the business relationship resulting in longevity. Contrary to this, a firm's behaviour in discontinuous relationships is guided by the level of trust, which thus forms the base for the remaining elements. The absence of incremental change in the relationship behaviour and the pivotal role of trust mean that these relationships are weaker and are faced with interruptions and interference from competitors. Thereby business firms are confronted with different marketing challenges. The differences in the relationship behaviour of the two types signify that the view of relationships indeed needs advancement.

Originality/value

Falling from a continuous to a discontinuous business relationship is becoming more common due to reasons such as market crises, business or firm crisis or because of the nature of the businesses as such. While earlier research studied the relationships' continuity and discontinuity separately, this paper enriches the earlier efforts and compares the two types. Understanding the differences between the two types of relationship can enrich the knowledge, not only for researchers but also for business managers.
EXQ: a multiple‐item scale for assessing service experience
Authors: “Phil” Klaus Philipp , Maklan Stan
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to conceptualize, construct, refine and empirically validate a multiple‐item scale for measuring customers' service experience (EXQ).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors present exploratory research developing a conceptualization of service experience based on a two‐stage approach: initial item generation through qualitative research, initial purification of these findings through exploratory factor analysis, and validation through the use of confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling.

Findings

The paper conceptualizes and validates the concept of customer/service experience. In total, 19 items in four dimensions of the EXQ scale were identified: product experience, outcome focus, moments‐of‐truth and peace‐of‐mind. These dimensions reflect service experience perceptions. The findings support the conclusion that the service experience has a significant impact on customer satisfaction, loyalty and word‐of‐mouth intentions. The scale demonstrates good psychometric properties based on the variety of reliability and validity tests utilized and builds upon extant research.

Practical implications

The research provides managers with the dimensions of service experience that influence purchase behavior and provides researchers with a sought‐after conceptualization of service experience.

Originality/value

The authors believe that this is the first empirically founded conceptualization and measurement of the service/customer experience.
Refinement of the technology readiness index scale
Authors: Lin Jiun‐Sheng Chris , Hsieh Pei‐Ling
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to replicate and refine Parasuraman's 36‐item technology readiness index (TRI) across contexts and cultures to enhance its applicability and generalizability for both researchers and practitioners.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on psychometric procedures of scale development, four separate research phases, each one building on the previous, are performed using several samples. Measurement invariance analyses are performed across demographics, industries, and cultures to ascertain the stability of the refined versus the original scale.

Findings

A refined 16‐item TRI scale demonstrates sound psychometric properties based on findings from various reliability and validity tests, as well as scale replications employing several samples. The four dimensions remain stable across techniques and samples, while the utility of the refined scale increases due to ease of application. Measurement invariance analyses across demographic groups, industries, and cultures provide further support for the superior stability of the refined TRI.

Research limitations/implications

Assessment of TRI across different contexts and cultures enhances validity, utility, and generalizability by reducing the number of items, building a nomological network, and verifying stability.

Practical implications

Service firms should pay more attention to measurement of customers' technology readiness. For both researchers and practitioners, the refined 16‐item scale benefits from reduced complexity and enhanced utility of TRI across contexts and cultures. Service managers will find the refined TRI less complicated and easier to apply in customer surveys, which greatly benefits service firms attempting to better understand customers' TR when implementing self‐service technologies.

Originality/value

Replication and cross‐validation of new concepts play a valuable role in determining the scope and limit of empirical research findings; they allow researchers to demonstrate how broadly and in what circumstances such concepts can be used. While Parasuraman calls for studies to assess the generalizability of the TRI scale, the current lack of support for TRI's generalizability is an important gap that needs to be addressed. The current study fills that gap, increasing the applicability and generalizability of the TRI scale through refinement, replication and validation across several samples, contexts, and cultures.
Miller's environmental uncertainty scale: an extension to the Arab world
Authors: Elbanna Said , Gherib Jouhaina
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to employ a mixed methods design to assess the applicability, reliability and validity of Miller's scale of environmental uncertainty.

Design/methodology/approach

Using 759 questionnaires and eight personal interviews from three countries throughout four phases of scale assessment, the authors re‐operationalized Miller's scale to be more applicable to Arab countries. Phase 1 refines the scale with reference to the new context in which the authors applied it. Phase 2 eliminates poor performing items, using exploratory factor analysis. Phase 3 examines the generalizability of the modified scale in the Arab world. Finally, Phase 4 assesses the criterion‐related validity of the scale.

Findings

The authors' assessment of Miller's scale suggests that several changes in the scale are necessary to be more applicable in Arab countries. The results of the combined sample are consistent with the hypothetical structure of constructs and have four factors: product, competition, government and policies, and economy.

Originality/value

This study paid attention to the conceptualization and operationalization of strategic management research variables. Moreover, examining the Miller's scale in the Arab region could enhance the generalizability of this scale. Finally, the authors' longitudinal research, with its four samples, is another contribution.
Experimental determination of optimum parameters for stainless steel 316L annealed ultrasonic consolidation
Authors: Gonzalez Raelvim , Stucker Brent
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the effect of different parameter configurations of oscillation amplitude, welding speed, and normal force at 478 K (400°F) on the linear welding density of stainless steel 316L annealed utrasonically consolidated (UC) samples, and present an optimum parameter set based upon maximum linear welding density criteria.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes the application of analysis of variance to different experimental designs in order to compare factor effects and obtain the optimum linear welding density parameter set for the ultrasonic consolidation of stainless steel 316L annealed samples.

Findings

This work includes experimental results at assessing the explained variation due to factor effects on linear welding density, the statistical significance of these factors, and the combination of UC process parameters that maximizes linear welding density in stainless steel 316L annealed samples.

Research limitations/implications

The paper presents results obtained with a specific UC system, a standard sample configuration, and relatively constant frictional conditions.

Originality/value

This work is a first step towards a reproducible UC of stainless steel 316L foils with high linear welding density.
Properties of magnesium oxide and magnesium oxide‐bismuth oxide mixed thick film
Authors: Patil Shital , Puri Vijaya
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study properties of magnesium oxide and mixed magnesium oxide‐bismuth oxide thick films for application in tuned devices.

Design/methodology/approach

The effect of magnesium oxide and mixed magnesium oxide‐bismuth oxide thick films overlay of different thickness on Ag thick film microstrip rectangular patch antenna was investigated in the X band (8‐12 GHz). Using Ag thick film microstrip rectangular patch antenna the thick and mixed thick films was characterized by microwave properties such as resonance frequency, amplitude, bandwidth, quality factor and input impedance. Using the resonance frequency the permittivity of magnesium oxide and mixed magnesium oxide‐bismuth oxide thick films was measured.

Findings

Cubic structure of single magnesium oxide and monoclinic structure of bismuth oxide was present in mixed thick film. Also the morphology of single thick films was maintained in mixed thick film of magnesium oxide‐bismuth oxide. Due to overlay magnesium oxide and magnesium oxide‐bismuth oxide mixed thick films, change in resonance frequency shifts towards high frequency end was observed. Dielectric constant of magnesium oxide and mixed magnesium oxide‐bismuth oxide thick film calculated from resonance frequency decreased with increase in thickness.

Originality/value

The microwave properties using Ag thick film microstrip patch antenna due to overlay of magnesium oxide and mixed magnesium oxide‐bismuth oxide thick films have been reported for the first time. Thickness of overlay dependent tuning of the antenna has been achieved.
Reliability evaluation and modeling of high density electronic packages
Authors: Yang Liyu , Bernstein Joseph
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe key failure mechanisms observed during the development of the advanced packaging technology. Extensive accelerated stress tests are conducted to collect failure data and understand failure characteristics and failure trends. The results will be useful for design improvement and failure rate predictions.

Design/methodology/approach

High density chip scale packages (CSP) are developed to meet the needs for high performance and small form‐factor products, but with reduced process procedures and product cost. Test‐to‐failure approaches are applied to evaluate the failure rate and reliability models instead of compliance qualification testing approaches.

Findings

The study shows Cu‐trace cracking failure can be treated as random failures and analyzed using a constant failure rate approach. The acceleration factor for the Cu‐trace cracking failure mechanism exhibits a large power exponent comparing to the parameters used in reference models. In addition, the solder joint failure data collected through the study do not fit well with the well‐known solder fatigue life model. Moreover, the test results affirm the test‐to‐failure approach adopted in data collection is providing more accurate failure characteristics compared to the compliance qualification testing approach.

Practical implications

The paper shows that the reliability performance of package technology can be improved by enhancing the package design, improving manufacturing processes and materials optimization.

Originality/value

This is an original research paper and the test‐to‐failure approach in the reliability study helps provide realistic reliability predictions.
Can you directly motivate employees? Exploding the myth
Authors: Flynn Stephen
Published: March 2012

Purpose

To guide managers on managing the “organizational environment” of their employees. To return motivation to the employee.

Design/methodology/approach

First by dissecting the psychological contract. Second by matching specific motivations to a maturity model of Human Resource Management.

Findings

The psychological contract is falsely offered as a management tool. Motivation is a function of the maturity level of the organization. The range of motivations available to employees is limited by this maturity level. Employee motivation is not a tool directly available to management. The environment within which employees operate is the maturity level of the organization.

Practical implications

Management should focus less on attempts to motivate employees directly and concentrate on developing the maturity level of the organization. It is argued that management should attend to managing the environment within which employees work.

Social implications

In the popular and the professional literature management in large organizations are encouraged to motivate their people. This is a false cry. By understanding and mastering maturity levels, management can make the environment within which employees operate a more fulfilling place to work. Workers can then “draw out” the satisfaction they seek from their own work. “Motivation” is thus returned to its true owner – the employees themselves.

Originality/value

The paper proves that motivation is a function of the maturity level of the organization and not a management tool. It points management to the elements in their organizational environment that indirectly influence employee motivation. The paper will be of interest to business managers, HR managers and academics teaching and researching in related subjects.
Assembly station design: a quantitative comparison of the effects of kitting and continuous supply
Authors: Hanson Robin , Medbo Lars , Medbo Per
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine how kitting, compared to continuous supply, affects the time spent by the assembler fetching parts in manual assembly.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on an experimental setup at the Saab Automobile assembly plant in Trollhättan, Sweden. Experienced assemblers were studied as they performed the same assembly operations in ten different configurations. Each configuration consisted of a different arrangement in terms of how parts were presented. The use of kits to present parts was compared to parts presentation through continuous supply, where each part number was presented in a separate container.

Findings

The time for fetching parts is significantly shorter when parts are presented through kitting instead of through continuous supply. Furthermore, the shorter fetching time is not just related to a shorter distance between assembly object and parts presentation, which can often be achieved through kitting. The reduction of time spent searching for parts is also considerable.

Practical implications

The results of the paper provide valuable input in the design of assembly and materials supply systems, as they enable a better understanding of the relative performance of the materials feeding principles of kitting and continuous supply.

Originality/value

Previous studies of kitting and its impact on assembly are mostly conceptual or qualitative, whereas quantitative studies are scarce. The current paper provides a substantial contribution by quantifying the effects that kitting, compared to continuous supply, has on the time spent fetching parts.
Sex stereotyping managerial positions
Authors: Moneim Elsaid Abdel , Elsaid Eahab
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how men and women sex stereotype managerial positions and how they view women in managerial roles in Egypt and the USA, in order to provide meaningful cross‐cultural comparisons.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses surveys that utilize the Schein descriptive index and the women as managers scale (WAMS) to compare perceptions on women in managerial positions in Egypt and the USA. The sample consists of 553 Egyptian and 324 American management students.

Findings

The results show that in the Egyptian sample both males and females held negative views of women managers. However, in the US sample, women held more favourable views of women managers than did their male counterparts. In the Egyptian sample the English section female students had a more positive perception of female managers than their Arabic section counterparts.

Research limitations/implications

The sample is limited to management students in Egypt and the USA. The Middle East includes countries with different cultures, such as Israel. About 10 percent of Egypt's population are Christians who do not necessarily share the same cultural beliefs as the country's Muslim majority.

Practical implications

The paper helps donor countries better direct their aid programs when it comes to promoting gender equality and championing women's rights in the Middle East.

Originality/value

Our contribution was to study the perceptions of female leaders in Egypt, an Arab, Muslim, Middle Eastern country. The gender research on countries with conservative cultures, such as Egypt, is an area that remains mostly unexamined. Our study aims to provide researchers and practitioners with a better understanding of the position of Egyptian women in management.
Bridging rigour and relevance
Authors: Curzi Ylenia , Silveira Reis Rosana
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to call for an in‐depth reflection on Weber's research approach based on the notions of adequate causation and objective possibility.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper illustrates the main characteristics and premises of the research approach. It further exemplifies its application through a qualitative study that investigates “How” and “Why” knowledge integration occurs in the creative processes of teams spanning over time and space. In so doing, it argues that Weber's epistemology could remain a valid point of reference to shift from the generation of empirical propositions through qualitative research to the quantitative analysis of empirical regularities recurring into a large number of empirical cases.

Findings

This paper shows how Weber's research approach could assist researchers in overcoming the dichotomy between rigour and relevance in qualitative research within organization and management studies.

Originality/value

The work offers new ways of looking at established ideas within organization and management studies, through new lenses as alternative ways of knowing social phenomena available to scholars, to produce theoretical knowledge relevant for and applicable into practice.
From the Frankfurt School to business schools: critical management studies in Turkey
Authors: Ozcan Kerim
Published: March 2012

Purpose

Critical management studies (CMS), as an unorthodox management perspective, has become more and more accepted in Western business schools. The purpose of this paper is to problematize its circulation area and interrogate to what extent CMS has penetrated Turkish academia.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews papers presented and published inThe National Management/Organization Conferencewhich has been held annually for the last 19 years. In addition, the paper examines the management programs of the top 20 Turkish universities' business schools, in terms of whether their curricula include any critical content.

Findings

It is suggested that CMS has not found resonance in Turkey. This case is argued on a set of dynamics as follows: the Americanization process in knowledge producing, economic integration into American vision, late industrialization, bureaucratic political tradition, statism, and some cultural characteristics.

Originality/value

Studies employing critical management arguments and those on the dissemination of critical theory in Turkey seem to be quite silent. This paper questions CMS's place in Turkish management literature, explains the dynamics of its (under)development, and suggests ways in which CMS could be become more attractive in this part of the world.
Pragmatism and heterodoxy in organization research
Authors: Kelemen Mihaela , Rumens Nick
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The aim of this special issue is to bring together contributions from diverse perspectives interested in challenging the quantitative/qualitative divide within organisation and management research.

Design/methodology/approach

The papers in this special issue explore at a methodological or paradigmatic level (rather than at the level of particular research methods) the possible ways in which different research methodologies converge, diverge and overlap. Rather that asking questions about the validity and intrinsic value of certain methodologies, we are encouraged to shift gear towards assessing how useful these methodologies are in terms of carrying us from the world of practice to theory and vice‐versa. If methodologies help us to progress our thinking and our practices, they are “true” in a pragmatist sense. If they stall our thinking and do not influence in any way our practices, then they are probably untrue.

Findings

It is hoped that the papers presented in this special issue help us process our ideas and experiences in a progressive way, towards finding better, more robust ways of approaching our research practices.

Originality/value

Of course, it is for the reader to decide if this project has made an impact on their own thinking and practical endeavour but we remain convinced that the dichotomy between quantitative and qualitative methodologies is not productive and must be abandoned in favour of a heterodox and more pragmatic approach to methodology.
Habitat use and spatial segregation of adult spottail sharks Carcharhinus sorrah in tropical nearshore waters
Authors: Knip D. M. , Heupel M. R. , Simpfendorfer C. A.
Published: March 2012

An array of acoustic receivers deployed in Cleveland Bay, north Queensland, Australia, passively tracked 20 adult spottail sharks Carcharhinus sorrah over 2 years (2009–2010) to define patterns in movement and habitat use. Individuals were present in the study site for long periods, ranging from 8 to 408 days (mean = 185). Size and location of home ranges did not vary over time. A high level of segregation occurred among C. sorrah, with individuals using different types of habitat and showing strong attachment to specific regions. The depth of habitat individuals used varied between sexes. Males tended to use a narrow range of habitat depths within the study site (2·8–6·0 m), whereas females used shallower habitats (1·4–6·2 m) and displayed a seasonal shift in the depth of habitat used. Mean monthly habitat depth used varied by as much as 2 m for females, with individuals using shallower habitats during the winter months. Long‐term presence and consistent home ranges suggest that Cleveland Bay provides important habitat for C. sorrah. By defining patterns in the use of nearshore habitats for C. sorrah, this study improves the understanding of the movement and habitat use of smaller‐bodied coastal sharks and may help provide guidance for the management of their populations.
The missing host hypothesis: do chemical cues from predators induce life cycle truncation of trematodes within their fish host?
Authors: Herrmann K. K. , Poulin R.
Published: March 2012

Using controlled experiments, the ability of the trematode parasiteStegodexamene anguillae, encysted within its intermediate fish host, the common bullyGobiomorphus cotidianus, was tested to indirectly detect the presence of its definitive host by exposing infectedG. cotidianusto chemical cues from the definitive host, the short‐finned eelAnguilla australis. The trematode can abbreviate its normal life cycle and achieve precocious maturity inG. cotidianus, or adopt the usual strategy consisting in delaying maturity until it reaches anA. australis. The results suggest that chemical cues from the definitiveA. australishost do not affect the frequency of life cycle abbreviation inS. anguillae. Other life‐history traits, such as parasite body size or the egg output of early‐maturing parasites, were also unaffected by chemical cues fromA. australisor from an alternative predator ofG. cotidianus, the perchPerca fluviatilis, that is not a suitable host for the trematode. Therefore, factors other thanA. australishost presence or abundance may be the important selective forces for life cycle abbreviation in this fish parasite.
Cryptobenthic reef fishes: depth distribution and correlations with habitat complexity and sea urchins
Authors: Dalben A. , Floeter S. R.
Published: March 2012

In this study, cryptobenthic fish depth patterns and their correlations with habitat complexity and sea urchin densities were investigated. In general, total density, species richness and diversity were higher in the shallower zones (3 m), while evenness was higher at the 10 m depth zone. Among sites, species density was similar at the 10 m zone, but at the 3 m zone it varied greatly. Species‐specific depth preferences were found. Correlation between species density and habitat complexity was usually positive. The influence of sea urchin densities on the cryptobenthic fish assemblage was site and species dependent.
Oral treatment with Hev b 13 prevents experimental arthritis in mice
Authors: Teixeira Larissa De Bortoli , Epifânio Vera Lúcia Aparecida Aguillar , Lachat João José , Foss Norma Tiraboschi , Coutinho-Netto Joaquim
Published: March 2012

Hev b 13 is an allergenic esterase obtained from the rubber tree Hevea brasiliensis, which has been shown recently to induce human monocytes to release interleukin (IL)-10 in vitro, and to exert a potent anti-inflammatory effect in vivo. Moreover, Hev b 13 has been shown to reduce clinical signs of inflammation and also histological damage to the distal colon of mice with 2,4,6-trinitrobenze sulphonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis after its oral administration. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Hev b 13 on human mononuclear cells, as well as its therapeutic use in the methylated bovine serum albumin (mBSA) model of antigen-induced arthritis. Five days before the intra-articular challenge, and daily thereafter for 8 days, Hev b 13 was administered by oral gavage. In mice treated with a dose of 0·5 mg/kg of Hev b 13, the severity of oedema, leucocyte infiltration, pannus formation and cartilage erosion were reduced significantly. These findings underscore the anti-inflammatory activity suggested previously for Hev b 13, an activity speculated to be related to its interaction with monocytes/macrophages and the consequent stimulation of IL-10 release and reduction of tumour necrosis factor (TNF) release. The study also opens a wide range of possible applications in the field of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases.
Spatial prediction of USDA‐ great soil groups in the arid Zarand region, Iran: comparing logistic regression approaches to predict diagnostic horizons and soil types
Authors: Jafari A. , Finke P. A. , Vande Wauw J. , Ayoubi S. , Khademi H.
Published: March 2012

The main objectives of this study were to compare binary logistic regression as an indirect approach and multinomial logistic regression as a direct approach to produce soil class maps in the Zarand region of southeast Iran. With indirect prediction, the occurrence of relevant diagnostic horizons was first mapped, and subsequently, various maps were combined for a pixel‐wise classification by combining the presence or absence of diagnostic horizons. In direct prediction, the dependent variable was the great group itself, so the probability distribution of the great soil groups was directly predicted. Among the predictors, the geomorphology map was identified as an important tool for digital soil mapping approaches as it helped to increase the accuracy. The results of prediction showed larger mean probability values for each great soil group in the areas actually covered by the great soil groups compared with other areas, indicating the reliability of the prediction. In most predictions, the global purity was slightly better than the actual purity for the models; however, both models provided poor predictions for Haplocambids and Calcigypsids. The results showed that soils with better prediction were those much influenced by topographical and geomorphological characteristics and soils with very poor accuracy of prediction were only slightly influenced by topographical and geomorphological characteristics. An advantage of the indirect method is that it gives insight into the causes of errors in prediction at the scale of diagnostic horizons, which helps in the selection of better covariates.