bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aquimarina macrocephali sp. nov., isolated from sediment adjacent to sperm whale carcasses
Authors: Miyazaki Masayuki , Nagano Yuriko , Fujiwara Yoshihiro , Hatada Yuji , Nogi Yuichi
Published: November 2009

A Gram-negative, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming, strictly aerobic strain with gliding motility, designated JAMB N27T, was isolated from sediment adjacent to sperm whale carcasses off Kagoshima, Japan, at a depth of 219 m. Strain JAMB N27T contained MK-6 as the major isoprenoid quinone and iso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 1, C16 : 1 and iso-C17 : 1 as the predominant fatty acids. Casein, chitin, gelatin and starch were degraded. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain JAMB N27T represented a separate lineage within the genus Aquimarina. The DNA G+C content of strain JAMB N27T was 33.1 mol%. DNA–DNA relatedness values between strain JAMB N27T and type strains of species of the genus Aquimarina were significantly lower than the cut-off value accepted for the definition of a novel species. Therefore, strain JAMB N27T represents a novel species, for which the name Aquimarina macrocephali sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is JAMB N27T (=JCM 15542T=NCIMB 14508T).
Nocardioides mesophilus sp. nov., isolated from soil
Authors: Dastager Syed G. , Lee Jae-Chan , Pandey Ashok , Kim Chang-Jin
Published: November 2009

A short coccoid- to rod-shaped, motile, mesophilic actinobacterium, strain MSL-22T, was isolated from soil on Bigeum Island, Korea. A polyphasic study was undertaken to establish the taxonomic position of this strain. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain MSL-22T formed an evolutionary lineage within the radiation of the genus Nocardioides. In particular, it formed a monophyletic lineage with Nocardioides jensenii KCTC 9134T with which it shared the highest sequence similarity of about 97.3%. However, DNA–DNA relatedness demonstrated that strain MSL-22T was distinct from its closest phylogenetic neighbours. The cell-wall peptidoglycan of strain MSL-22T contained ll-diaminopimelic acid. The predominant menaquinone was MK-8(H4). Strain MSL-22T had a cellular fatty acid profile containing straight-chain, branched, unsaturated and 10-methyl fatty acids, with iso-C16 : 0 as the major fatty acid. The DNA G+C content of the strain was 68.7 mol%. On the basis of phenotypic and phylogenetic evidence, the strain is separate from previously described members of the genus Nocardioides and represents a novel species in this genus, for which the name Nocardioides mesophilus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MSL-22T (=DSM 19432T=KCTC 19310T).
Salinimicrobium marinum sp. nov., a halophilic bacterium of the family Flavobacteriaceae, and emended descriptions of the genus Salinimicrobium and Salinimicrobium catena
Authors: Nedashkovskaya Olga I. , Vancanneyt Marc , Kim Seung Bum , Han Jihye , Zhukova Natalia V. , Shevchenko Lyudmila S.
Published: November 2009

Two novel heterotrophic, facultatively anaerobic, gliding and yellow-pigmented bacteria, designated strains KMM 6270T and KMM 6320, were isolated from different marine environments and studied using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis placed the strains within the family Flavobacteriaceae. Strains KMM 6270T and KMM 6320 were most closely related to the type strains of recognized species of the genus Salinimicrobium (95.0–96.6 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity). The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 40–41 mol%. The strains grew with 0.5–15 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum 4 % NaCl) and at 4–41 °C (optimum 28–32 °C). Aesculin and gelatin were hydrolysed, but agar, casein, DNA and chitin were not. The phylogenetic data taken together with the results of the genotypic and phenotypic studies permit the classification of strains KMM 6270T and KMM 6320 as members of a novel species of the genus Salinimicrobium, for which the name Salinimicrobium marinum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is KMM 6270T (=KCTC 12719T=LMG 25395T).
Ogataea pignaliae sp. nov., the teleomorph of Candida pignaliae
Authors: Péter Gábor , Tornai-Lehoczki Judit , Dlauchy Dénes
Published: November 2009

Six ascosporulating Candida pignaliae strains were isolated from epigeal plant parts in Hungary. They share identical D1/D2 LSU rRNA gene sequences with the type strain of C. pignaliae, and the physiological characteristics investigated are also very similar to that of the type strain. The only substantial difference compared to the type strain of C. pignaliae is their ability to assimilate β-glucosides (cellobiose, salicin and arbutin). The majority of the isolation sources of the strains reported in this study have the common feature of containing tannic acid, while the type strain of C. pignaliae was recovered from tanning fluid. We were able to induce ascosporulation also in the type strain of C. pignaliae. Therefore, Ogataea pignaliae Péter, Tornai-Lehoczki & Dlauchy sp. nov. is proposed as the teleomorph of C. pignaliae (F. H. Jacob) S. A. Meyer & Yarrow. The type strain is CBS 6071T.
Dof5.6/HCA2, a Dof Transcription Factor Gene, Regulates Interfascicular Cambium Formation and Vascular Tissue Development inArabidopsis
Authors: Guo Yong , Qin Genji , Gu Hongya , Qu Li-Jia
Published: November 2009

Vascular cambium, a type of lateral meristem, is the source of secondary xylem and secondary phloem, but little is known about the molecular mechanisms of its formation and development. Here, we report the characterization of an Arabidopsis thaliana gain-of-function mutant with dramatically increased cambial activity, designated high cambial activity2 (hca2). The hca2 mutant has no alternative organization of the vascular bundles/fibers in inflorescence stems, due to precocious formation of interfascicular cambium and its subsequent cell division. The phenotype results from elevated expression of HCA2, which encodes a nuclear-localized DNA binding with one finger (Dof) transcription factor Dof5.6. Dof5.6/HCA2 is preferentially expressed in the vasculature of all the organs, particularly in the cambium, phloem, and interfascicular parenchyma cells of inflorescence stems. Dominant-negative analysis further demonstrated that both ubiquitous and in situ repression of HCA2 activity led to disruption of interfascicular cambium formation and development in inflorescence stems. In-depth anatomical analysis showed that HCA2 promotes interfascicular cambium formation at a very early stage of inflorescence stem development. This report demonstrates that a transcription factor gene, HCA2, is involved in regulation of interfascicular cambium formation and vascular tissue development in Arabidopsis.
The BTB/POZ Domain of the Arabidopsis Disease Resistance Protein NPR1 Interacts with the Repression Domain of TGA2 to Negate Its Function
Authors: Boyle Patrick , Le Su Errol , Rochon Amanda , Shearer Heather L. , Murmu Jhadeswar , Chu Jee Yan , Fobert Pierre R. , Després Charles
Published: November 2009

TGA2 and NONEXPRESSER OF PR GENES1 (NPR1) are activators of systemic acquired resistance (SAR) and of the SAR marker gene pathogenesis-related-1 (PR-1) in Arabidopsis thaliana. TGA2 is a transcriptional repressor required for basal repression of PR-1, but during SAR, TGA2 recruits NPR1 as part of an enhanceosome. Transactivation by the enhanceosome requires the NPR1 BTB/POZ domain. However, the NPR1 BTB/POZ domain does not contain an autonomous transactivation domain; thus, its molecular role within the enhanceosome remains elusive. We now show by gel filtration analyses that TGA2 binds DNA as a dimer, tetramer, or oligomer. Using in vivo plant transcription assays, we localize the repression domain of TGA2 to the N terminus and demonstrate that this domain is responsible for modulating the DNA binding activity of the oligomer both in vitro and in vivo. We confirm that the NPR1 BTB/POZ domain interacts with and negates the molecular function of the TGA2 repression domain by excluding TGA2 oligomers from cognate DNA. These data distinguish the NPR1 BTB/POZ domain from other known BTB/POZ domains and establish its molecular role in the context of the Arabidopsis PR-1 gene enhanceosome.
Synergistic effect of chloride and NO2 on the atmospheric corrosion of bronze
Authors: Cao Xia , Wang Ning , Liu Ning
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of chloride along with NO2 on the atmospheric corrosion of bronze using exposure tests.

Design/methodology/approach

Surface tension tests and electrochemical impedance measurements together with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive atomic X‐ray, and X‐ray diffraction are used to characterize the corrosion behavior.

Findings

The results of the weight loss measurements show that the whole corrosion kinetics can be described approximately by: ΔW=atb; the synergistic effect of chloride and NO2 is observed clearly, though no nitrate existed in the corrosion products.

Originality/value

A new catalyst theory has been suggested in this paper, i.e. that NO2 acts as a catalyst during the corrosion process when significant quantities of chloride also are present.
The effect of heat treatment on element distribution and electrochemical properties of Al‐Zn‐In anodes
Authors: Gongtai Qi , Yubin Qiu
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider the effect of heat treatment on alloying element distribution and the electrochemical properties of Al‐5Zn‐0.03In anodes.

Design/methodology/approach

The Al‐5Zn‐0.03In alloy anodes are treated at 510°C for 10 h, then cooled in water. Electron probe microanalysis of JXA‐8800 and EDAX quantitative energy dispersive X‐ray analysis is used to examine the microstructure of the anodes before and after heat treatment, and the electrochemical properties of the anodes are tested.

Findings

By heat treatment, the solubility of Zn in aluminum is increased while the solubilities of Fe and Si are changed only slightly. The quantity of the Al‐Zn intermetallic compounds is evidently decreased and the Al‐Fe‐Si intermetallic compound is preserved. Strip segregation along grain boundaries is changed to spherical particulates. The attack of aluminum anodes initiates and propagates in grain boundaries and interdendritic zones, which are enriched in In and Zn, so the current efficiency of the aluminum anodes is related to the degree of corrosion taking place at grain boundaries and the extent of exfoliation of grains. The greater the extent of Al‐Zn metallic compounds that are present at grain boundaries, the more sensitive to grain boundary corrosion is the alloy and the greater the degree of desquamation of grains, the lower is the current efficiency of the aluminum anode.

Originality/value

The results of this paper clarify the role of water‐quenching affect on the microstructure and electrochemical properties of Al‐Zn‐In anodes.
Hybrid corrosion‐resistant coatings analyzed using electrochemical noise
Authors: García‐Hernandez Fernando , Hernández‐Sandoval Luis , Regalado‐González Carlos , Mojica‐Gómez José , Meas‐Vong Yunny , Espinosa‐Acosta Guillermo , Estévez Miriam , Castaño Victor
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the corrosion of carbon steel without coating and when protected using three different hybrid coatings, i.e. a bi‐component polyurethane with nano‐particles of SiO2with and without sacrificial anode particles, and a mono‐component polyurethane with SiO2particles.

Design/methodology/approach

In this investigation three different nano‐structured coatings are developed and applied to steel substrates and then tested for their corrosion resistance (defined as “Rn”), under a very aggressive medium (pH=1.5) in a dynamic system (loop reactor). Their performance is evaluated using an electrochemical noise (EN) resistance technique. The electrodes are connected to a potentiostat and measurements are recorded as per the EN technique over a 2,048 s duration at 0, 24, and 48 h intervals. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) are obtained before and after the corrosion trials to characterize the control and the different coating systems.

Findings

The results show that a bicomponent coating, made up of alkyd resin and silica nanoparticles demonstrated the best performance, whereas the coating formed by SiO2nanoparticles and polyurethane resin showed relatively low corrosion resistance. The inclusion of zinc nanoparticles in a third coating as sacrificial nano‐anodes led to segregation and resulted in moderate corrosion resistance. These results are confirmed by SEM observations.

Originality/value

The results obtained in this paper provide an insight to the understanding of the anticorrosion properties of three different hybrid coatings in a dynamic system (loop reactor).
The determination and identification of stray current source influences on buried pipelines using time/frequency analysis
Authors: Zakowski Krzysztof
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to detect the source of stray current interference on underground pipelines in urban areas using a joint time/frequency method of signal analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

Investigations are performed on an underground pipeline located in the vicinity of the two direct current tractions: a tramway line and a train line. The results of the analysis are presented in the form of spectrograms, which illustrate changes in the spectral power density of the potential of the rails and of the potential of the pipe in the joint domain time‐frequency.

Findings

The comparison of the spectrograms can be used to evaluate if and which stray current source has influence on the investigated metal construction.

Originality/value

The combined analysis in the domain of time and frequency can be used as a supplementary one providing new information useful in the evaluation of stray current corrosion hazard. In the presence of several electric field sources in urban areas, this method reveals the complete time‐frequency characteristic of each stray current source and its interference on the investigated construction.
Linking folksonomy to Library of Congress subject headings: an exploratory study
Authors: Yi Kwan , Mai Chan Lois
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the linking of a folksonomy (user vocabulary) and LCSH (controlled vocabulary) on the basis of word matching, for the potential use of LCSH in bringing order to folksonomies.

Design/methodology/approach

A selected sample of a folksonomy from a popular collaborative tagging system, Delicious, was word‐matched with LCSH. LCSH was transformed into a tree structure called an LCSH tree for the matching. A close examination was conducted on the characteristics of folksonomies, the overlap of folksonomies with LCSH, and the distribution of folksonomies over the LCSH tree.

Findings

The experimental results showed that the total proportion of tags being matched with LC subject headings constituted approximately two‐thirds of all tags involved, with an additional 10 percent of the remaining tags having potential matches. A number of barriers for the linking as well as two areas in need of improving the matching are identified and described. Three important tag distribution patterns over the LCSH tree were identified and supported: skewedness, multifacet, and Zipfian‐pattern.

Research limitations/implications

The results of the study can be adopted for the development of innovative methods of mapping between folksonomy and LCSH, which directly contributes to effective access and retrieval of tagged web resources and to the integration of multiple information repositories based on the two vocabularies.

Practical implications

The linking of controlled vocabularies can be applicable to enhance information retrieval capability within collaborative tagging systems as well as across various tagging system information depositories and bibliographic databases.

Originality/value

This is among frontier works that examines the potential of linking a folksonomy, extracted from a collaborative tagging system, to an authority‐maintained subject heading system. It provides exploratory data to support further advanced mapping methods for linking the two vocabularies.
Automated classification of web pages in hierarchical browsing
Authors: Golub Koraljka , Lykke Marianne
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this study is twofold: to investigate whether it is meaningful to use the Engineering Index (Ei) classification scheme for browsing, and then, if proven useful, to investigate the performance of an automated classification algorithm based on the Ei classification scheme.

Design/methodology/approach

A user study was conducted in which users solved four controlled searching tasks. The users browsed the Ei classification scheme in order to examine the suitability of the classification systems for browsing. The classification algorithm was evaluated by the users who judged the correctness of the automatically assigned classes.

Findings

The study showed that the Ei classification scheme is suited for browsing. Automatically assigned classes were on average partly correct, with some classes working better than others. Success of browsing showed to be correlated and dependent on classification correctness.

Research limitations/implications

Further research should address problems of disparate evaluations of one and the same web page. Additional reasons behind browsing failures in the Ei classification scheme also need further investigation.

Practical implications

Improvements for browsing were identified: describing class captions and/or listing their subclasses from start; allowing for searching for words from class captions with synonym search (easily provided for Ei since the classes are mapped to thesauri terms); when searching for class captions, returning the hierarchical tree expanded around the class in which caption the search term is found. The need for improvements of classification schemes was also indicated.

Originality/value

A user‐based evaluation of automated subject classification in the context of browsing has not been conducted before; hence the study also presents new findings concerning methodology.
A study of academic library users' decision‐making process: a Lens model approach
Authors: Tang Muh‐Chyun
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the mediating role different information sources (or cues) play in forming users' mental representation of a work in an academic library setting. Of particular interest is discerning how these information sources influence borrowing decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

A large‐scale user survey featuring two‐part questionnaires was utilized in an academic library setting. The questionnaires were designed to ascertain those information sources exerting a formative influence on users' information‐seeking behavior, especially the routes by which users came to know of a title and the sources by which they infer its content.

Findings

Evidently users adaptively make use of a variety of cues to help them fulfil their information needs. These cues significantly reduced the uncertainty faced by users making a borrowing decision, even after their sense of domain familiarity was controlled for. The paper concludes with a discussion of the implications of the findings for library services. It is suggested that libraries could provide a more “cue‐rich” environment that supports users' decision making and facilitates exploration of their collection.

Originality/value

The research questions were framed in the language of decision‐making theory, which, as the research demonstrates, sheds light on the dynamics between “cue validity” and judgment uncertainty. It also demonstrates the applicability of the “accuracy‐cost” framework in the study of human information‐seeking behavior.
Describing art: an alternative approach to subject access and interpretation
Authors: Winget Megan
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the art historical antecedents of providing subject access to images. After reviewing the assumptions and limitations inherent in the most prevalent descriptive method, the paper seeks to introduce a new model that allows for more comprehensive representation of visually‐based cultural materials.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a literature‐based conceptual analysis, taking Panofsky's theory of iconography and iconology as the starting‐point. Panofsky's conceptual model, while appropriate for art created in the Western academic tradition, ignores or misrepresents work from other eras or cultures. Continued dependence on Panofskian descriptive methods limits the functionality and usefulness of image representation systems.

Findings

The paper recommends the development of a more precise and inclusive descriptive model for art objects, which is based on the premise that art is not another sort of text, and should not be interpreted as such.

Practical implications

The paper provides suggestions for the development of representation models that will enhance the description of non‐textual artifacts.

Originality/value

The paper addresses issues in information science, the history of art, and computer science, and suggests that a new descriptive model would be of great value to both humanist and social science scholars.
The paradox of expertise: is the Wikipedia Reference Desk as good as your library?
Authors: Shachaf Pnina
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the quality of answers on the Wikipedia Reference Desk, and to compare it with library reference services. It aims to examine whether Wikipedia volunteers outperform expert reference librarians and exemplify the paradox of expertise.

Design/methodology/approach

The study applied content analysis to a sample of 434 messages (77 questions and 357 responses) from the Wikipedia Reference Desk and focused on three SERVQUAL quality variables: reliability (accuracy, completeness, verifiability), responsiveness, and assurance.

Findings

The study reports that on all three SERVQUAL measures quality of answers produced by the Wikipedia Reference Desk is comparable with that of library reference services.

Research limitations/implications

The collaborative social reference model matched or outperformed the dyadic reference interview and should be further examined theoretically and empirically. The generalizability of the findings to other similar sites is questionable.

Practical implications

Librarians and library science educators should examine the implications of the social reference on the future role of reference services.

Originality/value

The study is the first to: examine the quality of the Wikipedia Reference Desk; extend research on Wikipedia quality; use SERVQUAL measures in evaluating Q&A sites; and compare Q&A sites with traditional reference services.
A process model of small business owner‐managers' learning in peer networks
Authors: Zhang Jing , Hamilton Eleanor
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore how owner‐managers of small businesses can learn in peer networks to improve their management skills. It aims to offer a new way of understanding owner‐managers' learning as part of a social process, by highlighting the complex, interactive relationship that exists between the owner‐manager, his or her peers, and the wider environment.

Design/methodology/approach

A peer learning environment was created for 67 owner‐managers by providing a one‐year management training programme, and interviewing participants in the entry‐, mid‐ and post‐stages of the programme. Drawing upon the cases of six sample participants, a theoretical framework for understanding how owner‐managers learn in peer networks is proposed.

Findings

First, this paper compares the value of peer networks and other types of networks such as families and customers/suppliers, and second, highlights the role of peer networks in facilitating critical reflection in the learning process. Theoretically, it provides a conceptual platform for further research in the learning of owner‐managers as a social process. It concludes that higher education institutions (HEIs) can create an environment to support peer networks and to provoke reflective thinking, in so doing they can improve owner‐managers’ management skills.

Originality/value

This study will assist HEIs in shaping how, and what, is provided in terms of management education for small business.
Comparative review of UK‐USA industry‐university relationships
Authors: Decter Moira H.
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore significant historical changes, legislation and policy in the UK and USA from the 1960s to present day relating to university‐industry relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a review of papers, reports and policy documents from the UK and USA drawing comparisons of university‐industry relations.

Findings

The paper finds that many UK and USA universities were originally rooted in their communities with strong links to local industries. This culture has persisted and been strengthened through legislation in the USA but changes in UK policy have resulted in reduced industry links.

Research limitations/implications

The paper draws on secondary sources. Future research will explore more directly effects of changes in UK universities on university‐industry interactions.

Practical implications

In recent years there has been an increasing UK government focus on university‐industry links. The paper seeks to show that the success of technology transfer in the USA has deeper contextual sources, which may not be easily reproduced in the UK. The history and culture of UK universities presents a barrier to current knowledge transfer initiatives.

Originality/value

Technology transfer in the UK and USA have been compared previously, but not set in the context of the history of the university sector. This has implications for current policy initiatives from UK government agencies seeking to develop university technology as a source of innovation for industry.
Building regional capacity: lessons from Leadership South West
Authors: Bolden Richard , Bagnall Jackie
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present experiences and insights from an higher education‐led initiative to build leadership capacity within the South West of England in order to the shed light onto the processes and mechanisms of regional capacity building.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach was one of participative action research, whereby the authors were actively involved in the shaping and delivery of the initiative, responding to ongoing feedback and reflection. The account given within this paper is an autoethnographic case study that identifies the main phases and lessons learned from the initiative.

Findings

The paper identifies a number of discrete phases within the initiative, some of the challenges and how they were confronted and concludes with a set of ten principles that may help support regional capacity building initiatives for management and leadership.

Originality/value

Despite increasing emphasis on capacity building and a tendency to promote leadership as a lever for change, limited academic research has been conducted into either of these processes at a regional level. This paper seeks to contribute to both theory and practice in these areas by combining the insights of an academic and a practitioner involved in one such initiative and highlighting the underlying and emergent processes therewith.
Cross‐university enterprise education collaboration as a community of practice
Authors: Carey Charlotte , Smith Kelly , Martin Lynn M.
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the views of partners as to the process and operation of TE3 in relation to community of practice (CoP) principles in order to identify success factors fundamental to continued active participation in and promotion of enterprise education.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a narrative methodology via semi‐structured interviews. The aim was to capture both positive and negative perceptions of involvement from key partners within the project. A manual thematic approach was taken to analyse the data collected and through this common threads, trends and issues were identified.

Findings

The findings of this paper focus on the nature, benefits and power of this unique cross‐university collaboration, in facilitating and stimulating enterprising and entrepreneurial activity amongst students, graduates, and potentially, local small to medium‐sized enterprises.

Practical implications

These findings are set within the context of delivering some key policy‐driven objectives, i.e. to support and create not only future entrepreneurs, but also enterprising groups and individuals, and to increase the use of technology‐enhanced and blended learning throughout higher education. It will be of interest to individuals and educators working in those areas and to policymakers seeking new routes to develop an entrepreneurial culture.

Originality/value

This is a unique project in terms of multiple university partners collaborating on third stream activity. The findings of this evaluation and its approach add to this otherwise scarce and under researched territory.
E‐mentoring for small business: an examination of effectiveness
Authors: Rickard Kim , Rickard Alex
Published: November 2009

Purpose

While information and communications technology provides new opportunities for supporting mentoring, there is a need to explore how effectively these potential benefits are being realised. This paper seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of a program in the small business context as a basis for proposing determinants of e‐mentoring effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

Using qualitative inquiry, this study aims to establish patterns in the characteristics of effective and ineffective e‐mentoring partnerships using a model derived from information systems success field.

Findings

The study establishes a basis for understanding how the potential benefits of structured e‐mentoring are being realised in the small business context.

Research limitations/implications

The study empirically establishes a range of determinants of effective e‐mentoring in the small business context.

Originality/value

The study provides a set of critical success factors and evaluation criteria for use by practitioners who are developing and evaluating the effectiveness of e‐mentoring programs.
Implementing service excellence in higher education
Authors: Khan Hina , Matlay Harry
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a critical analysis of the importance of service excellence in higher education.

Design/methodology/approach

The research upon which this paper is based employed a phenomenological approach. This method was selected for its focus on respondent perceptions and experiences. Both structured and semi‐structured interviews were conducted to collect relevant data on service excellence. The focus of the research study was on achieving and implementing service excellence in higher education. Findings are analysed and results are grounded in relevant theories and the principle of service excellence.

Findings

Preliminary results suggest that implementing service excellence establishes a direct link between a workforce and successful competitive strategies. In order to compete efficiently and effectively in their niche market, higher education institutions need to implement service excellence to ensure both internal and external customer satisfaction. A strong institutional culture that values internal customers can help achieve a motivated workforce, loyalty, high performance, innovation and a distinctive institutional competitive advantage.

Research limitations/implications

The qualitative data collected for this study reflect respondent perceptions and opinions. Individuals perceive and experience things differently. Although the service excellence approach is applicable to service organisations, its transferability to other sectors might affect its validity.

Originality/value

The paper investigates how service excellence is achieved in industry and how it could be applied to promote competitive advantage in higher education.
Engagement and innovation: the Honda case
Authors: Paton Robert , Karunaratne Niru
Published: November 2009

Purpose

Research and development (R&D) plays a significant role in creating and sustaining technological leadership. This paper aims to look at the extent to which R&D interventions stimulate innovation engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper examines, in the main, secondary data sources from Honda to assess the extent to which R&D‐enabled plants enjoy both enhanced innovatory potential and employee engagement.

Findings

Initial indications point to a positive correlation between R&D and associated plant performance. Ongoing research suggests that there is a clear link between interventions and enhanced employee engagement. In addition, there appears to be evidence that monoculture outperform multicultural establishments.

Research limitations/implications

The research was exploratory in nature and relied, in the main, on secondary data sources. However, access to the secondary sources was extensive which hopefully compensates for the limited primary data.

Originality/value

Practitioners and academics interested in the relationship between engagement, value add knowledge transfer, R&D and innovation should find this paper of interest.
Protecting knowledge assets in multinational enterprises: a comparative case approach
Authors: O'Donoghue Nathan , Croasdell David T.
Published: November 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to examine ways in which multinational enterprises (MNEs) can secure knowledge assets across global operations.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reports the results of a comparative case study. The practices of four MNEs are considered in conjunction with practices identified in the literature. A comparative company analysis is conducted using the resource‐based view of the firm.

Findings

The paper principally concludes that MNEs have several options for protecting knowledge assets. A set of seven recommendations are derived from the analysis.

Practical implications

The recommendations derived from the analysis could be beneficial for enterprises who do knowledge work in global settings.

Originality/value

The paper offers background and consideration for those companies with IP in global business environments. The background, analysis and recommendations add to the body of knowledge in this area.
Organisations and the issue of multiple identities: who loves you baby?
Authors: Pate Judy , Beaumont Phillip , Pryce Gwilym
Published: November 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the relationship between organisational identification and identification with work group and profession for knowledge workers. The literature points to two competing standpoints, first, a compatible relationship between focal points of identity and second, a trade off relationship whereby an increase in one is at the expense of another.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the population of a large public UK sector organisation ordinary least squares regression was used to examine these relationships.

Findings

The findings established a strong relationship in which work group, organisational and professional identification were compatible.

Research limitations/implications

The findings indicate, at least in this context, that no inherent trade off or problem reconciling multiple identities was evident. Regrettably the authors do not have the capacity to comment on the weighting or the relative importance placed on each focus of identity; this is an area for future research.

Originality/value

This paper seeks to contribute to the discussions of is the relationship between organisational identification and allegiances with the workgroup or profession, which is underdeveloped in the literature.
Cultural impacts on knowledge management and learning in project‐based firms
Authors: Ajmal Mian M. , Kekäle Tauno , Takala Josu
Published: November 2009

Purpose

Projects almost invariably involve a variety of diversely skilled people from different national, organisational, and professional cultural backgrounds. These people come together for a specific period of time to accomplish certain unique, unpredictable, and complex objectives. These distinctive characteristics mean that project‐based firms require a particular approach to knowledge management (KM) and learning activities that differs significantly from prevailing strategies. This paper aims to explore the way in which these distinctive cultural issues (national, organisational, and professional) influence KM in project‐based firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper first looks at the general issues of KM and the “learning organisation”. Second, the study discusses the more specific issue of KM in project‐based firms. Third, the paper explores national, organisational, and professional cultures in the context of project‐based business. Finally, the paper draws the three preceding sections together to discuss the managerial implications of dealing with cultural issues in fostering KM in project‐based firms.

Findings

It is apparent that culture has a most significant influence on the KM capability of an organisation. The moral and budgetary support of senior management is essential for the success of any KM plan in project‐based business.

Research limitations/implications

This paper puts forward a conceptually grounded argument by stressing on cultural complexities to KM and learning in project environments. The key cultural issues highlighted here need to be empirically tested in future studies.

Practical implications

At the organisational level, people and processes must be the first priority for project managers who wish to nurture a “KM culture” in project‐based business. At the team level, the project manager can help to create a team culture conducive to KM by transmitting appropriate values and beliefs to the team members.

Originality/value

The paper helps practitioners and academics to understand the complexities of cultural issues during KM initiatives in the context of improving project performance.
Application of neural network combined genetic algorithm to rank the development priority of heavy oil reservoirs
Authors: Wu Xiaodong , Shi Junfeng , Chen Fujun , Wang Yaru
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a new approach for selecting the good heavy oil reservoirs to develop preferentially, which can avoid the huge economical loss resulted from wrong decision.

Design/methodology/approach

A new method of ranking the development priority of heavy oil reservoir is present, in which the neural network is applied for the first time to acquire reservoir parameters' weights through training samples and the genetic algorithm is used to optimize the joint weighs of neurons in case that neural network falling into local minimum. Additionally, the paper establishes subordinate function of every parameter. Eventually, comprehensive evaluation values of all heavy oil reservoirs are obtained.

Findings

The method can ensure the veracity and creditability of the parameters' weights, avoid the randomicity brought by experts.

Research limitations/implications

Accessibility of the data of many heavy oil reservoirs is the main limitation.

Practical implications

A very useful and new method for the decision makers of heavy oil reservoirs development.

Originality/value

The new approach of ranking the development priority of heavy oil reservoir based on the neural network and the genetic algorithm. The paper is aimed at the leaders who manage the development of heavy oil reservoirs.
The fuzzy adaptation control method and its application of a kind of nonlinear system
Authors: Wu Xueli , Lu Xianghui , Meng Hua , Zhen Ran , Meng Fanhua
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a kind of fuzzy adaptive control method to control non‐linear system that has the characteristic of small time delay and fast respond speed.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper analyzes the production process and the actual condition of the preheat process of the plating zinc and painting plastic scribbled of double layer welded pipe that has the small time delay and fast respond speed, and also gives the preheat process mathematical model. Fuzzy adaptive control method with hierarchical structure is used which aims at one non‐linear system that has the characteristic of small time delay and fast responds speed. Through the simulation, it proves the mentioned method is effective to control the temperature system for double layers welded pipe in welding process.

Findings

Based on the mathematical model proposed about the production process and the actual condition of the preheat process, the fuzzy adaptive control method is effective to control the temperature system for double layers welded pipe in welding process.

Research limitations/implications

The paper proposes fuzzy adaptive control method with hierarchical structure which has the basic fuzzy control grade, adaptive adjust grade, and process state judgment grade.

Practical implications

A very useful method in welding process for double layers welded pipe.

Originality/value

The new mathematical model is proposed about the production process, and the new control method is used in the temperature system for double layers welded pipe in welding process.
Research on the stability of non‐equigap grey control model under multiple transformations
Authors: Xiao Xinping , Li Fuqin
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to deal with the ill‐conditioned problem for the non‐equigap GM(1,1) control model by using the method of multiple transformations.

Design/methodology/approach

Owing to noises and interferences from both inside and outside of the system, many control systems contain unequal intervals and sharp variation which may result in undesirable systems instability. In order to ensure the stability and efficiency of grey forecasting control model, the data transformation for a raw series is an important and useful method for enhancing accuracy and improving ill‐condition of the non‐equigap GM(1,1) model.

Findings

This paper discusses the quantitative relations between the multiple transformation and the parameters of the non‐equigap GM(1,1) model in detail, and studies the effect of the multiple transformation on the condition number of the non‐equigap GM(1,1) model.

Research limitations/implications

Accessibility and availability of data are the main limitations based on which model will be applied.

Practical implications

Choosing an appropriate multiple of transformation cannot only eliminate dimension, lessen computation and maintain high accuracy, but also largely reduce the condition number of the model and improve the ill‐condition of non‐equigap GM(1,1) model effectively.

Originality/value

This paper seems to be the first to discuss the stability problems for the non‐equigap GM(1,1) model.
Application of fuzzy neural network controller in hydropower generator unit
Authors: Xiao Zhihuai , Guo Jiang , Zeng Hongtao , Zhou Pan , Wang Shuqing
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a new hybridized controller based on fuzzy reasoning and neural network (NN) for hydropower generator unit (HGU).

Design/methodology/approach

The approach contains fuzzy neural networks controller (FNNC), RBF network identification (RBFNI) and HGU system. FNNC may give control value to control HGU via fuzzy NN reasoning and computing according to HGU rotate speed error and error varying rate. RBFNI is used to identify the character of HGU system and predict its output. FNNC may adjust parameters and member function according to the identifying and predictive outcome of RBFNI.

Findings

Sees that the hybridized control system is feasible and stable, and the controlling performance of the hybridized system is superior to conventional fuzzy controller.

Research limitations/implications

The theoretical proof of stability of the proposed scheme still remains to be studied. Accessibility and availability of membership functions and control rules is also a limitation applied.

Practical implications

The main advantage of the proposed method is that FNNC has reasoning, learning, and optimizing capability which can control effectively HGU. This will be useful for control engineers to control complex industrial plants.

Originality/value

The paper proposes new combined approach to optimal control of HGU using FNNC, and it is aimed at operational researches and engineers, especially those who dealt with HUG controller.
Basis for STM solution of quantum control problems
Authors: Xing Yifan , Sun Xice , Chu Diyang , Wang Zhi , Wu Jun
Published: November 2009

Purpose

This purpose of this paper is to present a new approach of solving quantum control problem.

Design/methodology/approach

State‐transition‐matrix (STM) is used to solute quantum control problem.

Findings

The paper obtains the matrix representation for wave function, normalization, and some other quantum operators, and then gives the possible methods to establish the STM model and solve it.

Originality/value

Based on this, many tools of the widely used control theory can be adopted to denote or analyze the quantum system.
Application of the stepping stress acceleration life test in the product storage life forecast
Authors: Yan Pengcheng , Liu Dongqing , Zheng Bo
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to forecast the reliable storage life of a certain kind of equipment under the normal stress level.

Design/methodology/approach

Through the stepping stress acceleration life test and the failure mechanism analysis, this paper aims to confirm the stress level for the stepping stress acceleration life test of a certain kind of equipment and establish the data processing mathematical model and storage life forecasting method.

Findings

The stress level for the stepping stress acceleration life test of a certain kind of equipment is confirmed and the data processing mathematical model and storage life forecasting method is established.

Research limitations/implications

Availability of data is the main limitation affecting which model will be applied.

Practical implications

Useful advice for products' storage life forecasting.

Originality/value

The paper presents a new approach to product storage life estimation.