bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neotropical vegetation response to rapid climate changes during the last glacial period: Palynological evidence from the Cariaco Basin
Authors: González Catalina , Dupont Lydie M. , Behling Hermann , Wefer Gerold
Published: February 2008

We present new palynological information from the anoxic Cariaco Basin, off Venezuela, that provides insight into the response of northernmost South American vegetation to rapid climate changes between 68 and 28 ka, specifically during North Atlantic Heinrich events (HEs) and Dansgaard/Oeschger cycles. We defined three different vegetation modes: (1) an interstadial mode characterized by the highest pollen concentration and the maximum extension of semi-deciduous and evergreen forests; (2) a stadial mode characterized by increases of salt marshes, herbs, and montane forests; and (3) a Heinrich event mode characterized by the lowest pollen concentrations, abrupt increases of salt marshes, and decreased forest abundance. Similarly, indices of C4/C3 plants show increases during stadials with clear peaks during the onset of HEs, though grasslands did not become dominant during these periods. We alternatively propose that these expansions of C4 plants are associated with the expansion of coastal salt marshes. Our vegetation record suggests the prevalence of humid conditions during interstadials, dry and cold conditions during stadials, and dry and cold conditions together with changes in sea level during HEs. This new palynological evidence supports previous interpretations that main environmental changes in northernmost South America were driven by latitudinal displacements of the Intertropical Convergence Zone and sea-level changes.
Conformational polymorphism in a heteromolecular single crystal leads to concerted movement akin to collective rack-and-pinion gears at the molecular level
Authors: Sokolov Anatoliy N. , Swenson Dale C. , MacGillivray Leonard R.
Published: February 2008

We describe a heteromolecular single crystal that exhibits three reversible and concerted reorganizations upon heating and cooling. The products of the reorganizations are conformational polymorphs. The reorganizations are postulated to proceed through three motions: (
i
) alkyl translations, (
ii
) olefin rotations, and (
iii
) rotational tilts. The motions are akin to rack-and-pinion gears at the molecular level. The rack-like movement is based on expansions and compressions of alkyl chains that are coupled with pinion-like 180° rotations of olefins. To accommodate the movements, phenol and thiophene components undergo rotational tilts about intermolecular hydrogen bonds. The movements are collective, being propagated in close-packed repeating units. This discovery marks a step to understanding how organic solids can support the development of crystalline molecular machines and devices through correlated and collective movements.
Translation initiation factor a/eIF2(-γ) counteracts 5′ to 3′ mRNA decay in the archaeon
Sulfolobus solfataricus
Authors: Hasenöhrl David , Lombo Tania , Kaberdin Vladimir , Londei Paola , Bläsi Udo
Published: February 2008

The trimeric translation initiation factor a/eIF2 of the crenarchaeon
Sulfolobus solfataricus
is pivotal for binding of initiator tRNA to the ribosome. Here, we present
in vitro
and
in vivo
evidence that the a/eIF2 γ-subunit exhibits an additional function with resemblance to the eukaryotic cap-complex. It binds to the 5′-triphosphate end of mRNA and protects the 5′ part from degradation. This unprecedented capacity of the archaeal initiation factor further indicates that 5′ → 3′ directional mRNA decay is a pathway common to all domains of life.
Adaptations of
Trypanosoma brucei
to gradual loss of kinetoplast DNA:
Trypanosoma equiperdum
and
Trypanosoma evansi
are
petite
mutants of
T. brucei
Authors: Lai De-Hua , Hashimi Hassan , Lun Zhao-Rong , Ayala Francisco J. , Lukeš Julius
Published: February 2008

Trypanosoma brucei
is a kinetoplastid flagellate, the agent of human sleeping sickness and ruminant nagana in Africa. Kinetoplastid flagellates contain their eponym kinetoplast DNA (kDNA), consisting of two types of interlocked circular DNA molecules: scores of maxicircles and thousands of minicircles. Maxicircles have typical mitochondrial genes, most of which are translatable only after RNA editing. Minicircles encode guide RNAs, required for decrypting the maxicircle transcripts. The life cycle of
T. brucei
involves a bloodstream stage (BS) in vertebrates and a procyclic stage (PS) in the tsetse fly vector. Partial [dyskinetoplastidy (Dk)] or total [akinetoplastidy (Ak)] loss of kDNA locks the trypanosome in the BS form. Transmission between vertebrates becomes mechanical without PS and tsetse mediation, allowing the parasite to spread outside the African tsetse belt.
Trypanosoma equiperdum
and
Trypanosoma evansi
are agents of dourine and surra, diseases of horses, camels, and water buffaloes. We have characterized representative strains of
T. equiperdum
and
T. evansi
by numerous molecular and classical parasitological approaches. We show that both species are actually strains of
T. brucei
, which lost part (Dk) or all (Ak) of their kDNA. These trypanosomes are not monophyletic clades and do not qualify for species status. They should be considered two subspecies, respectively
T. brucei equiperdum
and
T. brucei evansi
, which spontaneously arose recently. Dk/Ak trypanosomes may potentially emerge repeatedly from
T. brucei
.
Using flowViz to visualize flow cytometry data
Authors: Sarkar D. , Le Meur N. , Gentleman R.
Published: February 2008

Summary: Automated analysis of flow cytometry (FCM) data is essential for it to become successful as a high throughput technology. We believe that the principles of Trellis graphics can be adapted to provide useful visualizations that can aid such automation. In this article, we describe the R/Bioconductor package flowViz that implements such visualizations.

Availability: flowViz is available as an R package from the Bioconductor project: http://bioconductor.org

Contact:  dsarkar@fhcrc.org
SVM-HUSTLE—an iterative semi-supervised machine learning approach for pairwise protein remote homology detection
Authors: Shah Anuj R. , Oehmen Christopher S. , Webb-Robertson Bobbie-Jo
Published: February 2008

Motivation: As the amount of biological sequence data continues to grow exponentially we face the increasing challenge of assigning function to this enormous molecular ‘parts list’. The most popular approaches to this challenge make use of the simplifying assumption that similar functional molecules, or proteins, sometimes have similar composition, or sequence. However, these algorithms often fail to identify remote homologs (proteins with similar function but dissimilar sequence) which often are a significant fraction of the total homolog collection for a given sequence. We introduce a Support Vector Machine (SVM)-based tool to detect homology using semi-supervised iterative learning (SVM-HUSTLE) that identifies significantly more remote homologs than current state-of-the-art sequence or cluster-based methods. As opposed to building profiles or position specific scoring matrices, SVM-HUSTLE builds an SVM classifier for a query sequence by training on a collection of representative high-confidence training sets, recruits additional sequences and assigns a statistical measure of homology between a pair of sequences. SVM-HUSTLE combines principles of semi-supervised learning theory with statistical sampling to create many concurrent classifiers to iteratively detect and refine, on-the-fly, patterns indicating homology.

Results: When compared against existing methods for identifying protein homologs (BLAST, PSI-BLAST, COMPASS, PROF_SIM, RANKPROP and their variants) on two different benchmark datasets SVM-HUSTLE significantly outperforms each of the above methods using the most stringent ROC1 statistic with P-values less than 1e-20. SVM-HUSTLE also yields results comparable to HHSearch but at a substantially reduced computational cost since we do not require the construction of HMMs.

Availability: The software executable to run SVM-HUSTLE can be downloaded from http://www.sysbio.org/sysbio/networkbio/svm_hustle

Contact:  anuj.shah@pnl.gov
Factors influencing the recruitment and abundance of Didemnum in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island
Authors: Auker Linda A. , Oviatt Candace A.
Published: February 2008

Auker, L. A., and Oviatt, C. A. 2008. Factors influencing the recruitment and abundance of Didemnum in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 65: 765–769. The non-indigenous colonial tunicate Didemnum sp. A has been observed in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island, since 2000. We compared weekly recruitment of the species and environmental parameters (i.e. temperature, salinity, chlorophyll a, dissolved oxygen, pH, and nutrient concentrations) over a 6-month period among three sites: (i) the University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography dock (GSO), (ii) the Department of Environmental Management pier at Fort Wetherill (FW), and (iii) the Prudence Island T-wharf. At the GSO and FW, divers surveyed the sites for percentage cover of Didemnum. To assess the spread of Didemnum in the bay and what factors may predict the tunicate’s presence, we also surveyed intertidal sites in October and November 2005, noting Didemnum presence, salinity, number of boats and moorings, and distances to major ports at each site. GSO had the highest percentage cover of adults and the highest recruitment of the tunicate (p < 0.01), reaching average peak values of 319 individuals per 100 cm2 in September 2005. Temperature and salinity demonstrated the best correlation with recruitment, and higher boat and mooring numbers may be a reliable predictor of tunicate presence. Further monitoring is needed to assess the potential spread of Didemnum throughout Narragansett Bay.
Phylogenomic and Functional Analysis of Pterin-4a-Carbinolamine Dehydratase Family (COG2154) Proteins in Plants and Microorganisms
Authors: Naponelli Valeria , Noiriel Alexandre , Ziemak Michael J. , Beverley Stephen M. , Lye Lon-Fye , Plume Andrew M. , Botella José Ramon , Loizeau Karen , Ravanel Stéphane , Rébeillé Fabrice , de Crécy-Lagard Valérie , Hanson Andrew D.
Published: February 2008

Pterin-4a-carbinolamine dehydratases (PCDs) recycle oxidized pterin cofactors generated by aromatic amino acid hydroxylases (AAHs). PCDs are known biochemically only from animals and one bacterium, but PCD-like proteins (COG2154 in the Clusters of Orthologous Groups [COGs] database) are encoded by many plant and microbial genomes. Because these genomes often encode no AAH homologs, the annotation of their COG2154 proteins as PCDs is questionable. Moreover, some COG2154 proteins lack canonical residues that are catalytically important in mammalian PCDs. Diverse COG2154 proteins of plant, fungal, protistan, and prokaryotic origin were therefore tested for PCD activity by functional complementation in Escherichia coli, and the plant proteins were localized using green fluorescent protein fusions. Higher and lower plants proved to have two COG2154 proteins, a mitochondrial one with PCD activity and a noncanonical, plastidial one without. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the latter is unique to plants and arose from the former early in the plant lineage. All 10 microbial COG2154 proteins tested had PCD activity; six of these came from genomes with no AAH, and six were noncanonical. The results suggested the motif [EDKH]-x(3)-H-[HN]-[PCS]-x(5,6)-[YWF]-x(9)-[HW]-x(8,15)-D as a signature for PCD activity. Organisms having a functional PCD but no AAH partner include angiosperms, yeast, and various prokaryotes. In these cases, PCD presumably has another function. An ancillary role in molybdopterin cofactor metabolism, hypothesized from phylogenomic evidence, was supported by demonstrating significantly lowered activities of two molybdoenzymes in Arabidopsis thaliana PCD knockout mutants. Besides this role, we propose that partnerless PCDs support the function of as yet unrecognized pterin-dependent enzymes.
Tomato Transcriptional Changes in Response toClavibacter michiganensissubsp.michiganensisReveal a Role for Ethylene in Disease Development
Authors: Balaji Vasudevan , Mayrose Maya , Sherf Ofra , Jacob-Hirsch Jasmine , Eichenlaub Rudolf , Iraki Naim , Manulis-Sasson Shulamit , Rechavi Gideon , Barash Isaac , Sessa Guido
Published: February 2008

Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis (Cmm) is a gram-positive actinomycete, causing bacterial wilt and canker disease in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). Host responses to gram-positive bacteria and molecular mechanisms associated with the development of disease symptoms caused by Cmm in tomato are largely unexplored. To investigate plant responses activated during this compatible interaction, we used microarray analysis to monitor changes in host gene expression during disease development. This analysis was performed at 4 d postinoculation, when bacteria were actively multiplying and no wilt symptoms were yet visible; and at 8 d postinoculation, when bacterial growth approached saturation and typical wilt symptoms were observed. Of the 9,254 tomato genes represented on the array, 122 were differentially expressed in Cmm-infected plants, compared with mock-inoculated plants. Functional classification of Cmm-responsive genes revealed that Cmm activated typical basal defense responses in the host, including induction of defense-related genes, production and scavenging of free oxygen radicals, enhanced protein turnover, and hormone synthesis. Cmm infection also induced a subset of host genes involved in ethylene biosynthesis and response. After inoculation with Cmm, Never ripe (Nr) mutant plants, impaired in ethylene perception, and transgenic plants with reduced ethylene synthesis showed significant delay in the appearance of wilt symptoms, compared with wild-type plants. The retarded wilting in Nr plants was a specific effect of ethylene insensitivity, and was not due to altered expression of defense-related genes, reduced bacterial populations, or decreased ethylene synthesis. Taken together, our results indicate that host-derived ethylene plays an important role in regulation of the tomato susceptible response to Cmm.
Satellite attitude control by integrator back‐stepping with internal stabilization
Authors: Özgür Doruk Reşat , Kocaoğlan Erol
Published: February 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on the implementation of the integral back‐stepping control on the model of BILSAT – 1 satellite of the Turkish Scientific and Technological Research Council (TUBITAK).

Design/methodology/approach

The nonlinear model of the satellite is divided into three groups and the control Lyapunov function is constructed systematically. The formed closed loop system is analyzed for stability according to a recently developed stability analysis procedure and multi‐run simulations.

Findings

Since the studied model includes the dynamics of a practical reaction wheel (SSTL Type: Microwheel), the simulation results showed that the designed controllers are suitable for practical application. The torque requirement is far below the maximum torque supplied by the wheel. In addition, the system seems to be quite fast and robust against the parametric uncertainties.

Research limitations/implications

Since the control system is nonlinear, the computational complexity will be an issue in practical application. The stability analysis should be improved to have more reliable information concerning the disturbance torques. Currently this analysis is performed by multi‐run simulations. An observer or estimator may also be designed in order to compute the attitudes from the gyroscope readings.

Practical implications

The controller designed here can be implemented on the proceeding satellite projects (foregoing BILSAT projects) by TUBITAK.

Originality/value

The paper provides a satellite control application of back‐stepping using a model involving modified Rodriguez parameters and reaction wheel dynamics that is not studied in the literature.
Simplest AB‐thermonuclear space propulsion and electric generator
Authors: Bolonkin Alexander
Published: February 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to suggest a new thermonuclear space propulsion and electric generator for aerospace.

Design/methodology/approach

Methods of thermonuclear physics are used for research.

Findings

The paper applies, develops and researches mini‐sized Micro‐AB thermonuclear reactors for space propulsion and space power systems. These small engines directly convert the high‐speed charged particles produced in the thermonuclear reactor into vehicle thrust or vehicle electricity with maximum efficiency. The simplest AB‐thermonuclear propulsion offered allows spaceships to reach speeds of 20,000‐50,000 km/s (1/6 of light speed) for fuel ratio 0.1 and produces a huge amount of useful electric energy. The offered propulsion system permits flight to any planet of the solar system in a short time and to the nearest non‐Sun stars by E‐being or intellectual robots during a single human life period.

Research limitations/implications

Technical limitations may be apparent.

Originality/value

The theory of this propulsion and electric generator is developed and possibilities researched.
Control system design of multivariable non‐linear space robots
Authors: Nassirharand Amir
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The paper's purpose is to initiate an effort that will result in a systematic approach for design of control systems for multivariable, nonlinear, and unstable space robots.

Design/methodology/approach

The design approach is based on multivariable describing function (DF) models of the space robot coupled with the use of factorization technique. The design approach is to obtain the multivariable DF models followed by application of a previously developed factorization‐based controller design formula. Finally, the design must be verified by a non‐linear simulation to make sure that approximations made during design are valid.

Findings

It is found that the DF approach may successfully be applied in order to control nonlinear, multivariable, and unstable systems such as space robots.

Research limitations/implications

At present, the approach is verified to be applicable to rigid space robots.

Practical implications

The major outcome of this research is that complicated controllers of a class of space robots may be replaced by simpler controllers, taking into account the amplitude dependency features of the space robot; this amplitude dependency is the most important characteristic of a non‐linear system.

Originality/value

This is the first paper in the area of multivariable and unstable space robot controller design that is based on the application of the DF technique. In fact this is the first work in the area of general unstable non‐linear control system design that is based on a DF technique.
Influence of flexible interface on the performance of whole spacecraft vibration isolation
Authors: Lu Liang , Huang Wenhu
Published: February 2008

Purpose

As the installation of the vibration isolation device to the spacecraft for the whole spacecraft vibration isolation, the interface structure is typically modeled as a rigid structure during the design phase. However, the flexibility of the interface structure does exist for a large‐sized adaptor. This is a source of uncertainty and could reduce the reliability of the system. It is necessary to investigate the influence of this type of flexibility on the vibration isolation performance in an engineering practice. This paper aims to address this situation.

Design/methodology/approach

The vibratory transmissibility from the bottom of the isolator is generally used to evaluate the performance of the vibration isolation. By introducing the interface flexibility from both the adaptor and the vibration isolation device, a planar model which includes a flexible beam representing the interface structure is established to study the influence of this type of flexibility on the vibratory transmissibility.

Findings

It is found that, when this type of flexibility is included, an extra low‐frequency mode dominated locally by the interface structure is induced, and then a significant resonance appears in the vibratory transmissibility of the vibration isolation device at a low frequency.

Originality/value

The vibration isolation performance may be over‐estimated in the design by taking the interface as rigid. The inherent flexibility of the interface structure, on the other hand, may degrade the performance of the vibration isolation device and degrade the function of the rotation constraint device added into the vibration isolation device.
Novel design of actuator fault reconstruction
Authors: Luan Jia‐hui , Zhao Ting‐di
Published: February 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to present a novel fault estimator design scheme, in order to improve the practicability of the fault estimation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper first transforms the system state into three parts. Then a reduced‐observer is designed for an unknown input and fault‐free system, and the observer can get no bias error in the state estimation. So the estimator can get the exact estimation for the unknown input and fault of the actuator.

Findings

By using this approach it is found that the condition of the estimator is weaker than other observers. It is a qualified and simple and straightforward approach to be applied in wide domains.

Research limitations/implications

It should be noted that the sensors should be perfectly reliable. The maximum number of disturbances which can be decoupled cannot be larger than the number of independent actuators.

Practical implications

It is a very useful approach to solve the problem that the actuator is contaminated by disturbances.

Originality/value

The paper uses a transformation to divide the state into three parts. By estimating the part that is not affected by the disturbance and fault, it gets the exact estimation for the unknown input and fault of the actuator. The design condition of the reduced‐order observer which is proposed is weaker than others.
Design and development of thermal test model of a micro‐satellite for thermal balance test
Authors: Justin Jose Nesamani Gilbert , Chandrakant Joshi Sunil , Jin Zhanli , Keong Chan Poh , Cheng Lee Soon
Published: February 2008

Purpose

This paper seeks to provide an insight into the design and development of the thermal test model (TTM) of X‐Sat, a 120 kg class micro‐satellite, being developed at the Centre. This model was specifically constructed for carrying out a thermal balance test (TBT) in a 4 m diameter vertical thermal vacuum chamber.

Design/methodology/approach

The construction of the thermal model followed a structural mock‐up model which was modified thermally to suit the purpose. Specific and careful consideration was given to the geometry and, more importantly, thermal characteristics such as thermal mass, surface properties, etc. to mimic the actual satellite configuration as closely as possible. Test plans were devised to qualify the fabricated components to meet the out‐gassing and other thermal requirements for the model. Design and qualification of supporting frame and linkages for TBT are also covered.

Findings

It is possible to simulate the thermal characteristics of a micro‐satellite in orbit under a different mission scenario through proper scaling and using alternative material options while developing TTM.

Originality/value

The paper discusses in detail the simplified cost‐effective approach of constructing TTM and also outlines the various issues to be considered for a TBT. It provides valuable information needed for micro‐satellite designers.
Coordinative structures and development of food supply chains
Authors: Mikkola Minna
Published: February 2008

Purpose

This case study aims to analyse dyadic empirical relations within food supply chains. The categories of market, hierarchy or power, network and social relations were used to disclose the coordinative structures on the chain level and connect these with the chain development.

Design/methodology/approach

The actors of three vegetable supply chains were interviewed. The coordinative relations of actors were identified and the coordinative structures on the chain level were made visible by combining the ego networks of chain actors. The “story of supply chain development” was intertwined with the analysis.

Findings

The studied food supply chains were coordinated mostly by duplex or multiplex relations, combining market, hierarchy or power, network and social relations. In addition to the strategic network, presented in literature, the study identified a coordinative structural mode of socially overlaid network. In general, the network relation was found to be used as an effective “glue” within all coordinative structures. Both coordinative structural modes exhibited substantial growth, on the condition that agricultural base and buyers enabled enlargement.

Originality/value

Economic sociological perspective has been used in explaining food supply chain development by making visible the coordinative relations and structures on the chain level. The chain level phenomena appear as a promising field of study.
The paradox of gifted leadership: developing the generation of leaders
Authors: Hammett Pete
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the paradox of gifted leadership – namely that executives who are gifted in leading their organizations may not be able to develop leaders under them – creating a challenge in developing the next generation of leaders.

Design/methodology/approach

To help confront this paradox the paper highlights insights for how executives approach developing others by drawing on assessment data from over 100 executive leaders and 900 observers. Additionally, the paper reflects on current research and observations on talent management best practices and offers a call‐to‐action for establishing a leadership development framework.

Findings

Senior leaders do not get too close or too personal with their co‐workers and this isolation can inhibit their ability to identify first hand individuals who might be in the up‐and‐coming next generation of leaders. Likewise, there is a perception that executives are more concerned with advancing their own careers than helping others move up the ladder. Finally, in environments with informal talent management processes, executives can be drawn towards finding and grooming mirror images of themselves or worse may succumb to organizational politics and favoritism when it comes to promotions and advancements.

Originality/value

There are multiple “influencers” that come into play to shape an executive's behavior and perceptions in their struggle to be an effective leader. Hopefully, with a better awareness of these influencers we can bring balance to how we define (and perhaps influence) effective executive leadership.
Driving organizational change with internal coaching programs: part one
Authors: Rock David , Donde Ruth
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this two part paper is to outline a new way of utilizing coaching to drive wide scale organizational change.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors illustrate the various benefits to using internal coaches, flesh out the cost benefits, and highlight a range of ways that organizations can integrate coaching into their people, performance and culture frameworks. It covers training, design and implementation issues as well as looking at aligning coaching models with the organization's strategic approach. The paper draws on extensive case studies and posits some best practice principles, then addresses some of the key questions around this topic. This paper draws on interviews with over 50 internal coaches over two years, and several other research papers on this topic.

Findings

It illustrates how training leaders to be internal coaches is a more scalable, sustainable and robust approach to driving change and improving performance than hiring external coaches. Early indicators are showing significant increases in retention, engagement, productivity and performance, as well as ROI (17x), across organizations that have developed internal coaching.

Research limitations/implications

Data is critical to understanding coaching impacts within organizational contexts. Thanks to those organizations using measurement, impacts to the business can be determined.

Originality/value

This positive data is significant for organizations making decisions about introducing coaching initiatives, driving organizational change or adopting a coaching culture.
Effecting successful change management initiatives
Authors: Stanleigh Michael
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assist managers to effectively implement change initiatives.

Design/methodology/approach

The author provides his viewpoint for a step‐by‐step approach to implementing change on the basis of his professional experience.

Findings

Most change initiatives fail because management may not be engaging employees in the process towards change and do not allow sufficient time for changes to set. It is important to implement change in a series of phases that will engage employees and to allow sufficient length of time for each phase to become institutionalized within the organization.

Practical implications

The author invites managers to apply a multi‐step process to guide, include, empower, enlist, and motivate employees towards change.

Originality/value

Senior managers will understand why change initiatives usually fail and how to effect successful change management initiatives in their organizations or departments.
Using collaboration tools to improve training
Authors: Noonan Jerona
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to examine how collaboration services can benefit the training process, to the benefit of both the individual and broader organisation. In the past, conferencing tools were viewed almost exclusively in terms of the financial benefits they delivered to the business, yet increasingly businesses recognise their value in enabling staff, irrespective of their location, to access the company's invaluable knowledge base.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explores how sophisticated online collaboration solutions complement face‐to‐face training and follow‐up coaching and support by replicating much of its physical functionality and two‐way communication capability.

Findings

In achieving this, it shows how collaboration has moved on from its traditional focus on one‐to‐many to providing one‐to‐one unified communication through the use of tools such as chat and feedback mechanisms including e‐quizzes, votes and surveys. Availability is one thing, usage is another however and here, if they are to encourage maximum participation and usage in a training context, such tools must be easy to deploy, easy to use and offer ubiquitous access.

Originality/value

The value of this approach is to show how, from a training perspective, the latest collaboration services offer a uniquely broad and cost‐effective mechanism in getting beyond traditional geographical, cultural and technological barriers to share work‐related skills, techniques and product knowledge.
Corporate re‐branding: is cultural alignment the weakest link?
Authors: Gotsi Manto , Andriopoulos Constantine , Wilson Alan
Published: February 2008

Purpose

This study seeks to empirically examine cultural alignment with new corporate brand values in the rebranding aftermath.

Design/methodology/approach

Focuses on a case study of a firm that recently underwent a corporate rebranding campaign. Analysis is based on data collected through 14 in‐depth interviews with senior managers, and questionnaire data from an intranet survey with the firm's employees.

Findings

The empirical findings highlight that despite the firm's internal communication initiatives, current staff attitudes and behaviours are not aligned with the new corporate brand priorities. Resistance to change appears to play an important role in this respect. Yet, interestingly, some divisions view the current culture as more aligned to the new corporate brand than others. Moreover, staff that have joined the firm after the rebranding exercise view the current culture as more aligned to the new corporate brand values than those who have been with the firm since before the launch of the new corporate brand.

Research limitations/implications

A single case study but one which provides empirical insights that advance theoretical thinking in corporate re‐branding.

Practical implications

Managers should aim for organization‐wide buy‐in towards the new corporate brand values and address challenges involved in aligning subcultures with the requirements of the new corporate brand.

Originality/value

Very few papers have empirically studied the process of cultural alignment in corporate re‐branding. This paper is relevant to managers of organizations undertaking corporate re‐branding activities.
Partnerships for corporate social responsibility
Authors: Nijhof Andre , de Bruijn Theo , Honders Hakan
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to conceptualise the extent to which partnerships with non‐governmental organisations (NGOs) are a necessity for successful efforts of businesses in the area of corporate social responsibility (CSR).

Design/methodology/approach

The main findings are based on an analysis of existing literature on NGO typologies and strategies for CSR and illustrated with examples from the Dutch National Research Program on CSR.

Findings

Based on three different strategies towards CSR, the suggestion is that NGOs tend to become involved in partnerships with companies that have an interest in postponing concrete results, while partnerships with companies that have the potential for the biggest contribution to the ambitions of NGOs have the highest risk of diminishing NGO‐legitimacy.

Research limitations/implications

This is a conceptual paper. Suggestions are given to test the hypotheses put forward as well as the actual results associated with each of the strategies towards corporate social responsibility.

Practical implications

Whatever strategy a company opts for, managers should be aware that every strategy has a reverse side. Being aware of the weak spots of one's own strategy is important to anticipate claims associated with one of the other strategies.

Originality/value

Theory in the field of CSR emphasises the necessity to involve NGOs in embedding social issues in the strategies and day‐to‐day operations of organisations. This paper proves that this emphasis is not always justified and presents arguments when certain forms of NGO involvement are required.
Tribological performance of rare‐earth alkylsalicylate as lubrication additive
Authors: Liu Rende , Tao Dehua , Zhao Yuan
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to study the tribological performance of an oil soluble mixed rare‐earth alkylsalicylate (REA) as lubrication additive in VG 26 white oil, and to estimate the action mechanism.

Design/methodology/approach

The organo rare‐earth compound is synthesized, and added in base oil with different concentrations. The tribological performances of the organo rare‐earth compound as a lubrication additive in VG 26 white oil and its anti‐wear properties are evaluated with a four‐ball friction and wear tester. The wear scar is analyzed with X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).

Findings

The novel compound exhibits excellent anti‐wear, load‐carrying and friction‐reducing capacities in base stock. The analytical results of XPS indicate that the excellent performance of REA can be attributed to the formation of a boundary lubricating film mainly composed of alkylsalicylic acid, rare earth oxide, and complexes of rare earth metals, which is formed on a rubbed surface when lubricated by oil containing the REA additive.

Research limitations/implications

Their antioxidant and anticorrosion properties are not estimated.

Practical implications

One useful AW and EP lubricating oil additive is synthesized, and maybe it is the potential industrial applied lubricating oil additive.

Originality/value

This paper provides a study of organo rare‐earth compounds as lubrication additives.
Fatigue testing of Inconel‐625 coatings on carbon and stainless steel after one and three weeks of exposure to aqueous electrolytic solution
Authors: Boudi A.A. , Hashmi M.S.J. , Yilbas B.S.
Published: February 2008

Purpose

This paper seeks to examine the fatigue properties of HVOF sprayed Inconel‐625 coating of steel substrate before and after the aqueous corrosion.

Design/methodology/approach

Workpieces were cut from steel sheets. After chemical and ultrasonic cleaning, workpiece surfaces were sand‐blasted and HVOF sprayed Inconel‐625 coated. The coated and un‐coated surfaces were subjected to the aqueous corrosion tests for one and three weeks. After the completion of the corrosion tests, fatigue properties of the workpieces were examined.

Findings

Stainless steel coated workpieces demonstrated excellent fatigue life resistance versus coated carbon steel workpieces. Stainless steel workpieces apparently have a high‐cycle fatigue represented by in excess of 1.50 million cycles without cracking, thereby assuring a high‐fatigue life. The carbon steel specimens have low‐cycle fatigue and consequently a short fatigue life. In addition, high velocity impacting of splats on to the workpiece enhances the hardness of the surface. This, in turn, improves fatigue properties at the interface, particularly for stainless steel workpieces.

Research limitations/implications

The tests can be extended to include the duplex treated workpieces such as the laser treatment of surface after HVOF sprayed coating. This enhances the bonding of the coating through thermal integration of the coating and the base substrate material.

Practical implications

The results can be used to assess the HVOF sprayed coatings.

Originality/value

This paper provides information on the fatigue behavior of HVOF sprayed coatings when subjected to the cyclic load and offers practical help for the researchers and scientists working in the coatings area.
Effect of rheological behaviour of lithium greases on the friction process
Authors: Delgado M.A. , Franco J.M. , Kuhn E.
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The aim of this work is to investigate the relationship among rheology, tribology and traditional standardized technological parameters of lithium lubricating greases.

Design/methodology/approach

Lubricating greases having the same composition but differing in processing protocols have been manufactured and characterized in order to isolate the rheological behaviour from the formulation.

Findings

Some successful empirical correlations between rheological (viscous and viscoelastic) and technological standardized parameters, with the friction factor obtained from a ball‐disc tribometer, have been established in order to elucidate the role of the rheological behaviour of lubricating greases on the friction process. In addition to this, an energetic evaluation of the structural degradation of greases during the friction process has been carried out by performing stress‐growth experiments. Thus, the storage energy density, which is related to the grease capacity to accumulate energy in the elastic deformation, and the limiting energy density, which represents the dissipation of energy in the flow process, have been satisfactorily correlated with the friction factor.

Research limitations/implications

The complex rheological behaviour of lubricating greases, the extreme deformations and the high‐shear stresses resulting in a tribological contact imply that it is difficult to develop a model to describe their behaviour in an elastohydrodynamic lubricating contact.

Originality/value

This paper provides a resource of practical data to be applied in tribological systems.
Effect of Ti and B on the dry sliding wear behaviour of hypoeutectic Al‐Si alloys
Authors: Kori S.A. , Chandrashekharaiah T.M. , Auradi V. , Kabadi V.R.
Published: February 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to study the effect of Al‐Ti‐B grain refiners on the wear behaviour of hypoeutectic (Al‐0.2, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7Si alloys) Al‐Si alloys against steel counterface using a Pin‐On‐Disc machine under dry sliding conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

In the present study, Al‐5Ti‐1B and Al‐1Ti‐3B grain refiners were used for the refinement of α‐Al dendrites in hypoeutectic Al‐Si alloys. Various parameters such as alloy composition, normal pressure, sliding speed and sliding distance were studied on Al‐Si alloys. Worn surfaces were characterized by SEM/EDX microanalysis.

Findings

Wear resistance of hypoeutectic Al‐Si alloys increases with the addition of Al‐Ti‐B refiners when compared with the absence of grain refiner.

Research limitations/implications

The effects of normal pressure, sliding speed and sliding distance were studied by varying one parameter and keeping constant the other two parameters.

Originality/value

This paper provides information on improvement in wear properties of Al‐Si alloys by the addition of Al‐Ti‐B grain refiners. The effects of silicon and grain refiners containing Ti/B play a vital role and are responsible for the wear resistance of the alloys, which helps the industrialists in manufacturing Al‐Si alloy components.
An examination of human resource management practices in Iranian public sector
Authors: Yeganeh Hamid , Su Zhan
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze HRM practices in Iran in view of underlying cultural, political and economic factors.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is organized in three major parts. The first part deals with HRM concept and Iranian social context. The second part presents methodology and data analysis. The third part discusses results and illustrates HRM practices in Iranian organizations. The study involves in‐depth interviews with four Iranian managers and data collected from 82 respondents through Likert‐type questionnaires (n=82, rate of response=44 per cent).

Findings

The findings in the paper shed light on the main HRM functions in the Iranian public sector. Staffing is marked by pervasiveness of networking, entitlement, compliance with Islamic/revolutionary criteria and high job security. Compensation is described by features such as fixed pay, ascription/seniority‐based reward, and hierarchical pay structure. Training and development programs are found to be unplanned and spontaneous. Finally, the paper shows that the appraisal function receives little attention and tends to be based on subjective and behavioral criteria.

Research limitations/implications

The paper shows that the study is limited in terms of HRM functions, sector and sample size. Further research may make comparison between large/state‐owned and small/private organizations.

Practical implications

The findings in the paper might be valuable for MNEs, NGOs, international negotiators, expatriate managers, investors and those who are concerned with this part of the world.

Originality/value

The paper presents a convenient approach in assessing HRM variations. The combination of qualitative and quantitative data provides a thick description of HRM enriched by secondary data and previous research. Given some commonalities between Iran and other developing countries, the findings might be of potential interest in comparative studies dealing with management transferability.
KUKA robotics open architecture allows wireless control
Authors: Connolly Christine
Published: February 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate a high‐profile marketing stratagem staged by a robot manufacturer.

Design/methodology/approach

The exhibition, press release and video are described. The relevant technical details of the KUKA robot and controller are presented, followed by those of the Nintendo Wii remote control device and its Bluetooth communications technology. The experimental set‐up used in the video is then explained.

Findings

This advertising exercise created a lot of interest, but was rather misleading and of questionable value in its stated aim of encouraging the trickle‐down of robots to the consumer market.

Originality/value

This paper highlights the power and availability of the Nintendo Wii controller and Bluetooth communications, and KUKA's drive to appeal to non‐engineers.
Vision and robotics team up at the 2007 Show
Authors: Bloss Richard
Published: February 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to review the 2007 Bi‐Annual International Robotics and Vision Show in Chicago.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents in‐depth interviews with exhibitors of robots and robotic vision systems.

Findings

The marriage of vision and robotics is changing the nature of robotics. In the past, a robot was a “dumb” mechanism which followed pre‐programmed directions. With the addition of vision and added computing power, the robot is starting to “find its way” in the application. Innovations in grippers, robotic design and simulation also shared the stage.

Practical implications

Applications, which previously did not lend themselves to a robotic solution because the requirement could not be completely pre‐programmed, may now be possible. With vision, the robot can adjust for uncertainties in real‐time and perform other tasks such as inspection.

Originality/value

This paper reviews the 2007 Bi‐Annual International Robotics and Vision Show, Chicago.
The theory of constraints thinking processes: retrospect and prospect
Authors: Kim Seonmin , Mabin Victoria Jane , Davies John
Published: February 2008

Purpose

This paper seeks to provide a timely review of developments to the theory of constraints (TOC) body of knowledge, particularly the TOC thinking processes as reported in the public domain peer‐reviewed literature, and to present an analysis of the nature of the thinking processes (TPs), and their methodological and applicatory evolution.

Design/methodology/approach

Research reported in the public domain from 1994 to early 2006, as peer‐reviewed journal articles or as papers published in refereed conference proceedings, was reviewed to summarize key research issues that have been studied and to suggest future research. The literature is categorized along several dimensions and according to several emergent and self‐defined clusters that relate to application area, methodology and epistemology.

Findings

This paper presents a comprehensive review of the TP literature, identifies specific publication and research gaps as they relate to the defined classification and also provides some future research topics.

Research limitations/implications

The review addresses only the peer‐reviewed literature spanning a limited period from 1994 to the time of the current work in early 2006 – that is the period since the publication of Goldratt'sIt's Not Luck. In doing so, the review complements the work of others for the period to 2000, extends previous reviews beyond 2000, whilst providing an additional focus on the TPs.

Practical implications

This paper provides useful insights about the development of the TOC body of knowledge, especially as it relates to the development and reported use of the TPs as stand‐alone tools or in tandem with other tools or methods. It provides a valuable summary, for academics and practitioners, of the developing TOC body of knowledge that has been reported in the peer‐reviewed literature.

Originality/value

The development of the TOC body of knowledge has been largely practice‐led, manifested not only in the diverse nature of application areas and in the diverse use of TOC tools, but also in the broader evolution of TOC methodology, methods and tools. Earlier reviews of the literature in this journal preceded many of the developments documented here. This paper will help position the many TOC methods and tools in relation to one another, as well as capturing developments in multi‐methodological usage across several domains.