bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Organic carbon in Antarctic snow
Authors: Lyons W. Berry , Welch Kathleen A. , Doggett J. Kenneth
Published: January 2007

Little information exists about the concentration and temporal variations of organic components in Antarctic precipitation. We present results of TOC (total organic carbon) analyses from snowpits that were sampled on alpine glaciers in the Taylor Valley, Southern Victoria Land, Antarctica, at ∼78°S. The snowpits represent snow accumulation from the 1990s and the TOC concentrations are very low; most of the analysis yielded values below 8 μM. These values are some of the lowest ever reported for precipitation or snowpack and indicate that TOC in glacial snow in coastal Antarctica is little influenced by terrestrial and anthropogenic emissions of organic carbon. The sources of the TOC are still not known, however the TOC variation is negatively correlated to Cl− and the other major ions in the snow suggesting a different source or timing of deposition than the seasalt aerosols and terrestrial dust.
Role of hydrogen sulfide in a Permian‐Triassic boundary ozone collapse
Authors: Lamarque J.‐F. , Kiehl J. T. , Orlando J. J.
Published: January 2007

Using a three‐dimensional chemistry‐climate model of the troposphere and stratosphere, we find that hydrogen sulfide alone is unlikely to directly affect stratospheric ozone, even for hydrogen sulfide emission rates as large as 5000 Tg(S) per year. However, we also find that large quantities of hydrogen sulfide create a significant decrease in tropospheric hydroxyl radical, leading to a commensurate increase in atmospheric methane. Therefore a large methane flux (possibly from methane clathrate destabilization, Siberian traps or hydrothermal vent complexes) combined with a large hydrogen sulfide oceanic flux is much more likely to lead to an ozone collapse than methane or hydrogen sulfide alone with implications to the Permian‐Triassic boundary extinction 250 million years ago.
Biological forcing controls the chemistry of reef‐building coral skeleton
Authors: Meibom Anders , Mostefaoui Smail , Cuif Jean‐Pierre , Dauphin Yannicke , Houlbreque Fanny , Dunbar Robert , Constantz Brent
Published: January 2007

We present analyses of major elements C and Ca and trace elements N, S, Mg and Sr in a Porites sp. exoskeleton with a spatial resolution better than ∼150 nm. Trace element variations are evaluated directly against the ultra‐structure of the skeleton and are ascribed to dynamic biological forcing. Individual growth layers in the bulk fibrous aragonite skeleton form on sub‐daily timescales. Magnesium concentration variations are dramatically correlated with the growth layers, but are uncorrelated with Sr concentration variations. Observed (sub)seasonal relationships between water temperature and skeletal trace‐element chemistry are secondary, mediated by sensitive biological processes to which classical thermodynamic formalism does not apply.
Performance of small‐scale multiple‐site diversity systems investigated through radar simulations
Authors: Capsoni Carlo , D'Amico Michele
Published: January 2007

The number of satellite telecommunication systems that make use of frequencies higher than 10 GHz is constantly growing; at frequencies above 10 GHz, attenuation due to rain can be a limiting factor for system availability; the dual‐site diversity technique has proved to be quite useful in counteracting rain attenuation. This technique can be extended by adopting a multiple‐site configuration. In this paper the performance of small‐scale multiple‐site diversity systems is investigated through simulations, carried out by exploiting a large database of radar maps of precipitation. Results have shown significant improvements in terms of diversity advantage and site separation reduction with respect to the dual‐site configuration. Moreover, if the stations carry data traffic and they are not working at their full capacity, it is possible to recover a significant amount of the traffic that otherwise would be lost.
Duration of an ionospheric data assimilation initialization of a coupled thermosphere‐ionosphere model
Authors: Jee G. , Burns A. G. , Wang W. , Solomon S. C. , Schunk R. W. , Scherliess L. , Thompson D. C. , Sojka J. J. , Zhu L.
Published: January 2007

Initial conditions provide a critical input for accurate numerical forecast models in meteorology and oceanography. In this paper, we address this problem in space weather forecast models of the thermosphere‐ionosphere system by using the electron densities from the Global Assimilation of Ionospheric Measurements (GAIM) model to initialize the ionospheric part of the Thermosphere Ionosphere Nested Grid (TING) model. The electron densities from the GAIM‐initialized TING model (G‐TING) are compared with the output from the stand‐alone TING model (S‐TING) for geomagnetically quiet and disturbed times in the early April 2004 period in order to observe how long the effects of the initialization would last. Our study shows that the e‐folding time of the initialization is about 2 ∼ 3 hours for most conditions, although this result would probably be different if the initialization for the thermosphere is also included. However, this relaxation time displays significant variations with latitude, local time, and height, and it may also depend on the initial electron density differences between G‐TING and S‐TING. Furthermore, positive (G‐TING > S‐TING) and negative (G‐TING < S‐TING) density differences have different time durations of the initialization effects. Our study also indicates that there is little variation of the relaxation time with the geomagnetic activity despite the impact of geomagnetic storms on the thermosphere‐ionosphere system.
Stochastic coupling of rainfall and biomass dynamics
Authors: Nordbotten Jan M. , Rodriguez‐Iturbe Ignacio , Celia Michael A.
Published: January 2007

A modeling scheme is presented to derive the probabilistic structure of plant biomass when subjected to stochastic precipitation conditions. Using the fact that soil moisture varies on a much shorter scale than plant biomass, analytical expressions are derived for the steady state probability distribution of the average plant biomass over a period T, which is expected to be of the order of 2 or 3 months. Analytical expressions are also given for the time‐dependent mean and variance of the biomass over a period T. The analysis is based on a simple model linking the daily dynamics of plant growth and soil moisture. The derived analytical expressions reproduce the results obtained from a full simulation of the underlying model very well. The results allow the study of the impact of different climatic scenarios regarding changes in frequency and intensity of rainfall, as well as changes in the mean seasonal temperature, on the expected value and variance of plant biomass throughout time.
Circumvention of Over‐Excitation of PSII by Maintaining Electron Transport Rate in Leaves of Four Cotton Genotypes Developed under Long‐Term Drought
Authors: Kitao M. , Lei T. T.
Published: January 2007

Abstract: We investigated the patterns of response to a long‐term drought in the field in cotton cultivars (genotypes) with known differences in their drought tolerance. Four cotton genotypes with varying physiological and morphological traits, suited to different cropping conditions, were grown in the field and subjected to a long‐term moderate drought. In general, cotton leaves developed under drought had significantly higher area‐based leaf nitrogen content (Narea) than those under well irrigation. Droughted plants showed a lower light‐saturated net photosynthetic rate (Asat) with lower stomatal conductance (gs) and intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci) than irrigated ones. Based on the responses of Asat to gs and Ci, there was no decreasing trend in Asat at a given gs and Ci in droughted leaves, suggesting that the decline in Asat in field‐grown cotton plants under a long‐term drought can be attributed mainly to stomatal closure, but not to nonstomatal limitations. There was little evidence of an increase in thermal energy dissipation as indicated by the lack of a decrease in the photochemical efficiency of open PSII (Fv′/Fm′) in droughted plants. On the basis of electron transport (ETR) and photochemical quenching (qP), however, we found evidence indicating that droughted cotton plants can circumvent the risk of excessive excitation energy in photosystem (PS) II by maintaining higher electron transport rates associated with higher Narea, even while photosynthetic rates were reduced by stomatal closure.
Role of 2,4‐Diacetylphloroglucinol‐Producing Fluorescent Pseudomonas spp. in the Defense of Plant Roots
Authors: Weller D. M. , Landa B. B. , Mavrodi O. V. , Schroeder K. L. , De La Fuente L. , Blouin Bankhead S. , Allende Molar R. , Bonsall R. F. , Mavrodi D. V. , Thomashow L. S.
Published: January 2007

Abstract: Plants have evolved strategies of stimulating and supporting specific groups of antagonistic microorganisms in the rhizosphere as a defense against diseases caused by soilborne plant pathogens owing to a lack of genetic resistance to some of the most common and widespread soilborne pathogens. Some of the best examples of natural microbial defense of plant roots occur in disease suppressive soils. Soil suppressiveness against many different diseases has been described. Take‐all is an important root disease of wheat, and soils become suppressive to take‐all when wheat or barley is grown continuously in a field following a disease outbreak; this phenomenon is known as take‐all decline (TAD). In Washington State, USA and The Netherlands, TAD results from the enrichment during monoculture of populations of 2,4‐diacetylphloroglucinol (2,4‐DAPG)‐producing Pseudomonas fluorescens to a density of 105 CFU/g of root, the threshold required to suppress the take‐all pathogen, Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici. 2,4‐DAPG‐producing P. fluorescens also are enriched by monoculture of other crops such as pea and flax, and evidence is accumulating that 2,4‐DAPG producers contribute to the defense of plant roots in many different agroecosystems. At this time, 22 distinct genotypes of 2,4‐DAPG producers (designated A ‐ T, PfY and PfZ) have been defined by whole‐cell repetitive sequence‐based (rep)‐PCR analysis, restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of phlD, and phylogenetic analysis of phlD, but the number of genotypes is expected to increase. The genotype of an isolate is predictive of its rhizosphere competence on wheat and pea. Multiple genotypes often occur in a single soil and the crop species grown modulates the outcome of the competition among these genotypes in the rhizosphere. 2,4‐DAPG producers are highly effective biocontrol agents against a variety of plant diseases and ideally suited for serving as vectors for expressing other biocontrol traits in the rhizosphere.
Differential Responses of Germination and Seedling Establishment in Populations of Tragopogon pratensis (Asteraceae)
Authors: Jorritsma‐Wienk L. D. , Ameloot E. , Lenssen J. P. M. , de Kroon H.
Published: January 2007

Abstract: The establishment phase is an important bottleneck in the life cycle of plants. It consists of two steps that are rarely separated, i.e., the germination of seeds and the establishment of seedlings. Here we report the results of two experiments in which we independently investigated germination and seedling establishment in the greenhouse, under different grass vegetation treatments representing different regeneration niches. Seeds of Tragopogon pratensis from six populations and two habitat types were studied, three from roadside verges and three from hayfields. Germination percentages and germination speed were higher for seeds from roadside verges than for seeds from hayfields, but were little affected by treatment. In contrast, seedling growth was much lower in the tall grass vegetation, than in the short grass and especially the bare soil treatment. Seedling sizes were generally similar for different populations and habitat types. Our results thus show that the two early steps in the establishment phase of plants may respond very differently to the micro‐environment, and may have a different selection history. Insight into the ecology and evolution of life histories may require that germination and establishment are considered separately.
Effect of Ammonium and Nitrate Nutrition On Some Physiological Processes in Higher Plants ‐ Growth, Photosynthesis, Photorespiration, and Water Relations
Authors: Guo S. , Zhou Y. , Shen Q. , Zhang F.
Published: January 2007

Abstract: Ammonium and nitrate as different forms of nitrogen nutrients impact differently on some physiological and biochemical processes in higher plants. Compared to nitrate, ammonium results in small root and small leaf area, which may contribute to a low carbon gain, and an inhibition on growth. On the other hand, due to (photo)energy saving, a higher CO2 assimilation rate per leaf area was observed frequently in plants supplied with ammonium than in those supplied with nitrate. These results were dependent not only on higher Rubisco content and/or activity, but also on RuBP regeneration rate. The difference in morphology such as chloroplast volume and specific leaf weight might be the reason why the CO2 concentration in the carboxylation site and hence the photorespiration rate differs in plants supplied with the two nitrogen forms. The effect of nitrogen form on water uptake and transportation in plants is dependent both on leaf area or shoot parameter, and on the root activity (i.e., root hydraulic conductivity, aquaporin activity).
GER1, a GDSL Motif‐Encoding Gene from Rice is a Novel Early Light‐ and Jasmonate‐Induced Gene
Authors: Riemann M. , Gutjahr C. , Korte A. , Riemann M. , Danger B. , Muramatsu T. , Bayer U. , Waller F. , Furuya M. , Nick P.
Published: January 2007

Abstract: The reaction of the rice mutant hebiba differs from that of wild‐type rice in that the mutant responds inversely to red light and is defective in the light‐triggered biosynthesis of jasmonic acid (JA). Using the wild type and the hebiba mutant of rice in a differential display screen, we attempted to identify genes that act in or near the convergence point of light and JA signalling. We isolated specifically regulated DNA fragments from approximately 10 000 displayed bands, and identified a new early light‐ and JA‐induced gene. This gene encodes an enzyme containing a GDSL motif, showing 38 % identity at the amino acid level to lipase Arab‐1 in Arabidopsis thaliana. The GDSL CONTAINING ENZYME RICE 1 gene (GER1) is rapidly induced by both red (R) and far‐red (FR) light and by JA. The results are discussed with respect to a possible role for GER1 as a negative regulator of coleoptile elongation in the context of recent findings on the impact of JA on light signalling.
An Alternate Hypothesis to Explain the High Frequency of “Revertants” in Hothead Mutants in Arabidopsis
Authors: Krishnaswamy L. , Peterson T.
Published: January 2007

Abstract: Lolle et al. reported a high frequency of genomic changes in Arabidopsis plants carrying the hothead mutation and proposed that the changes observed were the result of a gene correction system mediated by a hypothetical RNA cache. Here, we propose a very different hypothesis to explain the data reported by Lolle et al. Our hypothesis is based on a relatively straightforward developmental aberration in which maternal cells (“Legacy cells”) fuse with the developing embryo, resulting in a chimera, which could then give rise to the aberrant genetic segregations reported by Lolle et al.
The Anatomy of the Stigma and Style from Cyclamen persicum (Mill.) cv. “Pure White” and its Relation to Pollination Success
Authors: Reinhardt S. , Ewalda A. , Hellwig F.
Published: January 2007

Abstract: Old flowers of Cyclamen generate few or no seeds. To understand the pollination problems of Cyclamen we investigate the general anatomy of the stigma and the style of Cyclamen persicum by scanning electron microscopy at different stages of floral maturity. Our investigations confirm that there is a hollow style. Against data commonly found in the literature, we present evidence of pollen germination and tube growth that show the stigma is not outside the style but inside it. Furthermore the maturation process of the style during the flowering time indicates a mechanism by which the stigma becomes shut off through closure at the terminal aperture of the style. At 3 to 5 days after anthesis there was the beginning closure of the style which was nearly completed at 21 days. The substance which leads to the closure is still unknown. The closure of the hollow style is a probable cause for failure of seed set in flowers not pollinated early in anthesis.
Xyloglucan Endotransglycosylase/Hydrolase (XTH) is Encoded by a Multi‐Gene Family in the Primitive Vascular Land Plant Selaginella kraussiana
Authors: van Sandt V. S. T. , Guisez Y. , Verbelen J.‐P. , Vissenberg K.
Published: January 2007

Abstract: Xyloglucan endotransglycosylase/hydrolases (XTHs) are enzymes that cleave and rejoin xyloglucan chains. To trace the evolutionary origin of XTHs, we used Selaginella kraussiana, a representative of the most primitive land plants (Lycopodiophyta). A Southern blot with a digoxigenin‐labeled probe, designed on the conserved catalytic site of XTHs, indicated nine genes. The presence of at least seven functional XTHs was detected by isoelectric focusing (IEF) followed by overlaying the gel with a XET‐test paper. Together, these results indicate that XTHs are encoded by a multi‐gene family that originated during or even before the colonization of land by plants.
Observation of X-ray Interferences on Thin Films by Energy Dispersive Method
Authors: L Kaihola  , E Laine  , E Tiilikka
Published: January 2007

Energy dispersive measurement method of the X-ray reflectivity of thin metal films evaporated on glass substrate is demonstrated. X-ray interference obtained by this method is compared with angular resolved interference.
Radiative Lifetimes and Oscillator Strengths for Allowed Transitions in Li-like and Be-like Si
Authors: D J Pegg  , P M Griffin  , G D Alton  , S B Elston  , J P Forester  , M Suter  , R S Thoe  , C R Vane  , B M Johnson
Published: January 2007

The lifefimes of the (2p)2P3/2level in Si XII and the (2p2)3P2,1,0,(2s2p)1P1and the (2p2)1D2levels in Si XI have been determined using the beam-foil method. It is proposed that existing discrepancies between experimental and theoreticalfvalues for the (2s2)1S0-(2s2p)1P1transition in some ions of the Be sequence may be the result of the inability of the experimentalist to account for strong cascading from the (2p2)1S0level.
Spatial constancy and the brain: insights from neural networks
Authors: White Robert L , Snyder Lawrence H
Published: January 2007

To form an accurate internal representation of visual space, the brain must accurately account for movements of the eyes, head or body. Updating of internal representations in response to these movements is especially important when remembering spatial information, such as the location of an object, since the brain must rely on non-visual extra-retinal signals to compensate for self-generated movements. We investigated the computations underlying spatial updating by constructing a recurrent neural network model to store and update a spatial location based on a gaze shift signal, and to do so flexibly based on a contextual cue. We observed a striking similarity between the patterns of behaviour produced by the model and monkeys trained to perform the same task, as well as between the hidden units of the model and neurons in the lateral intraparietal area (LIP). In this report, we describe the similarities between the model and single unit physiology to illustrate the usefulness of neural networks as a tool for understanding specific computations performed by the brain.
Artificial neural networks and the study of evolution of prey coloration
Authors: Merilaita Sami
Published: January 2007

In this paper, I investigate the use of artificial neural networks in the study of prey coloration. I briefly review the anti-predator functions of prey coloration and describe both in general terms and with help of two studies as specific examples the use of neural network models in the research on prey coloration. The first example investigates the effect of visual complexity of background on evolution of camouflage. The second example deals with the evolutionary choice of defence strategy, crypsis or aposematism. I conclude that visual information processing by predators is central in evolution of prey coloration. Therefore, the capability to process patterns as well as to imitate aspects of predator's information processing and responses to visual information makes neural networks a well-suited modelling approach for the study of prey coloration. In addition, their suitability for evolutionary simulations is an advantage when complex or dynamic interactions are modelled. Since not all behaviours of neural network models are necessarily biologically relevant, it is important to validate a neural network model with empirical data. Bringing together knowledge about neural networks with knowledge about topics of prey coloration would provide a potential way to deepen our understanding of the specific appearances of prey coloration.
Robustness and complexity co-constructed in multimodal signalling networks
Authors: Ay Nihat , Flack Jessica , Krakauer David C
Published: January 2007

In animal communication, signals are frequently emitted using different channels (e.g. frequencies in a vocalization) and different modalities (e.g. gestures can accompany vocalizations). We explore two explanations that have been provided for multimodality: (i) selection for high information transfer through dedicated channels and (ii) increasing fault tolerance or robustness through multichannel signals. Robustness relates to an accurate decoding of a signal when parts of a signal are occluded. We show analytically in simple feed-forward neural networks that while a multichannel signal can solve the robustness problem, a multimodal signal does so more effectively because it can maximize the contribution made by each channel while minimizing the effects of exclusion. Multimodality refers to sets of channels where within each set information is highly correlated. We show that the robustness property ensures correlations among channels producing complex, associative networks as a by-product. We refer to this as the principle ofrobust overdesign. We discuss the biological implications of this for the evolution of combinatorial signalling systems; in particular, how robustness promotes enough redundancy to allow for a subsequent specialization of redundant components into novel signals.
Layoff announcements and employment guarantee announcements
Authors: Abraham Steven E.
Published: January 2007

The effect of layoff announcements on the shareholder returns of 154 firms that announced layoffs in 1993‐1994 was examined with event study methodology. As expected, the returns to these firms were negative. Further, the returns to the firms that announced layoffs for “reactive” reasons were more negative than the returns to the firms that announced layoffs for “proactive” reasons. The effect of employment guarantee announcements on the shareholder returns of 13 firms that announced employment guarantees in 1993‐1994 and on the returns of 63 firms that made similar announcements throughout the 1990 s was examined. Returns of these samples also responded negatively to the announcements. When the response to the two types of announcements was compared, however, there was no clear conclusion regarding which type of announcement drew a more negative response.
A frontier approach to measuring total factor productivity growth in Singapore’s services sector
Authors: Mahadevan Renuka
Published: January 2007

Although an East Asian miracle, Singapore has been singled out for experiencing insignificant total factor productivity (TFP) growth, thereby reflecting limited potential for long‐term growth. Examines the validity of this statement for the services sector, which is an important engine of growth for Singapore. This is done using panel data with a stochastic frontier model, which, unlike the conventional growth accounting model used by previous studies, not only decomposes output growth into input growth and TFP growth but further decomposes TFP growth into technological progress and changes in technical efficiency. In addition, the stochastic frontier model incorporates the more realistic non‐neutral shifting production frontier, as opposed to the commonly assumed Hicks‐neutral production technology underlying a production function.
Interest rates, savings and income in the Chinese economy
Authors: Chen Chien‐Hsun
Published: January 2007

Examines the causal relationship between interest rates, savings and income in the Chinese economy over the period 1952 to 1999, using the cointegration test and Bayesian vector autoregression (BVAR) for empirical testing. The empirical evidence from the cointegration test confirms that there is a stable long‐run relationship between interest rates, savings and income, whilst the BVAR causality test shows unidirectional causality running from savings to income. For China’s transitional economy, it is therefore important to establish well‐developed financial institutions – particularly the independence of the Central Bank – interest rate liberalization and sound financial intermediation, all of which are important for the efficient allocation of capital, which, in turn, can help to establish sustainable economic growth.
Your first 60 days as head of facilities
Authors: Sekula Mark R.
Published: January 2007

During the course of their careers, most facility management professionals hope that their responsibilities increase and eventually, they will be in charge of the facilities management function. If one is fortunate enough to have that happen, congratulations. This article outlines the issues one should address and the initial steps to take in one's first 60 days as head of facilities.
Skills expectations of library graduates
Authors: Middleton Michael
Published: January 2007

A survey was undertaken of graduates from various library courses at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane. The instrument was developed in consultation with schools offering similar courses nationally, so that it could subsequently be used for national comparison. The survey was structured to take account of knowledge, skills, and competencies explicated in Australian documents that provide competency guidance in library and information management areas. It was also designed to enable comparison with a previously published survey analysis. The survey identifies 189 skills grouped into nine categories: collection building and management; communication; facilities and equipment; information organisation; information services; information systems; management; marketing; and research. The response rate to the survey was low, but nevertheless provided a useful comparison between the expectations of graduates working in different sectors, for different time periods. Findings for respondents as a group show that each of the top five ranked skills were in the information services category, as were seven of the top ten ranked skills. There were marked differences between the rankings assigned by this group and those of a similar North American study. Tables showing the ranking of skills expectations are provided. Comments are made about curriculum developments that are influenced by these data.
Remembering Gordon Pask
Authors: Bradburne James M.
Published: January 2007

Here I recall fondly times spent with Gordon and acknowledge his influence on my ideas and work.
Customer disclosures, impression management and the construction of legitimacy
Authors: Ogden Stuart , Clarke Julia
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to explore how organizations use annual reporting for legitimacy purposes in the context of the ten recently privatised regional water companies in the UK. Although privatization required the water plcs to establish a distinctly different organizational legitimacy for themselves as customer‐focused companies commensurate with their new private sector status, it was clear from the nature of their privatization that they would experience difficulties in achieving this. Privatization did little to change their previous monopoly character, and this created discrepancy with the model of private sector companies operating in customer‐led competitive markets.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a content analysis of statements concerning customer service in annual reports. The analysis examines the variety of ways in which the ten water plcs deployed both assertive and defensive impression management techniques in their attempts to gain, maintain and repair their legitimacy as customer‐focused companies.

Findings

The analysis emphasises the importance of the role of corporate reporting as a resource in legitimacy management. The paper also argues that, despite sustained efforts, the water plcs did not wholly succeed in persuading all their customers that the privatization of water was “a good thing”.

Originality/value

The paper will be valuable to researchers and practitioners alike, as it attempts to take further one's understanding of how organizations use corporate reporting for legitimacy purposes by examining a much more extreme case of the legitimacy problem than has been previously considered in the literature: namely, the need for an entirely new basis for corporate legitimacy.
Accounting for the public interest: public ineffectuals or public intellectuals?
Authors: Cooper Christine
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To present a case for accounting and finance academics to have a more active social role.

Design/methodology/approach

A range of published works by “public intellectuals” on praxis is presented. Each theorist could be considered to be an eminent theoretician in their own right; what marks them out is that they have developed their theories by active engagement.

Findings

The economic and political interests of the world in which academics operate are perpetuated by the creation of a breed of intellectuals who encounter significant challenges not only to questioning thestatus quobut, perhaps more importantly, to venturing outside of the academy. Yet, arguably there has never been a more important time for academics to do just that. Academics are armed with the necessary theoretical and research skills to bring coherence to fledgling movements and to enable them to overcome the barriers created by the myths perpetuated to hamper social protest.

Originality/value

This paper offers practical and theoretical advice to enable and encourage accounting and finance academics to enrich their work by active engagement with the social problems of the time.
Public sector reforms and the public interest
Authors: Uddin Shahzad , Tsamenyi Mathew
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Aims to examine the changes to budgetary control and performance monitoring in the context of a series of World Bank sponsored public sector reforms.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a longitudinal study of a state enterprise (the Ghana Food Distribution Corporation (GFDC)) in which the World Bank‐sponsored reforms were imposed. This paper especially draws on the dialectic of control from structuration theory.

Findings

The paper shows that budgetary practices at the GFDC did not change substantially, with the exception of the reporting practices. Budgeting remained politicised, delayed, directionless and ineffective. Reporting to the monitoring agency did not make any positive changes to accountability and performance and was thereby unable to serve public interests.

Research limitations/implications

With hindsight, the authors wished they had undertaken more in‐depth investigations of workers' and farmers' roles in whole performance contracting scenarios and public sector reforms at the GFDC. The failure so to do was mainly because of a shortage of time and the difficulty of obtaining relevant data.

Practical implications

This paper has raised a number of important but neglected issues concerning the public sector reforms in less developed countries (LDCs) for aid agencies and policy makers.

Originality/value

This paper demonstrates the usefulness of Giddens' idea of the dialectic of control in the contextual study of management controls, including budgeting and performance in the public sector in LDCs. Also, the paper makes an important contribution highlighting the public interest role of management controls especially in the context of public sector reforms.
Social and environmental accountability research
Authors: Parker Lee D.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To investigate, analyse and critique contemporary research in social and environmental accounting.

Design/methodology/approach

An analysis and critique of the social and environmental accountability (SEA) research field since the late 1980s. The study revisits two key prior seminal papers on the field, examines the remit for SEA researchers' focus on practice and policy and offers an empirical analysis of the profile of SEA publication.

Findings

Theories are identified in two groups: augmentation and heartland theories. These have been more deductively than inductively generated, evidencing limited attention to field‐based engagement. An alternative to the elusive all‐embracing unitary SEA theory is presented. Researchers' concerns with capture of the SEA field is critiqued and an alternative researcher engagement orientation is offered. Environmental research dominates more recent SEA published output, the dominant methodological approach is literature‐based theorising, and national practices/comparisons and regulations are leading topic areas occupying researchers.

Research limitations/implications

Analysis of publishing patterns including the balance between social and environmental accountability research, research methodologies employed and SEA topics addressed is largely confined to four leading interdisciplinary accounting research journals.

Practical implications

The paper argues for greater SEA researcher engagement with SEA practice and involvement in SEA policy contributions.

Originality/value

The paper offers a contemporary assemblage and critique of the multiple theoretical perspectives applied to the SEA field and offers insights into the range and predominance of research methods and topics within the published SEA field.
Part II: implementations
Authors: Fang Jing‐Jing , Liao Chang‐Kai
Published: January 2007

Purpose

A significant garment restyling tool was developed to perform garment design in three dimensions. It provides the professional designers the abilities of 3D garment creation, restyling, omni‐angle visualization, and fitting evaluation on a digital mannequin model. According to the body tape‐measurements defined in ISO 8559:1999(E) and ASTM D5219‐99 (1999), the extracted feature lines on computer mannequin dominate the shape of the apparel and also its associated fitting results. In this paper, the garment creation by the provided interfaces and its outcomes based on the developed system kernel and its formulas described in part I of the paper is demonstrated.

Design/methodology/approach

In part II of this paper, a three‐dimensional garment creation and restyling software based on the kernel infrastructure and formulas is implemented.

Findings

Currently, three fundamental dresses, two basic collars, and sleeve are successfully implemented in the creation of free style mannequin‐made apparels. Fitting results in static status are easily performed by detecting the allowances along the body feature lines and its near by. The base of an intuitive 3D computer‐aided garment design and manufacture is gradually formed starting from here.

Originality/value

In this paper, it is proved that garment creation and restyling can be achieved in three dimensions. This work provides a solution to how to manipulate a modifiable geometry in three dimensions and provide a friendly tool for reshaping.
An experimental study of the factors affecting the indentation of fabric under a pinch gripper
Authors: Lin H. , Taylor P.M. , Bull S.J.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper presents an experimental study of the influence of variables such as strain rate, the number of fabric plies, the type of fabric, the kinds of fibre and the shape of indenter on the indentation of fabric under differently shaped pinch gripper.

Design/methodology/approach

This experimental study will be approached from three different angles. It will look into an indenter pressing a sample with a much larger size, which is important in practice in the world of grasping by a pinch gripper. It will research a flat indenter, but also an indenter with a curved surface and will investigate fabric compression particularly with regard to the differences between single‐layer and multi‐layer stacks.

Findings

The type of fabric architecture and the kind of fibre have been proven to be important for the indentation. Even more important is the indenter geometry. Evidence collected to date suggests that the grasping action is more sensitive to indenter geometry. This leads to three possible approaches: close regulation of the materials and processes, handling processes to change in the material properties, and thirdly, intelligent systems which can learn from and adapt to each situation.

Research limitations/implications

This study suggests that a picking up operation should change in the material properties, that is, the operation should be controlled by using fabric characteristics as the control information in an intelligent environment.

Originality/value

Previous work on compression has been concentrated on an indenter with a size identical to a specimen, this study will look into an indenter pressing a sample with a much larger size. On compression, previous work has focused on single‐layer fabric compression by a flat indenter, but this research will not only research a flat indenter and single layers, but also an indenter with a curved surface, and multi‐layer stacks.
Heritage groups challenge George W. Bush nominee for US Archivist: so what?
Authors: Barry Richard E. (“Rick”) , Steemson Michael J. (“Mike”)
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Explores why it is that archivists and records managers rarely discuss important aspects of the highest ranking record‐keeping job in any country. There are plenty of issues about what is or should be one of the most critical positions in any democratic society, whether at the national, state/provincial or local government level, worthy and in need of open discussion and debate within the professional community and more broadly in the public domain.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the controversial, ongoing case of President Bush's nomination of a new Archivist of the United States (historian Professor Allen Weinstein), this article focuses on some of the above issues.

Findings

Largely out of sight or earshot of the US public, US historians, archivists, librarians and information managers have united in community force to challenge President George W. Bush's nomination for the next Archivist of the United States. Discusses the possibilities of real or perceived political interference in the management of the nation's archives and especially ready public access to its Presidential records.

Originality/value

The dispute highlights changing thinking about what constitutes proper selection process and qualifications for national archivists that could stimulate professional debate world‐wide.
How prepared are public bodies for the implementation of the UK Freedom of Information Act, in January 2005?
Authors: Screene Lorraine
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To assess how prepared public bodies are for the implementation of the UK Freedom of Information (FOI) Act in January 2005.

Design/methodology/approach

The FOI Act 2000 established a general right of access to information held by public authorities in the UK, subject to certain exemptions. This article reports on research undertaken in the summer of 2004 which sought to establish the state of preparedness in UK public bodies by the assessment of four case studies, comprising a local authority, a national museum, a police force, and a university. Structured interviews were conducted with key staff in each organisation using the Department for Constitutional Affairs’ model action plan for preparing for FOI as the basis. The key aspects of the analysis are leadership, training, records management, customers and systems and procedures.

Findings

The investigation has revealed that, overall, the majority of organisations implemented the most basic and immediate changes required to cope adequately in January 2005 when customers were expected to start to request information. Their level of preparedness is therefore limited to tackling the superficial areas of concern, as a result of the short‐term and reactionary approach adopted.

Originality/value

Highlights organisational, legislative and governmental weaknesses in preparing for the FOI Act. This investigation also concludes that the enactment of the proposed new archival and records management legislation is essential to ensure that public bodies are compelled to further improve the provision and management of records.
The benefits of electronic records management systems: a general review of published and some unpublished cases
Authors: Johnston Gary P. , Bowen David V.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To review published case studies, and some unpublished results, to identify the benefits actually achieved by implementing an electronic records management system or an electronic document management system (ERMS, or EDMS).

Design/methodology/approach

Draws on the literature and unpublished results of work undertaken by the authors’ organisation.

Findings

Few case studies were found in which clear, quantitative benefits are described. The reasons for this are discussed. Those studies that did show clear benefits with good evidence for them demonstrated five principles: (1) the “system” must include the people (policy makers and users); (2) the EDRMS must be integrated with the processes of the organisation; (3) frequently the role of records managers is to educate, advise and support the users; (4) a continuum model covering documents and records gives clearer benefits than separate document and record lifecycles; and (5) there is no single magic bullet to solve information management problems.

Practical implications

An organisation which is planning to implement an EDRMS, or which is planning to upgrade or modify an existing EDRMS, can be confident that real benefits and an acceptable return on investment are possible.

Originality/value

This paper identifies benefits that have been realised in practice from EDRMS implementations.
An investigation into supplier responsiveness
Authors: Holweg Matthias
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The ability of a manufacturing system to respond to customer demand in a timely fashion is widely accepted as a source of competitive advantage. While quick response concepts at system level have been widely discussed in a range of industry sectors, such as textile, electronics and fast moving consumer goods, few studies so far have specifically investigated the responsiveness of the component supply chain. This exploratory study hence aims to reconcile the considerable ambiguity that exists around the concept of supplier responsiveness, supported by an empirical investigation into the automotive parts industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The study analyses the responsiveness of first‐tier automotive suppliers in Europe. The research is based on a multi‐method approach comprising of a survey, coupled with in‐depth processing mapping and complimenting interviews of production control staff at a subset of the surveyed companies.

Findings

The findings suggest that supplier responsiveness is constrained by both endogenous factors originating from within their own manufacturing operations, as well as exogenous factors related to both their respective up‐stream and downstream tiers. Furthermore, the study highlights how first‐tier suppliers are “squeezed” between demanding vehicle manufacturers on the one hand, and an unresponsive raw material supply base on the other, constraining their overall ability to respond to changing market requirements.

Research limitations/implications

The conclusions derived from this research are bound by the sample these are drawn from, and additional large‐scale analyses are suggested as further research.

Originality/value

While the concept of “responsiveness” has been widely discussed in the supply chain literature, this debate has largely remained in the realms of qualitative description. Few studies have empirically addressed the issue of supply chain responsiveness, and if so, often focused on a subset of factors (e.g. schedule variations) only. In this paper, an holistic approach to responsiveness is adopted that aims at identifying the key variables that impact on supply chain responsiveness, as well as providing quantitative evidence to support these claims.
Product value‐density: managing diversity through supply chain segmentation
Authors: Lovell Antony , Saw Richard , Stimson Jennifer
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Aims to identify the importance of segmentation both as part of the network design process and as an operational tool for correctly allocating products to appropriate supply chains.

Design/methodology/approach

The allocation is based upon a wide range of possible factors relating to the characteristics of the product, to the market, to the source and to the geographic/commercial context. The application of this framework is presented in a case study of a global electronics company, where large costs savings were achieved through the segmentation of supply chains.

Findings

A logical basis for segmentation is derived and an operational framework developed, which highlights the importance of product value density (PVD), throughput volume and product availability.

Originality/value

Demonstrates the paramount importance of throughput, demand variability/service factor and PVD as the key drivers in the segmentation process.
Evaluating suppliers within a self‐organized logistical network
Authors: Ounnar Fouzia , Pujo Patrick
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This research paper proposes that the conduct of supplier relationships can be improved through a “self‐organized logistical network”.

Design/methodology/approach

An analysis has been conducted on logistical supply chain which ensures to define a self‐organized logistical network. In such a network, each supplier can evaluate its own performance by using a decision‐making method involving multiple criteria. Indeed, such method is therefore recommended to reach a satisfactory solution. For that, a typology of performance was proposed and a multiple criteria method was chosen. Indeed, among several methods available, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method has been chosen.

Findings

The paper suggests quantifying an evaluation of each potential supplier who responds to a call for proposal from a customer, according to rules and criteria that are impartial and common to all. The process enables the emergence of the “best” supplier. The proposed approach allows a balance to be achieved between load and capacity at the supplier level, and produces a smoothing of the load curve among the various suppliers with the long‐term objective of establishing a fair system among the suppliers on the network. Our approach suggests a customer‐supplier (C‐S) relationship control where all entities C‐S partners, communicate and negotiate to respond as best as possible to the customers requirements. To each supplier, we associate a decision‐making centre through which he can self evaluate his performance in order to be able to take part to negotiations within a self organized logistical network.

Originality/value

The research focuses particularly on the study of the decision‐making centre.