bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Agreement between the clinical Oxfordshire Community Stroke Project classification and CT findings in Poland
Authors: Włodek Agata , Sarzyńska‐Długosz Iwona , Sandercock Peter A.G. , Członkowska Anna
Published: January 2004

The Oxfordshire Community Stroke Project (OCSP) classification provides a simple means of classifying the clinical syndromes associated with acute stroke. The validity of the classification can depend on many factors. Accuracy and time of the clinical and radiological examination are very important. It was used in the International Stroke Trial (IST). The study was conducted in 467 hospitals in 34 countries. Our aim was to assess how well the OCSP classification could predict infarct site and size on computed tomography (CT) scan when performed in a trial within 48 h after the onset of stroke and the clinical assessment was carried out by different doctors in different hospitals. We examined data on the patients randomized in the IST by the seven participating hospitals in Poland. Patients admitted to the hospital were examined by the doctor on duty. Eight aspects of the neurological deficit present just before randomization were recorded. The computer system in the randomization centre employed a validated algorithm to assign the patient to one of the four infarct syndromes: lacunar syndrome (LACS), partial anterior circulation syndrome (PACS), total anterior circulation syndrome (TACS) and posterior circulation syndrome (POCS). We assessed the localization and extent of the recent infarction on available CT scans and correlated these with the computer‐assigned OCSP category. CT scans were available for 558/759 (74%) of the patients randomized in Poland. In 458 (82%) of cases, CT was carried out in the first 24 h after the onset of stroke. In 444 (80%) scans, a recent infarct was visible. These radiological lesions were appropriate to the clinical classification in 56% of patients with TACS, 73% with PACS, 61% with LACS and 59% with POCS. In Polish centres in IST, amongst the patients with infarction visible on CT, the OCSP subtype predicted the size and site of the infarct in about two‐thirds of cases. These data suggest that, provided its limitations are taken into account, the classification can be usefully applied in multicentre clinical trials (or epidemiological studies) and to aspects of the routine clinical care of patients with acute stroke.
Adult post‐infectious thalamic encephalitis: acute onset and benign course
Authors: Gerwig M. , Kastrup O. , Wanke I. , Diener H. C.
Published: January 2004

We report on two young patients with an encephalitic syndrome and bilateral thalamic lesions following a presumably viral or mycoplasma respiratory tract infection with the main clinical symptoms of organic psychosis in the first and a prolonged amnestic syndrome and ataxia in the second case. Four months later the patients had recovered clinically and the thalamic lesions had resolved on magnetic resonance imaging in one case and almost completely in the other. We interpret the patients’ illness as rare cases of a post‐infectious acute thalamic encephalitis in adults. The cases and their relationship to possible post‐infectious autoimmune inflammatory or toxic pathophysiological mechanisms are discussed and a review of the literature is provided.
Spinal cord injury pain – mechanisms and treatment
Authors: Finnerup N. B. , Jensen T. S.
Published: January 2004

In spinal cord injury (SCI), pain is a major cause of disability. A review of experimental and human studies, which provide insight into the mechanisms and treatment of SCI neuropathic pain are presented. Each of a series of pathophysiologic changes after SCI may be relevant for the development of SCI neuropathic pain. These changes are discussed in relation to neuropathic pain at and below the level of SCI. SCI neuropathic pain is difficult to treat. Experimental and human randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, clinical trials on pharmacologic treatment of SCI pain are summarized.
A clinical and genetic study of 56 Saudi Wilson disease patients: identification of Saudi‐specific mutations
Authors: Al Jumah M. , Majumdar R. , Al Rajeh S. , Awada A. , Al Zaben A. , Al Traif I. , Al Jumah A. R. , Rehana Z.
Published: January 2004

Wilson disease (WD) is a hereditary disorder, with recessive transmission and genetic heterogeneity. Several mutations of ATP7B, the gene underlying WD, were reported in many ethnic groups. In this study, mutation screening in ATP7B of 56 Saudi Arabian WD patients was undertaken. The clinical data of all patients were recorded. The entire ATP7B coding sequence, including intron–exon boundaries were screened for mutation by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based mutation detection technique and DNA sequencing. Thirty‐nine patients were symptomatic at presentation and 17 subjects were pre‐symptomatic siblings of affected patients. Fourteen patients had neurological, 11 patients had mixed (hepatic and neurological), and 14 patients had hepatic presentations. Family history suggestive of WD was present in 72% of cases and 68% had consanguineous parents. Genetic analysis showed disease‐causing mutations in three exons (exons 8, 19 and 21) of the ATP7B gene in 28 patients (50%). Mutations in exons 21 (18 cases) and 19 (one case) were unique for Saudis. This large series of Saudi patients with WD has shown wide variability in the genomic substrate of WD. There is no correlation between genotype and clinical presentation.
Effects of habitat fragmentation on the genetic structure of the monophagous butterfly Polyommatus coridon along its northern range margin
Authors: Krauss Jochen , Schmitt Thomas , Seitz Alfred , Steffan‐Dewenter Ingolf , Tscharntke Teja
Published: January 2004

Population genetic patterns of species at their range margin have important implications for species conservation. We performed allozyme electrophoresis of 19 loci to investigate patterns of the genetic structure of 17 populations (538 individuals) of the butterfly Polyommatus coridon, a monophagous habitat specialist with a patchy distribution. The butterfly and its larval food plant Hippocrepis comosa reach their northern distribution margin in the study region (southern Lower Saxony, Germany). Butterfly population size increased with host plant population size. The genetic differentiation between populations was low but significant (FST = 0.013). No isolation‐by‐distance was found. Hierarchical F‐statistics revealed significant differentiation between a western and an eastern subregion, separated by a river valley. The combination of genetic and ecological data sets revealed that the expected heterozygosity (mean: 18.5%) decreased with increasing distance to the nearest P. coridon population. The population size of P. coridon and the size of larval food plant population had no effect on the genetic diversity. The genetic diversity of edge populations of P. coridon was reduced compared to populations from the centre of its distribution. This might be explained by (i) an increasing habitat fragmentation towards the edge of the distribution range and/or (ii) a general reduction of genetic variability towards the northern edge of its distribution.
Tuberculous meningitis and miliary tuberculosis in young children
Authors: van den Bos F. , Terken M. , Ypma L. , Kimpen J. L. L. , Nel E. D. , Schaaf H. S. , Schoeman J. F. , Donald P. R.
Published: February 2004

Objectives  To document the clinical and diagnostic features of tuberculous meningitis (TBM) in young children with and without concomitant miliary tuberculosis (TB).

Methods  A retrospective comparative study.

Results  Of 104 children with TBM, 32 (31%), median age 17.0 months, had a miliary appearance on chest radiograph; 72 (69%), median age 30.5 months, had TBM only (P = 0.04). Mediastinal adenopathy was noted in 27 (84%) of the children with miliary TB and 33 (46%) of those with TBM only (P = 0.0005). The mean cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) lymphocyte and polymorphonuclear counts of all children (no significant differences between groups) were 137 × 106/l and 38 × 106/l and the mean protein and glucose concentrations were 1.45 g/l and 0.72 mmol/l, respectively. Polymorphonuclear leukocytes were predominant in the CSF of 17% of children, in 16% the CSF glucose was >2.2 mmol/l and in 26% the CSF protein was <0.8 g/l. On Mantoux testing 37 (65%) of 57 children with TBM only and 12 (48%) of 25 children with TBM and miliary TB had an induration of ≥10 mm (P = 0.23). Ten children (10%) died, five (7%) who had TBM only and five (16%) who had TBM and miliary TB.

Conclusion  Children with TBM and miliary TB were younger and more likely to have mediastinal adenopathy on chest radiography than those with TBM only. Diagnostic features and investigations in both groups may be misleading at times.
Rapid haplotype reconstruction in pedigrees with dense marker maps
Authors: Windig J. J. , Meuwissen T. H. E.
Published: January 2004

Reconstruction of marker phases is not straightforward when parents are untyped. In these cases information from other relatives has to be used. In dense marker maps, however, the space of possible haplotype configurations tends to be too large for procedures such as Monte Carlo Markov chains (MCMC) to be finished within a reasonable time. We developed an algorithm that is fast and generally finds the most probable haplotype. The basic idea is to use, the smallest informative marker brackets in offspring, for each marker interval. By using only information from the offspring and analysing each marker interval separately, the lengthy analysis of large numbers of different haplotype configurations is avoided. Nevertheless the most probable haplotype can be found quickly provided the marker map is dense and enough offspring are available. Simulations are provided to indicate how well the algorithm works at different combinations of marker density, number of offspring and number of alleles per marker. In situations where the algorithm reconstruction of the most probable haplotype is not guaranteed, the algorithm may still provide a haplotype close to the optimum, i.e. a suitable starting point for numeric optimization algorithms.
MAGNETOCARDIOGRAMS TAKEN INSIDE A SHIELDED ROOM WITH A SUPERCONDUCTING POINT-CONTACT MAGNETOMETER
Authors: Cohen David , Edelsack Edgar A. , Zimmerman James E.
Published: February 2004

A point-contact (SQUID) magnetometer was used inside a shielded room to record the magnetic field of the human heart, without noise-averaging. The resulting magnetocardiograms, with the peak signal at about 3 × 10−7 G had a noise level of about 1 × 10−9 G (rms, per root cycle). They approach good medical electrocardiograms in clarity, and are an order-of-magnitude improvement in sensitivity over previous magnetic detectors of the heart. These results suggest new medical uses for this magnetometer.
RESONANT AMPLIFICATION AND COUPLING OF ACOUSTIC SURFACE WAVES WITH ELECTRONS DRIFTING ACROSS A MAGNETIC FIELD
Authors: Bers Abraham , Burke B. E.
Published: February 2004

We show that acoustic surface waves on a piezoelectric can be resonantly amplified by coupling to a weakly damped carrier surface wave on an adjacent semiconductor in which the conduction electrons are made to drift across an applied magnetic field. The conditions for such a wave-wave interaction are established, and calculations of the growth rate and its characteristics are given. Under the same conditions, reversing the direction of the magnetic field changes the amplifier to an almost loss-free, tunable, coupler.
Q-SWITCHING OF N2O AND CO2 LASERS BY STARK EFFECT OF AMMONIA
Authors: Shimizu Fujio
Published: February 2004

Q-switching of three lines of N2O and CO2 10μ lasers has been achieved by the Stark effect of ammonia.
An effective second-generation outer surface protein A-derived Lyme vaccine that eliminates a potentially autoreactive T cell epitope
Authors: Willett Theresa A. , Meyer Abbie L. , Brown Eric L. , Huber Brigitte T.
Published: February 2004

The antigenic component of a common Lyme disease vaccine is recombinant outer surface protein A (rOspA) ofBorrelia burgdorferi(Bb), the causative agent of Lyme disease. Coincidentally, patients with chronic, treatment-resistant Lyme arthritis develop an immune response against OspA, whereas those with acute Lyme disease usually do not. Treatment-resistant Lyme arthritis occurs in a subset of Lyme arthritis patients and is linked to HLA.DRB1*0401 (DR4) and related alleles. Recent work from our laboratory identified T cell crossreactivity between epitopes of OspA and lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1αLchain (LFA-1αL) in these patients. We generated a form of rOspA, FTK-OspA, in which the LFA-1αL/rOspA crossreactive T cell epitope was mutated to reduce the possible risk of autoimmunity in genetically susceptible individuals. FTK-OspA did not stimulate human or mouse DR4-restricted, WT-OspA-specific T cells, whereas it did stimulate antibody responses specific for WT-OspA that were similar to mice vaccinated WT-OspA. We show here that the protective efficacy of FTK-OspA is indistinguishable from that of WT-OspA in vaccination trials, as both C3H/HeJ and BALB/c FTK-OspA-vaccinated mice were protected fromBbinfection. These data demonstrate that this rOspA-derived vaccine lacking the predicted cross-reactive T cell epitope, but retaining the capacity to elicit antibodies against infection, is effective in generating protective immunity.
Ultrafast electron crystallography: Transient structures of molecules, surfaces, and phase transitions
Authors: Ruan Chong-Yu , Vigliotti Franco , Lobastov Vladimir A. , Chen Songye , Zewail Ahmed H.
Published: February 2004

The static structure of macromolecular assemblies can be mapped out with atomic-scale resolution by using electron diffraction and microscopy of crystals. For transient nonequilibrium structures, which are critical to the understanding of dynamics and mechanisms, both spatial and temporal resolutions are required; the shortest scales of length (0.1–1 nm) and time (10–13to 10–12s) represent the quantum limit, the nonstatistical regime of rates. Here, we report the development of ultrafast electron crystallography for direct determination of structures with submonolayer sensitivity. In these experiments, we use crystalline silicon as a template for different adsorbates: hydrogen, chlorine, and trifluoroiodomethane. We observe the coherent restructuring of the surface layers with subangstrom displacement of atoms after the ultrafast heat impulse. This nonequilibrium dynamics, which is monitored in steps of 2 ps (total change ≤10 ps), contrasts that of the nanometer substrate. The effect of adsorbates and the phase transition at higher fluences were also studied through the evolution of streaks of interferences, Bragg spots (and their rocking curves), and rings in the diffraction patterns. We compare these results with kinematical theory and those of x-ray diffraction developed to study bulk behaviors. The sensitivity achieved here, with the 6 orders of magnitude larger cross section than x-ray diffraction, and with the capabilities of combined spatial (≈0.01 Å) and temporal (300–600 fs) resolutions, promise diverse applications for this ultrafast electron crystallography tabletop methodology.
Genome-wide analysis of gene expression reveals function of the bZIP transcription factor HY5 in the UV-B response of
Arabidopsis
Authors: Ulm Roman , Baumann Alexander , Oravecz Attila , Máté Zoltán , Ádám Éva , Oakeley Edward J. , Schäfer Eberhard , Nagy Ferenc
Published: February 2004

The light environment is a key factor that governs a multitude of developmental processes during the entire life cycle of plants. An important and increasing part of the incident sunlight encompasses a segment of the UV-B region (280–320 nm) that is not entirely absorbed by the ozone layer in the stratosphere of the earth. This portion of the solar radiation, which inevitably reaches the sessile plants, can act both as an environmental stress factor and an informational signal. To identify
Arabidopsis
genes involved in the UV response, we monitored the gene expression profile of UV-B-irradiated seedlings by using high-density oligonucleotide microarrays comprising almost the full
Arabidopsis
genome (>24,000 genes). A robust set of early low-level UV-B-responsive genes, 100 activated and 7 repressed, was identified. In all cases analyzed, UV-B induction was found to be independent of known photoreceptors. This group of genes is suggested to represent the molecular readout of the signaling cascade triggered by the elusive UV-B photoreceptor(s). Moreover, our analysis identified interactions between cellular responses to different UV-B ranges that led us to postulate the presence of partially distinct but interacting UV-B perception and signaling mechanisms. Finally, we demonstrate that the bZIP transcription factor HY5 is required for UV-B-mediated regulation of a subset of genes.
Whistleblowing: the UK experience. Part 2
Authors: Vinten Gerald
Published: January 2004

We begin with health and safety, notably in the risky working environment of the oil rigs, before moving on to the health service. Social services have become a huge area of concern with cases of child abuse emerging from the past as well as the present. Professional regulatory bodies are increasingly mandating whistleblowing among their members. The immediate 1977 Labour government response on election is then indicated, resulting in the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998, the stipulations of which are highlighted. Protection applies across all sectors of the economy – private, public and voluntary. The limited amount of UK research on whistleblowing is catalogued. Considerations of national culture are then discussed, and the conclusion takes stock of the period and the future. The British character has been ambivalent to whistleblowing, and still is, but the lead provided by legislation and professional bodies has led to greater public acceptance and support.
Organizational citizenship behavior: a case study of culture, leadership and trust
Authors: Appelbaum Steven , Bartolomucci Nicolas , Beaumier Erika , Boulanger Jonathan , Corrigan Rodney , Doré Isabelle , Girard Chrystine , Serroni Carlo
Published: January 2004

The case will test two hypotheses regarding three variables influencing the level of employee satisfaction and organizational citizenship at GAMMA, a manufacturer of plastics. Two hypotheses were developed from a review of the literature and initial results from exploratory research ( H1: low employee satisfaction at GAMMA is a direct result of an autocratic leadership style, low trust environment and weak corporate culture; H2: low employee citizenship is a direct result of low employee satisfaction). Results suggest that although the perception was that employee satisfaction and organizational citizenship were low (from the exploratory research); both quantitative and descriptive data indicated these were not. Moreover, the hypotheses were not conclusively supported quantitatively. High trust was not obtained. Also a specific high leadership style and a specific culture resulting in high employee satisfaction were also questionable. Moreover, it was not observed that a strong correlation existed statistically. H1 is therefore not conclusive quantitatively. H2 does not demonstrate a high level of employee citizenship and employee satisfaction correlation. Despite these results, it is recommended management employ the following action plan: do not change current leadership style; develop an action plan to increase trust starting with increasing accessibility of management to employees; develop an action plan to move from current culture to preferred expressed culture starting by rewarding team activity rather than individual activities; improve employee satisfaction even if the observed level is medium to high.
The Cuban missile crisis: strategy formulation in action
Authors: Grattan Robert F.
Published: January 2004

The Kennedy tapes of the meetings on the Cuban missile crisis are evidence of the strategy formulation process. Analysis of the interventions in these meetings reveals that President Kennedy had adopted a questioning, Socratic approach. Conclusions are drawn on President Kennedy's leadership style. The methods employed in 1962 are compared with ideas from strategic management: positioning; resource‐based view; top‐down or bottom‐up; deliberate or emergent; and rational or generative. The author deduces from this evidence: the collective strategy process cannot truly begin until a collective aim has been decided; the strategy process is best led by a facilitator, rather than an authoritarian; both positioning resources need to be considered; strategy formulation is an art, guided by whatever science can be brought to bear.
The “MATE” model: a strategic knowledge management technique on the chessboard of public‐sector modernization
Authors: Sotirakou Tatiana , Zeppou Mary
Published: January 2004

During the past two decades a variety of reforms and projects under the mantle of public‐sector modernization were developed in order to achieve efficiency, effectiveness, economy and quality in service delivery. Despite the overwhelming consensus that public organizations must transform there is little evidence on how to pursue modernization successfully. This paper argues that modernization is tantamount to creating a “learning public administration”. Managing the transformation process rests on the organization's capability to continuously enhance, the collective capacity to reflect, to learn how to learn, to unlearn old ways of doing things and abandon old habits. How to best navigate the transition from a rigid and conventional mode of thinking towards a creative and strategic one remains the challenge in the current knowledge‐based economy. As a response to this challenge the present paper presents the management, training and evaluation (MATE) model – a knowledge management strategic technique – that can be utilized for modernizing government organizations. Based on the results of a pilot case study undertaken within the context of Greek public sector we argue that modernization's success depends on how knowledgable an organization is in the strategic running of three core systems: the management (MA) system, the training (T) system and the evaluation (E) system. More specifically, the case study has shown that the exercise of the range of activities included in the three MATE systems may serve as the practical field, as the ideal setting for developing inquiry skills, “double‐loop” learning capabilities at individual and organizational level.
Perceptions of senior managers toward knowledge‐sharing behaviour
Authors: Lin Hsiu‐Fen , Lee Gwo‐Guang
Published: January 2004

Senior managers have shown an increasing interest in understanding and encouraging knowledge‐sharing behaviour in their organizations. However, very few empirical studies have examined senior managers’ perceptions of knowledge‐sharing behaviour. This study used Ajzen's theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to develop and test a research model to assess the factors that influence encouragement of knowledge‐sharing intention and behaviour by senior managers. The data from a survey of senior managers in Taiwan were used empirically to test the proposed research model. Moreover, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to examine the reliability and validity of the measurement model, and the structural equation modelling (SEM) technique was used to evaluate the research model. The analytical results showed that the research model fitted the data well and the main determinants of enterprise knowledge‐sharing behaviour were the encouraging intentions of senior managers. Additionally, senior managers’ attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control were found to positively influence intentions to encourage knowledge sharing. Finally, research and practical implications were suggested.
Strategies for surviving the Internet meltdown
Authors: Constantinides Efthymios
Published: January 2004

This paper reviews a number of theoretical issues dealing with the strategic management process in fast‐evolving, uncertain environments and examines the fit between theory and practice by means of two case studies, two successful dot.com incumbents from the first generation of Internet start‐ups. Analysis of survival and growth strategies of the two virtual firms reveals interesting similarities in their evolutionary processes and corporate strategic attitudes. In both cases the company management has ensured survival and growth through rigorous organizational transformation based on very intensive, flexible and short‐term‐ rather than long‐term‐oriented strategic decision making. This approach has helped out both companies not only to escape the Internet fall‐out but also to build up strong brands and leading market position. As well as identifying managerial approaches, the case studies show analogies to theoretical approaches on managing the strategic process in evolving and chaotic environments.
Eliciting implicit paradigms in allocating resources
Authors: Neil Thomas C. , Martz Ben , Biscaccanti Alessandro
Published: January 2004

The negative framing and context of performance has received significant attention in decision research. At the same time, historical success appears to reduce openness to radical learning and the exploration of new, alternative approaches. This study elicited individuals’ implicit paradigms within a historically successful, progressive decision situation. Individuals, given the opportunity to re‐allocate time, gave more time to below performing ventures and took time away from above performing ventures. “Illusion of control” and “satisficing” theories were used to explain the individuals’ implicit paradigms.
Education and training for entrepreneurs: a consideration of initiatives in Ireland and The Netherlands
Authors: De Faoite Diarmuid , Henry Colette , Johnston Kate , van der Sijde Peter
Published: January 2004

A growing body of academic research has examined the effectiveness of entrepreneurship training and support initiatives, with recent studies focusing on the provision of training and other skills development opportunities. An important theme that has emerged from this work is the failure of many programmes and initiatives to take on board the particular needs of the entrepreneurs in developing training and support systems. By extending research in this area, this article considers the importance of education and training to the economy and focuses on the particular value of entrepreneurship education and training. Some of the fundamental themes in the literature are reviewed, including the difficulties involved in categorising entrepreneurship education and training; the issue of whether or not entrepreneurship can be taught; the content of entrepreneurship programmes and the cultural and evaluative considerations. The article discusses and compares training and support provision for entrepreneurs in Ireland and The Netherlands.
New Zealand's BIZ training programme: service provider perspectives
Authors: Massey Claire , Tweed David , Lewis Kate
Published: January 2004

Following a review of assistance provision to New Zealand small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in 1998, the government established the BIZ programme. The purpose of the new initiative was to build management capability amongst SMEs by providing them with free access to a business needs assessment, followed by training and seminars, one‐on‐one mentoring and networking. BIZ became operational in February 1999 and in June 2000, a team of researchers undertook a comprehensive evaluation of the training component of the programme. This paper reports on one aspect of this evaluation, which was designed to capture the experience and views of the BIZ training providers. During this phase of the project a team of three researchers travelled throughout New Zealand to interview providers. Summarises the different experiences of these front‐line organisations in delivering BIZ training, as a contribution to the wider policy debate about the role of government in assisting small enterprise.
A conceptual development framework for management and leadership learning in the UK incubator sector
Authors: Hannon Paul D.
Published: January 2004

Focuses attention upon a recent phenomenon promoted by public sector policy and government funding and adopted within the private sector as a vehicle for wealth creation, where wealth can mean the development of different forms of capital such as financial, intellectual and social. Incubators and incubation programmes have established themselves across the globe as part of the enterprise landscape and are achieving substantial growth rates in numbers, with expectations for further growth in the near future. Emphasises the finding of recent studies suggesting that the nature and experience of incubator management and leadership positively affect client perceptions of the value and impact of their incubation experience. In conclusion, there is an emerging demand for greater professionalism within the sector and the role that current national incubation benchmarks may have on supporting management and leadership capability building. Suggests that focusing on management and leadership capability building across the sector is an important policy consideration for government in enhancing the overall performance and effectiveness of the industry.
The role of training and skilled labour in the success of SMEs in developing economies
Authors: Robertson Paul L.
Published: January 2004

The ability of small and medium‐sized enterprises in developing nations to evolve technologically is frequently constrained by a variety of environmental factors that are beyond their control. In many cases, it is necessary for the strategy of SMEs to be aligned with the international supply chain strategies of multinational firms, who can provide the expertise needed for technological upgrading by SMEs, and with the development strategies of their own nations. If SMEs are to attract business as original equipment manufacturers or component suppliers for MNCs, they generally need to possess access to skills before they can get contracts. As SMEs often lack the knowledge and resources to engage in training programs, however, their success in upgrading themselves technologically may depend crucially on subsidised educational and training infrastructure provided by their governments.
Entrepreneurship education in China
Authors: Li Jun , Zhang Yuli , Matlay Harry
Published: January 2004

China's recent economic success resulted, to a great extent, from the release of the entrepreneurial potential inherent in its business sectors. Yet, entrepreneurship education as a whole remains a relatively new concept and practice, in particular in the higher education sector. This explorative article reviews the recent developments in entrepreneurship education within higher educational institutions in China. The context of these developments and the emerging models in entrepreneurship education are highlighted. The critical factors that will shape the directions of entrepreneurship education are discussed and summarised.
Dispositional and maturational development through competency‐based training
Authors: Kosbab Derek J.
Published: January 2004

Presents a perspective on vocational learning that proposes that vocational competence is dependent upon dispositional development, which in turn, results in moves towards maturation. Reports research with unemployed adults engaging in vocational training and resulting in four findings. First, while training packages describe assessable outcomes in competency‐referenced terms, trainees describe learning outcomes in non‐competency referenced terms. Second, vocational trainees describe their learning in terms of dispositional outcomes; that is, in terms of values, interests and attitudes. Third, dispositions can be categorised in terms of maturational concepts. Fourth, trainees made moves towards maturation as a result of CBT/NEIS training over the six‐week period of the course. The findings have important ramifications for all future VET/CBT trainees since it is the researcher's formative theory that maturation is a subset of competence in every vocational skill domain.
Opportunity centred learning: an innovation in enterprise education?
Authors: Rae David
Published: January 2004

This paper describes an approach called opportunity centred learning that has been developed by the author and applied in the field of enterprise education. The relationship between opportunity centred learning and existing theory and practice in learning and education is outlined in comparison with problem‐based learning and action learning, and the process for using it is described. An example of the type of mind‐maps adopted and a short case study illustrate the approach. The conclusions and implications for educational practice including the benefits and limitations of opportunity centred learning are outlined, together with proposed recommendations for further development in emerging areas of enterprise education.
International training: the training of managers for assignment abroad
Authors: Treven Sonja
Published: January 2004

This paper presents various approaches to studying cultures of different countries. The starting point is Hofstede's dimensions of cultural values as well as Hall's approach to high‐ and low‐context cultures. After that the interaction between culture and organizational behavior is discussed. A special attention to the impact of culture on motivation of employees, communication, conflict resolution and organizational changes is given. This article concludes with the presentation of some methods that can be applied to the training of managers on various cultures.
Myths as a vehicle for transforming organizations
Authors: Movva Ramakrishna
Published: January 2004

Explores how myths represent reality in the minds of organizational members of what the organization was, is, and can be. Applies the construct of a mythograph to trace the past transformation journey of the studied organization, which provides a context for envisioning the future journey. Illustrates how a typical modern organization can be stuck in a reductionistic model. Closes with the discussion on how evolution of organizational consciousness is fundamental to organizational transformation that is made possible by using myths as a vehicle.
Impact of transformational leadership on followers’ influence strategies
Authors: Krishnan Venkat R.
Published: January 2004

Effects of leader‐member exchange, transformational leadership, and perceived value system congruence between leader and follower on follower's six upward influence strategies‐assertiveness, bargaining, coalition, friendliness, higher authority, and reasoning were studied using a sample of 281 managers working in various organizations in India. Results show that transformational leadership mediates the relationship between LMX and congruence. Both LMX and transformational leadership are related positively to friendliness and reasoning, and negatively to higher authority. Congruence is not related to influence strategies. Transformational leadership is the best predictor of friendliness, and neither LMX nor congruence explains significant additional variance in friendliness. Similarly, LMX is the best predictor of reasoning, and neither transformational leadership nor congruence explains significant additional variance in reasoning. Controlling for transformational leadership makes the relationship between LMX and higher authority non‐significant and controlling for LMX makes the relationship between transformational leadership and higher authority non‐significant.
Differences in leadership styles and behaviour across hierarchical levels in UK organisations
Authors: Oshagbemi Titus , Gill Roger
Published: January 2004

Several studies have examined the leadership styles and behaviour of managers across hierarchical levels to see whether or not the styles and behaviour are similar. The present study collected data from over 400 managers in the UK to research the topic. It found that generally there are significant differences in the leadership styles between senior and first‐level managers, but not between senior and middle‐level managers or between middle and first‐level managers. The study suggests that differences in the leadership styles practised by managers may be blurred in organisations with short chains of command, while it will tend to be pronounced in organisations with long chains of command, other things being equal. Overall, while there was a weak but statistically significant difference between the leadership styles of senior and first‐level managers, the differences in their leadership behaviour was statistically strong. The implications of these results are explored.
NOMAD welds small batches of large structures
Authors: Kochan Anna
Published: January 2004

Automating the welding of custom‐built large structures becomes increasingly necessary due to the growing shortage of manual welders and competition from low‐wage countries. A consortium funded by the European Community is developing the technology necessary to make this possible.
Laser welding in 3D gives Graham Engineering the edge
Authors: Rooks Brian
Published: January 2004

Graham Engineering, a UK company specialising in the manufacture of large complex components for high‐tech industries has pioneered the application of 3D laser trimming and welding of stainless steel and other difficult‐to‐process pressings and fabrications. It uses a Prima Optima 3D laser profiler, one of the largest built by the Italian company, for this work and examples are described from the nuclear, aerospace, domestic heating and telecommunications industries. One of the largest is a nuclear containment vessel manufactured in 6 mm stainless steel, requiring over 18 m of laser welded seams produced in a single pass compared with a root and four capping runs required when TIG welded. Quality and strength are also superior to TIG. Other components produced in the Prima machine include mild steel pressings for an aerospace customer, satellite dishes for a telecommunications company and stainless steel hot water cylinders marketed by Graham Engineering company.
Welding and cutting: robots take the lead in 3D
Authors: Defaux Michel
Published: January 2004

This paper presents a selection of new welding and cutting robots. Also describes software developments that allow for easier programming and the use of synchronisation to allow multiple robots to carry a single load.
State‐of‐the‐art welding and de‐burring robots
Authors: Yagi Takashi
Published: January 2004

This paper describes the development of a variety of robot welding and grinding systems. Also discusses the benefits of running arc welding cables within the body of the robot and the use of a computer controlled welder. Also covers digitally controlled spot welding and communication with a supervisory computer. Finally, discusses de‐burring and the opportunities for further development in this area.
Robotic friction stir welding
Authors: Cook George E. , Crawford Reginald , Clark Denis E. , Strauss Alvin M.
Published: January 2004

The forces and torques associated with friction stir welding (FSW) are discussed as they relate to implementation of the welding process with industrial robots. Experimental results are presented that support the conclusions drawn from models developed by others. It is shown that even with heavy‐duty industrial robots with high stiffness, force feedback is important for successful robotic FSW. Methods of implementing force feedback are reviewed. Attention is paid to stability issues that arise with variations in tool rotation and travel speed. Successful implementations of robotic FSW are cited.
Network communications for weld cell integration – status of standards development
Authors: Rippey William G.
Published: January 2004

Network technology is being used more and more to replace direct‐wired links to integrate equipment making up automated and semi‐automated welding systems. Two formal welding standards efforts, one by the American Welding Society A9 Committee and the other by the Open DeviceNet Vendor Association (ODVA) are described. This paper should be useful to users and integrators of weld cells as part of their evaluation of the different network technologies available for implementation of welding systems.
CAD interface for automatic robot welding programming
Authors: Norberto Pires J. , Godinho T. , Ferreira P.
Published: January 2004

Industrial robots play an important role in industry, due to their flexibility. Many applications (almost all that require human intervention) may be performed with advantages by robots. Nevertheless, set‐up operations, necessary when changing production models, are still tricky and time‐consuming. It is common to have detailed data of working pieces in computer aided design (CAD) files, resulting from product design and project. This information is not used satisfactorily, or even not used at all, for robot programming. In this paper, we propose a solution capable of extracting robot motion information from the CAD data.
Experienced effects from applying TQM in societal improvement work in a Swedish community
Authors: Fredriksson Maria
Published: January 2004

An increasing number of communities use total quality management (TQM) concepts, traditionally connected with business and industry, for societal development. An outstanding example in Sweden is the community of Åseda, where non‐profit organisations, companies, and the public sector collaborate to break negative trends, mainly with the help of typical TQM methodologies. This paper presents a study of the effects experienced by a selection of residents, being one part of a larger study of TQM as a support for societal development. It shows that the general effects are experienced as positive, and so are all the detailed ones, having to do with wellbeing in Åseda. A general conclusion is therefore that these respondents are highly motivated for societal improvement work, although with a realistic view on what has been achieved so far.
On the effectiveness of quality management system audits
Authors: Beckmerhagen I.A. , Berg H.P. , Karapetrovic S.V. , Willborn W.O.
Published: January 2004

An “effective audit” cannot be taken for granted, even though it is performed by trained professionals using proven techniques and in accordance with internationally accepted standards. Recent highly publicized cases in both financial and quality auditing point to the need to further examine the meaning of audit effectiveness, as well as the methods to improve it. Specifically, audit reliability and risk as two related components of audit effectiveness are focused on. The term and concept of QMS audit effectiveness are analyzed first, followed by a list of the relevant principles and criteria for measuring and improving this effectiveness. Finally, two cases from the nuclear industry are used to illustrate the importance of measuring and improving QMS audit effectiveness.
The profitability of customer‐targeted quality improvement efforts: an empirical examination
Authors: Yasin Mahmoud , Correia Elisabete , Lisboa João
Published: January 2004

While many researchers tend to agree that quality improvement efforts lead to operational and customer‐related organizational gains, the financial bottom‐line impact of quality efforts is still debatable. Utilizes a sample of 68 certified Portuguese firms to shed some light on the nature of the relationships between quality improvement efforts and financial performance measures. Uses factor analysis, cluster analysis, and analysis of variance to analyze the data gathered using a survey‐based research instrument. Concludes that quality efforts directed toward the customer tend to be associated with higher financial performance in terms of net profit after tax.
Thick film PN‐junctions based on mixed oxides of indium and silicon as gamma radiation sensors
Authors: Arshak Khalil , Korostynska Olga , Henry John
Published: January 2004

Indium oxide (In2O3) and silicon oxide (SiO) mixtures in the form of thick films pn‐junctions were investigated for gamma radiation dosimetry purposes. Polymer pastes of In2O3 and SiO mixtures in various proportions were made of 92 wt per cent of functional material and 8 wt per cent of PVB, while ethyleneglycolmonobutylether was used as a solvent. Raman spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) of the films readily endorse the formation of a mixed silicon oxide and indium oxide coating. All devices were exposed to a disc‐type 137Cs source with an activity of 370 kBq. The I‐V characteristics for the samples were measured after each exposure dose. Results show that the current is increased with the increase in radiation dose to a certain level, exceeding this level resulted in unstable dosimetric characteristics and device damage. The performance parameters of the devices, such as sensitivity to γ‐radiation exposure and working dose region, were found to be highly dependant on the composition of the materials used.
Interpolation of numerically computed potential using finite element approach
Authors: Chaudhry Maqsood A.
Published: January 2004

Finite difference method (FDM) is a very useful and simple tool in determining electrical potential field of two‐dimensional geometries, such as integrated circuit (IC) planar resistors. It is very accurate and its accuracy can be easily controlled by changing the grid size. One limitation of the FDM, however, is that it computes potentials at predetermined grid points only. Unlike the finite element method (FEM), it does not compute potential functions that can be used to interpolate potentials at the points that are not located at the grid, or to use these functions in determining other quantities based upon the computed potential such as electric field intensity. This paper describes a method that is a combination of the FDM and FEM. It retains the simplicity and accuracy of the FDM. Yet, like the FEM, it provides potential functions that can be used for interpolation and post‐processing of potential. The combined FDM‐FEM method is used to determine the potential functions of an IC planar resistor. The results are in agreement with analytically derived results. The approach we have developed is simple yet accurate and thus of use in professional engineering work.
Thermal degradation of joined thick Au and Al elements
Authors: Bochenek A. , Bober B. , Hauffe W. , Lukaszewicz M. , Langer E.
Published: January 2004

Investigations were aimed at the evaluation of degradation mechanisms in ultrasonically welded joints of AlSi1 per cent wire (25 μm in diameter) and Au substrate (100 μm thick), relatively thick elements, exposed to high temperature of 300°C up to 100 h. Thermally activated Al diffusion into Au generates the formation of intermetallic compounds in the area of the bond interface. With the longer thermal exposure the expansion and transformation of intermetallic compounds is observed. The characteristic “intermetallic compounds core” is formed, which from one side penetrates into the wire material and from another spreads deeply into the Au substrate up to enhancing band of Kirkendall voids.
High frequency modelling approach of on‐chip interconnects considering conductor and substrate skin effects
Authors: Ymeri H. , Nauwelaers B. , Maex K.
Published: January 2004

Simple and accurate high frequency modelling approach of on‐chip interconnects on a lossy silicon substrate, that considers conductor and substrate skin effects, is presented. The closed‐form formulas for the frequency‐dependent series impedance parameters are obtained using a closed‐form integration method and the vector magnetic potential equation. The proposed frequency‐dependent inductance L(f) and resistance R(f) per unit length formulas are shown to be in good agreement with the electromagnetic solutions.