bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A pseudoCoulombian potential in D=1 dimensional space
Authors: Lombard R J , Mezhoud R , Yekken R
Published: November 2009

In the D=1 dimensional space, we study the bound state solutions of the potential (e, b>0). They occur on the right half-plane x∊[0, ∞[. In the limit b→0, we recover the spectrum of the D=1 Coulomb potential. Supersymmetric properties are briefly discussed. The model is extended by considering complex coupling constants. Nonlinear effects are also treated by considering a linear energy dependence of the e coupling constant.
Chaos for Cowen-Douglas operators
Authors: Hou Bingzhe , Cui Puyu , Cao Yang
Published: November 2009

In this article, we provide a sufficient condition which gives Devaney chaos and distributional chaos for Cowen-Douglas operators. In fact, we obtain a distributionally chaotic criterion for bounded linear operators on Banach spaces.
Hypergeometric origins of Diophantine properties associated with the Askey scheme
Authors: Chen Yang , Ismail Mourad
Published: November 2009

The “Diophantine” properties of the zeros of certain polynomials in the Askey scheme, recently discovered by Calogero and his collaborators, are explained, with suitably chosen parameter values, in terms of the summation theorem of hypergeometric series. Here the Diophantine property refers to integer valued zeros. It turns out that the same procedure can also be applied to polynomials arising from the basic hypergeometric series. We found, with suitably chosen parameters and certain

q
q

-analogues of the summation theorems, zeros of these polynomials explicitly which are no longer integer valued. This goes beyond the results obtained by the authors previously mentioned.
Linearly repetitive Delone systems have a finite number of nonperiodic Delone system factors
Authors: Cortez María , Durand Fabien , Petite Samuel
Published: November 2009

In this paper we prove linearly repetitive Delone systems have finitely many Delone system factors up to conjugacy. This result is also applicable to linearly repetitive tiling systems.
Polynomial growth of the codimensions: a characterization
Authors: Giambruno A. , Mishchenko S.
Published: November 2009

Let

A
A

be a not necessarily associative algebra over a field of characteristic zero. Here we characterize the T-ideal of identities of

A
A

in case the corresponding sequence of codimensions is polynomially bounded.
Joint estimation of DNA copy number from multiple platforms
Authors: Zhang Nancy R. , Senbabaoglu Yasin , Li Jun Z.
Published: November 2009

Motivation: DNA copy number variants (CNVs) are gains and losses of segments of chromosomes, and comprise an important class of genetic variation. Recently, various microarray hybridization-based techniques have been developed for high-throughput measurement of DNA copy number. In many studies, multiple technical platforms or different versions of the same platform were used to interrogate the same samples; and it became necessary to pool information across these multiple sources to derive a consensus molecular profile for each sample. An integrated analysis is expected to maximize resolution and accuracy, yet currently there is no well-formulated statistical method to address the between-platform differences in probe coverage, assay methods, sensitivity and analytical complexity.

Results: The conventional approach is to apply one of the CNV detection (‘segmentation’) algorithms to search for DNA segments of altered signal intensity. The results from multiple platforms are combined after segmentation. Here we propose a new method, Multi-Platform Circular Binary Segmentation (MPCBS), which pools statistical evidence across platforms during segmentation, and does not require pre-standardization of different data sources. It involves a weighted sum of t-statistics, which arises naturally from the generalized log-likelihood ratio of a multi-platform model. We show by comparing the integrated analysis of Affymetrix and Illumina SNP array data with Agilent and fosmid clone end-sequencing results on eight HapMap samples that MPCBS achieves improved spatial resolution, detection power and provides a natural consensus across platforms. We also apply the new method to analyze multi-platform data for tumor samples.

Availability: The R package for MPCBS is registered on R-Forge (http://r-forge.r-project.org/) under project name MPCBS.

Contact:  nzhang@stanford.edu; junzli@umich.edu

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
A personalized microRNA microarray normalization method using a logistic regression model
Authors: Wang Bin , Wang Xiao-Feng , Howell Paul , Qian Xuemin , Huang Kun , Riker Adam I. , Ju Jingfang , Xi Yaguang
Published: November 2009

Motivation: MicroRNA (miRNA) is a set of newly discovered non-coding small RNA molecules. Its significant effects have contributed to a number of critical biological events including cell proliferation, apoptosis development, as well as tumorigenesis. High-dimensional genomic discovery platforms (e.g. microarray) have been employed to evaluate the important roles of miRNAs by analyzing their expression profiling. However, because of the small total number of miRNAs and the absence of well-known endogenous controls, the traditional normalization methods for messenger RNA (mRNA) profiling analysis could not offer a suitable solution for miRNA analysis. The need for the establishment of new adaptive methods has come to the forefront.

Results: Locked nucleic acid (LNA)-based miRNA array was employed to profile miRNAs using colorectal cancer cell lines under different treatments. The expression pattern of overall miRNA profiling was pre-evaluated by a panel of miRNAs using Taqman-based quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) miRNA assays. A logistic regression model was built based on qRT-PCR results and then applied to the normalization of miRNA array data. The expression levels of 20 additional miRNAs selected from the normalized list were post-validated. Compared with other popularly used normalization methods, the logistic regression model efficiently calibrates the variance across arrays and improves miRNA microarray discovery accuracy.

Availability: Datasets and R package are available at http://gauss.usouthal.edu/publ/logit/

Contact:  xi@usouthal.edu
EGAN: exploratory gene association networks
Authors: Paquette Jesse , Tokuyasu Taku
Published: November 2009

Summary: Exploratory Gene Association Networks (EGAN) is a Java desktop application that provides a point-and-click environment for contextual graph visualization of high-throughput assay results. By loading the entire network of genes, pathways, interactions, annotation terms and literature references directly into memory, EGAN allows a biologist to repeatedly query and interpret multiple experimental results without incurring additional delays for data download/integration. Other compelling features of EGAN include: support for diverse -omics technologies, a simple and interactive graph display, sortable/searchable data tables, links to external web resources including ≥240 000 articles at PubMed, hypergeometric and GSEA-like enrichment statistics, pipeline-compatible automation via scripting and the ability to completely customize and/or supplement the network with new/proprietary data.

Availability: Runs on most operating systems via Java; downloadable from http://akt.ucsf.edu/EGAN/

Contact:  jesse.paquette@cc.ucsf.edu

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Connective Tissue Reflex Massage for Type 2 Diabetic Patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease: Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Castro-Sánchez Adelaida María , Moreno-Lorenzo Carmen , Matarán-Peñarrocha Guillermo A. , Feriche-Fernández-Castanys Belen , Granados-Gámez Genoveva , Quesada-Rubio José Manuel
Published: November 2009

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of connective tissue massage to improve blood circulation and intermittent claudication symptoms in type 2 diabetic patients. A randomized, placebo‐controlled trial was undertaken. Ninety‐eight type 2 diabetes patients with stage I or II‐a peripheral arterial disease (PAD) (Leriche‐Fontaine classification) were randomly assigned to a massage group or to a placebo group treated using disconnected magnetotherapy equipment. Peripheral arterial circulation was determined by measuring differential segmental arterial pressure, heart rate, skin temperature, oxygen saturation and skin blood flow. Measurements were taken before and at 30 min, 6 months and 1 year after the 15‐week treatment. After the 15‐week program, the groups differed (P < .05) in differential segmental arterial pressure in right lower limb (lower one‐third of thigh, upper and lower one‐third of leg) and left lower limb (lower one‐third of thigh and upper and lower one‐third of leg). A significant difference (P < .05) was also observed in skin blood flow in digits 1 and 4 of right foot and digits 2, 4 and 5 of left foot. ANOVA results were significant (P < .05) for right and left foot oxygen saturation but not for heart rate and temperature. At 6 months and 1 year, the groups differed in differential segmental arterial pressure in upper third of left and right legs. Connective tissue massage improves blood circulation in the lower limbs of type 2 diabetic patients at stage I or II‐a and may be useful to slow the progression of PAD.
The Effect of Misclassifications in Probit Models: Monte Carlo Simulations and Applications
Authors: Hug Simon
Published: November 2009

The increased use of models with limited-dependent variables has allowed researchers to test important relationships in political science. Often, however, researchers employing such models fail to acknowledge that the violation of some basic assumptions has in part difference consequences in nonlinear models than in linear ones. In this paper, I demonstrate this for binary probit models in which the dependent variable is systematically miscoded. Contrary to the linear model, such misclassifications affect not only the estimate of the intercept but also those of the other coefficients. In a Monte Carlo simulation, I demonstrate that a model proposed by Hausman, Abrevaya, and Scott-Morton (1998, Misclassification of the dependent variable in a discrete-response setting.Journal of Econometrics87:239–69) allows for correcting these biases in binary probit models. Empirical examples based on reanalyses of models explaining the occurrence of rebellions and civil wars demonstrate the problem that comes from neglecting these misclassifications.
Fluctuating selection: the perpetual renewal of adaptation in variable environments
Authors: Bell Graham
Published: November 2009

Darwin insisted that evolutionary change occurs very slowly over long periods of time, and this gradualist view was accepted by his supporters and incorporated into the infinitesimal model of quantitative genetics developed by R. A. Fisher and others. It dominated the first century of evolutionary biology, but has been challenged in more recent years both by field surveys demonstrating strong selection in natural populations and by quantitative trait loci and genomic studies, indicating that adaptation is often attributable to mutations in a few genes. The prevalence of strong selection seems inconsistent, however, with the high heritability often observed in natural populations, and with the claim that the amount of morphological change in contemporary and fossil lineages is independent of elapsed time. I argue that these discrepancies are resolved by realistic accounts of environmental and evolutionary changes. First, the physical and biotic environment varies on all time-scales, leading to an indefinite increase in environmental variance over time. Secondly, the intensity and direction of natural selection are also likely to fluctuate over time, leading to an indefinite increase in phenotypic variance in any given evolving lineage. Finally, detailed long-term studies of selection in natural populations demonstrate that selection often changes in direction. I conclude that the traditional gradualist scheme of weak selection acting on polygenic variation should be supplemented by the view that adaptation is often based on oligogenic variation exposed to commonplace, strong, fluctuating natural selection.
Food security: contributions from science to a new and greener revolution
Authors: Beddington John
Published: November 2009

There is an intrinsic link between the challenge we face to ensure
food security
through the twenty-first century and other global issues, most notably
climate
change,
population growth
and the need to sustainably manage the world's rapidly growing demand for
energy
and
water
. Our progress in reducing global poverty and achieving the Millennium Development Goals will be determined to a great extent by how coherently these long-term challenges are tackled. A key question is whether we can feed a future nine billion people equitably, healthily and sustainably.

Science and technology can make a major contribution, by providing practical solutions. Securing this contribution requires that high priority be attached both to research and to facilitating the real world deployment of existing and emergent technologies. Put simply, we need a new, ‘green
er
revolution’. Important areas for focus include: crop improvement; smarter use of water and fertilizers; new pesticides and their effective management to avoid resistance problems; introduction of novel non-chemical approaches to crop protection; reduction of post-harvest losses; and more sustainable livestock and marine production. Techniques and technologies from many disciplines, ranging from biotechnology and engineering to newer fields such as nanotechnology, will be needed.
Lactobacillus paucivorans sp. nov., isolated from a brewery environment
Authors: Ehrmann Matthias A. , Preissler Patrick , Danne Markus , Vogel Rudi F.
Published: November 2009

A Gram-stain-positive, catalase-negative and rod-shaped bacterium was isolated from a brewery environment. Its phylogenetic affiliation was determined by using 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. It was found that strain TMW 1.1424T belongs to the genus Lactobacillus, with the three nearest neighbours Lactobacillus parabrevis LMG 11984T (97 %), Lactobacillus brevis DSM 20054T (95.9 %) and Lactobacillus hammesii DSM 16381T (96.2 %). Comparative sequencing of additional phylogenetic marker genes tuf and pheS confirmed the 16S rRNA gene sequence tree topology. The DNA G+C content of strain TMW 1.1424T is 46.6 mol%. Genomic DNA–DNA relatedness values with L. brevis DSM 20054T, L. parabrevis LMG 11984T and L. hammesii DSM 16381T do not exceed 52.8 %, revealing that the novel isolate represents a separate genomic species. The strain can be distinguished from other related species of the genus Lactobacillus by physiological and biochemical tests. Based on biochemical, physiological and phylogenetic data, it is proposed that the new isolate be classified as a novel species of the genus Lactobacillus, Lactobacillus paucivorans sp. nov. The type strain is TMW 1.1424T (=DSM 22467T =LMG 25291T).
Nitritalea halalkaliphila gen. nov., sp. nov., an alkaliphilic bacterium of the family ‘Cyclobacteriaceae’, phylum Bacteroidetes
Authors: Anil Kumar P. , Srinivas T. N. R. , Pavan Kumar P. , Madhu S. , Shivaji S.
Published: November 2009

A novel Gram-negative, rod-shaped, non-motile bacterium, designated strain LW7T, was isolated from a water sample collected at a depth of 4.5 m from Lonar Lake in Buldhana district, Maharastra, India. The cell suspension was dark-reddish orange due to the presence of carotenoids. The fatty acids were dominated by large amounts of iso-C15 : 0 (59.6 %) and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH (8.9 %). Strain LW7T contained MK-4 and MK-5 as the major respiratory quinones and phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine as the major phospholipids. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that Belliella baltica, a member of family ‘Cyclobacteriaceae’ (phylum Bacteroidetes), is the closest related species, with a sequence similarity of 94.0 % to the type strain. Other members of the family ‘Cyclobacteriaceae’ had sequence similarities of <93.3 %. Based on the above-mentioned phenotypic and phylogenetic characteristics, strain LW7T is proposed as a representative of a new genus and species, Nitritalea halalkaliphila gen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain of Nitritalea halalkaliphila is LW7T (=CCUG 57665T =JCM 15946T =NCCB 100279T). The genomic DNA G+C of strain LW7T is 49 mol%.
Nuclear disconnection within the amygdala reveals a direct pathway to fear
Authors: Jimenez Stephanie A. , Maren Stephen
Published: November 2009

It is widely believed that a descending serial circuit consisting of neural projections from the basolateral complex (BLA) to the central nucleus (CEA) of the amygdala mediates fear expression. Here we directly test this hypothesis and show that disconnecting the BLA and CEA with asymmetric neurotoxic lesions after Pavlovian fear conditioning in rats completely abolishes the expression of conditional freezing. These results demonstrate that neural projections from the BLA to CEA are essential for the expression of learned fear responses.
Complete Transcriptome of the Soybean Root Hair Cell, a Single-Cell Model, and Its Alteration in Response toBradyrhizobium japonicumInfection
Authors: Libault Marc , Farmer Andrew , Brechenmacher Laurent , Drnevich Jenny , Langley Raymond J. , Bilgin Damla D. , Radwan Osman , Neece David J. , Clough Steven J. , May Gregory D. , Stacey Gary
Published: November 2009

Nodulation is the result of a mutualistic interaction between legumes and symbiotic soil bacteria (e.g. soybean [Glycine max] and Bradyrhizobium japonicum) initiated by the infection of plant root hair cells by the symbiont. Fewer than 20 plant genes involved in the nodulation process have been functionally characterized. Considering the complexity of the symbiosis, significantly more genes are likely involved. To identify genes involved in root hair cell infection, we performed a large-scale transcriptome analysis of B. japonicum-inoculated and mock-inoculated soybean root hairs using three different technologies: microarray hybridization, Illumina sequencing, and quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Together, a total of 1,973 soybean genes were differentially expressed with high significance during root hair infection, including orthologs of previously characterized root hair infection-related genes such as NFR5 and NIN. The regulation of 60 genes was confirmed by quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Our analysis also highlighted changes in the expression pattern of some homeologous and tandemly duplicated soybean genes, supporting their rapid specialization.
Members of theLBDFamily of Transcription Factors Repress Anthocyanin Synthesis and Affect Additional Nitrogen Responses inArabidopsis
Authors: Rubin Grit , Tohge Takayuki , Matsuda Fumio , Saito Kazuki , Scheible Wolf-Rüdiger
Published: November 2009

Nitrogen (N) and nitrate (NO3  −) per se regulate many aspects of plant metabolism, growth, and development. N/NO3  − also suppresses parts of secondary metabolism, including anthocyanin synthesis. Molecular components for this repression are unknown. We report that three N/NO3  −-induced members of the LATERAL ORGAN BOUNDARY DOMAIN (LBD) gene family of transcription factors (LBD37, LBD38, and LBD39) act as negative regulators of anthocyanin biosynthesis in Arabidopsis thaliana. Overexpression of each of the three genes in the absence of N/NO3  − strongly suppresses the key regulators of anthocyanin synthesis PAP1 and PAP2, genes in the anthocyanin-specific part of flavonoid synthesis, as well as cyanidin- but not quercetin- or kaempferol-glycoside production. Conversely, lbd37, lbd38, or lbd39 mutants accumulate anthocyanins when grown in N/NO3  −-sufficient conditions and show constitutive expression of anthocyanin biosynthetic genes. The LBD genes also repress many other known N-responsive genes, including key genes required for NO3  − uptake and assimilation, resulting in altered NO3  − content, nitrate reductase activity/activation, protein, amino acid, and starch levels, and N-related growth phenotypes. The results identify LBD37 and its two close homologs as novel repressors of anthocyanin biosynthesis and N availability signals in general. They also show that, besides being developmental regulators, LBD genes fulfill roles in metabolic regulation.
An exploratory analysis of librarians' blogs: their development, nature and changes
Authors: Aharony Noa
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper is to compare and examine two points in time of the LIS blogsphere: first period of publication of the blog (first two months for each blog) and a second period (July/August 2008). The research will describe and analyse librarians' blogsphere, focusing on its nature, development, and prevailing tendencies.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a statistical descriptive analysis and a thorough content analysis of 30 LIS blogs in two periods of time. The first phase in the investigation is the location of the LIS blogs that meet the research criteria; the second phase is the examination of data related to the posts. The final phase consists of the content analysis of the main ideas of the posts and the development of a subject scheme that represents the analysis.

Findings

A thorough examination of blogs' content reveals that there is a current tendency to write essay‐type posts with hypertext links; there are fewer posts and postings days, as well as fewer readers' comments, but a larger number of links and tags which are assigned to the posts. Furthermore, three out of the five main content categories are equivalent in both periods and it seems that the same issues still occupy librarians' minds and thoughts.

Originality/value

The research findings are relevant for librarians and information scientists as they cause them to better understand and delve into the phenomenon of LIS blogsphere.
Explaining the unintended consequences of public sector reform
Authors: Ghobadian Abby , Viney Howard , Redwood John
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The process of public sector reform in the United Kingdom continues to provoke debate. Even among advocates of the reform process there is a concern that improvements in public service provision have not been as marked as originally intended, and that the process has produced a variety of unintended consequences. The purpose of this paper is to explore possible explanations for these unintended consequences, and discuss possible practical solutions for policy makers and service commissioners.

Design/methodology/approach

In this conceptual paper focus is in particular upon attempting to explain managerial behaviour from insights offered by two well‐established managerial theories – stakeholder theory and resource dependency theory. Insights from these theories are used to explain the possible causes of the unintended consequences of the reform process. The discussion is illustrated and set in context by reference to a continuum of service delivery modes from monopoly provision through to full competition.

Findings

Theory suggests that managers inevitably prioritise the interests of what they identify as their key stakeholders, and particularly those providing critical resources. In the case of public services this means that the interests of government, as the commissioner and funder of services, are prioritised rather than the end‐users of services. Examples of how this distorts the objectives of government are highlighted. It is argued that understanding this aspect of managerial decision‐making and stakeholder prioritising opens up the potential to resolve the problem.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to address the question of managerial behaviour from these theoretical perspectives in the area of the public sector reform process.
Blogging toward information literacy: engaging students and facilitating peer learning
Authors: Chan Christopher , Cmor Dianne
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe how a course‐integrated blog is used to facilitate the learning of information literacy skills. It also reports on how the effectiveness of the blog is evaluated.

Design/methodology/approach

The blog is made the centerpiece of library support offered to a first‐year politics course. With the support of the faculty member involved, students are required to post answers to weekly library research skills questions posted to the blog. The quality of student responses is examined using a simple assessment rubric. Also, a survey is administered to students to determine perceived usefulness.

Findings

The evaluation of blog posts shows that the quality of answers is generally very good. Students put effort into their responses and most give accurate and thorough answers. The results of the survey indicate that most students feel the blog is useful to their learning, both in terms of general information skills, and in terms of helping research the term paper for the course.

Research limitations/implications

These results reflect just one course at a single university, therefore it is not possible to use the findings to make generalizations. The study could serve as a starting point for further inquiry into the evaluation of blogs as a support tool.

Originality/value

While others have reported on using blogs in a similar manner, this study also attempts a thorough evaluation of the efficacy of the blog in helping students learn. Given the positive results of this evaluation, librarians could consider using blogs and other Web 2.0 tools to engage students in their own learning.
“More than words”: screencasting as a reference tool
Authors: Carr Allison , Ly Pearl
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show how images and videos of search strategies can enhance student experiences in reference interactions by providing a visual and/or auditory explanation, rather than written step‐by‐step instructions. This paper explores how online screencasting tools, such as Jing, can be used to quickly create and share on‐the‐fly videos and images.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review briefly discusses uses of screencasting in higher education and the implications for Millennial students, followed by a discussion of how librarians at California State University, San Marcos are creating screencasting videos and images to enhance chat/instant messaging, e‐mail, and in‐person reference interactions.

Findings

Based on chat transcripts and anecdotal evidence, students find librarians' use of screencasting helpful in illustrating complex search strategies to find information resources.

Research limitations/implications

Further research is needed to determine if screencasting is an effective learning tool for Millennial students, as well as, other library users in both reference interactions and instructional settings.

Practical implications

Online screencasting tools are easy‐to‐use, low‐cost, and can be used in any type of library, specifically for reference services. In virtual reference, librarians can quickly create and share instructional videos rather than type detailed instructions for accessing library and information resources.

Originality/value

While screencasting tools such as Captivate and Camtasia are widely used in library instruction, they are new to reference delivery. Since many reference interactions include instructional components, on‐the‐fly screencasting can be a useful tool to enhance the user's reference and learning experience.
Connecting older adults to quality health information on the internet: a selective annotated bibliography
Authors: Barrett Felicia A.
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an annotated listing of studies that focus on older adults and, second, to describe methods by which librarians can provide the necessary tools needed to identify quality web sites that provide reliable health information found on the internet. Individuals are taking more interest in their own health care. The internet is becoming an increasingly important and influential source of health information for the public. Unlike some of the traditional approaches to acquiring health information in the past, the internet is accessible 24/7 to anyone who owns a computer and has an internet connection.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a review of the literature that examines how older adults search for health information on the internet and what assistance they need is conducted. Several criteria are used to identify the works that are included in this annotated bibliography. In total, 24 studies meet the criteria.

Findings

Older adults are rapidly becoming the fastest growing group of users of the web. Librarians can play a major role in assisting older consumers locate health information on the internet.

Originality/value

This annotated bibliography provides information about connecting the elderly to quality health information found on the web. Many projects and concepts are discussed. The studies included offer constructive assistance on how to provide programs that will help educate users to become more involved in the health care decision‐making process.
Library instruction and information literacy, 2008
Authors: Johnson Anna Marie , Sproles Claudene , Reynolds Latisha
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a selected bibliography of recent resources on library instruction and information literacy.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper introduces and annotates periodical articles, monographs, and audiovisual material examining library instruction and information literacy.

Findings

The findings provide information about each source, discusses the characteristics of current scholarship, and describes sources that contain unique scholarly contributions and quality reproductions.

Originality/value

The information may be used by librarians and interested parties as a quick reference to literature on library instruction and information literacy.
Residential regeneration and adaptive reuse: learning from the experiences of Los Angeles
Authors: Bullen Peter A. , Love Peter E.D.
Published: November 2009

Purpose

Adaptive reuse of older commercial buildings, particularly in countries such as the USA, has been regarded by building owners and developers as uneconomic. Retention of older commercial buildings has commonly been regarded as a barrier to progress and a hindrance to the regeneration of older urban areas. This paper aims to examine the program and legislation that is adopted to encourage the adaptive reuse of commercial buildings in the downtown area of Los Angeles (LA) in the USA, as it is considered to be an exemplar example of how a regeneration strategy makes a contribution to sustainability. It seeks to assess the effectiveness of adaptive reuse of redundant buildings as a commercially viable and effective strategy for urban regeneration that meets the criteria of sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

A case example is used to examine the underlying factors that have contributed to LA being an exemplar for adaptive re‐use and its contribution to sustainability.

Findings

Urban regeneration requires a vision and a continued commitment to sustainability. In the case of LA, there is clearly evidence of a commitment to sustainability through the implementation of an adaptive re‐use program. A key to this strategy's success is the offering of incentives. Such incentives are required to entice investment and involvement in the program. The ability to make commercial buildings attractive to developers as viable reuse projects relied heavily on the use of legislation that reduces code and zoning requirements and offers substantial financial incentives in the form of tax concessions. The advantages of adaptive reuse in terms of sustainability appear to outweigh the advantages of demolition and new development as experienced in LA. Certainly in terms of urban regeneration the adaptive reuse program in the downtown area appears to have been something of a catalyst in prompting investment in major developments.

Originality/value

The sharing of experiences is pivotal to learning. Such situated learning can provide clients, and industry practitioners with insights about how adaptive re‐use can be used to promote sustainable outcomes. The experiences of LA emphasize the need to consider emphasis on not only environmental and economic benefits but also issues of social equity such as low cost housing for lower income groups. Generally, the objectives of reusing old buildings appear to coincide with many of the desired outcomes of sustainability, but further research is needed to assess the viability of adaptive reuse as a strategy for urban regeneration and sustainability.
Estimation algorithm for predicting the performance of private apartment buildings in Hong Kong
Authors: Yau Yung , Chi‐wing Ho Daniel , Chau Kwong‐wing , Lau Wai‐yip
Published: November 2009

Purpose

For the sake of public health and safety, a territory‐wide evaluation of the quality of buildings in Hong Kong is crucial. However, it is a lengthy process to assess the performance of the whole stock of buildings in the city. To get around this predicament, this paper aims to propose a statistical approach for a fast and reliable building evaluation algorithm using the Building Quality Index (BQI) developed by The University of Hong Kong.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the BQI assessment framework, the condition of 133 and 160 private apartment buildings in Yau Tsim Mong and the Eastern District respectively are assessed and rated. The data of the Yau Tsim Mong buildings are used to estimate a regression model associating the relationships between building performance, measured by the BQI, and other exogenous factors. The resulting model is then employed to predict the performance of the surveyed buildings in the Eastern District.

Findings

The regression analyses on the Yau Tsim Mong data indicate that building age, development scale and building management mode are significant determinants of the existing condition of the sampled buildings, echoing the findings of previous studies. BQI scores of buildings in the Eastern District are estimated using the resulting regression model, and there is a highly positive relationship between the predicted BQI and in‐situ BQI scores.

Originality/value

The study is the first in the literature to provide an algorithm for estimating building condition in a densely developed high‐rise urban area.
Thermal behaviour of vented roofs
Authors: D'Orazio M. , Di Perna C. , Stazi F.
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the results of an experimental study aimed at analysing the effect of the roof tile air permeability on the thermal performances of ventilation ducts in the roof. The main reason underlying this study is the fact that the theoretical reference assumed for the manufacture and sizing of ventilation ducts (the accepted theory on roof ventilation) is clearly limited when applied to ducts which are not perfectly airtight (Hens) and results in an oversizing of the ventilation ducts.

Design/methodology/approach

A section of roof is built, covered with different tiles and environmental and meteorological data collected. The data are analysed statistically.

Findings

The results show that the permeability of the layer of tiles determines heat losses which are in addition to those connected with the stack effect in a perfectly airtight duct with the same features. The results also confirm the correlation which has already been demonstrated between the geometric ratio of the length of the duct divided by its height and the amount of heat dissipated by the roof (Sandberg and Moshfeg).

Originality/value

This study analyses the performance of the roofs only during the summer season. The research is therefore continuing with a long‐term (one year) analysis of the roofs characterised by a high level of roof tile permeability so as to understand the consequences that the presence of a ventilation duct in systems with air permeable roofing may have on the thermal efficiency of the roof.
Why supervisors make idiosyncratic deals: antecedents and outcomes of i‐deals from a managerial perspective
Authors: Hornung Severin , Rousseau Denise M. , Glaser Jürgen
Published: November 2009

Purpose

Idiosyncratic deals are personalized employment conditions individual workers have negotiated. This study aims to investigate influences on supervisors' authorization of i‐deals and their evaluation of these arrangements.

Design/methodology/approach

Structural modeling was used to analyze survey data fromn=263 supervisors managing telecommuting employees in the German public administration.

Findings

Supervisors differentiated among i‐deals regarding development, flexibility, and workload reduction. Their authorization of developmental i‐deals was influenced by employee initiative. Supervisors viewed these i‐deals to have positive implications for employee motivation and performance. Flexibility i‐deals were influenced by structural conditions such as the type of work the employee performed. Supervisors viewed these i‐deals to enhance work‐life benefits. Supervisors tended to grant workload reduction i‐deals in the context of unfulfilled organizational obligations towards employees.

Research limitations/implications

Relying on single‐source cross‐sectional data, our results provide a managerial perspective on i‐deals. Conclusions regarding implications for employees are tentative. Recommendations for future study designs are discussed.

Practical implications

Managers need to better recognize that i‐deals take different forms, and these forms are associated with different outcomes. I‐deals provide a way to experiment with innovative human resource practices.

Originality/value

This is the first study to examine i‐deals from a supervisor perspective. It is the first to identify differential circumstances and consequences managers associate with authorizing three distinct forms of i‐deals.
Different views of trust and relational leadership: supervisor and subordinate perspectives
Authors: Werbel James D. , Lopes Henriques Paulo
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to investigate how the conditions of trust differ between supervisors and subordinates. By understanding these differences, it may be possible to improve the quality of a leader‐member exchange (LMX).

Design/methodology/approach

This is a quantitative study using supervisor and subordinate dyads from Portugal.

Findings

Supervisors reported that receptivity, availability, and discreteness were perceived to be more important in building a quality vertical dyad linkage as represented by LMX. Subordinates reported that availability, competence, discreteness, integrity, and openness were more important for building a quality vertical dyad linkage as represented by LMX.

Research limitations/implications

Status differences between supervisors and subordinates appear to influence conditions of trust. Supervisors are more concerned about conditions of trust that deal with supervisory delegation. Subordinates are more concerned about the conditions of trust based on interactional justice.

Originality/value

This research implies that trust is different between supervisors and subordinates. The research is important in building supervisor and subordinate relationships as both need to act in manners that engenders trust from the other side. The difference in conditions of trust may create conflicting expectations about how to effectively build trust.
Emotional labor: links to work attitudes and emotional exhaustion
Authors: Seery Brenda L. , Corrigall Elizabeth A.
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the links from self‐focused emotional labor (surface acting) and other‐focused emotional labor (emotional enhancement) to job satisfaction, affective commitment, emotional exhaustion, and intentions to quit.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed a cross‐sectional survey of 363 nurses' aides and childcare workers.

Findings

Surface acting, a type of self‐focused emotional labor, was related to negative work outcomes (lower job satisfaction and affective commitment as well as higher turnover intentions and emotional exhaustion). Emotional enhancement, a form of other‐focused emotional labor, was related to positive outcomes (lower turnover intentions and emotional exhaustion) when performed for clients' family members, but not for clients.

Research limitations/implications

The cross sectional design of this study limits the ability to map the temporal ordering of these relationships, and thus to determine if emotional enhancement is a job resource or response to positive work experiences. In addition, two helping occupations – nurses' aides and child care workers – were sampled, and thus, the findings may not generalize to other types of occupations.

Originality/value

This study adds to the research about job‐related emotional labor because other‐focused emotional labor largely has been neglected in previous research. In addition, it is the first to differentiate workers' emotional labor with different groups of clients (patients/children; family members).
Individual values and the work/family interface
Authors: Cohen Aaron
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The question of how to strike a balance between work and life is attracting increasing attention from both scholars and practitioners. This paper aims to examine the relationship between individual level values, using Schwartz's basic human values theory, and the work‐family conflict (WFC), the family‐work conflict (FWC), and coping strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 122 employees from two Israeli high tech companies participated in this survey. The portrait values questionnaire (PVQ) was used to measure ten basic values. The PVQ includes short verbal portraits of 40 different people, gender matched with the respondent. Work‐family conflict and family‐work conflict were measured by the scales developed by Netemeyer et al. Personal coping was measured using the 16 items of Kirchmeyer's scale of coping strategies. Regression and correlation analysis were used to test the research hypotheses.

Findings

The findings showed a strong relationship between power and the three independent variables. Schwartz's ten values explained a relatively large percentage of the variation in the work‐family conflict and the use of coping strategies.

Originality/value

While there has been a growing trend to examine individual level values in order to better understand the attitudes and behaviors of employees in the workplace, very few studies have examined whether and how individual values are related to the interface between work and family. This paper responded to the call for such research. The findings are discussed in terms of their implications for the continuation of research on individual values in their relationship to the work‐family interface.
Real‐time collision detection and response techniques for deformable objects based on hybrid bounding volume hierarchy
Authors: Zhu Yuanfeng , Meng Jun
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a physically plausible solution based on hybrid bounding volume (BV) hierarchy for real‐time collision detection (CD) and response between a deformable and a rigid object.

Design/methodology/approach

Hybrid BV can be used to build BV hierarchy for the deformable object. The overlapping tests based on separating axis theorem (SAT) can be used to deal with CD. The physics conception of restitution coefficient and other important forces can be used to more real collision response.

Findings

Many methods focus on a specific application, but none of them gives an approach to physically plausible, real‐time simulation of CD and response up to 10,000 of deforming primitives. The paper finds that hybrid BV AABB‐Sphere for deformable object could increase the efficiency for CD, and restitution coefficient and other important physical concepts could provide more real collision response.

Research limitations/implications

The paper does not deal with all types of CD, such as CD for two deformable objects.

Originality/value

Using AABB‐Sphere hybrid BV to build hierarchical BV tree for deformable object, and OBB‐Sphere hybrid BV for rigid object. Owing to the variety of hybrid BV structures, during different phases of CD, different overlapping tests are used to accelerate CD effectively. Using important physics conceptions provides a good solution to simulate more real collision response.
SimFaster: a modeling and simulation platform with multiple views for complex system
Authors: Xuqiang Ling , Xiaodong Huang , Bohu Li , Xudong Chai
Published: November 2009

Purpose

Complex system modeling requires not only understanding of modeling framework but also domain knowledge of the system. The purpose of this paper is to present an approach which separates the domain knowledge from the modeling framework with different views.

Design/methodology/approach

By establishing the mechanism of association and fusion among the views, the description and characterization of system from different aspect and point of view can form a complete system model. Based on the approach, a modeling and simulation (M&S) platform named SimFaster is developed. Modeling environment and simulation engine are the most important parts of the platform. The modeling environment provides multi‐views and multi‐layers to help the developers to modeling the structure, layers, composition, behavior, and interactions of an application system. The simulation engine provides mechanism of integration and interaction for components and objects, and provides runtime support for the concepts and terms from modeling environment. The simulation engine organizes the objects in the memory of distributed system as reflective object database system, so it is repository centered architecturally.

Findings

Based on the approach of multi‐views modeling, the platform is a flexible framework and supports top‐down design, model reuse and interoperation, dynamic refinement of models, corporative design among different users in different stages, and the rebuilt of application rapidly.

Research limitations/implications

This paper deals with high‐level models of the complex systems.

Practical implications

This platform helps to design, modeling, and simulation complex system (especially for weapon combat system). It can participate into all the stages of the development of complex product/system, and can support the validation, refinement, optimization of models, and systems.

Originality/value

This paper presents a multi‐views modeling approach for the modeling of complex system.