bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The evolutionary stability of automimicry
Authors: Svennungsen Thomas Owens , Holen Øistein Haugsten
Published: June 2007

Internal defences such as toxins cannot be detected from a distance by a predator, and are likely to be costly to produce and maintain. Populations of well-defended prey may therefore be vulnerable to invasion from rare ‘cheater’ mutants that do not produce the toxin themselves but obtain some protection from their resemblance to their better defended conspecifics (automimicry). Although it is well established that well-defended and weakly defended morphs may coexist stably in protected dimorphisms, recent theoretical work suggests that such dimorphisms would not be resistant to invasion by novel mutants with defence levels intermediate to those present. Given that most defences (including toxins) are likely to be continuous traits, this implies that automimicry may tend to be a transitory phenomenon, and thus less likely to explain variation in defence levels in nature. In contrast to this, we show that automimicry can also be evolutionarily stable for continuous traits, and that it may evolve under a wide range of conditions. A recently developed geometric method allows us to determine directly from a trade-off curve whether an evolutionarily stable defence dimorphism is at all possible, and to make some qualitative inferences about the ecological conditions that may favour it.
Serial monogamy and sex ratio bias in Nazca boobies
Authors: Maness Terri J , Anderson David J
Published: June 2007

Biased operational sex ratios (OSRs) can drive sexual selection on members of the over-represented sex via competition for mates, causing higher variance and skew in reproductive success (RS) among them if an individual's quality is a persistent characteristic. Alternatively, costs of reproduction may degrade breeding performance, creating the opportunity for members of the limiting sex to switch mates adaptively, effectively homogenizing variance and skew in RS among the sex in excess. We tested these two contrasting models in a male-biased population of the Nazca booby (Sula granti) with demonstrated costs of reproduction with data on total RS over a 14-year period. Variances and skews in RS were similar, and males changed from breeder to non-breeder more frequently than females. Under the persistent individual quality model, females should mate only with high quality males, and non-breeding males should seldom enter the breeding pool, yet 45% of non-breeding males (re)entered the breeding pool each year on average. Many Nazca booby females apparently exchange a depleted male for a new mate from the pool of current non-breeder males. Our evidence linking serial monogamy to costs of reproduction is novel and suggests selection on female mating preferences based on an interaction between at least two life-history components (OSR and reproductive effort).
Ensembles and probabilities: a new era in the prediction of climate change
Authors: Collins Mat
Published: June 2007

Predictions of future climate are of central importance in determining actions to adapt to the impacts of climate change and in formulating targets to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. In the absence of analogues of the future, physically based numerical climate models must be used to make predictions. New approaches are under development to deal with a number of sources of uncertainty that arise in the prediction process. This paper introduces some of the concepts and issues in these new approaches, which are discussed in more detail in the papers contained in this issue.
Inference in ensemble experiments
Authors: Rougier Jonathan , Sexton David M.H
Published: June 2007

We consider inference based on ensembles of climate model evaluations, and contrast the Monte Carlo approach, in which the evaluations are selected at random from the model-input space, with a more overtly statistical approach using emulators and experimental design.
Issues in the interpretation of climate model ensembles to inform decisions
Authors: Stainforth David A , Downing Thomas E , Washington Richard , Lopez Ana , New Mark
Published: June 2007

There is a scientific consensus regarding the reality of anthropogenic climate change. This has led to substantial efforts to reduce atmospheric greenhouse gas emissions and thereby mitigate the impacts of climate change on a global scale. Despite these efforts, we are committed to substantial further changes over at least the next few decades. Societies will therefore have to adapt to changes in climate. Both adaptation and mitigation require action on scales ranging from local to global, but adaptation could directly benefit from climate predictions on regional scales while mitigation could be driven solely by awareness of the global problem; regional projections being principally of motivational value. We discuss how recent developments of large ensembles of climate model simulations can be interpreted to provide information on these scales and to inform societal decisions. Adaptation is most relevant as an influence on decisions which exist irrespective of climate change, but which have consequences on decadal time-scales. Even in such situations, climate change is often only a minor influence; perhaps helping to restrict the choice of ‘no regrets’ strategies. Nevertheless, if climate models are to provide inputs to societal decisions, it is important to interpret them appropriately. We take climate ensembles exploring model uncertainty as potentially providing a lower bound on the maximum range of uncertainty and thus a non-discountable climate change envelope. An analysis pathway is presented, describing how this information may provide an input to decisions, sometimes via a number of other analysis procedures and thus a cascade of uncertainty. An initial screening is seen as a valuable component of this process, potentially avoiding unnecessary effort while guiding decision makers through issues of confidence and robustness in climate modelling information. Our focus is the usage of decadal to centennial time-scale climate change simulations as inputs to decision making, but we acknowledge that robust adaptation to the variability of present day climate encourages the development of less vulnerable systems as well as building critical experience in how to respond to climatic uncertainty.
A methodology for probabilistic predictions of regional climate change from perturbed physics ensembles
Authors: Murphy J.M , Booth B.B.B , Collins M , Harris G.R , Sexton D.M.H , Webb M.J
Published: June 2007

A methodology is described for probabilistic predictions of future climate. This is based on a set of ensemble simulations of equilibrium and time-dependent changes, carried out by perturbing poorly constrained parameters controlling key physical and biogeochemical processes in the HadCM3 coupled ocean–atmosphere global climate model. These (ongoing) experiments allow quantification of the effects of earth system modelling uncertainties and internal climate variability on feedbacks likely to exert a significant influence on twenty-first century climate at large regional scales. A further ensemble of regional climate simulations at 25 km resolution is being produced for Europe, allowing the specification of probabilistic predictions at spatial scales required for studies of climate impacts. The ensemble simulations are processed using a set of statistical procedures, the centrepiece of which is a Bayesian statistical framework designed for use with complex but imperfect models. This supports the generation of probabilities constrained by a wide range of observational metrics, and also by expert-specified prior distributions defining the model parameter space. The Bayesian framework also accounts for additional uncertainty introduced by structural modelling errors, which are estimated using our ensembles to predict the results of alternative climate models containing different structural assumptions. This facilitates the generation of probabilistic predictions combining information from perturbed physics and multi-model ensemble simulations. The methodology makes extensive use of emulation and scaling techniques trained on climate model results. These are used to sample the equilibrium response to doubled carbon dioxide at any required point in the parameter space of surface and atmospheric processes, to sample time-dependent changes by combining this information with ensembles sampling uncertainties in the transient response of a wider set of earth system processes, and to sample changes at local scales.

The methodology is necessarily dependent on a number of expert choices, which are highlighted throughout the paper.
Ensemble decadal predictions from analysed initial conditions
Authors: Troccoli Alberto , Palmer T.N
Published: June 2007

Sensitivity experiments using a coupled model initialized from analysed atmospheric and oceanic observations are used to investigate the potential for interannual-to-decadal predictability. The potential for extending seasonal predictions to longer time scales is explored using the same coupled model configuration and initialization procedure as used for seasonal prediction. It is found that, despite model drift, climatic signals on interannual-to-decadal time scales appear to be detectable. Two climatic states have been chosen: one starting in 1965, i.e. ahead of a period of global cooling, and the other in 1994, ahead of a period of global warming. The impact of initial conditions and of the different levels of greenhouse gases are isolated in order to gain insights into the source of predictability.
Molecular and functional characteristics of heart-valve interstitial cells
Authors: Chester Adrian H , Taylor Patricia M
Published: June 2007

The cells that reside within valve cusps play an integral role in the durability and function of heart valves. There are principally two types of cells found in cusp tissue: the endothelial cells that cover the surface of the cusps and the interstitial cells (ICs) that form a network within the extracellular matrix (ECM) within the body of the cusp. Both cell types exhibit unique functions that are unlike those of other endothelial and ICs found throughout the body. The valve ICs express a complex pattern of cell-surface, cytoskeletal and muscle proteins. They are able to bind to, and communicate with, each other and the ECM. The endothelial cells on the outflow and inflow surfaces of the valve differ from one another. Their individual characteristics and functions reflect the fact that they are exposed to separate patterns of flow and pressure. In addition to providing a structural role in the valve, it is now known that the biological function of valve cells is important in maintaining the integrity of the cusps and the optimum function of the valve. In response to inappropriate stimuli, valve interstitial and endothelial cells may also participate in processes that lead to valve degeneration and calcification. Understanding the complex biology of valve interstitial and endothelial cells is an important requirement in elucidating the mechanisms that regulate valve function in health and disease, as well as setting a benchmark for the function of cells that may be used to tissue engineer a heart valve.
Understanding endothelial cell apoptosis: what can the transcriptome, glycome and proteome reveal?
Authors: Affara Muna , Dunmore Benjamin , Savoie Christopher , Imoto Seiya , Tamada Yoshinori , Araki Hiromitsu , Charnock-Jones D. Stephen , Miyano Satoru , Print Cristin
Published: June 2007

Endothelial cell (EC) apoptosis may play an important role in blood vessel development, homeostasis and remodelling. In support of this concept, EC apoptosis has been detected within remodelling vesselsin vivo, and inactivation of EC apoptosis regulators has caused dramatic vascular phenotypes. EC apoptosis has also been associated with cardiovascular pathologies. Therefore, understanding the regulation of EC apoptosis, with the goal of intervening in this process, has become a current research focus. The protein-based signalling and cleavage cascades that regulate EC apoptosis are well known. However, the possibility that programmed transcriptome and glycome changes contribute to EC apoptosis has only recently been explored. Traditional bioinformatic techniques have allowed simultaneous study of thousands of molecular signals during the process of EC apoptosis. However, to progress further, we now need to understand the complex cause and effect relationships among these signals. In this article, we will first review current knowledge about the function and regulation of EC apoptosis including the roles of the proteome transcriptome and glycome. Then, we assess the potential for further bioinformatic analysis to advance our understanding of EC apoptosis, including the limitations of current technologies and the potential of emerging technologies such as gene regulatory networks.
Creative information seeking
Authors: Lee Shu‐Shing , Theng Yin‐Leng , Hoe‐Lian Goh Dion
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This is part II of on‐going research, the purpose being to establish a creative information‐seeking model.

Design/methodology/approach

Two studies were conducted to examine the subjects' creative information seeking behaviours and the extent to which they exhibited the proposed stages in creative information seeking when accomplishing a directed and an open‐ended information‐seeking task respectively.

Findings

Findings seemed to indicate that all the subjects underwent the proposed stages although they seemed to embrace characteristics of these stages in varying degrees. Findings also showed that if subjects performed the proposed stages more iteratively or non‐sequentially, then a greater amount of creativity was needed to accomplish the information‐seeking task.

Originality/value

The paper offers a discussion on the relationships between creativity, complexity of tasks, and levels of expertise in domain knowledge.
The missing link: journal usage metrics
Authors: Rowlands Ian , Nicholas David
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The aim of this short communication is to contribute to a growing debate about how we can measure the “quality” of journals. More specifically, the paper argues the need for a new range of standardized indicators based on reader (rather than author‐facing) metrics.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a thought experiment, outlining the kinds of usage indicators that could be developed alongside the traditional ISI measures of impact, immediacy and obsolescence.

Findings

The time is ripe to develop a set of standardised measures of journal usage that are as easy to understand, and as universally accepted, as ISI's current citation‐based indicators. By linking article publication year to full text downloads, this article argues that very considerable value could be extracted from what, in many cases, is almost uninterpretable data.

Practical implications

Indicators in the form proposed could find a wide variety of applications, from helping librarians to assess the potential value‐for‐money of bundled journal deals, to helping policy‐makers and scholarly communication researchers to better understand the dynamics of knowledge diffusion.

Originality/value

The development of standardized usage factors in the form suggested here would radically shift the centre of gravity in bibliometrics research from the author to the reader. This remains largely unexplored territory.
Formulation for flutter and vibration analysis of a hingeless helicopter blade in hover: part II. Results of flutter stability and vibration analysis of a hingeless helicopter blade in hover
Authors: Ozdemir Ozgumus Ozge , Kaya Metin O.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This study aims to carry out flutter stability and vibration analysis of a uniform hingeless rotor blade in hovering flight conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

The perturbation equations are obtained using the governing differential equations of motion derived in Part I (Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 79 No. 2, 2007). The differential transform method (DTM) is applied to the perturbation equations of motion and the transformed equations are coded in the computer package Mathematica.

Findings

The effects of the built‐in pretwist angle and the rotational speed ratio on the natural frequencies are investigated and the results are compared with the results in literature.

Originality/value

This study, in carrying out an analysis of flutter stability and vibration of a uniform hingless rotor blade, is in good agreement with previous studies in the literature.
Gradient method for mesh refinement in compressible fluid flow simulations
Authors: Šajn Viktor , Nožak Dejan , Kosel Tadej , Kosel Franc
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to present an algorithm for local mesh refinement of finite elements in a two‐dimensional compressible fluid flow.

Design/methodology/approach

The algorithm works on a principle of maximum gradient of fluid variables, e.g. pressure, velocity and density. The simulation of two‐dimensional, transient, viscous, compressible, adiabatic flow of turbulent fluid through a De Laval nozzle was performed by the finite element method. The pressure gradient was used as a condition for mesh refinement.

Findings

With the gradient method faster numerical calculations can be obtained. Boundary layer separation and locations of normal shock waves can be described on locally refined mesh.

Research limitations/implications

Further development of the algorithm is required, especially the determination of the gradient criterion.

Originality/value

The paper provides a new approach to mesh refinement. The mesh is refined automatically. Calculation time and required computer memory are decreased.
Modelling of a hybrid system through differential predicate transition Petri nets model and proof tree
Authors: Boucerredj L. , Debbache N.E.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The aim of this work is to propose a logical‐based approach for deriving the critical scenarii from a differential predicate transition Petri nets model and proof tree, to evaluate diagnosis and safety of hybrid systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The new approach integrates the Petri net model and linear logic. The design process is twofold: first, it considers the specific translation from Petri net to linear logic, and, second, it studies the relationship between the order of the rule application in the sequent proof and the processes associated with the same reachability problem.

Findings

With linear logic and Petri net it is proved that, from a canonical proof tree, a partial order can be derived (based on causality point of view) of transition firing and focusing the search of the parts of the model that are interesting for safety analysis. Each scenario is given by a partial order between the events necessary for the occurrence of the feared event.

Originality/value

This paper deals with safety in design of hybrid systems. For this purpose, it is important to characterize feared behaviours (which are critical) in the early design stage.
Transfer of electricity in space
Authors: Bolonkin Alexander
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to suggest and research a revolutionary method‐transfer of electricity in outer Space with distance of hundreds of millions kilometers by ultra‐cool plasma cables.

Design/methodology/approach

Methods of the plasma and electricity physic are used for research.

Findings

Theory of plasma cable transferring is offered, developed and its possibilities researched.

Research limitations/implications

This method uses a high voltage electricity and plasma source (accelerator).

Practical implications

Offers conclusions from the research of a revolutionary new idea‐transferring electric energy in the hard vacuum of outer space wirelessly, using a plasma power cord as an electric cable (wire). He computed the macroprojects: transference of hundreds kilowatts of energy to Earth's Space Station, transferring energy to the Moon or back, transferring energy to a spaceship at distance 100 million of kilometers, the transfer energy to Mars when one is located at opposite side of the distant Sun, transfer colossal energy from one of Earth's continents to another continent (for example, between Europe – USA) wirelessly – using Earth's ionosphere as cable, using Earth as gigantic storage of electric energy, using the plasma ring as huge MagSail for moving of spaceships.

Originality/value

The paper provides information on a revolutionary method for the transfer of electricity in outer space.
A novel algorithm to optimize complicated low‐thrust trajectory
Authors: Ren Yuan , Cui Pingyuan , Luan Enjie
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate, a new optimization algorithm for complex orbit transfer missions with low‐thrust propulsion system, which minimizes the drawbacks of traditional optimization methods, such as bad convergence, difficulty of initial guesses and local optimality.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the trajectory optimization problem comes down to a nonlinear constraint parameter optimization by using the concept of traditional hybrid method. Then, one utilizes genetic algorithm (GA) to solve this parameter optimization problem after treating the constraints with the simulated annealing (SA) and random penalty function. Finally, one makes use of localized optimization to improve the precision of the final solutions.

Findings

This algorithm not only keeps the advantages of traditional hybrid method such as high precision and smooth solutions, but also inherits the merits of GA which could avoid initial guess work and obtain a globally optimal solution.

Research limitations/implications

Further, research is required to reduce the computational complexity when the transfer trajectory is very complex and/or has many adjustable variables.

Practical implications

By using this method, the globally optimal solutions of some complex missions, which could not be obtained by traditional method, could be found.

Originality/value

This method combines the GA with traditional hybrid method, and utilizes SA and random penalty functions to treat with constraints, and then gives out a super convergence way to find the globally optimal low‐thrust transfer orbit.
Corrosion properties of plasma electrolytic coated samples
Authors: Taheri Peyman , Aliofkhazraei Mahmood , Dehghanian Changiz , Sabour Rouhaghdam Alireza
Published: June 2007

Purpose

Plasma electrolytic saturation (PES) treatments were applied on the surface of AISI H13 steel and corrosion resistance of the treated samples was investigated using electrochemical test methods. The aim was to obtain optimal corrosion resistance of the differently treated samples.

Design/methodology/approach

Nitrocarburized and boride layers were produced on AISI H13 steel by the means of the PES technique. Different experimental parameters during each treatment provided different microstructural and electrochemical properties. The techniques used in the present investigation included X‐ray diffraction, SEM, potentiodynamic polarization measurements and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS).

Findings

The plasma electrolytic nitrocarburising coating was characterized by lower integrity than a PEB coating. All PES coated steels had a noble electrochemical behavior compared to the untreated steel. Different nano‐structures and morphologies obtained by different experimental parameters produced different electrochemical behaviors.

Practical implications

The results obtained in this research into PES techniques can be used wherever good corrosion resistance with the highest efficiency is required.

Originality/value

The speed of treatment by plasma electrolytic saturation techniques makes this method very suitable for industrial production of components.
Corrosion behaviour of nitrided low alloy steel in chloride solution
Authors: Khoshnaw Fuad M. , Kheder Abdulrazzaq I. , Ali Fidaa S.M.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The corrosion behaviour of low alloy steel type AISI 4130 (before and after nitriding) and austenitic stainless steel type AISI 304L were studied in tap water +3.5 per cent NaCl. A liquid nitriding process had been applied on the low alloy steel.

Design/methodology/approach

The tests that were carried out in this study were anodic polarization, rotating bending fatigue and axial fatigue using compact tension (CT). For determining the corrosion potential and pitting potential (breakdown potential) for the alloys, anodic polarization curves were established using the potentiodynamic technique. Rotating bending fatigue tests were used to calculate the fatigue strength and damage ratio. Using linear elastic fracture mechanics, the CT specimens were prepared for determining the threshold stress intensity factor, fatigue crack growth rate and fracture toughness in air and in the solution.

Findings

The results showed that nitrided specimens showed higher fatigue strength in air compared to stainless steel. However, the corrosion fatigue limit for both these samples were approximately equal, while this limit for non‐nitrided sample was less. Moreover, the non‐nitrided steel had lower corrosion and pitting potentials than did the stainless steel. In addition, the CT tests showed that the nitrided specimens had a lower resistance to crack initiation in air and the solution compared to the non‐nitrided sample and the stainless steel.

Practical implications

These results can be attributed to the chemical and mechanical behaviour of the nitrided layer constituents, mainly FeN and CrN, which were recognized by X‐ray diffraction. Since, these components consist of very hard particles, they act to increase the hardness and fatigue limit. Moreover, due to the low conductivity of these nitrides, the corrosion and pitting potential of the nitrided steel becomes very high. However, the high breakdown potential does not help to increase the corrosion fatigue or damage ratio values due to the porous nature of the nitrided layer.

Originality/value

Although the nitrided steel had very high fatigue strength and pitting potential, this did not reflect in its corrosion fatigue and/or damage ratio improvement because of its surface roughness and the porous nature of the nitrided layer.
Corrosion of hot end automotive exhaust components
Authors: Potgieter J.H. , Sephton M. , Nkosi Z.W.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

To evaluate the corrosion resistance of four different stainless steels often employed in hot end exhaust components.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper evaluated the outcomes of the hot salt test and the cyclic oxidation test on four different stainless steels, used as hot end exhaust components. The specimens were analyzed by means of SEM for surface changes and the weight loss was considered.

Findings

The general corrosion rate and pitting resistance under all the test conditions for hot end exhaust components indicated that 434 was by far the most corrosion resistant alloy, followed by 1.4509 and 321, and lastly 304 was the least corrosion resistant. In general, the ferritic stainless steels, especially 434, outperformed the austenitic ones under all the test conditions.

Practical implications

The comparison of the corrosion resistance and rate, between the frequently used ferritic and austenitic stainless steels used in the exhaust system, gave a clear indication that the ferritic steels will provide prolonged service and this could be beneficial information to the manufacturers.

Originality/value

A new approach to summarise the materials' behaviour and their relative performance in the tests performed was developed. This proposed summary of a number of corrosion indicators could serve as a relative guide to alloy selection for use in hot end automotive exhaust systems for both manufacturers and users.
Environmentally friendly stainless steel pickling
Authors: Sanders N.J.
Published: June 2007

Stainless steel pickling is a major generator of NOx emissions and is also a major producer of nitrate effluents. Hydrogen peroxide technologies have been developed and proven to suppress NOx emissions and also to replace nitric acid in the pickling process and hence remove the problem of nitrate effluent discharge. Presents case histories to illustrate the effectiveness of hydrogen peroxide both for NOx suppression and for nitric acid‐free pickling when pickling stainless steels.
Marketing food brands in Italy: a case study approach
Authors: Pratesi Carlo Alberto
Published: June 2007

Looks at the marketing of five Kraft Italia food products: Splendid, Sottilette, Milka, Hag and Philadelphia in Italy. Examines the changes in consumption rate and how marketing strategies for these products have developed. States that the lessons to be learned from these case studies could help encourage the development of effective marketing of other brands in Italy.
Impact and status of HACCP in the Australian meat industry
Authors: Khatri Yunus , Collins Ray
Published: June 2007

Purpose

A number of food safety systems have been implemented in Australia but information regarding the motivators, constraints, costs and benefits of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) as a food safety programme, as well as novel verification methods in the meat industry, has been lacking.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi‐structured reviews were used as part of an industry‐level study of 50 per cent of businesses.

Findings

Results show that the benefits of food safety systems incorporating HACCP within the meat industry in Australia have been widespread and significant. In particular, Australian firms reported a reduction in rejects/rework/out of specification products, reduction in customer complaints, improved product hygiene, improved morale and an increase in overseas markets. However, this has been at the cost of refurbishment for small businesses, training and the exiting of firms that have not complied/been able to comply with the HACCP requirements.

Research limitations/implications

Most of the costs involved with HACCP could not be recouped in the short‐term. Also, the unwillingness of small firms to participate in the research had repercussions on the outcome.

Originality/value

This article helps to define the HACCP system and will be of interest to those involved in the implementation of it.
Effectiveness of a herbal supplement (Zotrim™) for weight management
Authors: Ruxton C.H.S. , Kirkwood L. , McMillan B. , St John D. , Evans C.E.L.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

There are many herbal supplements on the market claiming to aid weight loss but few are evidence‐based. This study aims to test one such formulation.

Design/methodology/approach

An over‐the‐counter herbal supplement containing yerba maté, guarana and damiana (YGD) was tested in 73 overweight health professionals for six weeks. Subjects were not asked to make any lifestyle changes.

Findings

Self‐reported weight, waist circumference and hip circumference reduced significantly, while 22 per cent of subjects experienced a clinically significant weight loss. The anthropometric changes were in line with other commercial diet and exercise programmes. Reported between‐meal hunger, and consumption of snacks reduced across the six weeks. Reported satiety after meals increased and subjects claimed to be more in control of snacking, emotional eating and portion sizes. A follow‐up at week ten, when 82 per cent of subjects had stopped taking YGD, revealed no additional reductions in weight or hip circumference. Fullness ratings had stabilised, while hunger ratings had increased. There were no consistent adverse effects that could reasonably be related to YGD.

Research limitations/implications

Taken alongside a 2001 randomised, placebo‐controlled trial, this study provides evidence that a YGD supplement can aid weight loss and reduce waist and hip circumference, probably by increasing satiety.

Originality/value

The growing market in weight management products brings with it a responsibility for manufacturers to provide evidence that their products work. This paper adds to the evidence base.
Primary children's choice of food and their knowledge of balanced diet and healthy eating
Authors: Hamilton‐Ekeke Joy‐Telu , Thomas Malcolm
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The paper aims to investigate the relationship between meal choices of primary school children and their knowledge of balanced diet and healthy eating.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a questionnaire and food photo album (FPA), children combined the different food items in the FPA to form a “healthy Sunday lunch” (balanced meal containing all the six classes of food), a “favourite Sunday lunch” (what they would like for a Sunday lunch) and “last Sunday lunch” (what they had the previous Sunday for lunch). Overall, 110 questionnaires were returned and analyzed.

Findings

Participants' choice of a favourite Sunday lunch had a better representation of the various classes of a balanced healthy meal (X=71.8 and SD=24.0) compared with their ability to create a healthy Sunday lunch, which did not reflect adequately the six classes of food (X=59.8 and SD=36.9). Last Sunday lunch had a good representation of the various classes of food (X=70.7, SD=24.8). Girls had a better ability to plan a healthy Sunday lunch than boys.

Research limitations/implications

The study was carried out with year 6 pupils (n=110) in four primary schools in rural Mid‐Wales. Thus, the generality of these findings to children from other demographics is unclear.

Practical implications

There was no significant relationship between pupils' choice of food and their knowledge of balanced diet.

Originality/value

The results suggested that children will make “healthy choices” but need the knowledge underpinning these “healthy choices” in order to affect their attitude towards healthy eating.
Grand designs for e‐learning – can e‐learning make the grade for our biggest corporates?
Authors: Unneberg Lars
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to discuss the key issues of deployment for large enterprises keen to adopt new web‐based learning techniques.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper complements the writer's own expertise with external research and reference to large enterprise scale e‐training deployments recently implemented for global companies, including PepsiCo.

Findings

The paper finds that big business is waking up to the efficiency and cost benefits of wide‐scale e‐learning deployment.

Originality/value

This paper launches the debate for enterprise wide e‐learning architectures in large companies.
Efficient and effective implementation of people‐related projects
Authors: Pritchard Neville
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider the impact of implementation thoroughness on the achievement of expected results from people development initiatives and to provide a framework of consideration to improve levels of success

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on experience from working at senior levels within FTSE100 companies over the past 20 years, wider experience gained from benchmark groups and association and institute roles. The paper is a result of a review of past programmes implemented by the author and his team and learning gained from good practice in change and people initiatives in other benchmark group organisations. It offers the conclusions drawn through a suggested simple model for future consideration when implementing change or people‐based initiatives.

Findings

The paper finds that few people‐based change initiatives realise their maximum potential, difficulties arise in the timing of specialist involvement, wasted time in areas of responsibility overlap with negative debate, communication is often cited as having been poor or incomplete, measures and intent are often not well aligned and considered late in the process, thoroughness and blend is often restricted to single elements of the change or learning process.

Practical implications

The proposed model of consideration offers the framework within which clear consideration may be given to minimise the impact of the issues identified in findings and maximise the potential of the specific initiative.

Originality/value

A framework of operation to maximise contribution from change and people‐based initiatives and to realise the intended benefits is provided in the paper. The rationalisation of roles within the process and the positive power to be gained from areas of responsibility overlap through collaboration in each aspect of the framework. The paper is useful for anyone involved in the management of functions or specific initiatives/projects within learning and development, human resources, change, communication and project management.
Lessons in learning from the Academy of Rock
Authors: Cook Peter
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the challenge of learning and reinvention from the twin perspectives of academia and the earthy pragmatism of popular culture. It provides a set of lessons to assist organisations to learn and, more importantly, unlearn, so that they can stay ahead.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper starts with a brief review of some of the more important ideas around learning. It is followed by a case study of a “glorious failure”, taken from the music business using action research as the methodology.

Findings

The main findings may be summarised are: selected people who are able and willing rather than simply putting up with what you have available at the time; if your project is much bigger scale/different than that attempted previously to recognise this and act accordingly; when working with highly creative people, ensure that there is sufficient focus on end customer requirements to avoid the project becoming too self‐obsessed. These findings are highly transferable from the original field of the music industry to other environments.

Originality/value

Some principles for commencing the processes required to encourage learning and unlearning are developed for adaptation to particular organisations in the paper. These will be of value to anyone who seeks to introduce adaptive or transformative change in their organisation.
The case study session as a control system
Authors: Hawley David , Richardson Bill
Published: June 2007

Approaches the case study teaching session as an event which needs
to be designed as a control system. Emphasizes the benefits to be
obtained from using role play simulations within the case‐based class.
Strategic issues for training
Authors: Sandelands Eric
Published: June 2007

Discusses, in this special issue, material grouped under four main headings: tomorrow’s executive challenges; effective organizational learning; the virtual university model; and effective training capabilities. The items included are brief and to the point allowing the reader to take on board ranges of ideas and issues. Includes studies on IKEA; mentoring; Whitbread; Polaroid; BAA; Sema Group; Starbucks and McDonalds, among others.
Action learning: praxiology of variants
Authors: Smith P.A.C.
Published: June 2007

Aims to clarify the logic on which current action learning variants are based in order to better inform practitioners and aid them in making methodological choices appropriate to need rather than faddishness. First attempts to identify what it is Revans and other practitioners are trying to achieve through their action learning variants. Then examines these variants from a praxiological point of view, exploring the extent to which the efficiency, effectiveness, ethics, and economy of these various action learning approaches seem to justify, or otherwise, their usage.
Celebrity book clubs and public libraries: opportunity and threat?
Authors: McMenemy David
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this Editorial is to discuss the nature of television‐based celebrity book clubs and the pressures on public librarians to provide reading material for users who wish to take part in them.

Design/methodology/approach

The article provides a reflective viewpoint.

Findings

While initiatives that promote reading should be welcomed, equally librarians may have to concern themselves with the ethics of stock selection in promoting such clubs. While this does not mean taking part is a mistake, stock selection based on anything other than community need is potentially problematic.

Practical implications

Of practical use to practitioners who may be considering the issue of promoting books made popular via television endorsement.

Originality/value

The paper questions whether something that is taken for granted, i.e. promotion of reading through such clubs, is actually always a good thing for libraries and readers.
Can new laws make public services better? Reflections on diversity legislation for libraries
Authors: Joint Nicholas
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to argue that government‐led social legislation inspired by Victorian ideals of paternalistic law‐making is still an appropriate way of intervening to promote citizenship and equity in the information society of the 21st century. However, to do so effectively is more complex than traditional models suggest and needs ongoing and energetic participation from the library and information services (LIS) profession to ensure good laws are put on to the statute book.

Design/methodology/approach

A detailed review of certain targeted aspects of the relevant legislation, put into the context of broad concepts of social reform from UK history.

Findings

That the outcomes of recent legislation in the area of intellectual property protection and disability discrimination have not been as beneficial as they could have been had the insights of the LIS profession been incorporated into the process of law‐making.

Research limitations/implications

The international comparative dimension of legislation in this area could give scope for further academic research.

Practical implications

This paper suggests ways in which the UK library and information professionals’ association, Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals, can be supported in its work to improve the quality of laws relating to library services and practice in the UK.

Originality/value

This paper combines a number of different perspectives – historical, informational, and legal – in an attempt to give insight on some important contemporary social and political issues of particular interest to Library and Information practitioners.
An empirical study of knowledge management in academic libraries in East and Southern Africa
Authors: Jain Priti
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to distinguish between information management (IM) and knowledge management (KM) and present the findings of small‐scale research conducted to investigate KM practices in academic libraries in East and Southern Africa, and discussing the importance of KM and suggest the way forward.

Design/methodology/approach

This research was undertaken in 20 university libraries in Africa using a questionnaire survey to investigate the current practices in university libraries in Africa to discover whether these libraries are practising KM or IM.

Findings

This survey results seem to suggest that currently most participating libraries are practising IM. A majority of 65 per cent of the participants considered themselves information managers.

Research limitations/implications

This survey have had some limitations: one, all the participants were University librarians; two, due to the unavailability of contact addresses, the survey could cover only eight African countries. Future research should include a broader spectrum of participants to have an in‐depth knowledge related to KM.

Practical implications

This paper has practical implications for those who are not fully aware of the importance of KM, how KM can be used to gain a competitive advantage; to break financial and technological constraints; and to satisfy escalating user needs.

Originality/value

Not much has been done in Africa to explore KM practices in University libraries, this paper contributes towards filling that gap and adds to KM literature in general and offers empirical support to KM concept. This paper discusses the benefits of KM and offers several recommendations to facilitate KM practices in university libraries in East and Southern Africa.
Supporting lifelong learning in public libraries across Europe
Authors: Eve Juliet , de Groot Margo , Schmidt Anne‐Marie
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present findings from the European project PuLLS (Public Libraries in the Learning Society), funded by the EU's Socrates programme.

Design/methodology approach

Describes a piece of action research, outlining the development and implementation of a model for delivering open learning to adult library users.

Findings

Details of the model, and the course developed and offered by partner libraries are described. Results suggest there is a significant role for libraries to play in supporting both ICT skills and wider information literacy learning.

Practical implications

Sharing of results may be useful for public libraries wishing to develop open learning facilities/develop audiences for lifelong learning. Suggests that libraries are beginning to move from a passive access approach to supporting learning to a more active approach in delivering library‐generated content themselves.

Originality/value

The paper offers insights into supporting lifelong learning in public libraries across Europe.
The Manager and the Library
Authors: James Stuart
Published: June 2007

Briefly reviews 20 books concerned with all aspects of management
including studying for a management qualification, as in S. Cameron′s
The MBA Handbook, which offers practical advice on how to study
for an MBA. Applies the relevance of such books to the concerns of the
library manager and indicates how such publications could help the
manager to provide a better library service, improve interpersonal
skills and generally overcome most of the hurdles which managers have to
surmount.
Evolutionary patterns of strategic change prior to liquidation: the case of Bioglan plc
Authors: Langley Amanda , Kakabadse Nada K. , Swailes Stephen
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to contribute to understanding of strategy development by reporting a detailed case study of one pharmaceutical company over an 11‐year period using a framework for classifying strategic actions developed from a broader study of strategic behaviour in the industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper utilises a longitudinal text analysis using published documentary sources to explore the strategic actions and grand strategies realised by Bioglan during 1992‐2002.

Findings

The findings develop concepts from the economics, ecology and strategy literature in order to highlight that, rather than strategy research focusing on “with whom and how do firms compete?” the emphasis should be on “with whom and how do firms co‐evolve?”

Research limitations/implications

The paper only explored the realised strategies of one firm during an 11‐year period using only published documentary sources.

Originality/value

Previous research does not appear to have explored the evolution and co‐evolution of a firm's strategic actions prior to its death, a gap that this paper aims to help to fill.