bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Response of the Female Vocal Quality and Resonance in Professional Voice Users Taking Oral Contraceptive Pills: A Multiparameter Approach
Authors: Van Lierde Kristiane M. , Claeys Sofie , De Bodt Marc , Van Cauwenberge Paul
Published: September 2006

Objective/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to analyze the vocal quality and resonance (nasality and nasalance values) during the menstrual cycle in professional voice users using oral contraceptive pills (OCPs). Although professional voice users are more sensitive and aware of their vocal quality, no changes of voice and resonance characteristics were expected because OCPs create a stable hormonal balance throughout the menstrual cycle.

Study Design: The authors conducted a comparative study of 24 healthy, young professional voice users using OCPs. One assessment was performed between the 10th and 17th day of pill intake, when hormonal levels reached a steady state. The second assessment was performed during the first 3 days of menses, when no pills were taken and hormonal levels were minimized.

Methods: Subjective (perceptual evaluation of voice and nasality) and objective (aerodynamic, voice range, acoustic, Dysphonia Severity Index [DSI], nasometer) assessment techniques were used.

Results: The Mann‐Whitney U test showed no significant difference between the perceptual evaluation of the voice and the nasality in the two assessments. The paired Student t test showed no significant difference regarding the maximum phonation time, the vocal performance, the acoustic parameters, and the DSI.

Conclusions: These findings indicate that OCPs do not have an impact on the objective and subjective voice and resonance parameters in young professional voice users. This information is specifically relevant to professional voice users who are more aware of vocal quality changes and ear, nose and throat specialists/voice therapists who treat professional voice users with voice problems/disorders. Further research regarding the impact of increased vocal load during the premenstrual or menstrual phase in professional voice users using OCPs should be considered.
Application of Magnetic Resonance Virtual Endoscopy as a Presurgical Procedure Before Sialoendoscopy
Authors: Su Yu‐Xiong , Liao Gui‐Qing , Kang Zhuang , Zou Yan
Published: September 2006

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to investigate the feasibility of clinical application of magnetic resonance (MR) virtual endoscopy as a presurgical procedure before sialoendoscopy and to evaluate its value in the diagnosis of obstructive salivary gland diseases and preoperative visualization of endoluminal views.

Study Design: This study presents our initial experience to use MR virtual endoscopy for the presurgical visualization of salivary duct lumen and ductal pathologies in comparison to the sialoendoscopy findings in a feasibility study.

Methods: Six consecutive patients with suspected obstructive salivary gland diseases underwent MR sialography with a three‐dimensional fast imaging using steady‐state acquisition. The three‐dimensional MR data were transferred to an independent workstation and were postprocessed with navigator software to generate three‐dimensional reconstruction and virtual endoscopic images. The fly‐through mode was used to imitate the sialoendoscopic exploratory procedure. Then the patients underwent sialoendoscopy and the endoscopic findings were compared with the preoperative virtual endoscopic images.

Results: The MR data acquisition and postprocessing protocol were feasible. The virtual endoscopy created clear endoluminal views of salivary duct and the ductal pathologies. The diagnoses were all confirmed by surgical sialoendoscopy. The virtual endoscopic images showed close resemblance to the sialoendoscopic findings.

Conclusions: MR virtual endoscopy is an effective and noninvasive diagnostic method for evaluating the endoluminal anatomy and pathologies of the salivary duct. The clinical application of MR virtual endoscopy as a presurgical procedure before sialoendoscopy is a valuable and promising approach, which can provide surgeons useful morphologic and pathologic information.
The Community Management of Chylous Fistula Using a Pancreatic Lipase Inhibitor (Orlistat)
Authors: Belloso Antonio , Saravanan Kasirajan , de Carpentier John
Published: September 2006

We describe two innovative ideas in the treatment of iatrogenic chyle leak. The first is the early use of a pancreatic lipase inhibitor (Orlistat) to reduce fat absorption and chyle production, with consequent faster fistula healing. The second is the treatment of these patients at home in the community by district nurses backed by the hospital staff. This domiciliary approach has a positive psychological effect on the patient, permits the patient to take responsibility for their treatment, and reduces hospital length of stay minimising patient exposure to nosocomial infections.
Image Guided Transoral Approach to the Pterygopalatine Fossa
Authors: Bleier Benjamin Saul , Mirza Natasha
Published: September 2006

Objectives: We present a transoral approach using image guidance to approach inferiorly based lesions of the pterygopalatine fossa.

Study Design: Case report.

Methods: A 49‐year‐old male presenting with a benign cyst of the inferior pterygopalatine fossa. The presentation, workup, and management are discussed.

Results: The patient underwent a computed tomography scan that confirmed the location of the lesion in the left pterygopalatine fossa. An image guidance system was used to effect a complete transoral resection of the benign cyst.

Conclusions: Benign lesions of the pterygopalatine fossa may be successfully accessed using a transoral approach with image guidance, which minimizes postoperative morbidity.
Objective Pulsatile Tinnitus: A Video Clip Demonstration of the Condition
Authors: Doshi Jayesh , Anari Shahram , Carrie Sean
Published: September 2006

Pulsatile tinnitus is an uncommon condition. We describe a case of pulsatile tinnitus and visually demonstrate a pulsating tympanic membrane caused by a postoperative cerebrospinal leak into the mastoid air cells following resection of a left temporal petrous meningioma. To our knowledge, this is the first case in the literature where an objective pulsatile tinnitus has been captured on video (see www.laryngoscope.com).
Implementation of semi-automated cloning and prokaryotic expression screening: the impact of SPINE
Authors: Alzari Pedro M. , Berglund H. , Berrow N. S. , Blagova E. , Busso D. , Cambillau C. , Campanacci V. , Christodoulou E. , Eiler S. , Fogg M. J. , Folkers G. , Geerlof A. , Hart D. , Haouz A. , Herman M. D. , Macieira S. , Nordlund P. , Perrakis A. , Quevillon-Cheruel S. , Tarandeau F. , van Tilbeurgh H. , Unger T. , Luna-Vargas M. P. A. , Velarde M. , Willmanns M. , Owens Raymond J.
Published: September 2006

The implementation of high-throughput (HTP) cloning and expression screening in Escherichia coli by 14 laboratories in the Structural Proteomics In Europe (SPINE) consortium is described. Cloning efficiencies of greater than 80% have been achieved for the three non-ligation-based cloning techniques used, namely Gateway, ligation-indendent cloning of PCR products (LIC-PCR) and In-Fusion, with LIC-PCR emerging as the most cost-effective. On average, two constructs have been made for each of the approximately 1700 protein targets selected by SPINE for protein production. Overall, HTP expression screening in E. coli has yielded 32% soluble constructs, with at least one for 70% of the targets. In addition to the implementation of HTP cloning and expression screening, the development of two novel technologies is described, namely library-based screening for soluble constructs and parallel small-scale high-density fermentation.
A time- and cost-efficient system for high-level protein production in mammalian cells
Authors: Aricescu A. Radu , Lu Weixian , Jones E. Yvonne
Published: September 2006

Most proteins for structural biology studies are produced by high-level expression in Escherichia coli. However, prokaryotic based expression systems fail to generate correctly folded functional forms of many proteins and hence a variety of eukaryotic based expression systems have been developed. Of these, yeast and baculovirus-infected insect cells currently represent the expression systems of choice for structural biologists. Here, protocols for a simple, fast and affordable method for transient protein expression in mammalian cells are reported. The results demonstrate that it combines several features necessary for the production of suitable samples for structural biology, in particular protein crystallography, namely high protein yield, straightforward purification, selenomethionine incorporation and control of N-linked glycosylation. The system is suitable for use in conventional laboratories or can be implemented in a medium- or high-throughput pipeline.
Structural genomics of the Epstein–Barr virus
Authors: Tarbouriech Nicolas , Buisson Marlyse , Géoui Thibault , Daenke Susan , Cusack Stephen , Burmeister Wim Pascal
Published: September 2006

Epstein–Barr virus is a herpesvirus that causes infectious mononucleosis, carcinomas and immunoproliferative disease. Its genome encodes 86 proteins, which provided targets for a structural genomics project. After updating the annotation of the genome, 23 open reading frames were chosen for expression in Escherichia coli, initially selecting for those with known enzyme activity and then supplementing this set based on a series of predicted properties, in particular secondary structure. The major obstacle turned out to be poor expression and low solubility. Surprisingly, this could not be overcome by modifications of the constructs, changes of expression temperature or strain or renaturation. Of the eight soluble proteins, five were crystallized using robotic nanolitre-drop crystallization trials, which led to four solved structures. Although these results depended on individual treatment rather than standardized protocols, a high-throughput miniaturized crystallization screening protocol was a key component of success with these difficult proteins.
NMR in the SPINE Structural Proteomics project
Authors: AB E. , Atkinson A. R. , Banci L. , Bertini I. , Ciofi-Baffoni S. , Brunner K. , Diercks T. , Dötsch V. , Engelke F. , Folkers G. E. , Griesinger C. , Gronwald W. , Günther U. , Habeck M. , de Jong R. N. , Kalbitzer H. R. , Kieffer B. , Leeflang B. R. , Loss S. , Luchinat C. , Marquardsen T. , Moskau D. , Neidig K.-P. , Nilges M. , Piccioli M. , Pierattelli R. , Rieping W. , Schippmann T. , Schwalbe H. , Travé G. , Trenner J. , Wöhnert J. , Zweckstetter M. , Kaptein R.
Published: September 2006

This paper describes the developments, role and contributions of the NMR spectroscopy groups in the Structural Proteomics In Europe (SPINE) consortium. Focusing on the development of high-throughput (HTP) pipelines for NMR structure determinations of proteins, all aspects from sample preparation, data acquisition, data processing, data analysis to structure determination have been improved with respect to sensitivity, automation, speed, robustness and validation. Specific highlights are protonless
13C-direct detection methods and inferential structure determinations (ISD). In addition to technological improvements, these methods have been applied to deliver over 60 NMR structures of proteins, among which are five that failed to crystallize. The inclusion of NMR spectroscopy in structural proteomics pipelines improves the success rate for protein structure determinations.
High-throughput sample handling and data collection at synchrotrons: embedding the ESRF into the high-throughput gene-to-structure pipeline
Authors: Beteva A. , Cipriani F. , Cusack S. , Delageniere S. , Gabadinho J. , Gordon E. J. , Guijarro M. , Hall D. R. , Larsen S. , Launer L. , Lavault C. B. , Leonard G. A. , Mairs T. , McCarthy A. , McCarthy J. , Meyer J. , Mitchell E. , Monaco S. , Nurizzo D. , Pernot P. , Pieritz R. , Ravelli R. G. B. , Rey V. , Shepard W. , Spruce D. , Stuart D. I. , Svensson O. , Theveneau P. , Thibault X. , Turkenburg J. , Walsh M. , McSweeney S. M.
Published: September 2006

An automatic data-collection system has been implemented and installed on seven insertion-device beamlines and a bending-magnet beamline at the ESRF (European Synchrotron Radiation Facility) as part of the SPINE (Structural Proteomics In Europe) development of an automated structure-determination pipeline. The system allows remote interaction with beamline-control systems and automatic sample mounting, alignment, characterization, data collection and processing. Reports of all actions taken are available for inspection via database modules and web services.
Digital TV is coming of age and local government is starting to take note
Authors: Hancer Jane
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand how, why and what citizen‐focused services local authorities might consider and deliver on digital interactive television (DiTV). In trying to make interaction with local government more joined up and easier for the citizen, digital television has been employed by around 80 local authorities in the UK to determine what is best offered via this emerging channel, how efficiencies in service delivery can be achieved and to encourage participation and democracy.

Design/methodology/approach

The project was run by offering a stable, centrally‐hosted, centrally‐funded, multi‐platform technology to local government to investigate and manage their services. Alongside just “getting involved” a large research project involving 300 homes in West London was run with accompanying qualitative and quantitative research.

Findings

The evidence indicates that the public is interested in using simple transactional and informational services at this point in time, as long as they are given the “directions” to find services. There are high expectations regarding the use of a wide range of services as the medium beds in and becomes more widely available. A large percentage of citizens expect to use DiTV to contact and communicate with the local government organisations just as they use the telephone today.

Research limitations/implications

The research derives from pre‐structured polls conducted through closed questioning and responses from the public were therefore inevitably limited by the reference frame provided by researchers.

Originality/value

This paper provides a detailed view of how citizens use DiTV and expectations of use for the future. Analysis of usage data is supplemented by a DigiTV specified research project.
Gas flow simulation in a micro nozzle
Authors: Yang Zhao , Hai Wei Yang
Published: September 2006

Purpose

To study the flow character in a micro nozzle.

Design/methodology/approach

The flow in the micro nozzle is simulated using the Direct Simulation Monte‐Carlo (DSMC) method. Considering characteristics of high‐temperature gas flow, the Cercignani‐Lampis‐Lord (CLL) gas‐surface interaction model is adopted in the simulation of high‐temperature gas flow in the Laval nozzle at different inlet pressures and temperatures.

Findings

The results showed that as the temperatures of inlet flow increased, the thrust efficiency will increased accordingly, however, the influence of inlet pressure variety on the nozzle performance is insignificant.

Originality/value

A useful reference to the design and performance improvement of micro thruster and MEMS power system.
A study on the efficiency of pulsed plasma thruster (PPT)
Authors: Dali Hou , Wansheng Zhao , Xiaoming Kang
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The pulsed plasma thruster (PPT) is one sort of promising electric thrusters, but the low efficiency is always a big problem for PPT. Many researches have been working on solving this problem. However, there is still no significant breakthrough. This paper aimed to discuss some methods for improving the PPT's efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

The causes for the low efficiency by analyzing the theoretical models of PPT are discussed, and the influences on PPT's performance investigated in terms of the structural or electrical parameters.

Findings

The change of structural or electrical parameters which influence the thrust efficiency significantly are taken into account. In the process of designing PPT, optimized structural and electrical parameters should be chosen to attain a better performance.

Research limitations/implications

This analysis is mainly based on the parallel‐rail PPT.

Practical implications

The result of analysis is adopted, the higher thrust efficiency of PPT is expectable.

Originality/value

By introducing theoretical models and analyzing results of some researcher's experiments, this paper offers a method of designing PPT and attempts to help designer to choose appropriate structural and electrical parameters.
Iterative solution to differential geometric guidance problem
Authors: Li Chaoyong , Jing Wuxing , Wang Hui , Qi Zhiguo
Published: September 2006

Purpose

To study the application of three‐dimensional differential geometric (DG) guidance commands to a realistic missile defense engagement, and the application of the Newton's iterative algorithm to DG guidance problems.

Design/methodology/approach

The classical differential geometry theory is introduced firstly to transform all the variables in DG guidance commands from an arc length system to the time domain. Then, an algorithm for the angle‐of‐attack and the sideslip angle is developed by assuming the guidance curvature command and guidance torsion command equal to its corresponding value of current trajectory. Furthermore, Newton's iteration is utilized to develop iterative solution of the stated algorithm and the two‐dimensional DG guidance system so as to facilitate easy computation of the angle‐of‐attack and the sideslip angle, which are formulated to satisfy the DG guidance law.

Findings

DG guidance law is viable and effective in the realistic missile defense engagement, and it is shown to be a generalization of gain‐varying proportional navigation (PN) guidance law and performs better than the classical PN guidance law in the case of intercepting a maneuvering target. Moreover, Newton's iterative algorithm has sufficient accuracy for DG guidance problem.

Originality/value

Provides further study on DG guidance problem associated with its iterative solution.
The extension programme and food safety education in the USA
Authors: Singleton Jan , “Val” Hillers Virginia
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain the work and importance of the “extension” programme in the USA.

Design/methodology/approach

An historical review of the formation, development, present day workings and importance of the extension programme.

Findings

“Extension” works in six major areas, including family, consumer science and agriculture. Extension grants that address food safety are issued via the National Integrated Food Safety Initiative (NIFSI). Target audiences for the programmes include various groups of consumers (pregnant/nursing mothers, infants, teens, etc.), as well as multipliers or gatekeepers who disseminate knowledge to groups of consumers.

Practical implications

Since the Year 2000, NIFSI have awarded more than 180 competitive integrated food safety grants. Federal data indicate 20 percent reduction in foodborne disease attributed to collaborative educational efforts including the development of HACCP.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the few to describe the work of the extension programme with specific reference to food safety.
Information literacy landscapes: an emerging picture
Authors: Lloyd Annemaree
Published: September 2006

Purpose

To describe the various landscapes in which information literacy has been explored and to propose new ways of thinking about information literacy.

Design/methodology/approach

Draws on constructivist‐influenced grounded theory method employed during doctoral research into information literacy practices of firefighters.

Findings

Information‐literate people are more usefully described as being engaged, enabled, enriched and embodied. Information literacy is conceptualized through this research as a way of knowing. The revised and extended definition is a more appropriate one to underpin an emerging ontological perspective on information literacy and to foster an understanding of information literacy as a meta‐competency.

Research limitations/implications

The research was limited to an in‐depth exploration of one professional group in one geographic location over 18 months.

Practical implications

The provision of a broader definition of the information literacy and the illustration of how information is perceived in a variety of concepts broadens librarians' and educators' understanding of information literacy. It offers librarians and educators a different way of thinking about information literacy.

Originality/value

This paper reports and expands upon original doctoral research of significance to information professionals and educators.
Freedom of information in the SADC region: implications for development and human rights
Authors: Mutula Stephen M.
Published: September 2006

Purpose

To argue that developing countries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region should embrace the concept of freedom of information to enable better human rights and economic development.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews the current situation through discussion of current legislation and proposed policies.

Findings

Whereas several theories abound as to why there has been little development in sub‐Saharan Africa, this paper discusses the status of freedom of information legislations within the SADC region and the implications for accountability and transparency in the management of public resources.

Research limitations/implications

The paper suggests the importance of further research into the importance of freedom of information legislation for economic and human rights development.

Practical implications

The paper has practical implication for those considering the potential of freedom of information legislation in developing countries.

Originality/value

Freedom of information has largely taken a back seat amidst several social, economic and political reforms that have been instituted collectively or by individual countries. It is the view of this paper that freedom of information provides an important link for the economic, social and political reform initiatives.
Integrating digital libraries and virtual learning environments
Authors: Saumure Kristie , Shiri Ali
Published: September 2006

Purpose

This paper aims to compare three virtual learning environments (VLEs) (WebCT, Blackboard and creation of study environments) with respect to how well they have incorporated elements of digital libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

The comparative evaluation technique has been used to compare the three selected VLEs along five key dimensions of digital libraries: content/format support, metadata, search/browse features, customizability and preservation.

Findings

Within the three selected VLEs, content reusability, search/browse functionality, along with customizability and personalizability appear to be the best addressed digital library elements.

Research limitations/implications

This paper gives a sense of how well some current VLEs are implementing elements of digital libraries, as well as what areas are lacking. The results could have been further enhanced by examining additional VLEs.

Practical implications

This study provides a window into what options currently exist with respect to the integration of digital libraries and VLEs, as well as where these packages should go in the future. It provides recommendations related to seamless access, metadata implementation, controlled vocabulary and preservation.

Originality/value

This paper is of value to librarians, digital library developers, instructors and VLE designers – giving them feedback on how these environments should be structured to enhance information access. It is the first comparative evaluation of these three VLEs with respect to the implementation of digital library elements.
Towards sustainable development strategies
Authors: Barin Cruz Luciano , Ávila Pedrozo Eugênio , de Fátima Barros Estivalete Vânia
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to present a framework that allows an ampler understanding of the evolution process tracked by companies in the pursuit of strategies for sustainable development, taking into account the increasing awareness of the social and environmental pressures facing business.

Design/methodology/approach

The article adopts an interdisciplinary approach, using the complexity standpoint, allowing the articulation of the main axis of this study: sustainable development, organizational strategies and organizational learning.

Findings

Consideration of the type of learning undertaken by companies to advance in the direction of strategies oriented to sustainability. This is analyzed in light of the complexity theory, showing the need of transformations in the individual values, a transformation that will reflect itself in the organization and in society.

Research limitations/implications

No empirical research is conducted to analyze the importance of the learning type for the orientation to sustainability in companies. Future research may verify this importance.

Practical implications

The article points to the need for sustainable business actions that are oriented to people and society in general. Some propositions can help managers to manage the considerable difficulties dealing with sustainable development pressures.

Originality/value

The text deepens the understanding about the evolution towards sustainability oriented strategies, considering the learning type as a key concept. It operationalizes the contributions of the complexity theory, according to the view of Edgar Morin (a French perspective). This allows a different comprehension of the non linear behavior patterns that are common in the organizations.
Political leadership in democracies: some lessons for business?
Authors: Butcher David , Clarke Martin
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show that, with demands from a widening range of stakeholders for more democratic approaches to governance, there is an evident need to develop alternative models of organizing. In seeking to understand how to conceptualise this alternative, an analysis of the organizational and political institutional contexts for leadership is provided.

Design/methodology/approach

Analyses the main precepts of democracy to establish the basis upon which a comparison between these two contexts might be made. It distinguishes between the value premises of democracy and the structural mechanisms through which those principles are enacted and identifies the significant leadership processes that underpin these values. This analysis is then used as a basis for analyzing the leadership role in organizations.

Findings

The paper demonstrates that differences between the two settings are a matter of perspective: the structural mechanisms of democracy are not enacted rationally. In particular, the pre‐eminence of micro‐political activity is highlighted as a vehicle for the enactment of ethical behaviour and civic virtue in both settings.

Practical implications

Applying a political institutional approach to leading suggests the need to reconfigure the role of hierarchy to encourage self‐organization, valuing conflict, protection of weaker stakeholders, the legitimization of political activity and helping groups to forge their own identity.

Originality/value

Most similar analyses are typically constructed within the canons of rational organization. Applying to businesses the principles of institutional leadership implies a significantly different model in which leaders promote and legitimise both the distribution and coalescing of power and the necessary dissent and debate required to reconcile a plurality of interests with the establishment of organizational coherence.
Performance in sports teams
Authors: Espitia‐Escuer Manuel , García‐Cebrián Lucía Isabel
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this research is twofold: to evaluate the performance of Spanish First‐Division soccer teams, comparing the sports results that they actually obtain with those that they should have obtained on the basis of their potential, and to propose a future course of action.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to assess the potential of each team in the Spanish professional soccer league between the years 1998 and 2005 an output‐oriented version of Data Envelopment Analysis is used. In this way it is possible to calculate the number of points a team could have achieved with an efficient use of its actual resources and, consequently, its potential position in the league classification.

Findings

The main conclusion is that a team's final league position depends more on its efficient use of resources than on its potential.

Practical implications

From the practical perspective, the results seem to stress that measures directed at improving soccer teams' results should focus on improving their efficient use of available resources. Consequently, this work provides a preliminary result, obtained using economics tools, that suggests where soccer team managers might direct their efforts to improve their sports results.

Originality/value

The present work is based on the same concept of potential in sports teams as Zak et al. (1979) and Hofler and Payne (1997), but with a number of differences compared with the earlier studies. First, the potential of the teams and their actual results are compared not by assessing their efficiency in the use of resources, but by observing their final league table positions. Second, the technique which is used to estimate the frontier is in this case Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), or the deterministic non‐parametric frontier method, which has not often been used in order to measure efficiency in soccer. Finally, the object of study is the Spanish First Division soccer teams in the seasons 1998/1999, 1999/2000, 2000/2001, 2001/2002, 2002/2003, 2003/2004 and 2004/2005.
The governance of partnerships and a strategic network
Authors: Kohtamäki Marko , Vesalainen Jukka , Varamäki Elina , Vuorinen Tero
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the effects of the customer company governance into supplier actors' experiences.

Design/methodology/approach

Comparative case study of four strategic networks and 16 partnerships. Research approach is twofold: in the first phase of analysis, the governance concerning each partnership is analyzed. In the second phase, the supplier actors' experiences are analyzed in the context of the customer governance. Data of this research consist of 13 customer and 16 supplier interviews.

Findings

First, the analysis showed that the strong use of authority in the situation of a dependent supplier and a committed actor leads to a negative experience of unreasonableness. Second, in the same situation, high social governance, with other mechanisms used only weakly, leads to a highly positive experience of reasonableness. Third, in intermediately governed partnerships, the supplier actors are basically satisfied with the partnership, but discuss and to some degree question the nature of the relationship as a partnership.

Research limitations/implications

On the basis of this research it is suggested that a deeper and longitudinal study of the effects of supplier actors' experiences should be conducted.

Practical implications

Customers should develop a conscious network strategy, as it is suggested that governance effects on the experiences could further affect suppliers' commitment, loyalty and learning.

Originality/value

A new research setting within the new institutional theory, which adds value by discussing the relationship between the customer governance and supplier actors' experience.
Management decision making, ethical issues and “emotional” intelligence
Authors: Holian Rosalie
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to update and expand a model described in a previous paper by the author (Holian, 2002), which categorised practices, skills and preferences of practising managers and management consultants.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study and qualitative interviews provided the data used as the basis for development of a model of ethical decision‐making behaviour.

Findings

This paper extends the previous work to include a mode of “Narcissism” as a further category of behaviour. It builds on the analysis and application of findings from the previous original research study, discusses links with research on “emotional intelligence”, and describes applications to management practice and management education.

Research limitations/implications

A model with five modes of ethical decision making and four sets of associated skills is presented and discussed.

Practical implications

This paper includes practical implications for managers, consultants and management educators.

Originality/value

The model described is based on original research. The suggested links with “emotional intelligence” are also not yet explored in the literature.
Generic strategies after two decades: a reconceptualization of competitive strategy
Authors: Parnell John A.
Published: September 2006

Purpose

Current RBV‐grounded research has provided keen and valuable insight into the business‐strategy‐performance relationship. However, the accompanying shift away from the continued refinement of generic business strategy typologies has left a number of research opportunities uncultivated. This paper seeks to demonstrate how the generic strategy approach to strategy formulation can be applied today, especially in the development of parsimonious, prescriptive, and relevant tools for strategic managers.

Design/methodology/approach

A new business strategy typology is developed and grounded in recent developments in the literature and in business practice.

Findings

Building on Porter's low cost‐differentiation framework, this paper integrates research founded on the resource‐based view of the firm, and proposes value and market control as the two prominent overarching factors in business strategies.

Practical implications

The framework proposed in this paper incorporates several research perspectives, but can also be applied by strategic managers when assessing firm and competitor strategies at the business level.

Originality/value

This paper builds on previous work in the field, but proposes an original framework for assessing and evaluating competitive strategies.
Prevalence of dieting, overweight, body image satisfaction and associated psychological problems in adolescent boys
Authors: Bener Abdulbari , Kamal Abdulaziz , Tewfik Ihab , Sabuncuoglu Osman
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The aim of the present study is to examine the severity of dieting and its association with obesity, body satisfaction and psychological problems in adolescent boys.

Design/methodology/approach

A representative sample of 800 boys in the age group of 14–19 in Qatar was approached during the period from October to December, 2004 and 593 boys gave consent to participate in this study, thus giving a response rate of 74.1 per cent. Self‐reports were obtained from 593 teenage boys using the adolescent dieting scale (ADS), and the self‐reporting questionnaire (SRQ‐20) for psychopathology.

Findings

Of the studied subjects, 33.1 per cent were overweight, 10.1 per cent were extreme dieters and 37.4 per cent were intermediate dieters. Among the dieters, 34 per cent were overweight. Dieting was more likely in subjects who practiced exercise and who were perceived by peers or themselves as overweight. The extreme dieters experienced more psychological problems than the intermediate dieters and non‐dieters. Extreme dieters reported sleeping problems (58.3 per cent), tired all the time (53.3 per cent) and felt like crying more than usual (50 per cent). Television was the main source of information on diet (61.7 per cent).

Originality/value

The present study findings provide a strong evidence for the association between frequent dieting and overweight, body image dissatisfaction and psychological problems.
Habitual dietary calcium intake and body weight in 7–10 year old children
Authors: Jennings Amy , Costarelli V. , Davies G.J. , Dettmar P.W.
Published: September 2006

Purpose

Several recent observational studies detected inverse associations between dietary calcium intake and body weight. It was demonstrated that low calcium diets lead to an increase in intracellular calcium concentrations, which in turn act to promote body fat deposition, reduce lipolysis and reduce thermogenesis. Most of the studies have been conducted on adults, however, it was recently demonstrated that longitudinal calcium intake is negatively associated with children's body fat levels. The purpose of the current study is to investigate possible associations between habitual calcium intake and body weight in a group of 7–10 years old children.

Design/methodology/approach

Eighty‐five children, 21 boys and 64 girls (mean age: 9.2±0.9) were recruited from 12 primary schools in the London area. Dietary intake was measured using the 7‐day weighed inventory method. Body weight and height measurements were also recorded.

Findings

Data suggested that girls have significantly lower intakes of calcium than boys and that 48 per cent of boys and 38 per cent of girls were overweight (above the 91st centile). However, there were no significant correlations between body weight or body mass index (BMI) and habitual intake of dietary calcium in this age group, which is in contrast with the results of similar studies conducted in adults.

Originality/value

One explanation could be that the possible effect of calcium on adiposity and body weight is more pronounced in adulthood than in childhood. It is important for future studies to measure levels of body fat in children together with body weight in conjunction with calcium intake in order to elucidate the original hypothesis.
Nutritional knowledge and dietary intakes of young professional football players
Authors: Murphy Sue , Jeanes Yvonne
Published: September 2006

Purpose

To determine how nutritional knowledge and residential status influences the diets of a group of young professional football players and compare them to controls of the same age.

Design/methodology/approach

Seven day dietary records and nutritional knowledge questionnaires were analyzed and anthropometric measurements were taken mid‐way through the competitive season.

Findings

The football players, with a mean body mass index of 23.6 ± 1.2 kg m2 and body fat of 15.3 ± 3 per cent were significantly lighter than the controls. They also consumed significantly fewer calories than the controls (10.26 + 1.8 v. 13.89 + 0.7 MJ per day), and less than the recommended amounts for soccer players. Both groups could benefit from increasing their carbohydrate intakes, although fat and protein intakes were appropriate. Nutritional knowledge had little impact on dietary intakes. However, players who resided in the soccer club hostels had significantly greater energy intakes, consumed more carbohydrate and less fat (p < 0.05) than players who lived in their parental home.

Originality/value

It was identified that youth players require assistance in the implementation of their knowledge of nutrition to their own diets. In particular they need to increase their nutritional intakes inline with recommendations, in order to optimize their playing ability and provide the energy they need for growth. This is particularly true for those who live away from the scrutiny of the football club.
Probiotic acidophilus milk for infants and children
Authors: Sarkar S. , Misra A.K.
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The objective of the present investigation is to evaluate the effect of incorporation of Bifidobacterium bifidum NDRI and Propionibacterium freudenreichii subsp. shermanii MTCC 1371 along with Leuconostoc acidophilus R on the technological and dietetic behaviour of starter cultures and to assess their suitability for the manufacture of probiotic acidophilus milk for infant feeding.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper assesses the effect of incorporation of Propionibacterium freudenreichii subsp. shermanii MTCC 1371 and Bifidobacterium bifidum NDRI with Lactobacillus acidophilus R on the technological and dietetic characteristics and their suitability for the manufacture of probiotic acidophilus milk.

Findings

Based upon the results of technological and dietetic characteristics of starter cultures, conjugated use of Propionibacterium freudenreichii subsp. shermanii MTCC 1371 and Bifidobacterium bifidum NDRI with Lactobacillus acidophilus R, inoculated at 1 per cent level individually and incubated at 37±1°C for 12 h, is recommended for the manufacture of probiotic acidophilus milk with better nutritional and therapeutic properties. Probiotic acidophilus milk may be recommended for feeding normal as well as lactose‐intolerant infants.

Originality/value

The paper offers an assessment of the suitability of probiotic acidophilus milk for infant feeding.
Aqueous dispersions of gelled collagen particles. Part 2: numerical technique for tribological properties
Authors: Stefani F. , Ferrari A. , Beruto D.T.
Published: September 2006

Purpose

To propose a new numerical elastohydrodynamic (EHD) analysis method suited to cinematic pairs lubricated with aqueous dispersions of collagen gelled media.

Design/methodology/approach

In comparison with traditional lubricants, these media are characterized by an apparent viscosity that increases with film thickness. Hence, the Reynolds equation has been numerically solved taking into account the new rheological law. The apparent viscosity of 4 percent collagen gel dispersions, as measured at a fixed shear rate of 100 l/s, is in the range 2‐5 Pa s, when film thickness varies between 20 and 200 μm. These experimental data have been fitted using a power law. The proposed analysis method has been applied to a 180° partial bearing, which rigid journal rotates in a flexible sleeve, made up by a resin shell.

Findings

The results of this tribological analysis have been compared with those concerning traditional isoviscous fluids which viscosity has been set equal to the viscosity of the gelled media when the film thickness is constant, i.e. in the unloaded bearing. The minimum film thickness calculated has been turned out equal to 66.8 μm in the former case, and 27.6 μm in the latter case. Furthermore, when the cinematic pair is lubricated with the aqueous gel media, film thickness distribution over the bearing surface is more uniform, active film region is wider and, consequently, peak pressure is lower than when the isoviscous lubricant is employed.

Research limitations/implications

For lightly loaded journal bearings, the dependence between apparent viscosity and the shear rate in the lubricant film has been neglected, so that the apparent viscosity has been considered changing only with the film thickness.

Originality/value

The paper introduces a new numerical EHD analysis method for use with cinematic pairs lubricated with aqueous dispersions of collagen gelled media.
Dynamic characteristics of finite slider bearings lubricated with a non‐Newtonian power‐law fluid
Authors: Lin Jaw‐Ren , Chou Tsu‐Liang , Ho Ming‐Hsiung
Published: September 2006

Purpose

On the basis of the power‐law fluid model, the rheological effects of an isothermal incompressible non‐Newtonian laminar lubricating film on the steady and dynamic characteristics of finite slider bearings are presented in the absence of fluid inertia and cavitation.

Design/methodology/approach

To account for the motion that the pad undergoes prescribed small‐amplitude oscillations in a direction perpendicular to itself, the non‐Newtonian dynamic Reynolds equation including the squeezing‐action effect is obtained. Both the steady pressure and the perturbed pressure are numerically solved and used to evaluate the steady‐state performance and dynamic characteristics.

Findings

According to the results, higher steady load‐carrying capacity, dynamic stiffness and damping coefficients are predicted for the finite bearing with small wedge parameter and high viscosity‐shear rate index. In addition, the effects of non‐Newtonian power‐law lubricants on the bearing characteristics are more pronounced when the bearing width becomes large.

Originality/value

The paper provides useful information on the dynamic characteristics of finite bearings lubricated by a non‐Newtonian power‐law fluid.
Application of modified Reynolds equation for gas lubrication on air bearing analysis
Authors: Hsu Tze‐Chi , Chiang Hsiu‐Lu , Lin Chun‐Yuan
Published: September 2006

Purpose

According to the Christensen stochastic roughness model, the purpose of this study is to developing a modified Reynolds equation to investigate the effects of surface roughness and molecular rarefaction on ultra‐thin compressible and isothermal gas lubrication.

Design/methodology/approach

Basing upon the average film thickness method with three adjustable coefficients, the higher order slip‐flow velocity distribution was accommodated.

Findings

Compared to the smooth case, the longitudinal roughness improves the pressure distribution and load carrying capacity, while the effect of transverse roughness is opposite to that of longitudinal one. The molecular rarefaction effect may diminish the built‐up air bearing pressure and reduce the roughness effect on load carrying capacity. The squeeze number has evident effect in depression of maximum pressure of slider rail with transverse roughness.

Originality/value

Combing the high‐order slip‐flow model and Christensen roughness model, this research paper proposed a feasible study of the analysis of molecular rarefaction effect on slider air‐bearing system.
Enterprise curriculum for creative industries students
Authors: Carey Charlotte , Naudin Annette
Published: September 2006

Purpose

This paper seeks to report on the current state and attitudes towards Enterprise Curriculum within higher education (HE) for the creative industries sector. It is based on preliminary findings from the Creative Enterprise Conference (2006) held at UCE Birmingham, which examined the role of HEs in developing future entrepreneurs in this important sector of the UK economy.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper explores issues related to enterprise curriculum development in HE through in‐depth qualitative analysis of plenary sessions, focused discussions and workshops. A number of stakeholders, including policy makers, academics, researchers and practitioners were invited to explore relevant issues appertaining to “creative enterprises” in the UK.

Findings

This paper presents a critical evaluation of the growing specialist literature, activity and research in creative industries, notably: research needs, paucity of pedagogical materials, characteristics of “creative entrepreneurs” as well as how, when, where and in what way should “creative” students be taught about entrepreneurship and self‐employment.

Practical implications

The study offers stakeholders a critical perspective on current attitudes and practices within creative industries. This paper offers interested parties an opportunity to consider and reflect on how HE can develop relevant curriculum and deliver enterprise education that is pertinent to students who intend to operate in this important sector of economic activity.

Originality/value

By capturing current attitudes and good practice in creative industries, this paper emphasises enterprise curriculum development and implementation in a relatively underdeveloped aspect of educational research. It makes tentative suggestions and recommendations on how HE and policy makers might respond to current and future enterprise education needs.