bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Allocation of Research, Teaching, and Extension Personnel in U.S. Colleges of Agriculture
Authors: Peterson Willis L.
Published: July 2006

The aim of this paper is to inventory the allocation of research, teaching, and extension personnel by departments in United States colleges of agriculture and experiment stations, and to identify and measure factors that appear to influence this allocation. Although growth is the predominate characteristic of departments and disciplines, we observe and can predict decline in several instances. With the use of multiple regression analysis, state nonfarm income emerges as the most important variable explaining total funds available to experiment stations. Rural farm population has virtually no effect on total funds available. In fact, since 1960 it was somewhat of a detriment for an agricultural experiment station to be located in an agricultural state. At the departmental level, the departments engaged in farm oriented research (agronomy, animal husbandry, etc.) appear to be more dependent on farm income for support whereas departments in closer contact with the nonfarm sector (horticulture, agricultural economics, etc.) are more dependent on nonfarm income. Predictions for the early 1970's indicate largest growth for departments located in the high income, urban‐industrial states particularly for those more closely tied to nonfarm income.
A Comparison of the Determinants of Wool Production in the Six Leading Producing Countries: 1949–1965
Authors: Witherell William H.
Published: July 2006

In this study, a general model of seasonal wool production is developed, based on the assumptions of (1) a lagged adjustment of actual to desired output, and (2) “naive” or “static” price expectations. The results of fitting this model to data from six major wool‐producing countries for the seasons 1948–49 to 1964–65 indicate that wool production responds fairly weakly to economic factors and then only after a substantial lag. The estimates obtained of short‐ and long‐run elasticities of wool production with respect to wool prices and the prices of the joint product, lamb, and the substitute products, wheat and beef, are all quite low. Australian wool production is found to be affected positively by fertilizer usage, and rainfall is found to be an important factor for wool production in Australia, South Africa and Argentina
Vascular anomalies of the tympanic membrane
Authors: Zinis L O Redaelli de , Galtelli C , Barezzani M G
Published: July 2006

Benign vascular lesions include various forms whose classification has created some controversies in the literature. The observation of a rare case of vascular bulge of the eardrum in a 57-year-old man prompted us to analyse the essential features of these lesions. This was an incidental finding and the mass was removed by a transcanal approach. The patient is free of disease four years later. Vascular malformations can be differentiated from vascular tumours since they are present at birth, are generally stable, do not involute, and do not necessitate treatment unless symptoms occur.
Modified neodymium-YAG laser in rigid bronchoscopy
Authors: Liu Y-H , Lu M-S , Wu Y-C , Ko P-J , Liu H-P
Published: July 2006

The use of laser bronchoscopy in the treatment of tracheobronchial stenosis has been reported in the past. It is generally safe and effective; however, the complications of haemorrhage, airway perforation, or airway fire are relatively frequent among less experienced surgeons. We illustrate a modified technique of laser probe location to simplify the laser ablation procedure.
Posterior canal wall reconstruction with a composite cartilage titanium mesh graft in canal wall down tympanoplasty and revision surgery for radical cavities
Authors: Sudhoff H , Brors D , Al-Lawati A , Gimenez E , Dazert S , Hildmann H
Published: July 2006

Objectives: To investigate posterior external ear canal wall reconstruction with a composite cartilage titanium mesh graft in canal wall down tympanoplasty and revision surgery for open mastoids.

Study design: Retrospective case review.

Setting: Tertiary referral centre.

Methods: As a preliminary study, 15 selected patients underwent reconstruction of a posterior ear canal wall defect with titanium mesh. Large defects of the posterior external auditory canal wall, resulting from canal wall down tympanoplasty or present in revision surgery, were eliminated by reconstruction using a titanium mesh. The mesh was covered with conchal cartilage and attached to the cortical mastoid bone using 3-mm titanium screws.

Results: All patients maintained a normal contour of the external ear canal, without depression, extrusion or infection. There were no failures, based on short-term post-operative controls. However, two procedures had to be revised due to incomplete coverage of the titanium mesh.

Conclusions: This study shows that reconstruction of the posterior ear canal wall with a composite cartilage titanium mesh is a valuable method for preserving the morphology of the external auditory canal in selected cases. Problems occurring in canal wall down tympanomastoidectomy and radical cavities may therefore be avoided. However, long-term results have yet to be evaluated.
Otolaryngological requirements for recreational self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA) diving
Authors: Sim R J , Youngs R P
Published: July 2006

Recreational self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA) diving continues to grow in popularity. Medical requirements to be ‘fit to dive’ vary throughout the world, from self-certification to a full medical examination prior to training. This review discusses the relative merits of the most commonly used guidelines for recreational SCUBA diving, with reference to common diving-related otorhinolaryngological conditions. Areas of controversy, such as fitness to dive after rhinological and otological surgery, are discussed. The authors suggest that a unified approach from the various recreational SCUBA diving organizations involved would aid in clarification for divers and physicians alike. The difficulties in achieving such a unified approach, however, should not be underestimated.
Osteocartilaginous choristoma: a case report
Authors: Roper A , Subar D , Benitar B , Kobbe A E R
Published: July 2006

A choristoma is a benign tumour-like mass consisting of mature tissue derived from one or more germ cell layers that are foreign to the site at which they are located. Choristomas of the pharynx are rare with few cases being reported in the English literature. Management of these lesions is usually complete surgical excision. We report a case of osteocartilaginous choristoma arising from the pharynx.
Incus and stapes necrosis associated with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Tüz M , Doğru H , Yasan H , Döner F , Yariktaş M
Published: July 2006

Chronic otitis media is often associated with ossicular defects, the most frequent being necrosis of the long process of incus. Except for infection and cholesteatoma; trauma and local pressure by chorda tympani are uncommon causes leading to incus erosion. In the literature, no case of incus necrosis has been reported associated with type II diabetes mellitus (DM). A patient is presented in this report with incus and stapes suprastructure necrosis and associated type II DM who was admitted to the out-patient clinic with complaints of conductive hearing loss.
A midline nasopharyngeal heterotopic neuroglial tissue
Authors: Al-Ammar A Y , Al Noumas H S , Alqahtani M
Published: July 2006

Glial heterotopia is a rare disorder. However, it must be considered in the differential diagnosis of airway obstruction in the newborn. Differentiation of this lesion from nasal glioma and encephalocele is important.

In this paper we report a midline glial heterotopia, which presented with upper airway obstruction in a newborn. The origin of a glial heterotopia from the midline of the nasopharynx has not been reported before.

We present a review of the literature and discuss the clinical, radiological and pathological features of nasopharyngeal brain heterotopia in an infant.
Spinal accessory nerve function after neck dissections
Authors: Orhan K S , Demirel T , Baslo B , Orhan E K , Yücel E A , Güldiken Y , Değer K
Published: July 2006

The aim of this study was to evaluate spinal accessory nerve function after functional neck dissection (FND) and radical neck dissection (RND) by monitoring the nerve with electromyographic (EMG) examinations. A prospective, double-blind, clinical study was undertaken in 21 patients (42 neck side dissections) operated on for head and neck malignant diseases, separated into two groups: 10 neck sides in the RND group and 32 neck sides in the FND group. Electromyographic examinations were performed pre-operatively and post-operatively in the third week and third and ninth months. Additionally, a questionnaire, modified from the neck dissection impairment index, was applied to all the patients in order to assess shoulder function in the ninth post-operative month.

All patients had maximum EMG scores pre-operatively. Following the operation, motor amplitudes decreased in both groups. At the third post-operative month, amplitudes decreased to their lowest values. As expected, the decreases in amplitude and EMG score were more prominent in the RND group. Following reinnervation, the amplitudes of the trapezius motor response increased in the FND group but never reached pre-operative values (during the time of follow up). The FND group scores for pain, neck and shoulder stiffness, and disability in heavy object lifting, light object lifting and reaching overhead were significantly lower than those of the RND group.

In FND, one aims to preserve anatomically the spinal accessory nerve, and it is presumed to be intact after the procedure. However, using EMG nerve function monitoring, our study revealed that profound spinal nerve injury was detected immediately after FND surgery, which tended to improve over subsequent months but had not regained its original function by the end of the ninth post-operative month.
Long-term outcomes of laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty in 168 patients with snoring
Authors: Iyngkaran T , Kanagalingam J , Rajeswaran R , Georgalas C , Kotecha B
Published: July 2006

Laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP) is an established treatment for snoring. Our institution has been using a modification of the Kamami technique since 1995. Between January 1995 and December 2001, 469 patients underwent LAUP for snoring. A telephone survey of these patients and their partners was conducted retrospectively. One hundred and sixty-eight patients and their partners were interviewed and the findings analysed.

Of the 168 patients, 122 had LAUP alone, 42 had LAUP and tonsillectomy and four had LAUP and septoplasty. The median follow-up time was 59 months (range 19 to 98 months).

Seventy-four per cent reported improvement at six weeks, 69 per cent reported improvement at nine months and 55 per cent reported improvement at the time of interview. To assess the degree of improvement, patients and their partners were asked to grade any improvement in percentage terms. The mean subjective improvement scores were 57 per cent at six weeks (95 per cent confidence interval (CI) 50–64 per cent), 45 per cent at nine months (95 per cent CI 38–59 per cent) and 30 per cent at the time of interview (95 per cent CI 23–35 per cent). Patients who reported weight gain since surgery did not have a poorer outcome than those who reported no weight change or weight loss. Neither did weight loss predict a better outcome. The procedure was generally well tolerated, with only 30 patients (18 per cent) reporting complications (mainly minor).

The benefits of LAUP wane with time and the results are best in the first 12 months following surgery. Our study suggests that 55 per cent of patients selected after sleep studies and sleep nasendoscopy will enjoy long-term benefit.
Design and clinical application of the ‘styloidectome’ styloid process cutter
Authors: Zhibin W , Min J
Published: July 2006

A styloid process (SP) cutter was developed and put into clinical use. The design of components of the ‘styloidectome’ was based on the principles of mechanics. The measurements of the individual parts were determined on the basis of morphological data of the oropharynx from 40 subjects undergoing tonsillectomy under general anaesthesia. Experiments showed that the instrument could be used to transect the SP and excise the amputated bones from the deep tissue space. We used the instrument for the resection of elongated SPs, via an oral approach, in seven in-patients (involving 10 SPs) under general anaesthesia and in two out-patients (involving three SPs) under local anaesthesia. The length of the resected SP ranged from 0.8 to 2.5 cm and the stump of the SP was smooth. The removal lasted only seconds and blood loss was minimal, without any complications. The styloidectome was reliable, easy to use and could be used for the resection of an elongated SP under general or local anaesthesia.
Should we aspirate middle-ear effusions prior to insertion of ventilation tubes?
Authors: Laina V , Pothier D D
Published: July 2006

Background: Routine aspiration of middle-ear effusions prior to ventilation tube (grommet) insertion is practised by many surgeons. It has been suggested that removing the fluid from the middle ear improves immediate post-operative hearing levels and reduces the chance of the ventilation tube becoming obstructed. The potential adverse effects of applying suction to the middle ear include acoustic trauma and an increased risk of tympanosclerosis and otorrhoea. We undertook a review of the literature in order to determine the benefits or side effects associated with middle-ear aspiration prior to ventilation tube insertion.

Objectives: To compare clinical outcomes associated with aspirating versus not aspirating the middle ear prior to ventilation tube insertion.

Methods: The Cochrane ENT group trials register, DARE, the Cochrane central register of controlled trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE (1960–2005) and EMBASE (1960–2005) were searched using relevant terms. Reference lists of selected studies were scanned for additional research material.

Results: Seven studies were identified, of which three fitted the inclusion criteria of our review. Current evidence suggests that aspiration of middle-ear effusions prior to insertion of ventilation tubes is not associated with any improvement in clinical outcome, in terms of post-operative hearing levels, otorrhoea or rates of blockage of ventilation tubes. Significantly increased rates of tympanosclerosis were observed in one study and the development of acoustic trauma was observed; however, no significant association was confirmed. Although more research is needed, there is no evidence that aspiration of middle-ear effusion prior to grommet insertion confers any advantage.
Acute Isovolemic Hemodilution Triggers Proinflammatory and Procoagulatory Endothelial Activation in Vital Organs: Role of Erythrocyte Aggregation
Authors: MORARIU AURORA M. , MAATHUIS MARK‐HUGO J. , ASGEIRSDOTTIR SIGRIDUR A. , LEUVENINK HENRI G. D. , BOONSTRA PIET W. , VAN OEVEREN WIM , PLOEG RUTGER J. , MOLEMA INGRID , RAKHORST GERHARD
Published: July 2006

Objectives: The essential role of erythrocytes as oxygen carriers is historically well established, but their function to aggregate and the consequences on the microcirculation is under debate. The pathogenic potential of low erythrocyte aggregation could be important for patients undergoing on‐pump cardipopulmonary bypass. These patients are severely hemodiluted due to preoperative isovolemic hemodilution (IHD), circuit priming, and large fluid infusions perioperatively. Considering the vascular endothelium sensitivity to variations in blood rheology, the authors hypothesize that low erythrocyte aggregation will be responsible for activation of vascular endothelium during acute IHD.

Methods: Acute IHD (30 mL/kg exchange transfusion with colloid solutions) was induced in an “aggregating species”(pigs, n = 15). The hypoxic oxidative stress (plasma malondialdehyde, ex vivo oxygen radicals production in heart, lung, kidney, liver, and ileum tissue biopsies), erythrocyte aggregation (LORCA), and endothelial activation (real‐time quantitative RT‐PCR on von Willebrand factor (vWF), E‐ and P‐selectins, endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene‐expression in tissue biopsies) were investigated.

Results: The production of superoxide and hydroxyl radicals, measured as H2O2 generation, was similar at all times in sham‐operated and hemodiluted animals, proving a maintained oxygen delivery to tissues. Acute IHD was followed by a dramatic drop in erythrocyte aggregation and immediate prothrombotic (significant vWF mRNA upregulation in heart, lungs, kidney, liver, ileum) and proinflammatory (significant E‐ and P‐selectins mRNA upregulation in lungs and ileum) endothelial activation. Low erythrocyte aggregation was significantly correlated with increased mRNA‐expression of vWF (heart, liver, ileum) and P‐selectin (lungs, ileum, and heart).

Conclusions: These results suggest that low erythrocyte aggregation might trigger endothelium‐dependent thrombogenic and proinflammatory response during acute isovolemic hemodilution.
Connecting stuttering management and measurement: IV. Predictors of outcome for a behavioural treatment for stuttering
Authors: Block Susan , Onslow Mark , Packman Ann , Dacakis Georgia
Published: July 2006

Background: Clinical trials have shown that behavioural treatments based on variants of prolonged‐speech (PS) are best practice for reducing the stuttering rate in adults. However, while stuttering is significantly reduced or eliminated for most adults in the short‐term with such treatment, relapse in the longer‐term is common. Consequently, there has been interest in attempting to establish variables that predict responsiveness to PS‐based treatments. Identifying such variables would enable risk prediction and also contribute to the tailoring of treatments to suit individuals who are less likely to benefit in the long‐term from the conventional PS‐based treatments. Variables that have been investigated to date are the stuttering severity, the attitude to communication and the locus of control.

Aims: The present study revisited this issue with methodological improvements.

Methods & Procedures: Prospective, continuous measures of outcome several years after treatment, and well‐powered, least‐squares multivariate regression, with backwards elimination, were used to determine the best model to predict short‐ and long‐term outcomes of a PS‐based treatment. Other predictor variables were also included. The stuttering rates of 78 participants were measured immediately after the intensive stage of treatment, and during a surprize telephone call 3.5–5 years after treatment.

Outcomes & Results: Attitude to communication and locus of control were separate constructs to stuttering rate. While the stuttering rate predicted outcome, neither of the two non‐behavioural variables predicted outcome in either the short‐ or the long‐term.

Conclusions: The most significant finding is that the non‐behavioural variables of attitude to communication and locus of control did not predict treatment outcomes. This is contrary to the findings of most previous studies.
Corrosion protection of steels by PVD TaN thin films
Authors: Flores J.F. , Valdez S. B. , Schorr M. , Olaya J.J.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To investigate the protective properties of tantalum nitride (TaN) thin films deposited on to various steels immersed in a 3 per cent NaCl solution.

Design/methodology/approach

TaN thin films with a thickness of 250 nm were deposited on UNS G10180, UNS S30400 and UNS T11302 steels by means of magnetron sputtering technique. The electrochemical behaviour has been studied in 3 per cent NaCl solution using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic polarization. The crystalline structure of the films was investigated by X‐ray diffraction. Surface analysis of the corroded samples was performed using scanning electron microscopy and light optical microscopy. The electrochemical impedance spectra were analysed in the context of equivalent circuit models (ECs).

Findings

The ECs incorporate a charge transfer process representing the TaN film on UNS G10180 steel, two time constants for that deposited on UNS T11302 and diffusion behaviour for the TaN film on UNS S30400 steel. TaN films demonstrate their protection properties, which were evidenced by increase of the electrochemical properties compared with the substrate. The major corrosion damage of coatings is caused by defects, pores, droplets and pinholes that allow the electrolyte penetration through the films.

Practical implications

Corrosion protections of steels by TaN thin films.

Originality/value

The information related to corrosion behaviour of TaN films in a chloride solution is poor. This paper presents not only a completely electrochemical characterization, but also the surface analysis of the corroded samples.
Influence of bismuth on electrochemical behavior of sacrificial aluminum anode
Authors: Karaminezhaad M. , Jafari A.H. , Sarrafi A. , Safi Gh.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To evaluate bismuth, which is inexpensive and non‐toxic, as a substitute for mercury, indium and gallium in Al‐5%Zn‐X sacrificial anode.

Design/methodology/approach

The effect of bismuth on the electrochemical behavior of Al‐5%Zn‐Bi in the artificial sea water environment was investigated. Potentiodynamic, potentiostatic, galvanostatic, weight loss and efficiency test methods were employed. The surface of the specimens were studied by SEM and analyzed by EDAX. Image analyzer was also used.

Findings

Adding 0.3‐0.5%Bi to Al‐5%Zn alloy produces considerable active sites on the anode surface and, when the corrosion process continues, the corrosion will be uniform by joining these numerous shallow pits and a high efficiency sacrificial anode will emerge.

Research limitations/implications

Preventing segregation by good casting practice or homogenization heat treatment will be helpful to prevent unpredicted localized corrosion and investigating the effect of these processes on the performance of this new alloy is helpful. Investigating the performance of this new suggested alloy in environments like soil is highly recommended.

Practical implications

Owing to the toxicity of mercury and high price of gallium and indium, bismuth, which has a much lower price and showed a good performance in the present laboratory tests, can be a good substitute for the above mentioned elements.

Originality/value

The previous lack of a systematic research on the effect of bismuth which can be a good substitute for indium and gallium, on anodic behavior of aluminum gives this paper its high value.
The corrosion and inhibition of Zn‐Al alloy in acidic media by pyridine and its methyl‐containing derivatives
Authors: Awad H.S.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Zn‐Al alloys are widely used as coatings for corrosion protection of steel. These alloys provide long‐term protection to steel in several aqueous media; however, little attention has been paid to their behaviour in acidic media. The aim of this investigation is to study the corrosion and inhibition of 90 per cent Zn‐10 per cent Al alloy in hydrochloric acid.

Design/methodology/approach

Pyridine and a number of its methyl‐containing derivatives were applied in controlling the corrosion of 90 per cent Zn‐10 per cent Al alloy. The inhibitive action and mechanism of these compounds were investigated by weight loss tests, linear polarisation resistance measurements, galvanostatic polarisation tests and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.

Findings

It was found that the corrosion rate of this alloy was much higher than that of either Zn or Al alone. Pyridine and its derivatives exhibited good inhibition for the corrosion of 90 per cent Zn‐10 per cent Al alloy, their inhibition efficiency increased in the order: I < II < III < IV. Potentiodynamic polarisation studies revealed that the investigated pyridine derivatives were mixed‐type inhibitors and functioned by adsorption on reactive sites on the alloy surface through the influence of the nucleophilic nitrogen atom forming a good physical barrier to prevent access of aggressive ions to the alloy surface. This was supported by the impedance measurements which showed a change in the charge transfer resistance and double layer capacitance indicating adsorption on the alloy surface. It was shown that the introduction of the methyl group(s) into the pyridine ring enhanced the effectiveness of pyridine inhibition. The improvement was attributable to the electron‐donating tendency of this group that gives rise to the increase in the electron density at the adsorption site. All the investigated substituents showed negative values of the Hammett constant (σ), indicating their electron‐donating property. The negative value of this constant increased according to the order: I < II < III < IV, the greater the negative value ofσbeing consistent with the greater degree of corrosion inhibition. It also was revealed that the presence of these inhibitors increased the value of activation energy for corrosion with a ranking order that was consistent with that of their inhibition effectiveness.

Research limitations/implications

The evaluated inhibitors assured significant corrosion inhibition of the Zn‐Al alloy in HCl, however, their behaviour in different acid media was ambiguous.

Originality/value

This paper makes significant contibution to understanding the corrosion and inhibition of one of the widely apply coatings for steel protection in one of the most widely used aqueous mineral acids in industry.
Mapping local foods: evidence from two English regions
Authors: Ilbery Brian , Watts David , Simpson Sue , Gilg Andrew , Little Jo
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This paper sets out to engage with current debate over local foods and the emergence of what has been called an alternative food economy and to examine the distribution of local food activity in the South West and West Midlands regions of England.

Design/methodology/approach

Databases on local food activity were constructed for each region from secondary sources. The data were mapped by means of choropleth mapping at postcode district level.

Findings

Although local food activity is flourishing in the South West and, to a lesser extent, the West Midlands, it is unevenly distributed. Concentrations occur in both regions. These may relate to a variety of factors, including: proximity to urban centres and particular trunk roads, landscape designations and the geography of farming types. The products that tend to predominate – horticulture, dairy, meat and poultry – can either be sold directly to consumers with little or no processing, or remain readily identifiable and defining ingredients after being processed.

Research limitations/implications

The findings require testing through a larger‐scale survey using primary data. Many local food producers also supply conventional markets. Further research is required into their reasons for doing so and into whether the local food sector can become a significant alternative to conventional food supply chains.

Originality/value

The paper maps local food activity in England on a larger scale than attempted hitherto. It contributes to debate over the alternative food economy and provides a basis for further empirical research.
Can NLP help or harm your business?
Authors: Yemm Graham
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify what neurolinguistic programming (NLP) is, how it might be useful for individuals and organizations, and to explore the question whether NLP can help or harm a business. The paper also aims to give a balanced view of NLP, outlining how it can benefit organizations but also how it is most useful when it becomes part of everyday life and work and not just a set of tools to use when deemed necessary.

Design/methodology/approach

The author draws on his own opinions and experiences from working as a Master Practitioner of NLP for many years and his involvement with setting up and running “The Business Group”, which promotes uses of NLP in organizations. Four key aspects are covered: why knowing more about NLP and its uses might be useful for you and others in your organization; what NLP is and some of the key principles; how it has been used in some organizations; and what you might be able to do with it in the future. Focuses on the main areas where NLP can help an organization: Management and leadership, sales and negotiation, and customer service.

Findings

NLP can both help and harm a business. This article only scratches the surface of where NLP can help in the business world. However, there are also ways NLP can harm businesses too, as just being familiar with one or two concepts can do more harm than good.

Originality/value

The article aims to help business people become better informed about NLP, its applications both individually and in the workplace and also to dispel some myths about NLP and connotations people may already have with the term.
Improving organisational performance through developing our people
Authors: Mathieson Morag
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To share the learnings gained from the experiences of the training and development manager at The Glenmorangie Company.

Design/methodology/approach

The practical approach taken is described in terms of getting management buy‐in to training and development through a bottom‐up approach.

Findings

The experiential approach used at The Glenmorangie Company echoes the findings documented in the CIPD research analysis paper based on 2005 Training and Development Survey.

Practical implications

When considering implementing new learning initiatives this approach will enable one to optimise one's success and prove sustainability, through managers' commitment and employee engagement.

Originality/value

To all those involved in training and development it provides a practical step‐by‐step approach to making effective learning interventions that managers are committed to adopt.
If I cannot see them, how can I lead them?
Authors: Gerke Susan K.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide leaders with a clear understanding of some key issues they face when leading remote workers and to provide practical suggestions on how to deal with those issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The main method of research for this paper is data from participants in workshops over a ten‐year period. Participants included all levels of management, as well as non‐managers in a variety of large organizations across industries. Industries include high‐tech, food, consumer products, energy, entertainment and manufacturing. Participants included those with global teams, teams within a country and teams with work‐at‐home members.

Findings

The key finding is that remote leadership requires the same good management and leadership skills that co‐located leadership requires. However, in the remote environment, leaders must be more deliberate and planful about building relationships and trust and in communicating.

Practical implications

Leaders can implement specific techniques, several of which are presented in the paper, to increase their effectiveness of leading remote employees and teams.

Originality/value

While remote leaders often struggle as they try to work effectively with their employees, they do not often identify that it is specifically the remote factor that is causing much of the challenge. This paper provides practical techniques for anyone trying to get work accomplished with remote employees.
Life coaching and the law
Authors: Perry Melanie J.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To deliver an “introduction to life coaching” workshop to local government lawyers and the benefits they could get from life coaching.

Design/methodology/approach

The nature of the interactive workshop is outlined and the responses of the delegates examined.

Findings

The findings of the paper focus on the benefits to the delegates at both personal and professional levels. The holistic approach of life coaching impacting on how difficulties are viewed and the consequent reduction in stress.

Originality/value

A case study on the experiences of delegates exposed to life coaching. This paper will be of value to HR in local government and high stress business environments.
Health information literacy and higher education: The King's College London approach
Authors: Haines Margaret , Horrocks Gary
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The Information Services and Systems Department at King's College London addresses information literacy in a variety of ways. This paper will review all these approaches and discuss future plans. Design/methodology/approach A descriptive paper describing a three part model of good practice for promoting health information literacy: through training delivered as part of the taught undergraduate and postgraduate curriculum; through the iGrad programme aimed at research students; and through work with the Personnel department, developing staff knowledge and information competencies via TrainIT, a suite of IT and information retrieval courses.

Findings

That the model described is robust but faces future challenges: for example, the challenge of sheer growth in student numbers and widening participation initiatives, the need to re‐model the curriculum to involve more online learning and to centre around clinical scenarios, the challenge of optimising the relationship between the National Health Service (NHS) and higher education (HE) sectors.

Research limitations/implications

In particular, the models of assessment used and analysis of future challenges present potential for further research analysis.

Practical implications

This paper offers many practice‐based examples of how to enhance levels of health information literacy.

Originality/value

The well developed methods of promoting information literacy outlined in this paper are worthy of note by practitioners both within and beyond the health information field.
Added value of information and information systems: a conceptual approach
Authors: Fattahi Rahmatollah , Afshar Ebrahim
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Information, owing to its nature, has numerous capabilities. Through utilizing these capabilities, information systems can add to the value of information. The purpose of this paper is to explain where and how added value emerges from the work processes in library and information professions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper begins with a review of the related literature and then takes a conceptual approach to discuss different values of information and IR systems; elaborates on how each of the processes such as assessment of needs, selection, description/organization, storage/processing, search/retrieval, and dissemination generate capabilities that lead to added value.

Findings

The paper identifies that added value is generated through processes such as reproduction, exchange, transfer, refinement, analysis, interpretation, synthesis, and regeneration of information. Many such processes turn information into knowledge.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is based on the author's reflections on the matter of added value generated by library and information practice. Further empirical studies are needed to substantiate the extent to which such values are generated through information systems and services in the real world.

Practical implications

Librarians and information specialists can find through their working practice how to design systems and services which can generate added value for information.

Originality/value

In the present evolving conditions, library and information professionals are able to add to the value of information by sharing their knowledge with the expertise of computer scientists and finding a variety of ways and up‐to‐date methods of optimizing existing systems, as well as designing new systems. These are the two strategies along which the profession should guide its educational, research and practical endeavors.
Accessibility and use of library resources by part‐time students A case study of the Federal Polytechnic, Ado‐Ekiti, Nigeria
Authors: Oluwadare Busayo Isaac
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This study seek to investigate the accessibility and use of the Federal Polytechnic Ado‐Ekiti Library Resources by the part‐time students of the institution.

Design methodology/approach

Data were collected through a questionnaire administered on 210 HND 1, II and III students who all went through the part‐time National Diploma (ND) programme. A total of 190 respondents, representing 90.5 per cent were duly completed, returned and used for this study. Data were analysed using frequencies and percentages.

Findings

The result shows that the library was far away from the satellite campus and, therefore, not accessible to the majority of the part‐time students. Their use of the library resources was also below expectations. Recommendations for improvement were made, as appropriate.

Research limitations/implications

The research was confined to one particular institution; the literature on the subject is not well developed, further underlining the need for greater research in this area.

Practical implications

Part‐time students have particular needs, which are easily ignored and which prevent their optimal use of such facilities; it is hoped that this research will give some insight into how this problem can be dealt with.

Originality/value of paper

This contribution to an under‐researched area should stimulate further work on this topic.
Libraries, digitisation and disability
Authors: Joint Nicholas
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To point out the limitations of recent legislation designed to enhance digital library service provision to the disabled and, in general, to point out the impact of observing moral rights on the feasibility of larger‐scale digitisation services in libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

A simple, summary analysis of the legislation combined with brief observations of library practice.

Findings

That the law needs to be extended in important respects to help larger sections of the disabled community in Higher Education, and that quality control issues, as enforced by consideration of our legal obligations under moral rights legislation, will always restrict the level of digital service libraries can offer to readers who need either accessible or digitised texts.

Research limitations/implications

This practice‐based supposition will be tested more extensively by investigation of the relevant legal and operational issues through practitioner experience.

Practical implications

Suggests that the library profession should lobby to improve legislation for services to the reading impaired, and that, in terms of on demand digitisation, general, all‐purpose digital short loan collections can only offer a limited spin‐off service to disabled users. Digitisation for reading and visual impairment will continue to have specialist features that make it a specialist activity.

Originality/value

The paper describes how copyright and moral rights are quite separate, distinct issues affecting library digitisation activity, and that it is easy to overlook the arguably more pronounced limiting effect of moral rights (as opposed to pure copyright) legislation on digitisation services to disabled users.
Putting awareness into practice: practical steps for conducting usability tests
Authors: Craven Jenny
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describes the methods and findings of two research projects undertaken to explore user behaviour and usability issues relating to the use of Web‐based resources by people with disabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

Whilst the aims of the research differed, the methods adopted were similar – including observation, talk aloud protocols, questionnaires and focus groups.

Findings

The findings from both studies provided evidence of the problems faced by disabled users when using Web‐based resources. It provided evidence of the types of features users liked and disliked, how they overcame navigational problems and what types of features enhanced their experience, all of which can be fed back into recommendations for the design of electronic resources.

Practical implications

The richness of the data collected for both studies confirmed the importance of involving users in accessibility and usability assessments. Analysis of both the findings and the methods for both studies also enabled a checklist to be developed, outlining issues that should be taken into consideration when planning a usability test.

Originality/value

Document analysis of past and current usability studies revealed that suggested methods are often directed more towards expert usability testing, rather than managing the user testing in‐house. Although it may be preferable to engage an expert, in reality practical guidance is also needed. The checklist aims to address gaps in usability advice identified, by providing practical guidance to enable providers and developers of web‐based resources to conduct their own effective usability testing.
Characteristics of doctoral students who commit citation errors
Authors: Waytowich Vicki L. , Onwuegbuzie Anthony J. , Jiao Qun G.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the citation error rate and quality of reference lists in doctoral dissertation proposals. This research also sought to examine the relationship between perfectionism and frequency of citation errors and the adherence of the reference list to the fidelity of the chosen citation style among doctoral students. Also of interest was to determine which demographic variables predict citation errors and quality of the reference list.

Design/methodology/approach

Participants were 64 doctoral students from various disciplines enrolled in a graduate‐level, dissertation preparatory course at a large southeastern university in the USA.

Findings

Findings indicated that graduate students with relatively high levels of self‐oriented perfectionism and other‐oriented perfectionism tended to commit the least citation errors and construct reference lists that departed the furthest from the citation style stipulations. Participants’ dissertation proposals, on average, contained more than 12 missing or inconsistent citations. This indicated that for every three citations included, one of them represented some type of error. Regression analyses revealed that: students with the lowest expectation levels tended to commit the highest rate of citation errors; and students who have taken the most courses in their graduate programs tended to receive the lowest scores pertaining to the quality of reference lists.

Practical implications

These findings suggest a need for more formal and more deliberate approaches for all instructors to instill in students the importance of avoiding citation errors.

Originality/value

To date, no research has investigated the role that perfectionism plays in relation to the commission of bibliographic citation errors.
Qualitative methods in management research: an introduction to the themed issue
Authors: Cassell Catherine , Buehring Anna , Symon Gillian , Johnson Phil
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to introduce the themed issue about qualitative research in the business and management field

Design/methodology/approach

The paper considers some issues about how to define the term “qualitative research”, and then introduces each of the papers in the themed issue.

Findings

The contents of this themed issue demonstrate the insights that qualitative research can make into the management field.

Originality/value

A large amount of interest was generated in the themed issue. As a consequence, Emerald Publishing Group are launching a new journal which specifically focuses on qualitative research in this field.
More than a numbers game: qualitative research in accounting
Authors: Lee Bill , Humphrey Christopher
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to outline the development of academic research in the discipline of accounting, paying particular attention to the important contribution made by qualitative research projects.

Design/methodology/approach

Provision of a historical trajectory based on a review of developments in academic journals, the size and breadth of the academic community and other dimensions of the academic discipline of accounting.

Findings

The review indicates that accounting has developed into a pluralist discipline in the UK. Qualitative research features in many sub‐disciplinary areas of accounting.

Practical implications

The paper identifies the sibling discipline of finance as an area where qualitative research has not developed fully. It makes some suggestions and provides some indicators of how qualitative research in the areas of accounting and finance may develop in the future.

Originality/value

The paper provides the only attempt to date to analyse and review developments of qualitative research in accounting.
Talking about change
Authors: Bryant Melanie
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on the understanding that can be gained about employees' use of voice as a response to organisational change using qualitative research and, in particular, narrative analysis. Narrative analysis of voice can provide insight into why voice is used and how voice differs from resistance.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a constructivist approach to study the interpretations of participants and explores the qualitative research interview as a method of data collection that enables participants to report experiences of organisational change. Thematic narrative analysis explores inductive themes that are embedded within participants' stories.

Findings

Findings suggest that qualitative research approaches are useful in exploring individual interpretations of voice, such as the forms in which voice is used, reasons why voice is used, and participant reports of management reactions to voice. Findings from the narrative analysis suggests that voice may be confused with resistance in the workplace and is likely to lead to negative reactions from management, even though both the literature and participants differentiate between intentions of voice and resistance to change.

Research limitations/implications

The paper calls for further research concerning employee intentions surrounding the use of voice as well as management perceptions of employees' use of voice.

Originality/value

Qualitative studies can explore differences between voice and resistance through unlocking voices of employees who are marginalised in management literature. Such studies also derive feedback from staff about the effects of change programmes, thus providing managers with information from which communication/participation strategies could be tailored to individual organisations.