bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global Change and the High‐Latitude Environment: High Latitude Terrestrial and Freshwater Ecosystems: Interactions and Response to Environmental Change; Abisko, Sweden, 11–14 September 2007
Authors: Karlsson Jan , Giesler Reiner
Published: March 2008

Terrestrial and aquatic scientists took part in a workshop in Sweden to discuss cross‐system linkages that strongly influence the structure and function of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, which effects may be altered by future environmental change. Sixty‐five researchers, mainly from northern Europe and North America, attended the meeting.

Through a series of presentations and discussions several clear themes emerged. For example, workshop participants discussed how high‐latitude freshwater ecosystems are strongly influenced by nutrient and material inputs from the surrounding terrestrial environment. In particular, the magnitude and quality of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus exported from terrestrial ecosystems are recognized as major drivers of the productivity and biological structure of aquatic ecosystems.
The Agulhas Current
Authors: De Ruijter Will P. M.
Published: March 2008

Many people in the United States know about the Gulf Stream, the impressive boundary current along the eastern U.S. coast that carries large amounts of heat poleward and, after separation from the coast, across the North Atlantic. Its impact on warming the eastern United States and the North Atlantic region including western Europe is also well known to the general public.

But who in the United States knows about the Agulhas Current? This warm, western boundary current of the southern Indian Ocean flows southward along the continental slope of the African continent and is about as large as the Gulf Stream. It brings heat and moisture to the coastal regions of southeastern Africa. Variations in its transport lead to significant rainfall anomalies over this region. On a larger scale, its influence may even extend as far as the North Atlantic.
Understanding the Atmosphere Through Radio Occultation: Second FORMOSAT‐3/COSMIC Data Users Workshop; Boulder, Colorado, 22–24 October 2007
Authors: Kursinski E. R. , Kuo Ying‐Hwa , Rocken Christian , Sokolovskiy Sergey , Yen Nick
Published: March 2008

The second FORMOSAT‐3/COSMIC data users workshop was held at the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, in Boulder, Colo., and was attended by more than 100 international participants from a dozen countries around the world.

COSMIC (Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere and Climate) is a joint Taiwan/U.S. mission consisting of six microsatellites, each carrying a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, a tri‐band beacon to sense free electrons in the ionosphere via radio waves, and a Tiny Ionospheric Photometer to map ionospheric electron density via ultraviolet emission. The primary purpose of COSMIC is to demonstrate the value of radio occultation (RO) observations of the atmosphere to weather prediction, climate, and space weather. The RO technique produces a vertical profile of refractivity versus height in the ionosphere, stratosphere, and troposphere. This allows scientists to deduce valuable information on electron density, temperature, and water vapor in the atmosphere.
Brief Exposure to Hyperoxia Depletes the Glial Progenitor Pool and Impairs Functional Recovery after Hypoxic-Ischemic Brain Injury
Authors: Koch Joshua D , Miles Darryl K , Gilley Jennifer A , Yang Cui-Ping , Kernie Steven G
Published: March 2008

Patterns of hypoxic-ischemic brain injury in infants and children suggest vulnerability in regions of white matter development, and injured patients develop defects in myelination resulting in cerebral palsy and motor deficits. Reperfusion exacerbates the oxidative stress that occurs after such injuries and may impair recovery. Resuscitation after hypoxic-ischemic injury is routinely performed using 100% oxygen, and this practice may increase the oxidative stress that occurs during reperfusion and further damage an already compromised brain. We show that brief exposure (30 mins) to 100% oxygen during reperfusion worsens the histologic injury in young mice after unilateral brain hypoxia—ischemia, causes an accumulation of the oxidative metabolite nitrotyrosine, and depletes preoligodendrocyte glial progenitors present in the cortex. This damage can be reversed with administration of the antioxidant ebselen, a glutathione peroxidase mimetic. Moreover, mice recovered in 100% oxygen have a more disrupted pattern of myelination and develop a static motor deficit that mimics cerebral palsy and manifests itself by significantly worse performance on wire hang and rotorod motor testing. We conclude that exposure to 100% oxygen during reperfusion after hypoxic-ischemic brain injury increases secondary neural injury, depletes developing glial progenitors, interferes with myelination, and ultimately impairs functional recovery.
Isoform-specific monoubiquitination, endocytosis, and degradation of alternatively spliced ErbB4 isoforms
Authors: Sundvall Maria , Korhonen Anna , Paatero Ilkka , Gaudio Eugenio , Melino Gerry , Croce Carlo M. , Aqeilan Rami I. , Elenius Klaus
Published: March 2008

Endocytosis and subsequent lysosomal degradation serve as a well characterized mechanism to fine-tune and down-regulate EGFR signaling. However, other members of the EGFR/ErbB receptor family have been reported to be endocytosis-impaired. Here we demonstrate that endocytosis of ErbB4 is regulated in an isoform-specific manner: CYT-1 isoforms were efficiently endocytosed whereas CYT-2 isoforms were endocytosis-impaired. CYT-1 isoforms in endocytic vesicles colocalized with Rab5 and Rab7 indicating trafficking via early endosomes to late endosomal/lysosomal structures. A PPXY motif within the CYT-1-specific sequence that lacks from CYT-2 was necessary both for ubiquitination and endocytosis of CYT-1 isoforms and provided a binding site for a WW domain-containing ubiquitin ligase Itch. Itch catalyzed ubiquitination of ErbB4 CYT-1, promoted its localization into intracellular vesicles, and stimulated degradation of ErbB4 CYT-1. Dominant negative Itch suppressed ErbB4 CYT-1 endocytosis and degradation. These data indicate that ErbB4 isoforms differ in endocytosis and degradation by a mechanism mediated by CYT-1-specific PPXY motif interacting with a WW domain-containing E3 ubiquitin ligase.
A human intracranial study of long-range oscillatory coherence across a frontal–occipital–hippocampal brain network during visual object processing
Authors: Sehatpour Pejman , Molholm Sophie , Schwartz Theodore H. , Mahoney Jeannette R. , Mehta Ashesh D. , Javitt Daniel C. , Stanton Patric K. , Foxe John J.
Published: March 2008

Visual object-recognition is thought to involve activation of a distributed network of cortical regions, nodes of which include the lateral prefrontal cortex, the so-called lateral occipital complex (LOC), and the hippocampal formation. It has been proposed that long-range oscillatory synchronization is a major mode of coordinating such a distributed network. Here, intracranial recordings were made from three humans as they performed a challenging visual object-recognition task that required them to identify barely recognizable fragmented line-drawings of common objects. Subdural electrodes were placed over the prefrontal cortex and LOC, and depth electrodes were placed within the hippocampal formation. Robust beta-band coherence was evident in all subjects during processing of recognizable fragmented images. Significantly lower coherence was evident during processing of unrecognizable scrambled versions of the same. The results indicate that transient beta-band oscillatory coupling between these three distributed cortical regions may reflect a mechanism for effective communication during visual object processing.
The protracted Holocene extinction of California's flightless sea duck (
Chendytes lawi
) and its implications for the Pleistocene overkill hypothesis
Authors: Jones T. L. , Porcasi J. F. , Erlandson J. M. , Dallas H. , Wake T. A. , Schwaderer R.
Published: March 2008

Bones of the flightless sea duck (
Chendytes lawi
) from 14 archaeological sites along the California coast indicate that humans hunted the species for at least 8,000 years before it was driven to extinction. Direct
14
C dates on
Chendytes
bones show that the duck was exploited on the southern California islands as early as ≈11,150–10,280 calendar years B.P., and on the mainland by at least 8,500 calendar years B.P. The youngest direct date of 2,720–2,350 calendar years B.P., combined with the absence of
Chendytes
bones from hundreds of late Holocene sites, suggests that the species was extinct by ≈2,400 years ago. Although the extinction of
Chendytes
clearly resulted from human overhunting, its demise raises questions about the Pleistocene overkill model, which suggests that megafauna were driven to extinction in a blitzkrieg fashion by Native Americans ≈13,000 years ago. That the extermination of
Chendytes
was so protracted and archaeologically visible suggests that, if the terminal Pleistocene megafauna extinctions were primarily the result of human exploitation, there should also be a long and readily detectable archaeological record of their demise. The brief window now attributed to the Clovis culture (≈13,300–12,900 B.P.) seems inconsistent with an overhunting event.
Plants can use protein as a nitrogen source without assistance from other organisms
Authors: Paungfoo-Lonhienne Chanyarat , Lonhienne Thierry G. A. , Rentsch Doris , Robinson Nicole , Christie Michael , Webb Richard I. , Gamage Harshi K. , Carroll Bernard J. , Schenk Peer M. , Schmidt Susanne
Published: March 2008

Nitrogen is quantitatively the most important nutrient that plants acquire from the soil. It is well established that plant roots take up nitrogen compounds of low molecular mass, including ammonium, nitrate, and amino acids. However, in the soil of natural ecosystems, nitrogen occurs predominantly as proteins. This complex organic form of nitrogen is considered to be not directly available to plants. We examined the long-held view that plants depend on specialized symbioses with fungi (mycorrhizas) to access soil protein and studied the woody heathland plant
Hakea actites
and the herbaceous model plant
Arabidopsis thaliana
, which do not form mycorrhizas. We show that both species can use protein as a nitrogen source for growth without assistance from other organisms. We identified two mechanisms by which roots access protein. Roots exude proteolytic enzymes that digest protein at the root surface and possibly in the apoplast of the root cortex. Intact protein also was taken up into root cells most likely via endocytosis. These findings change our view of the spectrum of nitrogen sources that plants can access and challenge the current paradigm that plants rely on microbes and soil fauna for the breakdown of organic matter.
p72 DEAD box RNA helicase is required for optimal function of the zinc-finger antiviral protein
Authors: Chen Guifang , Guo Xuemin , Lv Fengxiang , Xu Yihui , Gao Guangxia
Published: March 2008

The zinc-finger antiviral protein (ZAP) specifically inhibits the replication of many viruses by preventing the accumulation of viral mRNAs in the cytoplasm. ZAP directly binds to the viral mRNAs and recruits the RNA exosome to degrade the target RNA. In the present study, we identified the p72 DEAD box RNA helicase, but not the highly similar RNA helicase p68, as a ZAP-interacting protein. The binding domain of ZAP was mapped to its N-terminal portion, whereas both the N- and C-terminal domains of p72 bound to ZAP. Overexpression of the C-terminal domain of p72 reduced ZAP's activity, whereas overexpression of the full-length p72 enhanced ZAP's activity. The RNA helicase activity was required for p72 to promote ZAP-mediated RNA degradation. Depletion of p72 by RNAi also reduced ZAP's activity but did not affect tristetraprolin-mediated RNA degradation. We conclude that p72 is required for the optimal activity of ZAP, and we propose that p72 helps to restructure the ZAP-bound target mRNA for efficient degradation.
A brain-specific SGK1 splice isoform regulates expression of ASIC1 in neurons
Authors: Arteaga Maria F. , Coric Tatjana , Straub Christoph , Canessa Cecilia M.
Published: March 2008

Neurodegenerative diseases and noxious stimuli to the brain enhance transcription of serum- and glucocorticoid-induced kinase-1 (SGK1). Here, we report that the SGK1 gene encodes a brain-specific additional isoform, SGK1.1, which exhibits distinct regulation, properties, and functional effects. SGK1.1 decreases expression of the acid-sensing ion channel-1 (ASIC1); thereby, SGK1.1 may limit neuronal injury associated to activation of ASIC1 in ischemia. Given that neurons express at least two splice isoforms, SGK1 and SGK1.1, driven by distinct promoters, any changes in SGK1 transcript level must be examined to define the isoform induced by each stimulus or neurological disorder.
Urinary Tract Infection in Childhood
Authors: Simon Chantal
Published: March 2008

Eight per cent of girls and 2% of boys have a urinary tract infection (UTI) in childhood — the majority in the first year of life. Among neonates, boys have more infections than girls. In all other age groups girls are ten times more likely to have UTIs than boys. Risk factors are listed in Box 1 . Most childhood UTIs are caused by normal bowel flora such as E. coli (80%), Klebsiella, Pseudomonas and other Gram-negative organisms.
Consultations with Children
Authors: van Dorp Francoise
Published: March 2008

Patients under 15 years of age comprise around 20% of the average GP list and account for one in four GP consultations. School children visit the GP between two and three times a year, but this figure is doubled in the under fives (who visit the GP an average of 6 times per year). The under fives also have more home visits than any other group except the elderly. Children form an important part of a GP's workload and this article aims to give the GP in training a strategy with which to approach their assessment in the community.
Palpitations and Arrhythmia
Authors: Simon Chantal
Published: March 2008

Palpitations are the sensation of rapid, irregular or forceful heart beats. They are common and may indicate an arrhythmia. Abnormal heart rhythms may present with palpitations, chest pain, syncope or even sudden death, but are often silent, only detected when a doctor or nurse notices an abnormal rhythm when examining the patient for another reason. The aim of this article is to provide a strategy for the GP in training to assess whether palpitations signify an arrhythmia or not, and describe the features and management of the more common arrhythmia seen in general practice.
Assessment of Chest Pain in Primary Care
Authors: Schroeder Knut
Published: March 2008

Chest pain is a common presentation in primary care. One study has shown that 97% of patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) contact their GP first in rural areas and, even in urban areas, this figure is about 67%. However, although coronary heart disease (CHD) is still the biggest killer in the UK, the majority of people presenting with chest pain in general practice do not have angina or MI and musculoskeletal pain is much more common.
Full-text search capability: a new tool for researching the development of scientific language. The ‘Whirlpool Nebula’ as a case study
Authors: Tobin William
Published: March 2008

Burgeoning numbers of books and periodicals from earlier centuries are becoming available in online databases such as the British Library Online Newspaper Archive, the Making of America collection, the Million Book Project, the Gallica Project, Google Book Search and the Royal Society's Digital Journal Archive. For those databases that offer it, full-text search capability provides the historian with a novel tool for researching the origin and development of scientific language. A case study is given concerning the adoption of the ‘whirlpool’ epithet for Messier 51 (the astronomical nebula in which the Third Earl of Rosse first discovered spiral structure in 1845). This illustrates the power of the tool but also reveals some limitations. In particular, access to originals is still often necessary. Unexpectedly, the astronomical appropriation of ‘whirlpool’ predates Rosse's discovery.
Multistable corrugated shells
Authors: Norman A.D , Seffen K.A , Guest S.D
Published: March 2008

We have been constructing and investigating multistable corrugated shell structures. The multistability arises from the interaction between internal prestresses created during forming and nonlinear geometrical changes during deformation. Using a simplified analytical elastic model, we homogenize the properties of the shells through simultaneously considering the material on two scales: the ‘local’ scale of the isotropic material; and the ‘global’ scale of the corrugated sheet, which is then modelled as an equivalent flat sheet with anisotropic properties. This model is applied to simulate two modes of bistability observed in prototypes: first, prestressed corrugated shells that, when buckled, can coil up into a tube repeatably and reversibly; and second, corrugated sheets with a symmetry-breaking ‘twisting’ curvature. The model gives an intuitive understanding of the behaviour, and has enabled us to understand forming processes that give the behaviour we wish, including tristable shells that combine both bistable modes.
A systematic forward genetic analysis identified components of the Chlamydomonas circadian system
Authors: Matsuo Takuya , Okamoto Kazuhisa , Onai Kiyoshi , Niwa Yoshimi , Shimogawara Kosuke , Ishiura Masahiro
Published: March 2008

The molecular bases of circadian clocks have been studied in animals, fungi, bacteria, and plants, but not in eukaryotic algae. To establish a new model for molecular analysis of the circadian clock, here we identified a large number of components of the circadian system in the eukaryotic unicellular alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii by a systematic forward genetic approach. We isolated 105 insertional mutants that exhibited defects in period, phase angle, and/or amplitude of circadian rhythms in bioluminescence derived from a luciferase reporter gene in their chloroplast genome. Simultaneous measurement of circadian rhythms in bioluminescence and growth rate revealed that some of these mutants had defects in the circadian clock itself, whereas one mutant had a defect in a specific process for the chloroplast bioluminescence rhythm. We identified 30 genes (or gene loci) that would be responsible for rhythm defects in 37 mutants. Classification of these genes revealed that various biological processes are involved in regulation of the chloroplast rhythmicity. Amino acid sequences of six genes that would have crucial roles in the circadian clock revealed features of the Chlamydomonas clock that have both partially plant-like and original components.
Is the impact of journal impact factors decreasing?
Authors: Reedijk Jan , Moed Henk F.
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of the use of the citation‐based journal impact factor for evaluative purposes upon the behaviour of authors and editors. It seeks to give a critical examination of a number of claims as regards the manipulability of this indicator on the basis of an empirical analysis of publication and referencing practices of authors and journal editors

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes mechanisms that may affect the numerical values of journal impact factors. It also analyses general, “macro” patterns in large samples of journals in order to obtain indications of the extent to which such mechanisms are actually applied on a large scale. Finally it presents case studies of particular science journals in order to illustrate what their effects may be in individual cases.

Findings

The paper shows that the commonly used journal impact factor can to some extent be relatively easily manipulated. It discusses several types of strategic editorial behaviour, and presents cases in which journal impact factors were – intentionally or otherwise – affected by particular editorial strategies. These findings lead to the conclusion that one must be most careful in interpreting and using journal impact factors, and that authors, editors and policy makers must be aware of their potential manipulability. They also show that some mechanisms occur as of yet rather infrequently, while for others it is most difficult if not impossible to assess empirically how often they are actually applied. If their frequency of occurrence increases, one should come to the conclusion that the impact of impact factors is decreasing.

Originality/value

The paper systematically describes a number of claims about the manipulability of journal impact factors that are often based on “informal” or even anecdotal evidences and illustrates how these claims can be further examined in thorough empirical research of large data samples.
Towards a national print repository for Australia: where from and where to?
Authors: Genoni Paul
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to trace the recent history of Australian attempts to reach a national solution to the space problems that afflict many of our research libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

In recent years there has been a growing international interest in the development of shared facilities to house legacy print collections as a means of providing cost‐effective and secure storage. These “repositories” have in some cases been successfully implemented on a national scale. This paper argues that although negotiations have not been successful to date, the opportunity still exists to re‐open discussions, and makes suggestions regarding the organisational structures that are needed to bring about a successful outcome.

Findings

Initiatives such as Libraries Australia have been made possible by coordinated cross‐sectoral activity, undertaken in the service of Australian research communities. What has not been as successful is the use of this infrastructure to underpin further collaboration with regard to the long‐term development and maintenance of collections. The prospect of a national repository provides a further opportunity to achieve such an outcome.

Originality/value

There are many reasons to believe that Australia research libraries and communities would benefit substantially from a national print repository. It will only be possible, however, with the right structure for leadership, coordination and advocacy. There is much that can be learnt from the UK experience in this regard, and Australia library leaders should look to building a strong base of cross‐sectoral support for a renewed bid.
Leadership, development and learning mechanisms
Authors: Mitki Yoram , Shani A.B. (Rami) , Stjernberg Torbjörn
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to advance a framework for the exploration of system transformation that includes leadership roles, contextual mess and triggering events, designing and managing sustainable learning mechanisms, managing a variety of balancing acts, creating shared understanding and, transforming shared understanding into action.

Design/methodology/approach

A five‐phased longitudinal research of one organization – Kibbutz Shefayim– during 12 years: semi‐structured interviews (60‐120 minutes each) with Kibbutz members representing a wide range of views and experiences in 1993; collecting and reviewing of Kibbutz internal “raw” documents that related to changes that occurred during the past 12 years, and; follow‐up semi structured interviews in 1998, 2001 and 2005. The interviewed members were asked to describe the nature of the changes that had taken place since the previous interview, including reasons, mechanisms, results and impacts.

Findings

The findings suggest that leading system change requires managerial orientation that is centered on balancing acts embedded in on going dialogue and the design of learning mechanisms. The paper advances a specific set of balancing acts and discusses their implications for leading system wide transformation.

Research limitations/limitations

This research was conducted within one organization. Further longitudinal replications in other Kibbutz‐based systems are under way.

Practical implications

The proposed view of leadership as a balancing act seems to capture the experience of many managers in the twenty‐first century. The findings suggest that some of the critical success factors for system‐wide transformation centers on the leaders' ability to sustain the following activities: continuous effort at bringing the outside forces into alignment with the internal forces; utilizing triggering events as levers for continuous change, and the purposeful design and management of learning mechanisms.

Originality/value

Adds to the literature on the exploration of system transformation and includes leadership roles, contextual mess and triggering events, designing and managing sustainable learning mechanisms, managing a variety of balancing acts, creating shared understanding and, transforming shared understanding into action.
Competing values leadership: quadrant roles and personality traits
Authors: Belasen Alan , Frank Nancy
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to validate the number and order of leadership roles and identify the personality traits which trigger the choice of leadership roles.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey addressing classification and measurement questions in each of the competing values framework (CVF) quadrants was administered to a sample of managerial leaders across organizations. Multidimensional scaling representing the underlying CVF dimensions in a spatial arrangement was conducted with input derived from LISREL, which was also used to test the degree‐of‐fit between the CVF roles and quadrants as well as to examine the relationships between personality traits and leadership roles.

Findings

The results produced a remarkable synthesis of two separate fields of study within a single competing quadrants grid confirming the causal paths from traits to the compressed CVF latent variables.

Research limitations/implications

This study raises important questions about the causal effects of personality traits and situational contingencies on the choice of leadership roles.

Practical implications

The new awareness of precursors to CVF roles calls for significantly shifting the focus of leadership training and education efforts. Leadership development strategies designed to improve current managerial strengths must also target specific weaknesses and their psychological underpinnings.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates the efficacy of the CVF and at the same time draws more robust conclusions about how traits affect the choice of leadership roles, how they influence the extent of managerial effectiveness and to what extent managerial choice of roles is conscious or just a stimulus response.
Female secondary school leaders: at the helm of social justice, democratic schooling and equity
Authors: Normore Anthony H. , Jean‐Marie Gaetane
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the leadership experiences of four female secondary principals (two Black, two White) in one south‐western state to create significant discourse for understanding school leadership nested in complex social, political and cultural contexts. These women confronted education challenges of social justice, democracy, and equity in their schools.

Design/methodology/approach

The philosophical tradition of phenomenology was chosen as the qualitative methodology for this study “which is understood to be a concern for human meaning and ultimately for interpreting those meanings so that they inform our practice and our science”. As a secondary analysis of a specific finding (i.e. female leaders who exemplified a values‐orientation around issues of social justice in their leadership practices) from the original study the lived experiences of four female secondary school leaders were further explored.

Findings

All four women engaged in leadership praxis by: transforming school practices to promote equity and access for all students and embracing diversity of their student populations; connecting the world of research and practice; adopting democratic and participative leadership styles that relate to female values developed through socialization processes including building relationships, consensus building, power as influence, and working together for a common purpose.

Practical implications

While the focus is secondary school female leaders and educational leadership in a North American context, the implications have a broader transnational focus, exploring themes and issues that may span national boundaries and cultures.

Originality/value

For purposes of this article, the original data were revisited to conduct secondary analyses of the experiences of four women. Research contends that this approach can be used to generate new knowledge, new hypotheses, or support for existing theories; and that it allows wider use of data from rare or inaccessible respondents.
A scanning robotic system for humanitarian de‐mining activities
Authors: Ponticelli R. , Garcia E. , Gonzalez de Santos P. , Armada M.
Published: March 2008

Purpose

Humanitarian de‐mining tasks require the use of specific detecting sets to detect landmines. These sets are normally based on a one‐point sensor, which must be moved over the infested terrain by a combination of a scanning manipulator and a mobile platform. The purpose of this paper is to present the development of the sensor head and the scanning manipulator.

Design/methodology/approach

The manipulator needs sensors in order to negotiate ground irregularities and detect obstacles in the path of the mine‐detecting set. All of the sensors must be integrated into a sensor head that is in charge of both detecting land mines and providing overall sensor functions for the mobile platform's steering controller.

Findings

The sensor head is based on a commercial mine‐detecting set and a ground‐tracking set based on a network of range sensors tailor‐made for this purpose; the scanning manipulator is based on a mechanism with five degrees of freedom.

Originality/value

The design assessment and some experiments are reported.
Competing interests: the challenge to collaboration in the public sector
Authors: Young Louise , Denize Sara
Published: March 2008

Purpose

Managers working within organizations that are part of public–private collaborations comment on their “diabolical” nature and seek guidance as to their administration. Set in an organization involved in a public–private “service delivery contract”, the purpose of this paper is to report research into the collaboration and challenges experienced within the organization. It also seeks to consider to the significance of narrative and story‐telling in understanding these complexities.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected using depth interviews and observation. The emerging discourse was analyzed using a machine‐based, lexigraphic tool to provide a framework for interpretive story analysis. The significance and value of each approach are illustrated as are the effective synergies between them.

Findings

The paper identifies a number of different competing interests, including the needs of the clients vs the governmentally imposed goals and performance metrics of the organization. The limitations of this network form are highlighted; through contrasting of manager and consultant stories it becomes plain that collaborative networking only occurs at the management levels.

Research limitations/implications

The role of the story‐teller and the story context emerge as significant. Further research that pays greater attention to the stories’ context, subtext, roles of narrator and others in the story is recommended.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates the value of extending machine‐based analysis with more interpretive approaches. The significance of story analysis in understanding the embeddedness of narrative is highlighted as the range of synergies that can arise from multiple analytical techniques.
Hybrid (PAC) systems: pathway to productivity
Authors: Herb Samuel
Published: March 2008

Purpose

Claimed to be programmable logic controllers (PLCs) that act like distributed control systems (DCSs), various people define hybrid systems differently: by functions, by industries served, by architecture, and even by no label at all. As a result, there is still confusion about the label “Hybrid Systems.” This paper aims to explore these issues briefly and to help understand and reduce confusion about these relatively recent hybrid systems, which are now also being called “Programmable Automation Controls” (PAC).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper compares DCSs, PLCs, centralized computer systems, use of industrial professional (personal) computers, original hybrid control systems, current hybrid control systems, evolution to PAC and shows evolution of new programming standards.

Findings

Hybrid control systems can readily become part of the overall plant productivity. This is a stepping‐stone towards complete enterprise control systems.

Research limitations/implications

No small part of this capability is the emerging standard for easy consistent configuration of hybrid systems, regardless of the vendor who supplies them.

Practical implications

Because of the emerging configuration standard, the hybrid system can be re‐configured as needed due to plant changes or market swing. This provides the user with “agile manufacturing.”

Originality/value

More than a “cheap DCS,” these hybrid control systems can be an inexpensive stepping‐stone towards managing the business as it was meant to be managed. What is important is that these elements can be introduced in manageable increments to meet tight budgets.
A GRAFCET‐compiler methodology for C‐programmed microcontrollers
Authors: Bayó‐Puxan Oriol , Rafecas‐Sabaté Josep , Gomis‐Bellmunt Oriol , Bergas‐Jané Joan
Published: March 2008

Purpose

This paper seeks to describe why PLC's development tools can be used in the programming of C‐programmed microcontrollers, and an exhaustive methodology to compile Graphe Fonctionnel de Commande Etapes‐Transitions (GRAFCET) specifications into C‐code.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper introduces an exhaustive methodology to translate a given GRAFCET into an equivalent C‐code, valid for embedded systems' microcontrollers.

Findings

The main contribution of the paper is the presented methodology, which reduces specification and programming times, while enhancing flexibility, maintenance and reusability.

Originality/value

Although this theme is not new, this paper presents a novel approach, filling the final gap: implementation into industrial systems.
The development of a wafer prealigner based on the multi‐sensor integration
Authors: Huang Chunxia , Cao Qixin , Fu Zhuang , Leng Chuntao
Published: March 2008

Purpose

This paper sets out to propose a wafer prealigner based on multi‐sensor integration and an effective prealignment method implemented on it.

Design/methodology/approach

The wafer and notch eccentricities, on which wafer prealignment is based, are calculated with the peripheral data of the wafer detected by a laser displacement sensor and a transmission laser sensor by means of barycenter acquiring algorithm in a one‐particle system.

Findings

The center and notch prealignment precisions of the system are, respectively, ±1.5 μm and ±30 μrad. Experimentation has proved the validity and effectiveness of the system.

Practical implications

The wafer prealigner is a subsystem of the lithography in the semiconductor industry. The prealignment algorithm can be implemented in any object with random figures.

Originality/value

The periphery of the wafer is detected by a high‐precision laser displacement sensor and a low‐cost transmission laser sensor instead of a CCD linear sensor used by traditional wafer prealigners, which saves the space occupation of the structure and enhances the systematic prealignment precision. Using barycenter acquiring algorithm in a one‐particle system to calculate the wafer and notch eccentricities is effective and valid.
Emotional intelligence and management development implications
Authors: Jamali D. , Sidani Y. , Abu‐Zaki D.
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an exploratory study of EI in the Lebanese context, investigating empirically variations in EI competency scores (self‐awareness, self‐regulation, self‐motivation, social awareness and social skills) in a sample of 225 Lebanese employees/managers. The study provides preliminary feedback on the possibility of detection of systematic variations in EI levels across demographic variables in the workplace and highlights relevant implications accordingly.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire‐based measure was developed to capture the basic competencies on a self‐report basis.

Findings

The findings suggest differences in EI scores across different EI competencies for males and females, with males scoring higher on self‐regulation and self‐motivation, and females scoring higher on self‐awareness, empathy and social skills, and that EI levels increase significantly with managerial position.

Originality/value

The value added of this research is to revisit the salience of EI in the workplace and to highlight relevant implications. The research supports the business case for integrating EI valuation into traditional organizational functions (e.g. selection, promotion, and training).
Diagnosing and revising logistic regression models
Authors: Chen Chen‐Yuan , Yang Hsien‐Chueh Peter , Chen Cheng‐Wu , Chen Tsung‐Hao
Published: March 2008

Purpose

This study aims to apply a systematic statistical approach, including several plot indexes, to diagnose the goodness of fit of a logistic regression model, and then to detect the outliers and influential observations of the data from experimental data.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed statistical approach is applied to analyze some experimental data on internal solitary wave propagation.

Findings

A suitable logistic regression model in which the relationship between the response variable and the explanatory variables is found. The problem of multicollinearity is tested. It was found that certain observations would not have the problem of multicollinearity. The P‐values for both the Pearson and deviance χ2 tests are greater than 0.05. However, the Pearson χ2 value is larger than the degrees of freedom. This finding indicates that although this model fits the data, it has a slight overdispersion. After three outliers and influential observations (cases 11, 27, and 49) are removed from the data, and the remaining observations are refitted the goodness‐of‐fit of the revised model to the data is improved.

Practical implications

A comparison of the four predictive powers: R2, max‐rescaled R2, the Somers' D, and the concordance index c, shows that the revised model has better predictive abilities than the original model.

Originality/value

The goodness‐of‐fit and prediction ability of the revised logistic regression model are more appropriate than those of the original model.
Determination of cable tensions based on frequency differences
Authors: Ren Wei‐Xin , Liu Hao‐Liang , Chen Gang
Published: March 2008

Purpose

Owing to the cable flexibility, it is practically a lot easier to measure the high‐vibration frequencies of the cable than the fundamental vibration frequency. The objective of this study is to present a method to determine the cable tension based on frequency differences so that the effects of cable sag and bending stiffness can be included.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper includes theoretical derivation, laboratory study to verify the method and practical application in a real bridge.

Findings

It is suggested to measure the high‐vibration frequencies, and to use the vibration frequency difference to determine the fundamental vibration frequency of the cable and then to estimate the cable tension. The reliability of the method is verified by laboratory tests and the method is then applied to determine cable tensions in a real bridge.

Originality/value

This paper provides theoretical derivations to demonstrate that under certain conditions, the frequency difference of a cable with sag and bending is almost equal to the natural frequency of the same cable when it is taut. This unique characteristic of cable vibration is used to determine the cable tension similar to the fundamental frequency‐based taut‐string formula that is commonly used in practice.
Managing pathways to convergence in the life sciences industry
Authors: Eselius Laura , Nimmagadda Mohan , Kambil Ajit , Hisey R.T. (Terry) , Rhodes John
Published: March 2008

Purpose

Convergence in the life sciences and health care industries – the combining of two or more of drugs, diagnostics and devices to create an improved health care product – is leading to new opportunities for business growth and product differentiation. This report aims to examine the issues around convergence, including the drivers, risks and regulatory issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This report is based on industry and literature reviews and builds on research carried out by Deloitte Research on the life sciences and health care industry.

Findings

The paper finds that technological advances, evolving health care needs and shifting market conditions are creating favourable conditions for convergence. Developing convergent technologies, however, has risks and uncertainties that life sciences companies need to consider along with regulatory issues. Cross‐sector partnerships are becoming more of a necessity and reality for health care firms, who have to be aware of the many operational and ownership issues involved.

Practical implications

Market pressures and opportunities are motivating life sciences firms of all types and sizes to invest in convergence. Convergent technology is transforming cardiovascular care, orthopedic treatment, tissue wound management and other clinical areas by creating solutions that are less invasive, less painful, more patient‐specific, more convenient and sometimes more affordable. Consequently, players from all sectors are entering the competition for R&D assets, setting up new rivalries and alliances.

Originality/value

In mapping the many factors surrounding convergence in the life sciences industry, this report enables firms to evaluate their own opportunities and priorities. It proposes a framework that companies can use to decide which pathway to convergence is best for them.
Particle transport in recirculated liquid metal flows
Authors: Kirpo M. , Jakovičs A. , Nacke B. , Baake E.
Published: March 2008

Purpose

Aims to present recent activities in numerical modeling of turbulent transport processes in induction crucible furnace.

Design/methodology/approach

3D large eddy simulation (LES) method was applied for fluid flow modeling in a cylindrical container and transport of 30,000 particles was investigated with Lagrangian approach.

Findings

Particle accumulation near the side crucible boundary is determined mainly by the ρp/ρ ratio and according to the presented results. Particle settling velocity is of the same order as characteristic melt flow velocity. Particle concentration homogenization time depends on the internal flow regime. Separate particle tracks introduce very intensive mass exchange between the different parts of the melt in the whole volume of the crucible.

Originality/value

Transient simulation of particle transport together with LES fluid flow simulation gives the opportunity of accurate prediction of admixture concentartion distribution in the melt.
Inductive modulated calorimetry: analytical model versus numerical simulation
Authors: Schetelat P. , Etay J.
Published: March 2008

Purpose

To evaluate assumptions relevance of an analytical heat flow model used in indirect measurement of heat capacity and thermal conductivity by the modulated calorimetry technique.

Design/methodology/approach

Assumptions are tested by comparing analytical prediction to numerical simulation results.

Findings

This study validates the analytical model for a solid sample.

Research limitations/implications

This research only focuses on solid samples.

Originality/value

This paper allows a broader study on the relevance of modulated calorimetry on liquid samples.
Effect of PEG number on dielectric properties of paraffin‐based PEG polymers at microwave frequencies
Authors: Yamada Pittini Yoko , Daneshvari Dana , Leparoux Susanne , Vaucher Sébastien , Ritter Axel , Rohr Lukas , Leuenberger Hans
Published: March 2008

Purpose

To investigate the effect of poly ethylene glycol (PEG) chain length on the dielectric properties of paraffin‐based PEG polymers (H(CH2)n–(OCH2CH2)mOH) from both experimental and analytical approach.

Design/methodology/approach

Dielectric constant studies of paraffin‐based PEG polymers were carried out at temperatures above the melting point. The measurements were carried out at frequencies between 0.4 and 20 GHz. The number of PEG units, m, was varied from 0 to 80 to investigate the effect of the PEG chain length on the dielectric properties of the whole polymer.

Findings

With the existence of a dipole moment on PEG but not on pure paraffin, both the real and imaginary part of the dielectric permittivity become larger with increasing chain length of PEG. PEG 3000 showed the highest dielectric constants in the measured frequency range. The effect of the PEG chain length can be explained well by introducing the fraction of molecular weight of PEG divided by the molecular weight of the whole polymer (we call this fraction “Mw fraction of PEG”). Both, real and imaginary part of the dielectric permittivity exhibit a cubic dependence of the molecular weight fraction, and the loss tangent exhibits a linear dependence. These relationships make it possible to predict the microwave heating of the polymer in function of the PEG chain length, carbon chain length and microwave frequency.

Originality/value

For the dielectric permittivity of paraffin‐based PEG polymers, the effect of the PEG chain length, carbon chain length and applied microwave frequency on the loss tangent was explained well by introducing the molecular weight fraction of PEG.
Data mining of environmental stress tolerances on plants
Authors: Segall Richard S. , Guha Gauri S. , Nonis Sarath A.
Published: March 2008

Purpose

This paper seeks to present a complete set of graphical and numerical outputs of data mining performed for microarray databases of plant data as described in earlier research by the authors. A brief description of data mining is also presented, as well as a brief background of previous research.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses applications of data mining using SAS Enterprise Miner Version 4 for plant data from the Osmotic Stress Microarray Information Database (OSMID) that is available on the web for both normalized and log(2) transformed data.

Findings

This paper illustrates that useful information about the effects of environmental stress tolerances (ESTs) on plants can be obtained by using data mining.

Research limitations/implications

Use of SAS Enterprise Miner was very effective for performing data mining of microarray databases with its modules of cluster analysis, decision trees, and descriptive and visual statistics.

Practical implications

The data used from the OSMID database are considered to be representative of those that could be used for biotech application such as the manufacture of plant‐made‐pharmaceuticals and genetically modified foods.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the discussion on the use of data mining for microarray databases and specifically for studying the effects of ESTs on plants.