bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prey attack and predators defend: counterattacking prey trigger parental care in predators
Authors: Magalhães Sara , Janssen Arne , Montserrat Marta , Sabelis Maurice W
Published: August 2005

That predators attack and prey defend is an oversimplified view. When size changes during development, large prey may be invulnerable to predators, and small juvenile predators vulnerable to attack by prey. This in turn may trigger a defensive response in adult predators to protect their offspring. Indeed, when sizes overlap, one may wonder ‘who is the predator and who is the prey’! Experiments with ‘predatory’ mites and thrips ‘prey’ showed that young, vulnerable prey counterattack by killing young predators and adult predators respond by protective parental care, killing young prey that attack their offspring. Thus, young individuals form the Achilles' heel of prey and predators alike, creating a cascade of predator attack, prey counterattack and predator defence. Therefore, size structure and relatedness induce multiple ecological role reversals.
Rapidly shifting environmental baselines among fishers of the Gulf of California
Authors: Sáenz-Arroyo Andrea , Roberts CallumM , Torre Jorge , Cariño-Olvera Micheline , Enríquez-Andrade RobertoR
Published: August 2005

Shifting environmental baselines are inter-generational changes in perception of the state of the environment. As one generation replaces another, people's perceptions of what is natural change even to the extent that they no longer believe historical anecdotes of past abundance or size of species. Although widely accepted, this phenomenon has yet to be quantitatively tested. Here we survey three generations of fishers from Mexico's Gulf of California (N=108), where fish populations have declined steeply over the last 60 years, to investigate how far and fast their environmental baselines are shifting. Compared to young fishers, old fishers named five times as many species and four times as many fishing sites as once being abundant/productive but now depleted (Kruskal–Wallis tests, bothp<0.001) with no evidence of a slowdown in rates of loss experienced by younger compared to older generations (Kruskall-Wallis test, NS in both cases). Old fishers caught up to 25 times as many Gulf grouperMycteroperca jordanias young fishers on their best ever fishing day (regressionr2=0.62,p<0.001). Despite times of plentiful large fish still being within living memory, few young fishers appreciated that large species had ever been common or nearshore sites productive. Such rapid shifts in perception of what is natural help explain why society is tolerant of the creeping loss of biodiversity. They imply a large educational hurdle in efforts to reset expectations and targets for conservation.
Base units of the SI, fundamental constants and modern quantum physics
Authors: Bordé Christian J
Published: August 2005

Over the past 40 years, a number of discoveries in quantum physics have completely transformed our vision of fundamental metrology. This revolution starts with the frequency stabilization of lasers using saturation spectroscopy and the redefinition of the metre by fixing the velocity of light
c
. Today, the trend is to redefine all SI base units from fundamental constants and we discuss strategies to achieve this goal. We first consider a kinematical frame, in which fundamental constants with a dimension, such as the speed of light
c
, the Planck constant
h
, the Boltzmann constant
k
B
or the electron mass
m
e
can be used to connect and redefine base units. The various interaction forces of nature are then introduced in a dynamical frame, where they are completely characterized by dimensionless coupling constants such as the fine structure constant
α
or its gravitational analogue
α
G
. This point is discussed by rewriting the Maxwell and Dirac equations with new force fields and these coupling constants. We describe and stress the importance of various quantum effects leading to the advent of this new quantum metrology. In the second part of the paper, we present the status of the seven base units and the prospects of their possible redefinitions from fundamental constants in an experimental perspective. The two parts can be read independently and they point to these same conclusions concerning the redefinitions of base units. The concept of rest mass is directly related to the Compton frequency of a body, which is precisely what is measured by the watt balance. The conversion factor between mass and frequency is the Planck constant, which could therefore be fixed in a realistic and consistent new definition of the kilogram based on its Compton frequency. We discuss also how the Boltzmann constant could be better determined and fixed to replace the present definition of the kelvin.
Developments in the quantum Hall effect
Authors: von Klitzing Klaus
Published: August 2005

The most important applications of the quantum Hall effect (QHE) are in the field of metrology. The observed quantization of the resistance is primarily used for the reproduction of the SI unit ohm, but is also important for high precision measurements of both the fine structure constant and the Planck constant. Some current QHE research areas include the analysis of new electron–electron correlation phenomena and the development of a more complete microscopic picture of this quantum effect. Recently, scanning force microscopy (SFM) of the potential distribution in QHE devices has been used to enhance the microscopic understanding of current flow in quantum Hall systems. This confirms the importance of the theoretically predicted stripes of compressible and incompressible electronic states close to the boundary of the QHE devices.
Evaluating the quality of library portals
Authors: Joint Nicholas
Published: August 2005

Purpose

To investigate ways of demonstrating how portal implementations positively alter user information retrieval behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

An opinion piece reflecting on existing evidence about the nature of portal implementations, which extrapolates trends in user behaviour on the basis of these reflections.

Findings

Although portal technologies probably do offer a way for libraries to create information tools that can compete with “one‐stop shop” Internet search engines, there are likely difficulties in their pattern of usage which will have to be detected by effective quality measurement techniques.

Research limitations/implications

An expression of opinion about the possible pitfalls of using portals to optimise users’ information retrieval activity.

Practical implications

This opinion piece gives some clear and practical guidelines for the evaluation of the success of library portal implementations.

Originality/value

This editorial points out that, because the portal can be defined as a deliberate clone of a typical successful Internet search engine and may be presented to the naïve user in the same terms, the danger is that library portals might also clone the same information habits as Internet search engines, because of their ease of use. In trying to produce a tool that can meet Google on its own terms but with better content, we might reproduce some of the same educational disbenefits as Google: quality information retrieval is not purely a function of content, it is also a function of the user’s perceptions and information habits.
Matching between assigned descriptors and title keywords in medical theses
Authors: Ansari Mariam
Published: August 2005

Purpose

To examine the degree of exact and partial match between the assigned descriptors and title keywords of medical theses written in Farsi and submitted for a PhD degree.Design/methodology/approach – A sample population of 506 theses in Pediatrics, Gynecology, Cardiology and Psychiatry was randomly picked out of a total of 909 indexed in the Indexing Department of the Central Library of the Iran University of Medical Science and Health Care Services. The results obtained are compared with those reported for other documents written in Farsi and English. Where applicable, the influence of the foreign language and its structure is commented on.Findings – It is shown that the degree of match between the assigned descriptors and the title keywords is greater than 70 per cent, equaling those reported for Farsi books and Michigan University Library catalogue in USA. It is also shown that the frequency of the match has increased since 1982, indicating that the authors have become more attentive in their choice of title.Research limitations/implications – Detailed analysis of results, however, shows significant differences between the degree of exact match amongst the four categories, with psychiatry theses that use more common terms showing highest exact match findings (50 per cent).Originality/value – This paper highlights the need for a closer collaboration with medical institutions for definition of approved terms and their incorporation in indexation in order to improve findings in various medical categories.
Distinct and expanded roles for reference librarians
Authors: Rockman Ilene F.
Published: August 2005

Purpose

Proposes advocating that reference librarians have a distinct and important role in the development, management, dissemination, and sustainability of institutional repositories.

Design/methodology/approach

Suggests working with faculty and students to encourage them to share their research and instructional products, and to contribute to the extension of their discipline's knowledge base in new and meaningful ways.

Findings

Notes that reference librarians are natural partners to be involved with institutional repositories because of their service orientation, subject experience as knowledge managers, and communication skills.

Originality/value

Makes important recommendations about the role of the reference librarian in contributing to the success of institutional repositories.
In‐situmeasurement of dust deposition on bag filters using stereo vision and non‐rigid registration
Authors: Rüther Matthias , Saleem Mahmood , Bischof Horst , Krammer Gernot
Published: August 2005

Purpose

The goal is to perform anin‐situmeasurement of dust layer thickness on bag filters.

Design/methodology/approach

Presents a machine vision system in terms of hard‐ and software which is capable of obtaining the relative height difference of a cloth filter surface in different states of operation. The measurement process starts with a stereo reconstruction of filter surface patches. The patches are aligned to form a continuous model using the iterative closest point algorithm. Models acquired at different states of operation are registered using thin plate spline interpolation and afterwards subtracted from each other to obtain the relative height difference.

Findings

Relative thickness measurement is possible with an accuracy ranging from 50 to 300 μm, depending on the operational states.

Research limitations/implications

In‐situmeasurement of dust deposition is a new tool for examining the behaviour of commercial bag filters.

Practical implications

Provides the foundation for a system measuring both thickness and density of dust deposition.

Originality/value

Applies findings in the field of machine vision to a problem in process engineering and filter design.
A binocular machine vision system for ball grid array package inspection
Authors: Qixin Cao , Zhuang Fu , Nianjiong Xia , Lewis F.L.
Published: August 2005

Purpose

In this paper, an optical inspection method of the ball grid array package(BGA) is proposed using a binocular machine vision system.

Design/methodology/approach

The height of each solder ball is calculated based on spatial geometrical size and location obtained from the two CCD cameras capturing range images of a LED illuminated BGA chip at certain orientation.

Findings

The structure of this system is simple and the accuracy is 0.02 mm, The experimental results have proved the validity of this system for BGA failure detection.

Practical implications

The developed machine vision system can provide some of the critical factors for BGA quality evaluation, such as the height of solder ball, diameter, pitch and coplanarity.

Originality/value

Compared with other systems, the structure of this system is simple and accurate, which meets the demand of off‐line and on‐line inspection. The limitation of this system is that the margin of field of view (FOV) is fuzzy. Further study could be focused on this problem.
KONYIN: Nigeria Multilingual Keyboard
Authors: Adomi Esharenana E. , Benson Adogbeji Oghenevwogaga
Published: August 2005

Purpose

Introduces readers to the new multilingual keyboard technology, KONYIN.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper describes KONYIN, a Nigerian multilingual keyboard that has just been invented. It highlights the features and the benefits of the keyboard manufactured by LANCOR technologies based in Boston, MA. Describes eight years of product design to achieve results.

Findings

Applications for a new typewriter/keyboard that accommodates different languages and diacritical marks in a single interface.

Research limitations/implications

Users no longer have to switch keyboard layout to type in any language. Has great potential for other language variations.

Practical Implications

Provides useful information and advice for software architects and computer scientists, linguists and writers who want to write in native languages and dialects as well as international languages on one keyboard. Has enormous potential for translation.

Originality/value

This may be the first virtual keyboard layout with its scope.
An advanced cutting trajectory algorithm for laminated tooling
Authors: Yoo Seungryeol , Walczyk Daniel
Published: August 2005

Purpose

To provide an advanced cutting trajectory algorithm for the profiled edge laminae (PEL) rapid tooling (RT) process, which is ideally suited for large‐scale dies and molds. The process involves assembling an array of laminae whose top edges are simultaneously profiled and beveled using a line‐of‐sight cutting method based on a CAD model of the intended tool surface.

Design/methodology/approach

The cutting profiles for an individual tool lamina are based on intersection curves obtained directly from the CAD model, and generated with exact geometrical accuracy. Two adjacent slice profiles, which define a lamination's top edge and are represented as polylines, are stitched together using an adaptive surface reconstruction algorithm. A cutting trajectory algorithm then develops a series of suitable cutting vectors (i.e. position and cutting direction) that minimize abrasive waterjet (AWJ) cutting errors due to non‐uniform motion and variations in kerf geometry resulting from process parameter variations. The proposed cutting trajectory generation process is demonstrated virtually for an actual production tool.

Findings

The proposed algorithm yields well‐behaved AWJ cutting trajectories for individual lamina used in a PEL tool that are better than those obtained using any other algorithm found in the literature.

Research limitations/implications

The algorithm is intended for use with AWJ cutting of PEL tool surfaces. Suggested future research includes assessment of the algorithm for other lamina cutting methods including laser cutting and wire‐type electro‐discharge machining, extending the algorithm to handle conformal cooling/heating channels and internal cavities, and application of the algorithm to several industrial tool case studies.

Practical implications

The algorithm generates cutting trajectories directly from CAD geometry that are ideal for AWJ cutting of profiled edge lamina. It will simply make industrial implementation of the PEL RT process easier.

Originality/value

This paper provides a new cutting trajectory algorithm for the PEL RT process that is a significant improvement over comparable algorithms proposed in the literature.
Volume decomposition of CAD models for rapid prototyping technology
Authors: Chan C.K. , Tan S.T.
Published: August 2005

Purpose

This paper reports on the work done to decompose a large sized solid model into smaller solid components for rapid prototyping technology. The target geometric domain of the solid model includes quadrics and free form surfaces.

Design/methodology/approach

The decomposition criteria are based on the manufacturability of the model against a user‐defined manufacturing chamber size and the maintenance of geometrical information of the model. In the proposed algorithm, two types of manufacturing chamber are considered: cylindrical shape and rectangular shape. These two types of chamber shape are commonly implemented in rapid prototyping machines.

Findings

The proposed method uses a combination of the regular decomposition (RD)‐method and irregular decomposition (ID)‐method to split a non‐producible solid model into smaller producible subparts. In the ID‐method, the producible feature group decomposition (PFGD)‐method focuses on the decomposition by recognising producible feature groups. In the decomposition process, less additional geometrical and topological information are created. The RD‐method focuses on the splitting of non‐producible sub‐parts, which cannot be further decomposed by the PFGD‐method. Different types of regular split tool surface are studied.

Originality/value

Combination of the RD‐method and the ID‐method makes up the proposed volume decomposition process. The user can also define the sequence and priority of using these methods manually to achieve different decomposition patterns. The proposed idea is also applicable to other decomposition algorithm. Some implementation details and the corresponding problems of the proposed methods are also discussed.
Public relations practice in English county cricket
Authors: Hopwood Maria K.
Published: August 2005

Purpose

The main reason for conducting this research was to conduct an analysis of the extent of public relations activity in domestic first‐class cricket in an attempt to offer a strategy for effective, proactive public relations.

Design/methodology/approach

The research objectives were achieved by using an exploratory case study approach to evaluate the extent of public relations within the two cricket clubs, Durham County Cricket Club and Yorkshire County Cricket Club. The constructivist approach was adopted, as primary qualitative research strategies provided the bulk of the findings. A purposive sample of respondents was identified for semi‐structured, open‐ended interviews that were conducted face‐to‐face and via the telephone.

Findings

Public relations is extremely important at Durham County Cricket Club. Durham CCC's approach to public relations is the exception rather than the rule amongst the 18 first‐class counties. Yorkshire CCC does not have a dedicated public relations professional on the marketing team. Though there is clearly a place for public relations, other commercial techniques seem to be more important at Yorkshire. The consensus is that public relations is essential to the future success of the sport but the reality is that it is not fully implemented to the extent that it should be or that many in the game would like it to be. If cricket is to have a viable future, it must address its image problems and become more appealing to a demographically different audience than has traditionally been the case. Public relations, more than the other elements of the contemporary promotional mix, offers a potential solution.

Research limitations/implications

The major limitation to this research was that interviews could not be arranged with a Yorkshire player to balance that held with the Durham player. The information gathered by the researcher was necessarily indirect but it was felt that this did not invalidate the research, as a range of secondary sources was used to underpin the primary research findings. As this research was a snapshot in time, it would be useful to conduct further regular research in order to monitor changes in attitudes and approach to public relations in cricket.

Practical implications

The findings from this research are applicable to all sports and can be implemented and adapted accordingly. It is felt that all sports organisations regularly need to review their communications strategies and implement public relations much more widely.

Originality/value

No such research has previously been conducted and all the findings and recommendations are original. Durham CCC has already implemented some of the proposals and the author's continuing work with other sports organisations has been founded on this research.
Flexible electronics: silicon meets paper and beyond
Authors: Whitmarsh J.
Published: August 2005

Purpose

To consider the various aspects of this emerging market and to query the traditional view of thick film deposition and processing for successful flexible electronic production.

Design/methodology/approach

The current status of flexible electronics is reviewed with particular emphasis on emerging rather than established technologies. New techniques and applications are also discussed. Material and processing developments are also required to meet the new challenges and current developments and future needs are discussed.

Findings

Mass production of flexible electronic circuits using processing techniques that are more akin to the newspaper printing industry is under way. Much development of both materials and processing is required but needs in the radio frequency identification, renewable energy and display markets among others justify the investment.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the wide range of new applications there is a lack of detail in this review that will necessitate further reading.

Practical implications

There will need to be a change of thinking in the processing and material choice used in mass production of flexible electronics by any large volume manufacturer of traditional circuits on rigid substrates. Existing, new materials need development for electrical characteristics and ease of use. New materials will undoubtedly be required.

Originality/value

This paper raises awareness and technical issues surrounding emerging technologies.
Performance exploration of adder architectures for small to moderate‐sized low‐power, high‐performance adders
Authors: Gupta Anu , Shekhar Chandra
Published: August 2005

Purpose

The objective is to explore various adder architectures using different logic‐design styles and transistor‐sizes for different operand sizes. The scope of this work is the development of tools, which can be used to predict an optimum adder design for a given application based on the speed and energy‐consumption constraints.

Design/methodology/approach

The work has been carried out in two parts. In the first part, simulation results were generated using five different architectures; each designed using four logic design styles for three different transistor sizes. The designs were simulated to generate the values of worst‐case propagation delay and energy consumption per addition. This information is used for validating the delay and energy consumption per addition in the second part.

Findings

Optimum adder design under varying condition can be found out using this work.

Research limitations/implications

The predictive model does not consider the variation in load capacitance of each cell.

Practical implications

At present, a prime requirement in application specific integrated circuit design is reduction in design cycle time. As a result, there is minimum scope for exploration of arithmetic units in order to choose the best‐suited design. This work will help the designers to choose an optimum adder design for a given set of requirements.

Originality/value

In this work, four degrees of freedom are taken in adder design space, which are not taken before. Here, the adder design space has been explored, studied, and analyzed in this study under so many varying conditions.
Making sense of mistakes in managerial careers
Authors: Blenkinsopp John , Zdunczyk Kasia
Published: August 2005

Purpose

The paper provides initial findings on the causes and consequences of problematic mid‐career work‐role transitions – self‐reported career mistakes described by individuals in terms of a mismatch between expectations and reality.

Design/methodology/approach

This exploratory study uses in‐depth interviews based on critical incident technique (CIT) to elicit accounts of problematic work‐role transitions.

Findings

Participants reported mismatches arose because their expectations were based on their prior experience, rather than upon information provided by the organisation during the course of the recruitment process. These mismatches stimulated very active sense making on the part of participants, largely focused on finding ways to make their continuation in the role tolerable.

Research limitations/implications

The present study, which is exploratory in nature, involved a small sample size, and the use of retrospective accounts. The findings are therefore preliminary and may not be representative of mid‐career managers' experience with problematic work role transitions. However, they confirm the relevance of career mistakes to organisations and individuals and indicate a need for further research on the subject.

Practical implications

The study suggested managers moving post in mid‐career bring to their new role a range of expectations based upon prior experience, rather than the recruitment process. Further study is needed, but these findings have significant implications for organisations, in that they suggest recruitment processes must provide information in a manner which might overcome or correct these prior assumptions.

Originality/value

The subject of career mistakes has received little treatment in the organisational side of the careers literature, and yet is of everyday concerns to organisations and individuals.
Emotional intelligence as predictor of cultural adjustment for success in global assignments
Authors: Shmueli Gabel Racheli , Dolan Shimon L. , Luc Cerdin Jean
Published: August 2005

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a new framework for assessing the human resource strategy for international assignment (IA) of managers.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach posits the construct of emotional intelligence (EI) as a critical predictor for intercultural adjustment thereby leading to success. A theoretical model and the respective preliminary empirical test of a series of hypotheses pertaining to the relationships between several dimensions of EI, their impact on cross‐cultural adjustment and success of international managers overseas assignments, is presented. Analyses is based on cross sectional data of 67 cases (based on questionnaires), and on 39 cases with rectangular data where both supervisory input and questionnaires were used.

Findings

A significant correlation was found between the interpersonal emotional component and specific performance. Thus the capacities of empathy, social responsibility and social relations may predict better performance in the specific characters of IA. Moreover, the correlation between EI and adjustment dimensions showed significantly higher correlations; while cultural adjustment is not correlated with any EI dimensions, interaction fit correlates with all the EI dimensions except for stress management; adjustment at the work place was only correlated with intrapersonal emotional component. The correlation between adjustment variables and success variables shows that cultural adjustment is positively correlated with satisfaction among global managers. Adjustment at work correlates negatively with the wish to terminate the assignment. In other words, those who adjust less well to work show greater interest in terminating their assignment.

Research limitations/implications

Findings are based on the self‐reported questionnaires and should be treated with caution due to the possibilities of “method‐variance”. The findings are based on a small sample of international assigned managers operating within the Latin American theatre.

Practical implications

It is proposed that EI assessment be used in the selection of internationally assigned managers, in addition to the traditional selection criteria in order to improve the predictive ness of the assignee success.

Originality/value

The use of soft skills rather than hard skills as part of the selection decision of expatriates or any other internationally assigned professionals was long debated. In this study, for the first time, EI scores were used to predict cultural adjustment and subsequence success for managers.
Valuing the adult learner in e‐learning: part two – insights from four companies
Authors: Waight Consuelo L. , Stewart Barbara L.
Published: August 2005

Purpose

To investigate how the adult learner is valued in e‐learning corporate settings.

Design/methodology/approach

Case study methodology was used for this research. Four Fortune 500 companies that had active e‐learning initiatives for a minimum of four years were selected. Data for the development of the four cases were collected via semi‐structured telephone interviews. The questions that guided data collection and case development are: what is the e‐learning context in your organization?; How is the adult learner valued in the e‐learning environment?; What considerations must be addressed when valuing the adult learner in e‐learning environments within corporate settings?

Findings

Four case studies emerged from data collection and revealed that adult learners are being valued and supported in corporate e‐learning settings. A comparative analysis of the case studies with the Waight and Stewart conceptual model showed that the e‐learning teams are complying with all factors for the exception of transfer and return on investment.

Research limitations/implications

A primary limitation inherent in this study is its inclusion of only four large corporations. Future investigation can extend understanding of how the adult learner is valued by researching more companies and their e‐learning teams.

Practical implications

These cases provide evidence that adult learners are being valued. They can serve as models for e‐learning teams in their efforts to value the adult learner in e‐learning within corporate settings.

Originality/value

Although a body of literature related to valuing adults in academic settings exists, little investigation has been done in corporate contexts. This study confirms that adult learners are valued in e‐learning in corporate settings.
The spatial pattern of industrial rents and the role of distance
Authors: Dunse Neil , Jones Colin , Brown Jim , Fraser William D.
Published: August 2005

Purpose

The objective of this paper is to re‐appraise intra‐urban rent models in the context of a multi‐nodal landscape. Primarily, the study focuses on the early work of Alonso and, more recently, Di Pasquale and Wheaton. Although the latter use a more sophisticated approach, both models lead to similar outputs, notably a declining rent gradient from the central business district (CBD). However, throughout the twentieth century there has been a considerable process of urban industrial change. Di Pasquale and Wheaton recognise this and argue that this has led to an almost flat industrial rent gradient.

Design/methodology/approach

To assess the current impact on industrial rents a hedonic rent regression model is applied which enables us to standardise for property characteristics.

Findings

The results support the hypothesis that the rent gradient from the CBD for a large city is still downward‐sloping, albeit very shallow. More interesting is the significance of proximity to motorway junctions. The analysis supports the hypothesis of a multi‐nodal rent surface. Proximity to a motorway junction is the most important locational variable with a much steeper and negative gradient than that to the CBD, albeit over a shorter distance.

Originality/value

These results imply that the draw of the CBD in terms of agglomeration economies and its accessibility to labour for a city the size of Glasgow still remains, but its attractions are much denuded with the development of a national motorway network.
Intellectual capital‐in‐action and value creation
Authors: Cuganesan Suresh
Published: August 2005

Purpose

This paper investigates the inter‐relationships between different components of intellectual capital (IC) and value creation.

Design/methodology/approach

A single in‐depth case‐study of an innovation project within an Australian financial services firm (“TransactCo”) is conducted.

Findings

The actual IC inter‐relationships and transformations that occurred were different to those originally envisaged by organisational participants, and reflected choices about IC deployment and transformation. Considering IC‐in‐action, inter‐relationships between different IC elements and value creation were found to be pluralistic and temporally contingent.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of the paper are as follows: the use of a single case study design limits its generalisability; the empirical analyses was conducted at a project‐level and may not be transferable to other levels of analyses; and a narrow conception of value was utilised, grounded in economic value and shareholder value terms. Extending the analyses conducted to other settings represent future research opportunities.

Originality/value

Theoretically, in contrast to prior empirical studies which depict IC inter‐relationships as primarily consisting of multiple relations of cause‐and‐effect in a one‐to‐one or one‐to‐many manner, the narrative presented herein shows how IC resources transform each other, often in a pluralistic and fluid manner. In addition, the paper calls for a perspective on IC‐in‐action. Specifically, more narrative on the use of IC and its deployment should be incorporated within extant models to highlight the contingent and precarious IC and value creation relationship. Firms that fail to consider this adequately may face unintended value destruction consequences similar to those observed at TransactCo.
The imaging of root canal obturation using micro‐CT
Authors: Jung M. , Lommel D. , Klimek J.
Published: August 2005

Aim  To examine the potential and accuracy of micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT) for imaging of filled root canals.

Methodology  The root canals of five extracted maxillary teeth were shaped manually with K‐files. After irrigation and drying, the root canals were filled by lateral condensation using gutta‐percha cones and AH plus (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) as sealer. The filled root canals were examined by micro‐CT at resolutions <11 μm. Three‐dimensional reconstructions of the root canal fillings were made. The roots were sectioned histologically and standard photographs of the sectioned surfaces were taken. Digitized photographic images and the corresponding micro‐CT sections were correlated qualitatively by superimposition. Quantitative morphometric data were obtained with respect to the surface area of the root canal filling and the individual gutta‐percha points of the histological and the micro‐CT sections. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated.

Results  There was a good qualitative correlation between the images from the histological and the micro‐CT sections. The fillings were clearly differentiated from the root canal walls. Individual gutta‐percha cones and sealer were discernable. Pearson correlation coefficients showed a highly significant correlation between the two methods (P < 0.001) with respect to the area of the complete root canal filling (r = 0.992) and the gutta‐percha cones (r = 0.968).

Conclusions  The micro‐CT technique was a highly accurate and nondestructive method for the evaluation of root canal fillings and its constituents. Qualitative and quantitative correlation between histological and micro‐CT examination of root canal fillings was high.
Water Framework Directive: ecological classification of Danish lakes
Authors: SØNDERGAARD MARTIN , JEPPESEN ERIK , PEDER JENSEN JENS , LILDAL AMSINCK SUSANNE
Published: August 2005

The European Water Framework Directive (WFD) requires that all European waterbodies are assigned to one of five ecological classes, based primarily on biological indicators, and that minimum good ecological quality is obtained by 2015. However, the directive provides only general guidance regarding indicator definitions and determination of boundaries between classes.

We used chemical and biological data from 709 Danish lakes to investigate whether and how lake types respond differently to eutrophication. In the absence of well‐defined reference conditions, lakes were grouped according to alkalinity and water depth, and the responses to eutrophication were ordered along a total phosphorus (TP) gradient to test the applicability of pre‐defined boundaries.

As a preliminary classification we suggest a TP‐based classification into high, good, moderate, bad and poor ecological quality using 0–25, 25–50, 50–100, 100–200 and > 200 µg P L−1 boundaries for shallow lakes, and 0–12·5, 12·5–25, 25–50, 50–100 and > 100 µg P L−1 boundaries for deep lakes. Within each TP category, median values are used to define preliminary boundaries for the biological indicators.

Most indicators responded strongly to increasing TP, but there were only minor differences between low and high alkalinity lakes and modest variations between deep and shallow lakes. The variability of indicators within a given TP range was, however, high, and for most indicators there was a considerable overlap between adjacent TP categories. Cyanophyte biomass, submerged macrophyte coverage, fish numbers and chlorophyll a were among the ‘best’ indicators, but their ability to separate different TP classes varied with TP.

When using multiple indicators the risk that one or more indicators will indicate different ecological classes is high because of a high variability of all indicators within a specific TP class, and the ‘one out – all out’ principle in relation to indicators does not seem feasible. Alternatively a certain compliance level or a ‘mean value’ of the indicators can be used to define ecological classes. A precise ecological quality ratio (EQR) using values between 0 and 1 can be calculated based on the extent to which the total number of indicators meets the boundary conditions, as demonstrated from three Danish lakes.

Synthesis and applications. The analysis of Danish lakes has identified a number of useful indicators for lake quality and has suggested a method for calculating an ecological quality ratio. However, it also demonstrates that the implementation of the Water Framework Directive faces several challenges: gradual rather than stepwise changes for all indicators, large variability of indicators within lake classes, and problems using the one out – all out principle for lake classification.
Assessing the host disease status of wildlife and the implications for disease control:Mycobacterium bovisinfection in feral ferrets
Authors: CALEY PETER , HONE JIM
Published: August 2005

Estimating the basic reproductive rate (R0) of disease and/or the related threshold population density (KT) for disease establishment is fundamental to determining the host status of wildlife for disease, and thus the effective management of pathogens in free‐ranging wildlife. The strength of inference of host status is largely dependent on the precision with which eitherR0orKTis estimated, yet only a small proportion of studies of disease in wildlife have estimated the precision of these parameters.

We used a combination of observations, field experiments and modelling to estimate the basic reproductive rate ofMycobacterium bovisinfection in ferretsMustela furoin New Zealand. Estimates ofR0ranged from 0·18 at the lowest standardized annual density (0·5 ferrets km−2) recorded, to 1·2 at the highest standardized annual density (3·4 ferrets km−2) recorded. The estimates ofR0were moderately imprecise, with a coefficient of variation of 37%.

The estimated threshold standardized annual density (K̂T) for disease establishment was 2·9 ferrets km−2(95% confidence interval 1·7–10·6 ferrets km−2); however, only in limited geographical areas of New Zealand do ferret population densities exceed this. In these areas, ferrets would be considered maintenance hosts (R0 > 1) for the disease, and active management (e.g. density reduction or vaccination) of ferrets would be required to eradicateM. bovisfrom ferret populations, in addition to the elimination of sources of interspecific transmission, notably brushtail possumsTrichosurus vulpecula.

Synthesis and applications. The results have considerable implications for the management ofM. bovisin ferret populations in New Zealand and elsewhere in the world. In areas of high ferret density, ferrets are probably a maintenance host of bovine tuberculosis, so active management is required to reduce disease incidence. More widely, the results demonstrate clearly how modelling and field observations may be combined to better inform managers of a wildlife disease.
The recovery of populations of bush rat Rattus fuscipes in forest fragments following major population reduction
Authors: LINDENMAYER DAVID B. , CUNNINGHAM ROSS B. , PEAKALL ROD
Published: August 2005

Understanding the recovery of populations after disturbance is critical to many aspects of applied population management, ranging from the development of conservation strategies to pest control. We used a controlled and replicated field experiment linked to a genetic study to examine the rate and mechanism of population recovery of the Australian bush rat after severe experimental population reduction.

The main factors examined were perturbation treatment (removal of animals, removal followed by restocking, no removal), patch size and patch isolation. Although large numbers of animals were removed from many patches, on average populations recovered to pretreatment levels within 2 years. Populations rebounded to levels that appeared to approximate patch carrying capacity. Initially small populations recovered to a small size and those that were large were also large 24 months later. No significant relationships between population recovery and patch size and isolation were identified.

There was an effect of initial population size on proportional trapping success: a higher proportion of initially large populations was trapped than smaller ones.

Genetic analyses revealed a significant genetic change following experimental perturbation. Rapid population recovery was mostly via residual animals (and their offspring) that escaped capture, rather than colonization from neighbouring populations.

Synthesis and applications. This study has implications for vegetation and habitat management in fragmented landscapes where disturbances such as fire occur. Parts of a habitat fragment that escape disturbance, or are partially disturbed, may continue to support suitable habitat and be a source of animals, thereby facilitating population recovery. Post‐disturbance human activities (e.g. salvage harvesting of fire‐damaged trees) can modify refugial habitats and, in turn, impair population recovery and species persistence in fragmented landscapes. These activities require careful management to ensure biota are not negatively impacted.
Reduced herbivore resistance from a novel grass–endophyte association
Authors: HUNT MATTHEW G. , NEWMAN JONATHAN A.
Published: August 2005

Endophytic fungi in agricultural grasses confer agronomic advantages but can be detrimental to the health and production of grazing mammals. Attempts have been made to resolve this dilemma by creating novel associations of high‐yielding grass cultivars and ‘safe endophytes’ that do not naturally co‐occur. Recently, researchers created a novel association by combining a Moroccan strain of Neotyphodium coenophialum, called AR542, with the tall fescue Festuca arundinacea cultivar Georgia 5. This novel association is marketed commercially and has no doubt become naturalized; it is therefore important to assess its impact on other organisms.

The bird‐cherry‐oat aphid Rhopalosiphum padi uses tall fescue as an alternative host. We assessed the performance of R. padi feeding on Georgia 5 that had been artificially infected with AR542, naturally infected by the common strain (CS) of N. coenophialum or was endophyte‐free (EF). We cross‐factored these three levels of endophyte infection with four levels of nitrogen fertilizer, and used two different methods of assessing aphid performance, clip‐cages and enclosed populations.

Endophyte‐infected plants produced approximately 20% more dry mass than EF plants. In both the clip‐cage and enclosed‐population experiments, aphid populations grew fastest on the EF plants, slower on AR542‐infected plants and slowest (or not at all) on the CS‐infected plants.

Synthesis and applications. Our results suggest that AR542 infection does not provide the same degree of protection from aphids as the commonly occurring CS infection. If similar results are found for other invertebrate herbivores, then the use of this novel endophyte association may be less useful than previously thought. The widespread conversion of tall fescue pastures, currently infected with the CS endophyte, to pastures infected with AR542 could result in a general increase in the prevalence of cereal aphids and, potentially, the diseases that they spread. However, such conversion might be beneficial to native invertebrate herbivores.
Vulnerable Baby Scale: Development and piloting of a questionnaire to measure maternal perceptions of their baby's vulnerability
Authors: Kerruish Nicola J , Settle Kerryn , Campbell‐Stokes Priscilla , Taylor Barry J
Published: August 2005

Objectives: To develop and provide initial data to validate a contemporary measure of maternal perceptions of infant vulnerability.

Methods: Questions that address current concerns of mothers regarding their young children (such as the risk of sudden infant death syndrome) were added to an existing Vulnerable Child Questionnaire. Questions not relevant to either current concerns or to young infants were removed. The modified questionnaire, along with standard measures of maternal anxiety and depressive symptoms, were administered to mothers of 39 healthy full‐term babies, 17 mothers of ‘medically fragile’ babies and 19 mothers of jaundiced babies. Babies were approximately 12 weeks of age at the time of completion of the questionnaire.

Results: Three questions were removed from the questionnaire on the basis of poor item‐total correlations, leaving the final version with 10 questions, scored on 1–5 rating scales. Cronbach alpha for the revised scale was 0.7. There was a significant difference (P = 0.002) in mean vulnerable baby scores between the control group and the ‘medically fragile’ group. There was a moderately strong correlation between vulnerable baby score and maternal state anxiety (r = 0.6) and a weaker correlation with maternal depressive symptoms (r = 0.3).

Conclusions: The modified questionnaire has good internal consistency. The difference in mean scores between the three groups, and correlations with maternal anxiety and depressive symptoms, lend construct validity to the scale. The Vulnerable Baby Scale appears to be suitable for assessing maternal perceptions of the vulnerability of their young babies in clinical and research settings although further research, with larger samples, may be necessary to fully establish the scale's psychometric properties.