bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hybrid‐type observer design based on a sufficient condition for observability in switched nonlinear systems
Authors: Shim Hyungbo , Tanwani Aneel 
Published: September 2012

SUMMARYThis paper presents a sufficient condition for observability of continuous‐time switched nonlinear systems that also involve state jumps. Without the assumption of observability of individual modes, the sufficient condition is based on gathering partial information from each mode so that the state is completely recovered after several switchings. Based on the sufficient condition, a hybrid‐type observer is designed, which comprises a copy of the actual plant and an error correction scheme at discrete time instants. In order to execute the proposed design, the observable component of the state at each mode needs to be estimated without transients or ‘peaking’ (caused by high‐gain observers), and this motivates us to introduce a back‐and‐forth estimation technique. Under the assumption of persistent switching, analysis shows that the estimate thus generated converges asymptotically to the actual state of the system. Simulation results validate the utility of the proposed algorithm. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polymer Grafting to Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes: Effect of Chain Length on Solubility, Graft Density and Mechanical Properties of Macroscopic Structures
Authors: Chadwick Ryan C. , Khan Umar , Coleman Jonathan N. , Adronov Alex 
Published: September 2012

AbstractSingle‐walled carbon nanotubes are grafted with polystyrene chains employing a graft‐to protocol. Thermogravimetric analysis allows calculation of the grafted chain density and average interchain separation on the nanotube surface as a function of molecular weight. The separation scales with molecular weight as a power law with an exponent of ca. 0.588, showing the grafted chains to be in a swollen random walk conformation. This implies that chain packing is controlled by coil size in solution. In addition, the dispersed concentration of functionalized nanotubes scales with the size of the steric potential barrier that prevents aggregation of polymer functionalized nanotubes. It is also shown that the molecular weight of the grafted chains significantly affects the mechanical properties of nanotube films.
Wind integration: experience, issues, and challenges
Authors: Holttinen Hannele 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe challenge of wind integration is to make best use of the variable and uncertain power source while maintaining the continuous balance between consumption and generation and high level of reliability in the power system. There is already experience of operating power systems with large amounts of wind power and integration studies give estimates on wind power impacts. Power systems are equipped to handle variability and uncertainty that comes from the electricity consumption, the load. Short‐term wind forecasting is required to manage large amounts of wind power. The main impacts of wind integration are investments in grid infrastructure and efficiency losses in power plants when following the increased variations and uncertainty in the power system. Wind power will lower emissions while replacing energy produced by fossil fuels and can also replace some power plant capacity. However, wind's lower capacity value compared to conventional power plants is one integration impact of wind power, meaning higher total installed capacity in power systems with high wind penetration. Managing options for wind integration impacts includes proper wind power plant grid‐connection rules, increasing transmission capacity and increasing flexibility that is available from generation plants and demand side. Further development of models and tools is required to study how entire power systems can be operated during the hours and days of very high penetration levels covering 60–80% of load.This article is categorized under:

Wind Power > Systems and Infrastructure
Wind Power > Climate and Environment
Fossil Fuels > Systems and Infrastructure
Screening for congenital disorders of glycosylation in the first weeks of life
Authors: Thiel Christian , Meßner‐Schmitt Dorothea , Hoffmann Georg F. , Körner Christian 
Published: September 2012

AbstractInherited monogenetic human disorders due to deficiencies in the complex metabolic pathways for N‐ and O‐glycosylation of glycoconjugates are termed ‘congenital disorders of glycosylation’ (CDG). Since the number of these defects with mostly severe multisystemic phenotypes has been rapidly expanding in recent years, the interest of paediatricians has also increased resulting in a rising amount of patient samples with the suspicion of CDG. In general, primary diagnostics for CDG start with investigations on the glycosylation state of serum transferrin, the ‘gold standard’ in the field for many years. However, the use of transferrin shows an analytical problem in the time span from birth up to the 3rd month of life. In this developmental period oligosaccharide moieties N‐linked to proteins are often incomplete, resembling a CDG pattern and leading to false‐positive results. It is therefore necessary to establish a reliable and fast diagnostic procedure for this span of life. Here we show that the glycosylation state of serum α‐1‐antitrypsin is already fully existent shortly after birth allowing an alternative diagnostic approach for the investigation of CDG in the first weeks of life. The method can easily be established in every laboratory especially with previous experience in transferrin analysis.
The relationship between bone marrow edema and bone changes in the mandibular condyle: A longitudinal study with MR imaging
Authors: Higuchi Keisuke , Chiba Masatoshi , Kondo Takemitsu , Echigo Seishi 
Published: September 2012

AbstractPurpose: Decreased signal intensity on T1‐ or proton‐density weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and increased signal intensity on T2‐weighted MRI in the bone marrow space are thought to reflect bone marrow edema (BME). The purpose of this study was to determine whether condyle BME is associated with condyle bone changes.Methods: The subjects were 57 patients [65 temporomandibular joints (TMJs)] with TMJ disorders showing condyle BME on initial MRI. Condyle bone changes were compared between TMJs that showed a persistent BME pattern (group P, 43 TMJs in 40 patients) and those that showed normal bone marrow signals, indicating disappearance of BME (group D, 21 TMJs in 22 patients) on follow‐up MRI.Results: (1) In TMJs with a condyle with a normal shape on initial MRI, condyle bone changes were present in 53.9% of TMJs in group P in follow‐up MRI, whereas the normally shaped condyle remained in all TMJs in group D. (2) In TMJs with condyle erosion on initial MRI, condyle erosion was also present in 35.7% of TMJs in group P in follow‐up MRI, but had disappeared in all TMJs in group D. (3) In TMJs with condyle osteophytes on initial MRI, erosion was present in 22.2% of TMJs in group P, whereas osteophytes remained in all TMJs in group D.Conclusions: The longitudinal study showed that condyle BME is associated with condyle bone changes and may cause condyle erosion.
Spatiotemporal Distributions of Threadfin Shad in Tropical Reservoirs
Authors: Neal J. Wesley , Prchalová Marie 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Effective predator management requires accurate knowledge of prey availability and dynamics, yet prey species are rarely studied as intensely as their predatory counterparts. Almost nothing is known about the biology or behavior of threadfin shad Dorosoma petenense in tropical environments, despite that this species is the primary prey in many systems. The goals of this study were to examine spatial and temporal patterns in threadfin shad abundance in tropical reservoirs and to refine protocols for sampling this species. A custom, 3 × 3-m frame trawl was used to sample four reservoirs in Puerto Rico every 3 months for 1 year. Samples were stratified by longitudinal section (upper and lower lake) and by depth strata (0–3, 3–6, 6–9 m). Threadfin shad densities varied markedly among seasons, reservoirs, longitudinal sections, and depth (overall model: F 36, 188 = 32.0, P &lt; 0.001, coefficient of variation [CV] = 22.1%, r 2 = 0.86). Density estimates from samples were highest in spring and winter when there was substantially more larval production, and density fluctuated as much as 42-fold among seasons within reservoirs. Differences in mean density were as much as 23 times greater in productive reservoirs than in the least productive reservoir during the same season. Longitudinal variability was substantial between upper and lower reservoir sections (mean percent difference = 70%), but patterns were not consistent among reservoirs or seasons. Threadfin shad showed clear preference for shallow depth strata where 75.4% of fish were collected in the 0–3-m stratum, and only 2.4% collected in the 6–9-m stratum. Oxygen profiles suggested that threadfin shad selected shallow depths even when dissolved oxygen levels were suitable in deeper depth strata. Understanding spatiotemporal patterns in threadfin shad distributions will improve sampling programs in terms of timing and frequency of sampling, longitudinal and vertical sampling design, and sample size requirements.
Received March 19, 2012; accepted June 2, 2012
Secular Trends in Prevalence of Alcohol Use Disorder and Its Correlates in Korean Adults: Results from Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005 and 2009
Authors: Park Seung Ha , Kim Chang Hoon , Kim Dong Joon , Suk Ki Tae , Park Ha Young , Lee Jung Goo , Shin Kyong Jin , Park Jong Ha , Kim Tae Oh , Yang Sung Yeun , Moon Young Soo , Lee Heon Young 
Published: September 2012

The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) has been found to provide an accurate measure for risk of hazardous and harmful alcohol use, as well as possible dependence. Data from 2 representative samples of 7693 adults in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2005 and 6276 participants in 2009 were analyzed. The overall age-adjusted prevalence of alcohol use disorder (AUD) in 2009 (38.8%) was higher than that in 2005 (32.7%), with a difference of 6.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.9%–9.3%; P = .0002). Men were about 7 times as likely as women to meet the criteria for AUD (odds ratio [OR] = 7.16; 95% CI, 6.27–8.17). Current smoking was the most important correlate associated with AUD in both genders (women: OR = 6.03; 95% CI, 4.40–8.27; men: OR = 2.83; 95% CI, 2.29–3.48). Among women, unmarried (OR = 1.76; 95% CI, 1.35–2.31), less than high school education (OR = 2.71, 95% CI, 1.86–3.96), and lowest income (OR = 1.45, 95% CI, 1.06–1.97) were associated with AUD. These findings provide the most updated prevalence estimates of AUD in the Korean population and they highlight its strong association with smoking, gender differences, and lower socioeconomic status in the Korean population.
Is Baclofen a Revolutionary Medication in Alcohol Addiction Management? Review and Recent Updates
Authors: Gorsane Mohamed-Ali , Kebir Oussama , Hache Guillaume , Blecha Lisa , Aubin Henri-Jean , Reynaud Michel , Benyamina Amine 
Published: September 2012

Baclofen, a γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-B receptor agonist, represents a promising drug in alcohol addiction management. Animal models have shown its action at various stages of the process of alcohol addiction. Moreover, initial open and randomized controlled trials have shown the efficacy of 30 mg/day baclofen on alcohol craving, intake, and relapse prevention. It may also decrease alcohol withdrawal symptoms. However, these initial studies were conducted by the same Italian team; 2 American studies, using a different methodology, did not confirm these effects. Following recent reports by an alcohol-dependent French physician who treated himself with high doses (120–270 mg/day), claiming prolonged suppression of alcohol craving and absence of dependence symptoms, baclofen has since received wide media exposure in France where it has been called “the treatment for alcoholism.” An open-label French study supports these findings. In addition, baclofen seems to be particularly interesting because of its safety and tolerance, even in patients with cirrhosis. Thus, baclofen should benefit from further studies of its biobehavioral mechanisms, dose-response effect, and indications in various alcoholic patient profiles.
Meta‐attitudes and the local formation of consumer judgments towards genetically modified food
Authors: Costa‐Font Montserrat , Gil José M. 
Published: September 2012

PurposeIn explaining the mechanisms that explicate individuals' acceptance of genetically modified (GM) food, one mechanism that has been largely ignored in the growing body of current research lies in the influence of “meta (wider) attitudes” such as the general attitudes towards science. This article, drawing on survey evidence from Spain, aims to examine the causal relationship between attitudes towards science and attitudes towards GM food.Design/methodology/approachThe research employs structural equation modeling and explores this association by using sub‐samples made of regional groups that have GM agriculture.FindingsThe results suggest specific behavioral mechanisms in explaining GM consumer attitudes involving attitudes towards science whilst medical and food applications appear to have no (or mild) significant connection in the formation of attitudes towards GM food. Significant influence from age and previously characterized attitude in the formation of structural models is found.Practical implicationsThe article has implications for a better understanding of the behavioral mechanisms behind the acceptance of GM food.Originality/valueThis article puts forward several hypotheses on the influence of general meta‐attitudes (towards science and technology) underpinning behavioral explanations for consumer judgments of acceptance towards GM food.
Organizational justice and performance: is appraisal fair?
Authors: Rowland Caroline Ann , Hall Roger David 
Published: September 2012

PurposeIn a changing economic climate, characterised by pressures to improve productivity and reduce costs, performance management has a more central role in helping to ensure competitive advantage. Appraisals have become an almost universal feature of modern organizations and it is essential that they are perceived as fair if they are to bring about commitment to discretionary effort, which is increasingly a key feature in gaining competitive advantage. The purpose of this paper is to examine the outcomes and processes of performance appraisal through the concept of organizational justice.Design/methodology/approachThis paper uses the concept of organizational justice to explore the outcomes, procedures and implementation of appraisal in contemporary organizations. It draws on a range of theoretical frameworks from both philosophy and social science, examines current practices and experiences and looks at future trends. Empirical research includes a ten‐year longitudinal study of practising managers and ethnography, questionnaires and interviews.Research limitations/implicationsThe authors conclude that appraisal frequently creates both actual and perceived injustice in organizations and a tension between managing performance and encouraging engagement, which is dependent on perceptions of fairness. The authors place appraisal within a framework of organizational justice and encourage further research into areas of organizational effectiveness.Originality/valueThe research clearly indicates that both managers and employees see a potential for appraisal, which is rarely achieved in practice. It opens up a dialogue linking the performance agenda with issues of development, motivation and perceptions of justice in the search for models of competitive advantage. This research also confirms the findings of others, most significantly in terms of reinforcing perceptions of dishonesty, mistrust, inequity and managerialism.
Clash of the e‐commerce titans
Authors: Kumar Sameer , Eidem Jessica , Noriega Perdomo Diana 
Published: September 2012

PurposeThe motivation for this paper arises from the evolution of the e‐commerce which has provided new means for retailers to serve customers. Pure e‐tailers and clicks‐and‐mortars are two business models of this new paradigm. It aims to study the particularities of pure e‐tailer (Amazon.com) and clicks‐and‐mortars (Walmart) with special focus on their dot com supply chains.Design/methodology/approachStrengths, weaknesses, oppositions, threats (SWOT), the Five Forces Model and Financial Performance Metrics analyses were used to draw comparisons and contrasts between Walmart.com and Amazon.com supply chains.FindingsThe paper finds that both companies serve their customers effectively through their efficient supply chains; however, due to the infancy of e‐commerce, both business models still face important challenges.Originality/valueAmazon.com and Walmart.com have different supply chain models, as well as, strengths and weaknesses. They both face the same opportunities and threats as the e‐commerce industry grows rapidly. Analysis shows how lessons from one business entity can be applied to the other in order to bring even more efficiencies to both e‐tailers’ and clicks and mortars’ supply chains.
The Healthy Lifeworks Project: the role of organisational health in the personal health of employees
Authors: Smith Steven , Makrides Lydia , Schryer Lebel Francis , Allt Jane , Montgomerie Duff , Farquharson Jane , MacDonald M.J. , Szpilfogel Claudine 
Published: September 2012

PurposeThis paper aims to present the results of a three‐year comprehensive workplace initiative which provided an unprecedented opportunity to explore the potential relationship between organisational health, stress, and health outcomes.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from 325 employees participating in a comprehensive workplace wellness intervention taking place in a large governmental organisation. Organisational health was measured using a 16‐item measure of organisational health indicators and a four‐item measure of health culture. Personal health outcomes were assessed using 12 indicators: personal wellness profile, health age, blood pressure, nutrition, fat intake, fibre intake, alcohol use, fitness, smoking status, cancer risk, stress, and good health practices.FindingsAnalyses indicated that after controlling for gender and age, organisational health was associated with increased personal wellness, lower health age, better overall nutrition, reduced fat intake, increased fibre intake, reduced alcohol consumption, increased fitness, reduced cancer risk, lower stress, and more positive health practices. For several outcome measures, organisational health had a stronger impact on personal health for men. Personal health of correctional workers and youth workers was most influenced by organisational health. Finally, stress mediated the relationship between organisational health and health outcomes for all measures of wellness except for alcohol consumption.Originality/valueOrganisational health is often overlooked by employers when considering the personal health of employees. Interventions aimed at influencing organisational health (generally considered a low cost intervention) can have beneficial influences on personal health.
External and internal quality audits in higher education
Authors: Kettunen Juha 
Published: September 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse the maintenance of the process‐based quality assurance system in a higher education institution.Design/methodology/approachThe paper introduces the process management as the essential element of quality assurance in higher education and discusses the external quality audit of the quality assurance agency, extends the study to the quality management between the external audits and presents the procedure of internal quality audits. Finally, the results of the study are discussed and summarised. Action research methodology was adopted in this study. The paper shows that the process‐based quality assurance system makes the organisation responsive, agile and enables the achievement of strategic objectives.FindingsThe audit group must first evaluate the necessary improvements in the process. If no improvements are found, the quality deviations must be reported. The audit helps the institution take corrective actions to amend the process descriptions or maintain the processes.Originality/valueThe paper shows that the necessary processes of a higher education institution can be systematically described and audited.
Female entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia: opportunities and challenges
Authors: Yousuf Danish Abeer , Lawton Smith Helen 
Published: September 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the challenges facing female entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia.Design/methodology/approachThe study draws on secondary data on the context to women's entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia, and on Brush et al.'s 5M framework to analyse the results of a survey of 33 Saudi women entrepreneurs in Jeddah in a variety of commercial sectors. The sample consists of female entrepreneurs who are already in business or in the process of establishing one, and who operate from a dedicated business premises away from home. In particular the study investigated the challenges and constraints faced, and the support and opportunities available for these female entrepreneurs.FindingsIt was found that female entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia are now establishing and managing more small and medium sized entities than at any time in the past and this trend is growing. This is in spite of significant challenges, both societal and institutional.Practical implicationsThe research suggests a number of ways in which institutions of state and trade – which often act as barriers to women practically running a business – could be overcome. These include provision of resources, training and mentoring, and eliminating some of the administrative procedures which require male representation in the establishment and financing female entrepreneurship.Originality/valueThe paper presents original research on the growing phenomenon of female entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia. It positions explanations for this trend in the macro and micro economic context and in conceptualisations of female entrepreneurship.
A reflection on the origins of the Women's Enterprise Policy Group
Authors: Brierton Jackie , Bennett Dinah 
Published: September 2012

PurposeThis is a short article on the origins of the Women's Enterprise Policy Group in the UK. The purpose of the article is to illustrate the need for a historical context for policy development on key issues.Design/methodology/approachThe approach is based on the authors' practical experience and knowledge of the women's entrepreneurship policy context in the UK.FindingsThe coherence of the Women's Enterprise Policy Group, in both its membership and agenda, comes from a shared experience of enterprise policy development over a period of 15 years in the UK.Originality/valueThe value of this article is to highlight the importance of historical context in policy development and to introduce and share the work of the Women's Enterprise Policy Group.