bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of a successful shared services centre in the Australian public sector
Authors: Borman Mark 
Published: August 2010

PurposeOrganisations are increasingly looking to establish shared services centres (SSCs) yet there is limited guidance available. The paper aims to propose a structured framework that will form the basis for identifying a series of characteristics associated with a successful SSC.Design/methodology/approachBased upon Scott‐Morton's organisational framework a series of dimensions were proposed for the analysis of SSCs. A case study was then presented as a starting point for identifying specific characteristics along each dimension associated with a successful SSC.FindingsBased on the framework, a case study highlights characteristics associated with a successful SSC. Specifically, the SSC is given responsibility for demonstrably reducing costs through economies of scale and process improvement of multiple transaction‐oriented tasks. An enterprise resource planning system is seen as key to realising those savings. Use of the SSC is compulsory and charged for. SSC management feels they require a good understanding of each task under their remit and are focused on leading change and developing an appropriate human resource base.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is exploratory in nature and limited by the empirical work consisting of a single case study. Additional case studies are required to determine if the findings are generalisable.Originality/valueA structured framework for the analysis of successful shared services is provided. A case study illustrates the application of that framework. Together, the theoretical and empirical components of the paper enhance understanding of the requirements for a successful SSC.
The research on human dimensions of global environmental change in Latin America
Authors: D'Almeida Martins Rafael , da Costa Ferreira Leila 
Published: August 2010

PurposeEnvironmental studies have developed slowly within social sciences in Latin America. This paper seeks to assess and systematize the contribution of social sciences in the research on the human dimensions of global environmental change (HDGEC) in the region outlining its state of the art and process of development.Design/methodology/approachThe approach taken is the organization of a manual compilation and systematic review of publications on topics related to the HDGEC in order to investigate major research topics covering the period between 2001 and 2008.FindingsAlthough it is possible to identify an emergent body of the literature and scholarship in the region, the involvement of Latin American social science in the HDGEC research is still timid and tentative and not yet institutionalized. The evidence from this compilation has shown that this literature is fragmented bringing difficulties for the homogenization of criteria for analysis and assessment.Originality/valueThe paper is one of the very few attempts to assess and analyze the research on HDGEC in Latin America through an international perspective. It provides an overview of its development building upon the progress of environmental studies in the region and looks to its challenges ahead in order to call for more involvement of social sciences in these research activities.
Framing climate change adaptation learning and action: the case of Lahore, Pakistan
Authors: Janjua Saleem , Thomas Ian , McEvoy Darryn 
Published: August 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify and critically examine a framing of key characteristics for climate change adaptation learning and action in the context of urban Pakistani local government.Design/methodology/approachThe research employed a combination of approaches; predominantly literature review and interview methodologies. Recognising the need to understand climate change adaptation as an iterative learning process, the literature review concentrated on organisational and policy learning, with special consideration given to those characteristics most pertinent to urban governance in the Pakistani context. This analysis was then furthered through primary data collated through a series of interviews, with the City District Government of Lahore as the chosen case study for this piece of research. Initial scoping interviews were followed up by a series of in‐depth, semi‐structured, interviews with local government officials, an assessment process used to examine conceptual evidence and findings in the Pakistani urban context. A total of 21 Pakistani professionals, working in a variety of roles for local government, were subject to the interview process.FindingsFrom a critical analysis of conceptual and real world evidence, the authors identified six discrete characteristics that could be used to frame the context of climate change adaptation learning and action in the Pakistani urban local government context. These have been categorised as: leadership for adaptation, vision for adaptation, culture for adaptation, good governance for adaptation, innovation and creativity for adaptation and resources for adaptation.Originality/valueThe value of this paper is several‐fold: it applies a learning perspective to the climate change adaptation debate, identifies a framing of key characteristics for climate change adaptation learning and action, and uses an actor‐based approach to examine some of the key conceptual ideas in the Pakistani urban context.
Exploratory innovation, exploitative innovation, and performance
Authors: Li Yi , Zhou Nan , Si Youhe 
Published: August 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of a firm's innovation activities on performance, and focus on the internal fit and external fit of two types of innovation activities – exploratory innovation and exploitative innovation.Design/methodology/approachThe paper adopts the survey data of 397 enterprises in eastern, middle, and western China. The business strategy attributes analysis based on strategic orientation of business enterprises (STROBE) scale was used to classify the business strategy types, and hierarchical regression analyses were employed to test the hypotheses.FindingsThe results show: both exploratory innovation and exploitative innovation have a positive effect on firm performance; the internal fit between exploratory innovation and exploitative innovation, whether it is fit as moderating or fit as matching, has no significant effect on firm performance; the fit between innovation activity and firm business strategy has significant effect on firm performance, therefore, exploratory innovation activity fits defenders and exploitative innovation activity fits prospectors; and the fit between the innovation activity and external environment has a slight effect on firm performance. Environmental competitiveness can enhance exploratory innovation outcome but diminish exploitative innovation outcome.Originality/valueThe paper has supplied the empirical evidence discovered in the context of China to the theoretical views of exploratory innovation and exploitative innovation, and achieved some results which differ from the ones drawn by similar researches done abroad.
SEASONAL VARIATIONS IN TOTAL NITROGEN, CARBON AND AMINO ACIDS IN MACROCYSTIS INTEGRIFOLIA AND NEREOCYSTIS LUETKEANA (PHAEOPHYTA)1
Authors: Rosell Karl‐Gunnar , Srivastava Lalit M. 
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACTSeasonal variations in tissue nitrogen, carbon, amino acids and ammonium were determined for the brown algae Macrocystis integrifolia Bory and Nereocystis luetkeana (Mertens) Pastels and Ruprecht, For M. integrifolia, the proportions of tissue nitrogen and carbon in blades, bulbs and stipes were also determined. The composition of the two algae in terms of the above constituents was similar. In addition, ammonium, nitrogen and protein‐bound amino acids showed distinct seasonal trends with high values during the winter and low levels during the summer. The range for nitrogen was 0.8–3.0% and for proteins 7.6–11.7% of dry weight. In contrast, carbon content and C/N ratio showed the reverse trend with higher values during the summer and lower values during the winter. The range for carbon was 19–31% of dry weight, and the C/N ratio showed a range of 9–37. The free amino acids did not show any specific seasonably. Tissue nitrogen and carbon showed higher values in the blades than in the bulbs and stipes.
Passivity in Childminded Children: Problem or Prejudice?
Authors: Barrett Helen , Jones David 
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY. Many people still believe that healthy social and emotional development in very young children depends upon the presence of maternal care. Some research work in the UK has also suggested that childminded children, when away from their mothers, typically manifest withdrawn and passive behaviour. Drawing on findings from unpublished research and illustrations from an exploratory study in which childminded children and childminders' own children were videotaped and compared, it is argued that such conclusions cannot easily be demonstrated empirically. Rather, they may result from observational and interpretative biases which overlook the role of factors such as children's age and social experience.Further, it is suggested that attempts to quantify and measure theoretical constructs such as passivity may be less informative than observations focused more specifically upon the behaviour of individual children in day care.
A third allele in the horse albumin system
Authors: Sandberg K. 
Published: August 2010

SummaryStarch gel electrophoresis according to Gahne (1966) reveals three new phenotypes designated FI, I and IS in horse serum albumin. Family material comprising 97 sire families with a total number of 2742 foals and their dams and population material comprising 2867 adult horses representative of the Swedish Trotter breed were examined. The results were consistent with a genetic theory of three codominant, autosomal alleles F, I and S controlling the six albumin phenotypes observed. The gene frequencies were estimated to be 0.489, 0.049 and 0.462, respectively, for the F, I and S genes in the Swedish Trotter breed. The risk of making false exclusions in paternity controls in the albumin system, if the I allele is not considered, is discussed.
T and B lymphocyte subpopulations and activation/differentiation markers in patients with selective IgA deficiency
Authors: Litzman J , Vlková M , Pikulová Z , Štikarovská D , Lokaj J 
Published: August 2010

Summary
Selective deficiency of immunoglobulin A (IgAD) and common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) are genetically closely related diseases, both of unknown pathogenesis. A plethora of abnormalities in lymphocyte subpopulations and expression of activation markers were repeatedly documented in CVID patients, while almost no data are available about lymphocyte subpopulations in IgAD patients. We determined basic lymphocyte subpopulations and those subpopulations that were reported to be abnormal in CVID patients (CD25, human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-DR CD45RA, CD45RO, CD27, CD28 and CD29 on both CD4+ and CD8+ cells, CD57 and CD38 on CD8+ cells, CD21, CD27, IgM, IgD on B lymphocytes) in 85 patients with IgAD, 47 patients with CVID and in 65 healthy controls. Statistical analysis was performed by the Mann–Whitney U-test; significant P-values were determined by means of Bonferoni's correction. Our results showed an increase in the relative number of CD8+ cells and a decrease in the absolute number of CD4+ cells compared to healthy people, but similar abnormalities in CVID patients were much more expressed. IgAD patients had significantly decreased expression of HLA-DR and increased expression of CD25 on CD4+ lymphocytes, also CD29 expression was decreased on CD8+ cells, while other activation/differentiation markers on T cells (including the expression of CD45RA and CD45RO antigens) were not changed. There were no statistically significant abnormalities in B lymphocyte developmental stages in IgAD patients compared to healthy controls. Our observation showed that the majority of T and B lymphocyte subpopulation abnormalities described previously in CVID are not present in IgAD patients.
Estimation of activity coefficients of individual ions in solutions with ionic strengths up to 0.3 mol dm−3
Authors: RITSEMA C. J. 
Published: August 2010

SUMMARYFor chemical speciation calculations concerning soil solutions it is essential to convert ionic concentrations to activities. For dilute solutions with ionic strengths up to 0.3 mol dm−3, relations are given for calculating the single‐ion activity coefficients of 26 ions. Using the mean‐salt method, measured mean activity coefficients have been converted into single‐ion activity coefficients. For each ion, the variation in ion activity coefficient with ionic strength has been curve‐fitted with the first degree extension of the Debye‐Hückel equation. The ion‐dependent parameters in the extended Debye‐Hückel equation have been quantified.The derived set of relations can be incorporated in geochemical models, which makes calculating ion activities in soil solutions with variable ionic strengths up to 0.3 mol dm−3 simple and accurate. With an ion speciation model it is shown for various solutions with ionic strengths up to 0.3 mol dm−3 that the type of equation chosen for calculating single‐ion activity coefficients can lead to differences in computed ion speciation.
Habitat use by short‐toed eagles Circaetus gallicus and their reptilian prey during the breeding season in Dadia Forest (north‐eastern Greece)
Authors: BAKALOUDIS D.E. , VLACHOS C.G. , HOLLOWAY G.J. 
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY

The area surrounding and including Dadia Forest, north‐eastern Greece, is well known for its diversity of breeding raptors, including many species of conservation concern. Dadia Forest has been exploited by humans for many centuries, but more recent social and economic changes have stimulated proposals that the forest should be subject to habitat management to protect the fauna of the region.
We examined the distribution of reptiles over nine different habitat types with a view to assessing the importance of these habitats for foraging by short‐toed eagles Circaetus gallicus. In addition, data on the diet of the species were collected from direct observations at nests.
The short‐toed eagle relies heavily on snakes for food. The most important prey species was the grass snake Nutrix natrix, although the Montpellier snake Malpolon monspessulunus and large whip snake Coluber jugularis also featured prominently as prey items at certain nests. Montpellier snakes and large whip snakes were distributed across all habitat types, but grass snakes were concentrated in areas of mainly intensive, but also non‐intensive, cultivation.
Analysis showed that short‐toed eagles concentrated their foraging efforts in three habitat types: intensive and non‐intensive cultivation and grasslands. Grass snakes were abundant on cultivated land but relatively scarce on grassland. Forested areas were largely avoided by foraging eagles. The data show that for the short‐toed eagle the distribution and abundance of prey items on the ground does not reflect food availability.
The possible effect of changes in habitat management on the short‐toed eagle population in Dadia is discussed, in particular the establishment of exclusion zones that could result in progressive canopy closure.
Applying the results of ecological studies to land‐use policies and practices
Authors: McCRACKEN DAVID I , BIGNAL ERIC M. 
Published: August 2010

SummaryGood progress has been made in bringing the importance of high‐nature‐conservation‐value farming systems to the attention of a wider audience. However, simply having a broad appreciation of which farming systems are good for certain species or species assemblages is of little use without a detailed understanding of how each particular farming system functions and integrates with the species reliant upon that system as a whole.Many species have intimate and complex interactions with the annual farming cycle, and their presence on any one piece of farmland is determined not only by the farm management occurring at that time but also by the management practised over the previous weeks and months. Since their exact farm management requirements are not fully understood, it would currently be difficult (if not impossible) to put in place the exact set of conditions necessary to ensure the continued occurrence of many desired species.Consequently, a detailed understanding of the ecological relationships involved is essential before advice can be provided on how best to develop any individual farming system (and the associated policies) so that the ecological characteristics of the system of value to the wildlife assemblages are maintained.These issues are highlighted and illustrated with reference to the findings from research into the ecology and requirements of the choughPyrrhocorax pyrrhocoraxand the effects of farm management practices on ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) and leatherjackets (Diptera: Tipulidae), which together can form important prey items for birds associated with grassland habitats.
Identifying hotspots for plant invasions and forecasting focal points of further spread
Authors: Ibáñez Inés , Silander Jr John. A. , Allen Jenica M. , Treanor Sarah A. , Wilson Adam 
Published: August 2010

Summary1.To ensure the successful detection, control and eradication of invasive plant species, we need information that can identify areas prone to invasions and criteria that can point out which particular populations may become foci of further spread. Specifically, our work aimed to develop statistical models that identify hotspots of invasive plant species and evaluate the conditions that give rise to successful populations of invasive species.2.We combined extensive data sets on invasive species richness and on species per cent ground cover, together with climate, local habitat and land cover data. We then estimated invasive species richness as a function of those environmental variables by developing a spatially explicit generalized linear model within a hierarchical Bayesian framework. In a second analysis, we used an ordinal logistic regression model to quantify invasive species abundance as a function of the same set of predictor variables.3.Our results show which locations in the studied region, north‐eastern USA, are prone to plant species invasions given the combination of climatic and land cover conditions particular to the sites. Predictions were also generated under a range of climate scenarios forecasted for the region, which pointed out at an increase in invasive species incidence under the most moderate forecast. Predicted abundance for some of the most common invasive plant species,Berberis thumbergii,Celastrus orbiculatus,Euonymus alata,Elaeagnus umbellataandRosa multiflora, allowed us to identify the specific conditions that promote successful population growth of these species, populations that could become foci of further spread.4.Synthesis and applications.Reliable predictions of plants’ invasive potential are crucial for the successful implementation of control and eradication management plans. By following a multivariate approach the parameters estimated in this study can now be used on targeted locations to evaluate the risk of invasions given the local climate and landscape structure; they can also be applied under different climate scenarios and changing landscapes providing an array of possible outcomes. In addition, this modelling approach can be easily used in other regions and for other species.
Environmental impact assessment of offshore wind farms: a simulation‐based approach
Authors: Pérez Lapeña Blanca , Wijnberg Kathelijne M. , Hulscher Suzanne J. M. H. , Stein Alfred 
Published: August 2010

Summary 1.  Assessing and monitoring the impact of offshore wind farms on marine fauna is vital if we want to achieve ecologically sustainable development of this renewable energy resource. Given the complexity of the marine environment, a method capable of accommodating spatio‐temporal behaviour of specific species and their interrelation with other marine phenomena is an essential prerequisite for investigating whether or not there has been any measurable impact to date. 2.  This paper presents a method based on geostatistical simulation to assess whether pre‐ and post‐construction collected bird count data suggest displacement of birds due to the wind farm. The method takes into account spatial autocorrelation in species abundance at various scales, pre‐ and post‐construction differences in environmental conditions and in survey effort and design. 3.   We demonstrate that taking these factors into account influences the conclusions about a wind farm’s impact on bird life. In particular, incorporating spatial autocorrelation in seabird numbers is an important factor in reducing the risk of wrongly identifying an effect of a wind farm on bird abundance. 4.
Synthesis and applications. The development of offshore wind farms is often in conflict with nature conservation interests. Environmental impact assessment and monitoring is essential to protect and manage the marine environment. The method described here will allow scarce data to be utilized effectively as a basis for well‐informed environmental decisions. In addition, the method will assist in the design of optimal monitoring procedures at a given site, balancing costs and effectiveness in detecting potentially harmful impacts.
Variation in Coccus hesperidum L. (Homoptera: Coccidae)
Authors: Blair Catherine A. , Blackith R. E. , Boratyński K. 
Published: August 2010

SYNOPSISAn account is given of variation in 18 characters in a number of females taken from a homogeneous population of Coccus hesperidum. The latent roots and vectors obtained from the correlation matrix of these characters are discussed and an interpretation of the vectors is given.
Sugar meals in Phlebotominae and Simuliidae (Diptera)
Authors: Lewis D. J. , Domoney Cheryl R. 
Published: August 2010

SYNOPSISThe significance of sugar‐feeding by blood‐sucking Nematocera is briefly discussed, with special reference to Phlebotominae and Simuliidae. An account is given of the sugar content of the crops of some of these flies, as shown by chromatography.
Observations on the biology of nymphs of Paragomphus cognatus (Rambur) (Odonata: Gomphidae).: I. Habitat selection in relation to substrate particle size
Authors: Keetch D. P. , Moran V. C. 
Published: August 2010

SYNOPSISAn account is given of the importance of the size of substrate particles in the choice of habitat by nymphs of an aquatic sand‐burrowing dragonfly, Paragomphus cognatus (Rambur). An attempt is made to localise the sensory receptors involved in making this choice.
Structure of the plastron in Lipsothrix, and the polyphyletic origin of plastron respiration in Tipulidae
Authors: Hinton H. E. 
Published: August 2010

SYNOPSISThe fine structure of the plastron of the spiracular gills of the pupa of a tipulid fly, Lipsothrix remota, is described. Evidence is provided for the view that plastron‐bearing spiracular gills have been independently evolved on at least four occasions in the Tipulidae and that at least two groups of the family have independently invaded the sea.
Field observations on periodicity and site preference in oviposition by Aedes aegypti (L.) and related mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in Kenya
Authors: McClelland G. A. H. 
Published: August 2010

SynopsisAn analysis is given of the numbers of eggs laid by females of Aedes (Stegomyia) spp. on black and white substrates, at different heights above ground, and at different times in Ganda, Kenya.
The nymph of Habrophlebiodes gilliesi Peters (Ephemeroptera: Leptophlebiidae)*
Authors: Tsui Philip T. P. , Peters William L. 
Published: August 2010

SYNOPSISThe previously unknown nymph of Habrophlebiodes gilliesi Peters from Hong Kong is described and compared with Habrophlebiodes prominem Ulmer from Sumatra.