bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Variable morphology of the sacrum in a Chinese population
Authors: Wu Li‐Ping , Li Yi‐Kai , Li Yu‐Ming , Zhang Ying‐Qi , Zhong Shi‐Zhen 
Published: May 2009

AbstractAlthough several morphological variations of sacrum have been reported in western populations, little attention has been paid to this anatomic issue in eastern people, and classification of sacral variability in particular. In this research of sacral morphology in Chinese people, we investigated and measured thoroughly and systematically 203 specimens of intact dry Chinese adult sacra. Morphological features of sacral variations were observed by visual inspection, and correlation parameters of variability were measured with a vernier caliper. The incidence of sacral variations was calculated. We found that the overall rate of sacral variations was 58.1% (male: 57.4%; female: 59.5%). The anatomical variants that we observed fell into the following five categories: accessory auricular surface (25 specimens, 12.3%); sacral skewness (48 specimens, 23.6%); transitional vertebra (34 specimens, 16.7%); sacral spina bifida occulta (57 specimens, 28.1%), Degrees I, II, and III of which were 36, 14, and 7 specimens, respectively; multiple variations (42 specimens, 20.7%), the types of which were diversified. This study reveals that sacral variations are common in Chinese population. The sacral variants in anatomic morphology should be taken into consideration when diagnosing and treating sacrum‐related diseases. Clin. Anat. 22:619–626, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intersegmental origin of the axillary artery and accompanying variation in the brachial plexus
Authors: Yang Hee‐Jun , Gil Young‐Chun , Lee Hye‐Yeon 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThe wide anatomical variation of the brachial plexus and the axillary artery has been thoroughly explored in previous studies. However, there has been little information reported on the variation in the relationship between the brachial plexus and the axillary artery. The principal feature of this relationship is the passage of the axillary artery through the loop of the median nerve, which occurs in normal arteries derived from the seventh intersegmental artery. In this study, we analyzed the abnormal position and course of the axillary artery related to the brachial plexus in 607 axillae of 306 cadavers. We found 12 unusual axillary arteries that did not pass through the median loop. Eleven arteries were determined to be ninth intersegmental arteries and one as the sixth intersegmental artery. All ninth intersegmental arteries ran caudally to the brachial plexus. In six cases of this type, abnormal connections interfering with the normal arterial position were observed in the brachial plexus. In another five cases of this type, the lateral and medial cords merged and the axillary artery passed anteromedial to the plexus. The sixth intersegmental axillary artery pierced the musculocutaneous nerve which is from the unified lateral and medial cords. This study discussed the how the anomalous structure of the brachial plexus could involve the deterioration of the course of the axillary artery. Clin. Anat. 22:586–594, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rate coefficients for the reaction of the acetyl radical, CH3CO, with Cl2 between 253 and 384 K
Authors: Gierczak T. , Rajakumar B. , Flad Jonathan E. , Burkholder James B. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractRate coefficients, k, for the gas‐phase reaction CH3CO + Cl2 → products (2) were measured between 253 and 384 K at 55–200 Torr (He). Rate coefficients were measured under pseudo‐first‐order conditions in CH3CO with CH3CO produced by the 248‐nm pulsed‐laser photolysis of acetone, CH3C(O)CH3, or 2,3‐butadione, CH3C(O)C(O)CH3. The loss of CH3CO was monitored by cavity ring‐down spectroscopy (CRDS) at 532 nm. Rate coefficients were determined by first‐order kinetic analysis of the CH3CO temporal profiles for [Cl2] < 1 × 1014 molecule cm−3 and the analysis of the CRDS profiles by the simultaneous kinetics and ring‐down method for experiments performed with [Cl2] > 1 × 1014 molecule cm−3. k2(T) was found to be independent of pressure, with k2(296 K) = (3.0 ± 0.5) × 10−11 cm3 molecule−1 s−1. k2(T) showed a weak negative temperature dependence that is well reproduced by the Arrhenius expression k2(T) = (2.2 ± 0.8) × 10−11 exp[(85 ± 120)/T] cm3 molecule−1 s−1. The quoted uncertainties in k2(T) are at the 2σ level (95% confidence interval) and include estimated systematic errors. A comparison of the present work with previously reported rate coefficients for the CH3CO + Cl2 reaction is presented. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 41: 543–553, 2009
Interactions Between an Anionic Fluorosurfactant and a PEO‐PPO‐PEO Triblock Copolymer in Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Wang Zhongni 
Published: May 2009

AbstractSurface tensions were determined for a mixture of an anionic fluorinated surfactant and a PEO‐PPO‐PEO triblock copolymer. The interactions between the two surfactant molecules in the mixed monolayer and the mixed micelle were studied through molecular interaction parameters (βσ, βM) and the molecule exchange energy (ε, εm). It was noted that synergism and strong attractive interactions took place between the anionic fluorinated surfactant and the triblock copolymer molecules in both mixed micelles and mixed monolayers, reflected by the interaction parameter values of between −10 and −18 for all mixtures investigated. Moreover, it can be seen from the value of (ε − εm) that when the mixture has a small amount of triblock copolymer, the formation of mixed micelle results in a greater decrease in energy than does the formation of a mixed monolayer. With an increase in the mole fraction of the triblock copolymer in the mixture, in order to obtain the lowest surface energy, surfactants tend to form mixed monolayers first, and then form mixed micelles.
Coping with non‐purchase: Managing the stress of inaction regret
Authors: Patrick Vanessa M. , Lancellotti Matthew P. , Demello Gustavo 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThis research presents a framework based on coping theory to explain the different ways of managing the stress of regret for inaction. We theorize that primary appraisals of goal‐relevance and secondary appraisals of reversibility affect how consumers cope with the stress of inaction regret resulting in different behavioral outcomes. Prior research has focused on two outcomes of regret for inaction—inaction inertia and dissonance reduction—that result in the decreased intent to avail of a similar future opportunity. This research proposes that these are not inevitable outcomes, but rather coping responses. Further, if the forgone opportunity is appraised to be goal‐relevant and reversible, consumers engage in active coping that results in increased behavioral intent.
Chromatin and DNA Modifications in theOpaque2-Mediated Regulation of Gene Transcription during Maize Endosperm Development
Authors: Locatelli Sabrina , Piatti Paolo , Motto Mario , Rossi Vincenzo 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThe maize (Zea mays) Opaque2 (O2) gene encodes an endosperm-specific bZIP-type transcription activator. In this study, we analyzed O2 targets for chromatin and DNA modifications and transcription factors binding during endosperm development and in leaves. In leaves, O2 targets exhibit high cytosine methylation levels and transcriptionally silent chromatin, enriched with histones H3 dimethylated at Lys-9 (H3K9me2) and Lys-27 (H3K27me2). Transcriptional activation in the endosperm occurs through a two-step process, with an early potentiated state and a later activated state. The potentiated state has cytosine demethylation at symmetric sites, substitution of H3K9me2 and H3K27me2 with histones H3 acetylated at Lys-14 (H3K14ac) and dimethylated at Lys-4 (H3K4me2), and increased DNaseI sensitivity. During the activated state, the mRNA of O2 targets accumulates in correspondence to RNPII, O2, and Ada2/Gcn5 coactivator binding. The active state also exhibits further increases of H3K14ac/H3K4me2 and DNaseI accessibility levels and deposition of histone H3 acetylated at Lys-9 and trimethylated at Lys-4. Analysis of o2 mutants revealed that O2 targets differ in their dependence on O2 activity for coactivator recruitment and for formation of specific chromatin modification profiles. These results indicate gene-specific involvement of mechanisms that modify chromatin states in the O2-mediated regulation of transcription.
Why do CEOs hold non‐executive directorships? An analysis of the role of governance and ownership
Authors: O'Sullivan Noel 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThis paper seeks to investigate the holding of non‐executive directorships by CEOs in a sample of 387 large UK companies. The main objective of the paper is to ascertain whether the holding of additional directorships by CEOs is influenced by the governance and ownership characteristics of their companies.Design/methodology/approachThe approach takes the form of an empirical analysis of the holding of non‐executive directorships by 387 CEOs of large UK companies.FindingsThe study finds that 101 CEOs (26 per cent) hold at least one non‐executive directorship but the most any single CEO holds is three with the vast majority holding one other directorship. CEOs who also serve as chairman are more likely to hold non‐executive directorships while CEOs in companies with greater concentration of external ownership are less likely to hold other directorships. The study finds no evidence that either non‐executive representation or managerial ownership (including CEO ownership) influences the holding of additional directorships. The holding of additional directorships is positively related to company size, suggesting that the more complex environment in which CEOs of large companies operate leads to the offer of additional directorships.Originality/valueThe findings are important as they key into an ongoing debate on whether the holding of additional directorships by CEOs is consistent with good governance practice. The evidence presented here provides mixed information for governance regulators. While a significant majority of CEOs do not hold additional directorships, there is evidence that weaker board and external ownership monitoring is associated with a greater likelihood that CEOs will sit on other boards.
Strategy process as an innovative learning environment
Authors: Vänttinen Marika , Pyhältö Kirsi 
Published: May 2009

PurposeIn many organisations a lot of effort is put into the formation of a strategy, but the implementation of strategies is lacking. This paper aims to explore the preconditions for a successful strategy process (i.e. a process which results in implementation) in the context of municipal services in Finland. As a case study, the implementation of the city strategy in the home care services in one Finnish municipality is to be examined. The practical goal is to explain, why the implementation of strategy is lacking. The theoretical purpose is to find prerequisites for successful strategy implementation.Design/methodology/approachThe project was carried out by using an action research approach. The data collection and analysis methods were qualitative, including semi‐structured interviews, visual modelling of the strategy processes and observation of group discussions during the intervention day. The content of all the ten transcribed interviews and the transcription of the intervention were systematically analysed. In the context of the city strategy process, two types of fundamental prerequisites for learning were studied: the significance given to the strategy work, and the experience of agency in the strategy process.FindingsThe participants in the strategy process were divided into three different organisational levels, the experiences were consistent within organisational levels but they differed between them. Both the strategic‐ and operative‐level employees considered the strategic level as active strategy makers and the operative level as passive receivers of the strategy. Furthermore, the management‐level employees gave high significance to the strategy process, while the significance given to the strategy process by the politicians and the operative‐level employees was low. The above‐mentioned findings may be the reasons why the commitment of staff members to the strategy was low and its implementation ineffective.Practical implicationsIn the strategy process of the case municipality, the understanding of the strategy process seemed to be fragmented and rigid, because the spontaneous conceptions of strategy were not problematised and discussed throughout the organisation. To build up a meaningful understanding of the strategy process, the spontaneous conceptions of strategy should be processed at all levels of the organisation. Furthermore, to prevent understanding from becoming fragmentated, the strategy representations should be processed in a common process. If it is supposed to be implemented, the strategy process should be seen as a continuous and comprehensive learning process.Originality/valueThe strategy process is a complex system in which many factors interact simultaneously. Despite this, the relationship between individual learning processes and the strategy process has not been researched before. The paper explores the strategy process as a holistic and systemic learning process in which individual and shared collaborative processes are intertwined.
Globalization and its impact on operational decisions
Authors: Puig Francisco , Marques Helena , Ghauri Pervez N. 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to analyse the impact of globalization on the manufacturing operations of industries and industrial districts and how it influences the specialization and diversification of manufacturing decisions.Design/methodology/approachThe sample includes 9,684 Spanish manufacturing textile firms and the analysis is both cross‐sectional and longitudinal.FindingsThe results show that globalization tends to diminish the district and subsector effects over time, but they also show the positive impact of specialization on productivity and of diversification on business growth.Originality/valueThe paper indicates to managers that the production function in textile firms has viability in Europe through achieving specialization and efficient operations management.
Drivers of close supply chain collaboration: one size fits all?
Authors: de Leeuw Sander , Fransoo Jan 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the antecedents of close supply chain collaboration and to develop a multi‐variable conceptual model of factors that drive the need for close supply chain collaboration.Design/methodology/approachA multi‐variable conceptual model is developed based on literature and on a series of dyadic mini‐cases in the electronics, fashion and consumer‐packaged goods industry.FindingsThis paper confirms that close supply chain collaboration is influenced by a multitude of factors. It reveals a need to integrate findings from analytical and empirical disciplines that study supply chain collaboration. The results suggest that collaborative initiatives are predominantly initiated with suppliers and not with customers, and that close supply chain collaboration may lead to inertia in business relations.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper is based on dyadic case studies in three different make‐to‐stock industries; future research may include a large‐scale survey in more industries, including both make‐to‐order and make‐to‐stock environments.Practical implicationsBased on the findings, firms can make better choices in their collaborative initiatives; based on the conceptual model, firms can identify potential areas of close supply chain collaboration.Originality/valueFindings from analytical and empirical literature are combined and such a combined perspective is deployed for the first time into a conceptual model of drivers of close supply chain collaboration.
Performance measurement
Authors: Moxham Claire 
Published: May 2009

PurposeNonprofit performance measurement is receiving increasing academic and practitioner attention, but the design of nonprofit measurement systems has received limited consideration. This is in contrast to the well‐established body of knowledge that focuses on performance measurement in private and public sector organisations. The purpose of this paper is to ascertain whether this body of knowledge can be used to inform the design of nonprofit performance measurement systems.Design/methodology/approachA case study approach was taken to examine the performance measurement practices used in six nonprofit organisations and their associated funders and regulators. A total of 24 managers from 18 organisations took part in the study.FindingsThe study found underdeveloped and resource intensive performance measurement systems in the majority of organisations that were examined. The performance measurement literature from the private and public sectors advocates the development of relevant, balanced, integrated, strategic and improvement‐oriented performance measurement systems; concepts that have received limited consideration in the nonprofit literature. This research found that performance measurement system design principles developed for the private and public sectors were applicable to the nonprofit sector.Research limitations/implicationsWhilst a range of stakeholders was included in the research, further work is required to validate the applicability of the findings to the diverse nonprofit sector. Nevertheless, given the dearth of operations management focused research on nonprofit performance measurement systems this study makes a useful contribution.Practical implicationsThe study presents empirical evidence of the myriad criteria and processes that are used to measure nonprofit performance. The paper shows that current measurement practice is detracting from the performance of nonprofit organisations.Originality/valueDespite the perceived uniqueness of the nonprofit sector, this paper shows that learning from the private and public sectors can be used to inform good practice in nonprofits. As relatively little research has been done in this area, the findings make a valuable contribution to the body of knowledge.
On the challenges of evacuation and rescue operations in high‐rise buildings
Authors: Hassanain Mohammad A. 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the challenges faced by occupants and fire fighters during evacuation and rescue operations in high‐rise buildings.Design/methodology/approachThe paper has analysed the published literature for the purpose of identifying and examining the factors that make high‐rise buildings a high‐risk type of facility to fire and the common avenues of fire spread in high‐rise buildings. The paper then investigates a number of evacuation strategies in high‐rise buildings and the set of human factors affecting high‐rise evacuations. It also discusses the challenges that building occupants and fire departments face during a fire emergency.FindingsThe paper has established that high‐rise buildings are a high‐risk type of facility in fire emergencies due to a combination of three risk factors. The characteristics of the occupants to consider when designing the means of escape were identified, and the challenges faced by fire fighters during rescue operation in high‐rise fires were classified under five main categories.Originality/valueThe paper provides for an exchange of knowledge, thus facilitating a better comprehension of the roles of designers, building services engineers, facility managers and professionals in safety in the provision and maintenance of safety systems in high‐rise buildings.
Using case studies in university‐level marketing education
Authors: Brennan Ross 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a framework that can be used by marketing educators to evaluate the appropriateness of case studies for inclusion in a course.Design/methodology/approachThis viewpoint paper represents the views of the author alone.FindingsSelection criteria for the possible inclusion of specific case studies in a marketing course will be affected by the characteristics of students (prior experience, familiarity with subject matter), characteristics of the course (academic level, subject matter, managerial or non‐managerial orientation), and by characteristics of the case study (degree of realism, complexity, knowledge content, skills content, degree of decision orientation).Originality/valueSuggests a practical way forward for marketing educators, particularly those new to the profession, when selecting case studies for incorporation into their course.
HELP – for a life without tobacco: a case study on demarketing across two levels
Authors: Hassan Louise M. , Shiu Edward , Walsh Gianfranco , Hastings Gerard 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present an overview and evaluation of the European Commission “HELP – for a life without tobacco” campaign.Design/methodology/approachData collected via a web and a telephone survey is used to evaluate the campaign.FindingsThe findings reveal how a campaign targeted at individuals can lead to social change through involvement with key stakeholder groups including NGO's and the public at large. At an individual level the campaign was received favourably with overall high levels of awareness and engagement with the message. The associated web site was thought to contain trustworthy information and persuasive arguments about the dangers of smoking and passive smoking.Originality/valueThe originality of this paper lies in providing an example of social advertising across a large number of countries. Furthermore, this case study adds to the literature on demarketing, highlighting that demarketing can take place across two levels both at the citizen level and at the governmental level.
RESPOND: plugging AMICAL's international American universities into WorldCat
Authors: Gima Jeff 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to substantially update a presentation made at the 2007 IFLA Conference. It intends to describe the RESPOND project, a partnership between OCLC and the AMICAL consortium to enhance library resource discovery, and to report on initial outcomes.Design/methodology/approachThe paper describes the background for RESPOND, its key features and interesting challenges, and some of its expected direct and indirect benefits for the discovery and sharing of resources at AMICAL libraries. Preliminary statistics for group library holdings in WorldCat and OCLC ILL system use are examined.FindingsThe time required for implementation and adoption of services was greater, and effective training more difficult to organize, than expected. Resource‐sharing performance improvements still need to be measured, and many libraries are just starting to implement the project's services, but cooperation appears to be increasing between consortium members. The potential benefits for resource discovery and delivery remain great, and interest and participation in the project have spread to include nearly all AMICAL consortium members.Originality/valueAMICAL is an atypical consortium because of its geographically dispersed and highly international membership, but the challenges and results described here may be relevant to other efforts at international resource sharing and cooperation.