bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
AnArabidopsisE3 Ligase, SHOOT GRAVITROPISM9, Modulates the Interaction between Statoliths and F-Actin in Gravity Sensing
Authors: Nakamura Moritaka , Toyota Masatsugu , Tasaka Masao , Morita Miyo Terao 
Published: May 2011

AbstractHigher plants use the sedimentation of amyloplasts in statocytes as statolith to sense the direction of gravity during gravitropism. In Arabidopsis thaliana inflorescence stem statocyte, amyloplasts are in complex movement; some show jumping-like saltatory movement and some tend to sediment toward the gravity direction. Here, we report that a RING-type E3 ligase SHOOT GRAVITROPISM9 (SGR9) localized to amyloplasts modulates amyloplast dynamics. In the sgr9 mutant, which exhibits reduced gravitropism, amyloplasts did not sediment but exhibited increased saltatory movement. Amyloplasts sometimes formed a cluster that is abnormally entangled with actin filaments (AFs) in sgr9. By contrast, in the fiz1 mutant, an ACT8 semidominant mutant that induces fragmentation of AFs, amyloplasts, lost saltatory movement and sedimented with nearly statically. Both treatment with Latrunculin B, an inhibitor of AF polymerization, and the fiz1 mutation rescued the gravitropic defect of sgr9. In addition, fiz1 decreased saltatory movement and induced amyloplast sedimentation even in sgr9. Our results suggest that amyloplasts are in equilibrium between sedimentation and saltatory movement in wild-type endodermal cells. Furthermore, this equilibrium is the result of the interaction between amyloplasts and AFs modulated by the SGR9. SGR9 may promote detachment of amyloplasts from AFs, allowing the amyloplasts to sediment in the AFs-dependent equilibrium of amyloplast dynamics.
Highly focused document retrieval in aerospace engineering
Authors: Petrelli Daniela , Lanfranchi Vitaveska , Ciravegna Fabio , Begdev Ravish , Chapman Sam 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThis paper seeks to describe the preliminary studies (on both users and data), the design and evaluation of the K‐Search system for searching legacy documents in aerospace engineering. Real‐world reports of jet engine maintenance challenge the current indexing practice, while real users' tasks require retrieving the information in the proper context. K‐Search is currently in use in Rolls‐Royce plc and has evolved to include other tools for knowledge capture and management.Design/methodology/approachSemantic Web techniques have been used to automatically extract information from the reports while maintaining the original context, allowing a more focused retrieval than with more traditional techniques. The paper combines semantic search with classical information retrieval to increase search effectiveness. An innovative user interface has been designed to take advantage of this hybrid search technique. The interface is designed to allow a flexible and personal approach to searching legacy data.FindingsThe user evaluation showed that the system is effective and well received by users. It also shows that different people look at the same data in different ways and make different use of the same system depending on their individual needs, influenced by their job profile and personal attitude.Research limitations/implicationsThis study focuses on a specific case of an enterprise working in aerospace engineering. Although the findings are likely to be shared with other engineering domains (e.g. mechanical, electronic), the study does not expand the evaluation to different settings.Originality/valueThe study shows how real context of use can provide new and unexpected challenges to researchers and how effective solutions can then be adopted and used in organizations.
Expanding the concept of requirements traceability
Authors: Chen Hui , Baptista Nunes Miguel , Zhou Lihong , Chao Peng Guo 
Published: May 2011

PurposeDespite its tremendous success and achievements, the information science (IS) industry has been plagued by shadows of failure and inefficiency since its early days. This paper takes the stance that poor communication with target organizations and users is one of the major causes of these problems. If this communication is not properly recorded and managed, many of the agreed decisions may never be assumed by target organizations, therefore leaving project managers entirely responsible for failures or deviation from initial requirements. Nonetheless, the vast majority of Software (SW) development companies have very weak provision for Electronic Records Management (ERM). This is evident from the persistent use of ISO 9001 and ISO 90003 in their Quality Assurance (QA) and the consistent neglecting of the ISO 15489 standard for records management. This paper aims to examine this issueDesign/methodology/approachSince there are no studies in this area, this research employed an inductive qualitative research approach that consisted of a combination of critical literature review, an exploratory case study and thematic analysis.FindingsThis paper reports on the study of an SW company that implemented ERM policies and an in‐house system that not only supports the recording of documentation and evidence for every phase of the development, but also the very difficult processes of organizational learning.Practical implicationsThis paper is of interest to both IS academics and practitioners, namely those interested in QA and ERM.Originality/valueThere is very little research in this area that can inform both academics and practitioners on how to use ERM within SW project management practices. This paper aims at providing early insights into ways of addressing this gap and at generating discussion in this area.
Information literacy through inquiry
Authors: McKinney Pamela , Jones Myles , Turkington Sandra 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to report on the evaluation of a curriculum development project that took place in the Department of Psychology at the University of Sheffield. The project, funded by a Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CILASS), sought to embed information literacy development in a Level One module using an inquiry‐based learning pedagogical approach. Students worked collaboratively to find news stories that were purportedly based on real psychological research and then searched for the related research paper. They reflected on this task and the differences between the two sources as part of the assessed work for the module.Design/methodology/approachThe paper synthesizes the results of a number of evaluation instruments (questionnaire, information literacy competency test, focus group, student reflective work) to examine staff and student perceptions of the inquiry task, and how effective the task was in building students' information literacy. A “Theory of Change” evaluation methodology was used to define the scope of evaluation activities.FindingsThe SCONUL Seven Pillars of Information Literacy model is used to structure the findings from the various evaluation methods. Students developed their knowledge of, and ability to search, appropriate academic resources, although they demonstrated a preference for searching via Google Scholar over Web of Knowledge.Originality/valueStudents demonstrated through their reflective comments that they had developed significant abilities to compare and evaluate news stories and journal articles, although they reported a lack of confidence in these abilities. Postgraduate tutors thought the inquiry task was successful in developing students' information literacy and both students and staff responded positively to the ability to choose topics of interest to investigate.
Investigating fiction reader characteristics using personal construct theory
Authors: Birdi Briony 
Published: May 2011

PurposeUsing the public library context, this paper seeks to present research identifying perceived characteristics of fiction readers and their associated genres, with a particular emphasis on the reader of Black British and Asian fiction in the English language.Design/methodology/approachThe paper applies personal construct theory and the associated repertory grid to a mixed method study involving 15 repertory grid interviews, conducted with librarianship Master's students at a UK university.FindingsThe findings regarding the perceived profile of the reader were similar to those reported in previous sociological research, but new constructs emerged regarding certain perceived characteristics of both readers and genres.Research limitations/implicationsThe method and findings provide a starting‐point for future research in materials portraying, and originating from, minority ethnic communities. With more repeated constructs and a larger sample size, future research could statistically investigate the significance of potential trends and apparent relationships between data.Practical implicationsThe paper provides new data regarding the nature and readership of minority ethnic fiction, informing the improvement of its provision and promotion by public libraries.Social implicationsIt is hoped that longer‐term effects will be to increase both public and professional understanding of fiction written by members of minority ethnic communities, and of its potential contribution to the wider body of literature in the English language.Originality/valueThe paper applies personal construct theory and the associated repertory grid technique to a new area of research and practice, with new data having been generated concerning the perceived characteristics of fiction genres, and of their readers.
Competing risks models of Farm Service Agency seven‐year direct operating loans
Authors: Dixon Bruce L. , Ahrendsen Bruce L. , McFadden Brandon R. , Danforth Diana M. , Foianini Monica , Hamm Sandra J. 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to apply duration methods to a sample of Farm Service Agency (FSA) direct, seven‐year operating loans to identify those variables that influence the time to loan termination and type of termination. Variables include both those known at time of loan origination and those that characterize the changing economic environment over the life of the loan. Also, to examine the impact of various FSA programs promoting policy objectives.Design/methodology/approachA systematic sample of 877 seven‐year, FSA direct loans originated between October 1, 1993 and September 30, 1996 was collected. Cox regression, competing risks models are estimated as a function of borrower and loan characteristics observable at loan origination. Economic indicator variables emphasizing the farm economy and observed quarterly over the life of the loan are also included as explanatory variables.FindingsLoan characteristics, borrower financial characteristics and degree of borrower interaction with FSA observable at origin are significant variables in determining type of loan outcome (default or paid‐in‐full) and time to outcome. Changes in the economic environment and farm economy during the life of the loan are significant.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample consists only of FSA direct loans which implies borrowers are at financial margin. Application of method to agricultural loans from conventional commercial lenders could identify different significant factors.Practical implicationsUsing length of time to loan termination instead of just type of outcome provides for a richer analysis of loan performance. Loan performance over time is influenced by the larger economy and should be incorporated into loan performance modeling.Originality/valueThe study described in the paper demonstrates use of competing risks models on intermediate agricultural loans and develops how this technique can be used to learn about dynamic aspects of loan performance. Sample consists of observations on individual FSA direct loan borrowers. The FSA direct loan program is the major source of credit for agricultural borrowers at the financial margin.
Loan portfolio performance and El Niño, an intervention analysis
Authors: Collier Benjamin , Katchova Ani L. , Skees Jerry R. 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThis paper illustrates that natural disasters can significantly threaten financial institutions serving the poor. The authors test the case of a microfinance institution (MFI) in Northern Peru, where severe El Niño events create catastrophic flooding.Design/methodology/approachPortfolio‐level, monthly data from January 1994 to October 2008 were examined using an intervention analysis. The paper tested whether the 1997‐1998 El Niño increased problem loans and estimated the magnitude of the effect.FindingsThe results indicate El Niño significantly increased problem loans, specifically the level of restructured loans. While restructured loans averaged 0.5 percent of the total loan portfolio before the El Niño, the estimated cumulative effect of El Niño indicates that an additional 3.6 percent of the portfolio value was restructured due to this event.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research could build on these results by modeling insurance‐type mechanisms for the MFI. Additional research that replicates these analyses in another context would be highly valuable for comparison across natural disasters and financial institutions.Practical implicationsThe findings demonstrate that the correlated risk exposure of many small borrowers can significantly affect the lender and the importance of considering bank management in assessing disaster risk of a financial institution.Social implicationsLender strategies to minimize losses may require long‐term restructuring that perpetuates the effects of the disaster in the community.Originality/valueThis paper may be of particular value to researchers and practitioners hoping to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of MFIs concentrated in regions exposed to natural disaster risk.
Measuring dependence in joint distributions of yield and weather variables
Authors: Bokusheva Raushan 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe design and pricing of weather‐based insurance instruments is strongly based on an implicit assumption that the dependence structure between crop yields and weather variables remains unchanged over time. The purpose of this paper is to verify this critical assumption by employing historical time series of weather and farm yields from a semi‐arid region.Design/methodology/approachThe analysis employs two different approaches to measure dependence in multivariate distributions – the regression analysis and copula approach. The estimations are done by employing Bayesian hierarchical model.FindingsThe paper reveals statistically significant temporal changes in the joint distribution of weather variables and wheat yields for grain‐producing farms in Kazakhstan over the period from 1961 to 2003.Research limitations/implicationsBy questioning its basic assumption the paper draws attention to serious limitations in the current methodology of the weather‐based insurance design.Practical implicationsThe empirical results obtained indicate that the relationship between weather and crop yields is not fixed and can change over time. Accordingly, greater effort is required to capture potential temporal changes in the weather‐yield‐relationship and to consider them while developing and rating weather‐based insurance instruments.Originality/valueThe estimation of selected copula and regression models has been done by employing Bayesian hierarchical models.
Design optimization of a mixed‐flow compressor impeller for a small turbojet engine
Authors: Cevik Mert , Uzol Oguz 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to present the results of a design optimization study for the impeller of a small mixed‐flow compressor. The objective of the optimization is to obtain an impeller geometry that could minimize a cost function based on the specific thrust and the thrust specific fuel consumption of a small turbojet engine.Design/methodology/approachThe design methodology is based on an optimization process that uses a configurational database for various compressor geometries. The database is constructed using design of experiments and the compressor configurations are generated using one‐dimensional in‐house design codes, as well as various tools and programs of the Agile Engineering Design System®, which is a commercially available turbomachinery design system developed at Concepts NREC. The cost function variations within the design space are represented through a neural network. The optimum configuration that minimizes the cost function is obtained using a direct search optimization procedure.FindingsThe optimization study generated a small 86 mm diameter mixed‐flow impeller with a 50° meridional exit angle. The optimized compressor, as well as the engine that it is designed for, were shown to have improved performance characteristics.Research limitations/implicationsPreliminary performance and flow analysis of the optimized impeller show shock structures and possible shock‐boundary layer interactions within the blade passages indicating further geometrical fine tuning may be required based on more detailed computational studies or experimental tests.Practical implicationsA further study including the effect of diffuser is required to carry the results to a more practical level.Originality/valueThe originality and the value of the paper comes mainly from two different aspects: combining various in‐house and commercial turbomachinery design codes in one robust methodology to obtain an optimum mixed‐flow compressor impeller that will maximize the performance requirements of a small unmanned air vehicle (UAV) turbojet engine under restricted size and power conditions; and investigation of the design optimization and analysis of a mixed‐flow compressor that could have potential applications in small jet engines to be used in high‐performance UAV applications. Design optimization studies on this type of compressor are very limited in the open literature. For many years, these compressors have been disregarded because of their bulky design in large‐scale engines. However, as mentioned above, they present a great potential for small‐scale jet engines by supplying enough pressure rise, as well as high mass flow rate compared to their centrifugal counterparts.
Estimation method combining aircraft kinematics, GPS, and low‐quality rate gyros
Authors: Park Sanghyuk 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to estimate aircraft roll angle and rate gyro biases using aircraft kinematics with GPS and low‐quality rate gyros.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed method is motivated by observing the fact that, in typical flight applications with transport, reconnaissance, or surveillance missions, the aircraft flies along relaxed flight paths, and the associated aircraft motion can be considered as the sum of the coordinated flight, low‐frequency motion and non‐coordinated, high‐frequency motion. The proposed scheme utilizes the coordinated flight kinematics to form the relatively simple, low‐order Kalman filter that estimates the aircraft roll attitude and rate gyro biases.FindingsThe associated frequency analysis reveals that, for the estimation in the relatively low‐frequency region, the method relies primarily on GPS with the help of coordinated flight kinematics in removing the bias effect from the low‐quality rate gyros. Also, for the estimation in the high‐frequency region the method relies mainly on the numerical integration of the rate gyro for the roll attitude, which enables a high‐bandwidth estimation.Research limitations/implicationsThe proposed method is not suitable for flight manoeuvres where a non‐coordinated flight, such as steady heading sideslip, is sustained for a long period of time.Practical implicationsThe proposed method has been implemented in a small UAV. The associated flight tests and simulations indicate that the new method has a potential to be used as a backup or a replacement for other complex conventional methods for many flight applications.Originality/valueThis paper has been the first to promote the estimation method that combines aircraft kinematics with GPS and low‐quality rate gyros.
Electropolymerization of p‐toluene sulfonic acid doped polyaniline on copper and its application as a corrosion inhibitor
Authors: Rashid Mohammad , Abdul Rahim Afidah , Jain Noordin Mohd 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the inhibitive effect of p‐toluene sulfonic acid (p‐TSA) doped polyaniline on corrosion of copper in 0.1 M hydrochloric acid (HCl) solution.Design/methodology/approachThe electrochemical deposition of polyaniline doped with p‐TSA on pure copper metal was studied potentiodynamically. The electrochemical study of the working electrode was performed at open‐circuit potential, then using potentiodynamic polarization and also with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in 0.1 M HCl solution. The p‐TSA doped polymer deposit was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, with the UV‐vis and thermogravimetric analysis/differential scanning calorimetry techniques. The morphology of the deposited polymer was studied by scanning electron microscopy.FindingsThe results revealed that the p‐TSA self‐doped polymer had better corrosion inhibition efficiency than did the un‐doped polyaniline. It exhibited approximately 88.9 percent inhibition efficiency at 2x10−3 M concentration of p‐TSA, according to charge transfer resistance (Rct) values evaluated from Nyquist plots.Research limitations/implicationsThe high dissolution tendency of metal surfaces generally occurs before the electropolymerization potential of the monomer is achieved. It was difficult to electrodeposit the conducting organic polymer on the surface of metal.Practical implicationsSome organic conducting polymers are toxic and hazardous from the environmental viewpoint. The electrochemical deposition of p‐TSA doped polyaniline is impractical for larger structures.Originality/valueThe paper demonstrates that p‐TSA doped polyaniline is environmentally benign and can be used for the protection of copper metal as a cathodic inhibitor.
Don't wash my meat: public perceptions of decontamination in meat production
Authors: Korzen Sara , Sandøe Peter , Lassen Jesper 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study public acceptance of decontamination as a risk reduction strategy in meat production.Design/methodology/approachA representative survey of the Danish population (n=1,104) was conducted during September 2007. The survey included dimensions of assessment of decontamination techniques and background variables of socio‐economic status, food culture and safety profile. The data were analysed using latent class analyses, and subsequently the association of the predicted classes and background variables was analysed using bivariate analyses.FindingsThe analysis shows that in general members of the public do not agree with the practice of decontamination. There was, however, some variation in public rejection of the techniques. Four latent classes were identified: rejects decontamination (57 per cent), accepts decontamination (4 per cent), accepts techniques that are familiar in meat production (18 per cent), and accepts techniques known from processed foods (21 per cent). Variations in the distribution of the four classes in different population groups are identified.Originality/valueThis is the first study to provide in‐depth information on public perceptions of the decontamination of meat. It will be of value to the industry and other stakeholders, since some form of decontamination is likely to be a necessary element in future European risk reduction strategies designed to ensure the safety of meat and meat products.