bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plasma Radiofrequency Preceded by Pressure Recording Enhances Success for Treating Sleep‐Related Breathing Disorders
Authors: Tvinnereim Magne , Mitic Svetislav , Hansen Rolf K. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractObjectives: Sleep‐related breathing disorders (SRBD) that cannot be treated conservatively are commonly treated using uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, although success rates are generally less than 70%. The purpose of this study was to assess a plasma‐mediated radiofrequency (RF)‐based coblation assisted upper airway procedure (CAUP) to treat SRBD patients determined to have obstruction localized to the upper (mid)‐pharyngeal region.Study Design: Prospective case series (n = 40).Methods: Six patients had socially bothersome snoring, and 34 patients had mild to moderate sleep apnea (apnea/hypopnea index [AHI] <20), with the primary level of obstruction (>50%) within the upper pharyngeal region as determined using whole night recordings, including airway pressure fluctuation monitoring (ApneaGraph, MRA‐Medical Ltd, Gloucestershire, UK). CAUP consisted of making a lateral palatal incision, ablating three upward channels on each side of the midline (fan‐shaped) into the soft palate using a plasma mediated RF‐based device (ArthroCare Corporation, Austin, TX), and performing a partial uvulectomy. Clinical outcomes included the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), partner rating of snoring using a visual analogue scale (VAS), and night‐time apnea and hypopnea events (AHI, hypopnea index [HI], apnea index [AI]).Results: Patients were 28 to 68 (46 ± 12) years old; 28 (70%) were male. Preoperatively, clinical assessment scores (median ± interquartile range) were as follows: ESS (11.0 ± 3.0), VAS (8.15 ± 1.00), AHI (9.58 ± 5.58), HI (9.00 ± 5.29), AI (0.333 ± 0.625). After CAUP, no postoperative scarring, fibrosis, or any other clinically significant side effects were observed. Postoperatively (9.1 ± 1.5; 7–15 mo), ESS (4.0 ± 1.0), VAS (2.70 ± 1.38), AHI (3.75 ± 2.92), HI (3.58 ± 2.50), and AI (0.167 ± 0.167) were significantly improved (P < .001).Conclusion: CAUP preceded by site‐specific obstruction diagnosis using pressure recording is a well‐tolerated outpatient treatment that is well suited for treating SRBD.
Calcium-Dependent Protein Kinases Regulate the Production of Reactive Oxygen Species by Potato NADPH Oxidase
Authors: Kobayashi Michie , Ohura Ikuko , Kawakita Kazuhito , Yokota Naohiko , Fujiwara Masayuki , Shimamoto Ko , Doke Noriyuki , Yoshioka Hirofumi 
Published: March 2007

AbstractReactive oxygen species (ROS) are implicated in plant innate immunity. NADPH oxidase (RBOH; for Respiratory Burst Oxidase Homolog) plays a central role in the oxidative burst, and EF-hand motifs in the N terminus of this protein suggest possible regulation by Ca2+. However, regulatory mechanisms are largely unknown. We identified Ser-82 and Ser-97 in the N terminus of potato (Solanum tuberosum) St RBOHB as potential phosphorylation sites. An anti-phosphopeptide antibody (pSer82) indicated that Ser-82 was phosphorylated by pathogen signals in planta. We cloned two potato calcium-dependent protein kinases, St CDPK4 and St CDPK5, and mass spectrometry analyses showed that these CDPKs phosphorylated only Ser-82 and Ser-97 in the N terminus of St RBOHB in a calcium-dependent manner. Ectopic expression of the constitutively active mutant of St CDPK5, St CDPK5VK, provoked ROS production in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. The CDPK-mediated ROS production was disrupted by knockdown of Nb RBOHB in N. benthamiana. The loss of function was complemented by heterologous expression of wild-type potato St RBOHB but not by a mutant (S82A/S97A). Furthermore, the heterologous expression of St CDPK5VK phosphorylated Ser-82 of St RBOHB in N. benthamiana. These results suggest that St CDPK5 induces the phosphorylation of St RBOHB and regulates the oxidative burst.
Research in the School of Information Management, London Metropolitan University
Authors: McGuinness Rosemary 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the practical applications of Information and Knowledge Management to society from the academic team at London Metropolitan University through an introduction to the papers in this special issue.Design/methodology/approachA narrative which provides a social context to Information and Knowledge Management.FindingsThere is a concrete link between the theory and practice of Information and Knowledge Management in delivering an equitable society.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper is limited to a descriptive editorial.Practical implicationsInformation and Knowledge providers and services are primarily for individuals and organisations in society.Originality/valueThis paper represents an introductory look at the Information Society.
A low‐thrust guidance law based on Lyapunov feedback control and hybrid genetic algorithm
Authors: Yuan Ren , Pingyuan Cui , Enjie Luan 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThis paper seeks to examine the development of the on‐board guidance law for multi‐revolutions orbit transfer spacecraft with low‐thrust propulsion systems.Design/methodology/approachIn the research, first, a set of equinoctial elements is utilized to avoid the singularities in dynamical equation of classical orbit elements. A thruster switch law is derived by analyzing the efficiency of the changing of each orbit elements. Second, by using the theory of Lyapunov feedback control, analytic expressions of thrust angles are derived. Finally, the weights of the Lyapunov function are adjusted by hybrid genetic algorithm to improve the performance of the guidance law.FindingsFirst, the dynamical equations of classical orbit elements are always singularity during the orbit transfer. By using modified equinoctial elements, these singularities could be avoided. Second, the trajectory is sensitive to the weights in Lyapunov function. With reasonable weights, the key parameters under the control of the guidance law presented in this paper are very close to that of optimal trajectory.Research limitations/implicationsIn further research, some dynamical weights methods will be used in the control law to improve the performance index, and approach the optimal solution.Practical implicationsThe guidance law presented in this paper could be easily used as an on‐board algorithm for the multi‐revolutions orbit transfer or stationkeeping. Furthermore, it could also be utilized as an initial design method for low‐thrust orbit transfer.Originality/valueProviding a low‐thrust guidance law by combining the concept of Lyapunov feedback control with hybrid genetic algorithm. This method has a super convergence and a low‐computational cost.
Survey of internal temperatures of New Zealand domestic refrigerators
Authors: Gilbert S.E. , Whyte R. , Bayne G. , Lake R.J. , van der Logt P. 
Published: March 2007

PurposeTo collate data on internal temperatures of domestic refrigerators in New Zealand.Design/methodology/approachA survey of 127 domestic refrigerators in urban and rural locations in New Zealand was carried out during 2004‐2005. Data loggers were used to record internal temperatures every ten minutes over a 72‐hour period. A short questionnaire was also administered to participants.FindingsThe overall mean temperature was 5.2 °C (standard deviation 2.5 °C). A significant proportion (34 per cent) had a mean temperature >6 °C, while 55 per cent had a mean temperature of >5 °C. There were no statistically significant differences between mean temperatures in refrigerators in rural and urban (two cities) locations. Most consumers were aware of ideal refrigeration temperatures, but lacked the means (thermometers) to check actual operating temperatures.Research limitations/implicationsThe temperature data collected by this survey will be useful for modelling domestic refrigerator storage as a component of food safety quantitative risk models. These data can indicate the amount of time that refrigerators have an internal temperature above a minimum bacterial growth temperature, although the behaviour of bacteria under such fluctuating conditions is not well understood.Originality/valueThese data can assist with food safety promotion and act as an input into food safety risk assessments.
Library of Congress classification: catalogers’ perceptions of the new Subclass KBP
Authors: Mansor Yushiana , Ismā‘īl al‐Shawābikah Younis Ahmad 
Published: March 2007

PurposeProfessional cataloguers working in ten university libraries in Jordan, Malaysia, and United Arab Emirates were interviewed with the aim of investigating their perceptions on the new Library of Congress classification's Subclass KBP for Islamic law (IL).Design/methodology/approachSpecific aspects investigated were accessibility and user satisfaction, clarity of terms, ease of use, inclusiveness and comprehensiveness, modernism and innovation, and systematic arrangement and relationships.FindingsThree aspects received positive feedbacks from respondents. It is also evident that cataloguers’ familiarity with and skills in applying the Subclass KBP should be improved to ensure effective use of the scheme.Practical implicationsThe decision on whether or not to apply the new KBP schedule represents a great challenge for those libraries around the world especially those in the Arab/Islamic countries. In the light of the decision of the LC to apply the newly developed Subclass KBP for IL, libraries are now facing a new challenge and have to decide on the implementation of the new schedule.Originality valueDeals with issues that need to be more clearly understood in the West.
Estimation of iodine in fortified salts by an improved electrometric method
Authors: Shah Munir H. , Jaffar M. , Shaheen N. , Rasool N. 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThis paper seeks to apply an improved electrometric method using polarized electrodes to quantify iodine in 241 salt samples pertaining to 15 different brands procured from the local market.Design/methodology/approach – Comparative evaluation of the method is made with the iodometric titration and the colorimetric methods.FindingsThe results obtained reveal that the electrometric method excels in attaining higher level of accuracy, precision and lower detection limit, backed by ease of operation.Practical implicationsThe method warrants reproducible results both for replicate synthetic and market samples, with a lower detection limit of about 0.1ppm within an acceptable limit of error.Originality/valueThe study shows significant difference between the estimated and labelled iodine values in various brands of iodized salts. Most of the salt samples analysed contain iodine levels far exceeding the WHO permitted limit. The method has the potential of application for in‐situ iodine measurement in iodine fortified salts to ensure rapid quality control, both at the retailer and production levels.
Institutional impacts on industry structure: the block exemption regulation
Authors: Akpinar Murat 
Published: March 2007

PurposeTo understand the impact of the new block exemption regulation on distribution and after‐sales services in the automobile industry in the European Union (EU).Design/methodology/approachStrategic responses of the key actors are predicted with the aid of a developed theoretical framework using institutional, industrial organization, and resource‐dependence theories. Both the theoretical framework and the predictions are then tested on natural data, which was obtained from a survey commissioned by the European Commission.FindingsSupranational regulatory institutions and current industry structure both influence firm strategy. Firms respond by anticipating how the regulatory change may impact the future industry structure.Research limitations/implicationsAs data cover a short period after the new regulation, long‐term impact cannot be observed.Practical implicationsContributes to the understanding of the changing state of automobile‐distribution and after‐sales services in the EU.Originality/valueUnveils the complex relationships between supranational regulatory institutions, firm strategy, and industry structure.
How do measurement objectives influence the R&D performance measurement system design?
Authors: Chiesa Vittorio , Frattini Federico , Lazzarotti Valentina , Manzini Raffaella 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to address the problem of designing a performance measurement system (PMS) for research and development (R&D) activities; in particular, it investigates if and how different objectives for the PMS use influence the design of its constitutive elements.Design/methodology/approachA literature review was first conducted, aimed at identifying the constitutive elements of a PMS for R&D and the major purposes for its use. Then, a multiple case study involving four Italian technology‐intensive firms was undertaken for investigating the relationship between PMS constitutive elements and measurement purposes.FindingsDifferent PMS objectives imply significantly different design choices for constitutive elements. Even when companies are very different in terms of size and sector of activity, similar objectives lead to very similar PMSs.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is qualitative. Further research should aim to increase the rationality and objectivity of the proposed relationships and explore the joint effects of the measurement objectives and other contextual factors on the measurement system design.Practical implicationsR&D managers who plan to design a PMS for their departments can follow the guidelines suggested in the paper to tune the basic features of the PMS to the real objectives they mean to pursue.Originality/valueIt is the first attempt, to the best knowledge of the authors, that explicitly and practically suggests how to tailor the design of each PMS's constitutive element according to the objectives that are pursued.
Assessing the impact of job involvement on performance
Authors: Rotenberry Paul F. , Moberg Philip J. 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThe hypothesized relationship between the attitude of job involvement and performance has received limited support. In 2002, Diefendorff et al. proposed that previous attempts to confirm this relationship were flawed, and subsequently found support for job involvement's criterion‐related validity. The present study seeks to provide another test of job involvement's association with performance.Design/methodology/approachData were gathered using a field sample combined within a longitudinal design. Hypotheses were tested using correlation and hierarchical regression.FindingsEmployees’ self‐reported job involvement significantly predicted certain supervisor performance ratings above and beyond work centrality.Research limitations/implicationsThe psychological environment may have been disrupted by the public announcement that the focal organization had been acquired by an international firm shortly before data collection began.Practical implicationsEncouraging greater job involvement may positively influence work‐related behaviors, especially individually directed citizenship behaviors.Originality/valueThe present study tested the long‐term relationship of employee attitudes to workplace behaviors with an applied sample, while providing a theoretical context to describe the effects.
Adding value through outsourcing
Authors: Power Damien , Sharafali Moosa , Bhakoo Vikram 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThe aim of this research is to understand how customers perceive their logistics service providers in terms of achieving the claimed benefits of outsourcing. This paper is based on research focusing on the state of the 3PL (Third Party Logistics) industry in Australia.Design/methodology/approachA set of typical business outcomes to which logistics outsourcing is expected to contribute were identified. Customers were asked to rate the contribution of their principal 3PL to these performance indicators. We used competitive priorities of 3PLs, the services provided by them and technologies used by them as predictors and performed regression analysis for each of these.FindingsThe results indicate that customers of 3PLs place significant value on the services they provide, technologies they use and objectives that transcend just low cost. The implication of this final finding shows that customers see a focus on service based solutions as providing a set of benefits beyond mere cost control.Research limitations/implicationsThe main limitation of this paper is that it is confined to Australia. So, any extensions of the findings to other regions of the world should be done with caution.Practical implicationsThe practical implication of the study is that it provides support for the potential for an effective set of arrangements with 3PLs to help organizations to move out of the world of pure cost based competition, and into one where they could compete on multiple dimensions.Originality/valueThis study provides evidence from customers of logistics service providers indicating that 3PLs provide them with a means for competing through greater flexibility, at the same time as enabling better‐cost management. In this sense, customers see 3PLs as providing them with a potential pathway to more innovative business models.
Market selection for international expansion
Authors: Sakarya Sema , Eckman Molly , Hyllegard Karen H. 
Published: March 2007

PurposeTraditional market selection analysis relies on purely macroeconomic and political factors and fails to account for an emerging market's dynamism and future potential. The objective of this paper is to present a tool composed of four criteria specific to the preliminary assessment of emerging markets (EM) as international expansion opportunities.Design/methodology/approachBased on the literature pointing out the limitations of international market selection (IMS) models and the need for a specialized approach, additional criteria are introduced to assess emerging market potential. Review of prior work on internationalization, EM and market selection provided the rationale for the selected criteria. Using secondary data and primary data from a sample of 500, the proposed criteria are applied to the assessment of an emerging market for US apparel specialty retailers.FindingsAssessment of the emerging market with the criteria introduced revealed growth and sourcing opportunities that might otherwise have been overlooked. Case application exposed strong future market potential, manageable level of cultural distance, supportive and developing local industry and positive customer receptiveness for foreign products and business. The findings illustrate the need to improve and supplement assessment criteria of traditional analysis for EM.Research limitations/implicationsFollow‐up studies validating, integrating and determining the relative importance of the criteria introduced will contribute to the development of an assessment model for EM.Practical implicationsA useful complementary tool for international marketers.Originality/valueThe paper develops the body of knowledge on IMS by addressing the shortcomings of traditional analysis and expands the two prior studies on emerging market potential.
Developing statistical thinking for performance improvement in the food industry
Authors: Grigg Nigel Peter , Walls Lesley 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThe paper aims to describe a recently completed research project on the use of statistical quality control (SQC) methods in the context of food and drinks manufacturing. It discusses issues surrounding the successful uptake of such methods, including organisational motivation, possible application, costs and benefits, critical success factors and the central importance of prerequisite statistical thinking (ST).Design/methodology/approachA three stage, mixed methods approach was adopted, incorporating surveys augmented by case studies and key informant interviews with industry managers and providers of relevant industry training. All data were combined to produce the final model.FindingsThe paper finds that SQC methods are of relevance in the industry, providing the process is appropriate and management have a basic awareness of the fundamentals of ST. Certain organisational and external factors were found to progressively reduce the effectiveness with which such methods are introduced and sustained. The paper ends with discussion of an original model, developed from the research, which illustrates the “filters” that tend to reduce the effectiveness with which methods are used in the industry, with a discussion of how each can be overcome.Research limitations/implicationsThe research in this paper is focused on the European food manufacturing and legislative context, and predominantly UK. Low survey response rates numbers necessitated a nonparametric approach to survey analysis.Practical implicationsThe paper shows that the filters model is of generic applicability and interest to current and future managers, and to other researchers in this area.Originality/valueThe paper addresses the “how to” of SQC, and examines an industry where there is not yet widespread literature on the benefits of SQC methods. It presents an original model of the barriers to effective use of statistical methods within a process knowledge and improvement cycle.
A study of customer satisfaction in the context of a public private partnership
Authors: Jamali Dima 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present the results of an original satisfaction survey in the context of a new public private partnership (PPP) in the Lebanese postal sector, highlighting traditionally overlooked linkages between PPPs, quality management and customer satisfaction. The ascendancy of PPPs in recent years has been attributed to key drivers including greater value for money, and enhanced service quality. However, very few studies to date have investigated the success of service performance improvement in the PPP context, by gauging customer satisfaction.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is a literature review and customer satisfaction survey.FindingsThe findings in this paper suggest a good level of satisfaction with the quality of services received through the PPP in question but mixed results concerning the impact of consumer characteristics on satisfaction ratings.Originality/valueIn the paper the relationship between customer satisfaction and quality is reviewed. Customer satisfaction is measured in the PPP context and a neglected dimension in customer satisfaction measurement addressed namely, whether ratings of satisfaction vary systematically on the basis of customer characteristics.