bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Eclipsing Binaries in the LMC: a Wealth of Data for Astrophysical Tests
Authors: Derekas A. , Kiss L. L. , Bedding T. R. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractWe have analysed publicly available MACHO observations of 6833 variable stars in the Large Magellanic Cloud, classified as eclipsing binaries. After finding that a significant fraction of the sample was misclassified, we redetermined periods and variability class for all stars, producing a clean sample of 3031 eclipsing binaries. We have investigated their distribution in the period-color-luminosity space, which was used, for example, to assign a foreground probability to every object and establish new period-luminosity relations to selected types of eclipsing stars. We found that the orbital period distribution of LMC binaries is very similar to those of the SMC and the Milky Way. We have also determined the rate of period change for every star using the O-C method, discovering about 40 eclipsing binaries with apsidal motion, 45 systems with cyclic period changes and about 80 stars with parabolic O-C diagrams. In a few objects we discovered gradual amplitude variation, which can be explained by changes in the orbital inclination caused by a perturbing third body in the system.
The Influence of Binarity on Stellar Activity
Authors: Oláh Katalin 
Published: July 2007

AbstractActivity of late type stars is enhanced by fast rotation, which is maintained in nearly synchronized close binary systems. Magnetic activity originates in the deep convection zones of stars from where magnetic flux tubes emerge to their surfaces. The gravitational forces in binaries help the clustering of activity features giving rise to active longitudes. These preferred longitudes are observed in binaries from dwarfs to giants. Differential rotation is found in many active stars that are components of binary systems. If these binaries are circularized and nearly synchronized, then there will be a corotation latitude in their surfaces, and its position can be determined by observations and by theoretical calculations. Enhanced activity in binaries could have a reverse effect as well: strong magnetism in a binary component can modify the orbital period by the cyclic exchange of kinetic and magnetic energy in its convective envelope.
A New Begomovirus Species Causing Leaf Curl Disease of Radish in India
Authors: Singh A. K. , Chattopadhyay B. , Pandey P. K. , Singh A. K. , Chakraborty S. 
Published: July 2007

Leaf curl disease of radish (RLCD) was observed for the first time in India in commercial fields and kitchen gardens of the Varanasi District and adjoining areas of eastern Uttar Pradesh during November 2003. Infected plants exhibited typical upward and downward leaf curling, leaf distortion, reduction of leaf area, and conspicuous enations on the underside of the leaves. Incidence of RLCD was estimated to be between 10 and 40% depending on the cultivars used. Electron microscopic observation revealed typical geminate particles in infected leaf samples. The causal virus could be transmitted to radish cv. Minu Early by whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci) and grafting. Inoculated plants developed symptoms similar to those observed in naturally infected radish plants. Viral DNA was isolated from artificially inoculated symptomatic radish plants (4) followed by concentration of super-coiled DNA by alkaline denaturation (1). The presence of a geminivirus was confirmed by PCR using DNA-A degenerate primers (3), and a 1.5-kb amplified product was obtained from six artificially and three naturally infected plants. Amplification of the full-length DNA-A was achieved using a primer combination derived from sequences obtained from a 1.5-kb amplicon. Amplification of 1.3-kb DNA-β sequences was achieved using specific primers (2) in three infected plants. Sequence analysis revealed that DNA-A (GenBank Accession No. EF 175733) contained 2,756 nt and DNA-β contained 1,358 nt (GenBank Accession No. EF 175734). DNA-A of the causal virus shares 87.7% identity with Tomato leaf curl Bangladesh virus (GenBank Accession No. AF 188481) and 62% identity with Mungbean yellow mosaic India virus (GenBank Accession No. AF126406). The begomovirus DNA-A sequence associated with RLCD contained seven open reading frames (AV1, AV2, AC1, AC2, AC3, AC4, and AC5). The DNA-β associated with RLCD shared the highest nucleotide sequence identity (84.9%) with DNA-β of Tobacco leaf curl virus isolate NIB 12-1 (GenBank Accession No. AJ316033) reported from Pakistan. Despite exhaustive attempts to amplify a putative viral B-component using degenerate primers based on the intergenic region sequence of the DNA-A or sequences that are highly conserved for other begomoviruses, no DNA-B component was detected. On the basis of DNA-A sequence analysis, the ICTV species demarcation criteria of 89% sequence identity, and genome organization, the virus causing RLCD should be considered a new Begomovirus species, for which the name Radish leaf curl virus (RLCV) is proposed. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the association of a Begomovirus with a disease of radishes in India. References: (1) H. C. Birnboim and J. Doly. Nucleic Acids Res. 7:1513, 1979. (2) R. W. Briddon et al. Mol. Biotechnol. 20:315, 2002. (3) M. R. Rojas et al. Plant Dis. 77:340, 1993. (4) K. M. Srivastava et al. J. Virol. Methods 51:297, 1995.
First Report of Stem Bleeding and Trunk Rot of Kentia Palm Caused by Thielaviopsis paradoxa in Italy
Authors: Polizzi G. , Castello I. , Aiello D. , Vitale A. 
Published: July 2007

The Kentia palm or Sentry palm (Howea forsteriana (C. Moore & F.v. Muell.) Becc.) is one of the most popular palms in the world. In Italy, it is suitable for growing indoors or outdoors. In September 2006, bleeding was found on the stem of a 20-year-old Kentia palm growing in a field nursery in eastern Sicily. The trunk began to bleed from cracks or fissures of the bark at 5 ft (1.5 m) from the ground level. Tissues surrounding the stem cracks were black. The plant canopy showed no symptoms. Cross-sections revealed brown rot confined to one side of the trunk where the rot was spreading inward from the surface. Infected tissues did not emanate odor of fermented fruit. Internal tissue adjacent to the rotted areas was placed on carrot agar amended with 500 μl of streptomycin sulphate and acidified (lactic acid; pH = 3.6) potato dextrose agar (PDA). A transverse section of affected palm tissues was maintained in a moist chamber for 6 days. Microscopic examinations of isolates obtained on media and sporulation from affected tissues yielded Thielaviopsis paradoxa (De Seyn.) Höhn (2). Endoconidia, measuring 3.9 (range 3 to 6) × 8.2 μm (range 6 to 14) (n = 50), were cylindrical to somewhat oval when mature, hyaline to brown, and smooth walled. Endoconiodophores were usually straight, colorless to pale brown, as much as 150 μm long, with a terminal spore-bearing cell through which spores are borne. Chlamydospores were smooth, thick walled, brown, in chains, and were 8.8 (range 5.5 to 15.0) × 15.8 μm (range 9.0 to 25.0) (n = 50). Koch's postulates were fulfilled by stem inoculation on a 20-year-old double-stem Kentia palm growing in the same field nursery. Ten mycelial plugs (5-mm diameter) obtained from 14-day-old single-spore colonies growing on PDA at 24°C were applied to 10 5-mm-diameter stem wounds. The same number of inoculations was used as a control in the other stem and treated with sterile agar plugs. Following inoculation, the mycelial plugs and the stems were wrapped with Parafilm. After 20 days, stem rots were detected only on the inoculated stem wounds, and stem bleeding was observed after 3 months. The pathogen was reisolated from symptomatic tissues. A Thielaviopsis sp. was previously reported in Florida on Kentia palm as being responsible for a frond necrosis (1). While stem bleeding seems to be a common symptom on coconut (Cocos nucifera L.), it is not commonly reported on other palm species. Only recently, T. paradoxa was detected for first time in Sicily on date palm imported from Egypt (3). To our knowledge, this is the first record of stem bleeding caused by T. paradoxa on palms in Italy, and the first record of stem bleeding and stem rot on Kentia palm. References: (1) S. A. Alfieri Jr. et al. Fla. Dep. Agric. Consum. Serv. Bull. No. 14. 1994. (2) A. R. Chase and T. K. Broschat, eds. Diseases and Disorders of Ornamental Palms. The American Phytopathological Society, St Paul MN, 1991. (3) G. Polizzi et al. Plant Dis. 90:972, 2006.
Action learning and action reflection learning: are they different?
Authors: Rimanoczy Isabel 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to compare action learning and action reflection learning (ARL), exploring the similarities and differences.Design/methodology/approachThis paper uses a bibliographic search through ProQuest to collect scholarly journal publications on the definition and evolution of action learning; scholarly dissertations on ARL and their bibliographic references applying to this comparison. The origins of both action learning and ARL are explored. Action learning is first compared with ARL, using the taxonomy of Rimanoczy of ARL's principles and elements. Then ARL is compared with the characteristics listed for action learning by Smith and O'Neil.FindingsAs a result of this double comparison, a list of commonalities and differences is established. The comparison indicates that, while there are action‐learning aspects in some of the ARL‐based interventions, the eclectic characteristics developed by practitioners convert ARL into a learning architecture that brings together best professional practices described in various theoretical lines.Originality/valueThis paper offers guidelines to designing and implementing learning interventions in a wide scope of contexts.
An interview with Bernard Rethore, Emeritus Chairman, Flowserve Corporation, USA
Authors: Kakabadse Andrew 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to capture a practitioner's view of board performance of US companies, especially under conditions of role duality. The paper also aims to ascertain the effects of USA governance regulation on US and international corporations.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative interview case study.FindingsSarbanes Oxley is unlikely to be repealed. Role duality is likely to continue. Emphasis is on ethical behaviour rather than structural board design in terms of determining the nature of high performing boards.Research limitations/implicationsA single interview needs empirical study to test the findings.Practical implicationsA clear outline of the key issues and challenges forcing USA board directors. The findings from the interview will benefit practitioners.Originality/valueThis paper is totally original.
An insight into the impact of a retailer's relationship efforts on customers' attitudes and behavioral intentions
Authors: Liang Chiung‐Ju , Wang Wen‐Hung 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to summarize existing evidence about the behavioral sequence of relationship marketing at the individual customer level, and also to offer a conceptual model of the impact of particular behaviors that signal whether customers remain with or defect from the company.Design/methodology/approachBased on the SEM tool of Lisrel (Linear Structure Relation), This study develops and empirically tests a model for examination of the impact of different relationship efforts (financial bonding, social bonding, and structural bonding) made by a retailer on key relationship marketing outcomes (perceived relationship investment, customer satisfaction, trust, relationship commitment, and behavioral intentions). A cross‐department study in the financial services industry was conducted, based on three customer samples (from the departments of loans, deposits, and credit cards) drawn from XYZ bank, one of the most famous banks providing merchant banking services in Taiwan.FindingsSEM results indicate that retailers who undertake relationship efforts with loyal customers can positively affect these customers' attitudes and behavioral intentions. The findings suggest that financial services with different attributes require different kinds and levels of customer treatments and relationship efforts. They support the contention that the aggregation of customer satisfaction from continuous exchange leads to trust between the two parties (retailers and customers). They also suggest the direction of resource reallocation. Consequently, managers and employees of retail banks need to be trained, motivated, and rewarded for making relationship efforts with regular customers.Practical implicationsAccording to the research, managers should segment their customers into several groups effectively and use different marketing programs for customers of various characteristics, so as to get correct and efficient results.Originality/valueThe research suggests that managers of financial services institute should be serious about targeting investment dollars to improve customer satisfaction, and know why customers buy what they sell.
ActewAGL: a genuine public‐private partnership?
Authors: Wettenhall Roger 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThere are two connected purposes: to reflect on the widespread current use and abuse of the term “public‐private partnership”, and to present a case study of an unusual joint venture associating a public and a private enterprise in delivering a multi‐utility service in the Canberra region of Australia.Design/methodology/approachThe article combines the case study method with a review of relevant discourse about PPPs.FindingsOn the case study evidence presented, the article concludes that this joint venture comes much closer to being a genuine public‐private partnership than many arrangements loosely described as PPPs today.Practical implicationsThe article invites the practitioner/academic community to think more precisely about the factors that need to be considered before it is appropriate to claim that a PPP exists.Originality/valueThe joint venture that is the subject of this case study has not previously been analysed in this way. The article suggests that it has value in serving as a model for the development of better thinking about PPPs.
Future challenges in day‐care centre food services: will benchmarking help?
Authors: Hunter W. , Lumbers M. , Raats M. 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThe aim of this study is to identify the methods used by providers to evaluate their food services and identify elements of their service that would benefit from adopting a benchmarking system.Design/methodology/approachIn‐depth interviews were conducted with 26 food services providers and key informants in day‐care settings in Surrey.FindingsFew providers formally evaluated their service provision and most had not considered benchmarking their services against other food service providers. Factors such as food variety, food quality, cost and environment have been identified as issues that could be benchmarked and may benefit from the adoption of this process.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was conducted only in one country – in the UK – further research is needed into the evaluation practices of other local authorities. The benchmarking model that has been developed by the authors needs to be applied in a food service setting to establish its usefulness to food service managers.Practical implicationsA model has been developed from the outcome of this research, which could aid evaluation processes for food service providers to identify aspects of the service in need of improvement.Originality/valueThere has been little research conducted on the evaluation of food service provision for older people, especially for congregate meals. This paper provides a model, that food service providers may find useful, to identify areas of their food services that are suitable for benchmarking.
The dilemma of internal evaluation in higher education: a longitudinal case study
Authors: Mehralizadeh Yadollah , Jafar Pakseresht Mohamad , Baradaran Massoud , Shahi Sakineh 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to report the process and outcomes of a case study which introduced internal evaluation procedures into academic departments of a university in Iran. The purpose of the study was to identify what benefits could arise from using internal evaluation, and what obstacles existed to its successful introduction.Design/methodology/approachThis paper reports a case study of internal evaluation within the academic departments of a university in Iran. The case study research used a range of methods to collect information on the operation of the intervention. This paper addresses the findings of a recent longitudinal research in relation to the issue of internal evaluation. A qualitative methodology was used to gain the perceptions of faculty members and department directors and reactions to the effects of the internal evaluation on their work and improvement of department quality. The methods of data collection included interviews, group discussions and workshops.FindingsIt was concluded in the study that internal evaluation processes are potentially valuable in Iranian universities but, if this value is to be realized on a continuous basis, particularly in the absence of external evaluation as an incentive, then it needs to become an integral part of each department, university, and the nationally accepted framework of quality assurance and management.Research limitations/implicationsThe research was only conducted in 23 academic departments where the departmental heads and members of faculty were in agreement with the pilot introduction of internal evaluation.Practical implicationsThere are considerable implications for the changes that would be needed in management and decision‐making structures if the internal evaluation is to be fully effective.Originality/valueThe paper is of value because there is considerable interest in systems of internal evaluation in universities, but there are few studies in developing countries and, in particular, there is no previous research in Iran.
LibQUAL+TM at Rhodes University Library
Authors: Moon Anne 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to illustrate how LibQUAL+™, as a “turn‐key” survey instrument, can provide the type of benchmarking information that can facilitate targeted service improvements.Design/methodology/approachThis paper focuses on the Rhodes Library's implementation of the 2005 LibQUAL+™ survey. Results are looked at within the broader context of aggregate scores and score norms from the South African cohort. The library's first efforts to address areas where perceptions of service quality differed from users' expectations are described and plans for future efforts are indicated. The paper also details some lessons learnt by other LibQUAL+™ participants, as documented in published case studies.FindingsThe paper found that all groups of library users at Rhodes were very dissatisfied with their library building. Rhodes performed very well in the “Information Control” dimension but less well in the “Affect of Service” dimension.Originality/valueThe paper shows that other libraries implementing LibQUAL+™ for the first time could benefit by focusing on the lessons Rhodes learnt during the survey implementation.
Thin basement membrane nephropathy and IgA glomerulonephritis: Can they be distinguished without renal biopsy?
Authors: PACKHAM DAVID K 
Published: July 2007

SUMMARY:Background:  Thin basement membrane nephropathy (TBMN) and IgA glomerulonephritis (IgA gn) are the most common primary glomerular conditions diagnosed on renal biopsy, performed for microscopic haematuria or microscopic haematuria with proteinuria. While up to 50% of patients with IgA gn will develop chronic renal failure, most patients with TBMN enjoy an excellent prognosis. Because TBMN is estimated to occur in up to 1% of the general population, differentiation between the two conditions without resort to renal biopsy is desirable.Methods:  This retrospective analysis of 248 patients diagnosed on renal biopsy as having either TBMN or IgA gn, sought to identify clinical or biochemical factors which would have enabled confident differentiation between the two conditions to be made without resort to renal biopsy.Results:  No single clinical or pathological variable adequately discriminated between the two conditions. Impaired renal function and heavy proteinuria were highly specific for IgA gn but lacked sensitivity in differentiating from TBMN. Isolated microscopic haematuria (IMH) was a more common finding in patients diagnosed with TBMN but, as a discriminator between TBMN and IgA gn, lacked sufficient specificity. However, if assumptions were made based on the differing incidence of a positive family history between IgA gn and TBMN, then specificity of >99% could be achieved.Conclusion:  TBMN and IgA gn cannot be distinguished on the basis of clinical or pathological variables alone. However, in patients with IMH and a positive family history of either IMH or biopsy‐proven TBMN, there is usually no need for renal biopsy.
Dermoscopy of lichen planus‐like keratosis: a model of inflammatory regression
Authors: Bugatti L , Filosa G 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBackground  Lichen planus‐like keratosis (LPLK) or benign lichenoid keratosis is an involuting cutaneous entity where regressing features are the histologic hallmark. Most authors consider LPLK as an heterogeneous spectrum of intraepithelial epidermal or melanocytic lesions, mainly pigmented, involuting by inflammatory regression.Objective  The authors review the clinico‐histologic definition and correlate with the dermoscopic features of LPLK.Methods  Sixteen LPLK were clinically distributed into three types: plaque‐like (PL), flat erythematous (FE) and flat pigmented (FP) type and evaluated with conventional dermoscopy. Dermoscopic features of regression were recorded as the presence of blue‐white structures and vascular structures. The predominant distribution, size and colour of pigmented granules were also recorded. All cases were excised and submitted to histopathologic examination and subdivided into three groups according to the early, classic and atrophic subtypes.Results  The FP (44%) and the FE (37%) types are diagnosed more frequently than the PL type (19%). PL type correlates better with the classic type. FE correlates mainly with early/atrophic types, while the FP nearly exclusively with the late atrophic type. Regressive features are present in all but one case with a predominance of blue areas (94%). Localized (55%) and diffuse (37.5%) granular pattern are presenting in all but one case. The diffuse granular pattern correlates with the FP type (5/6 cases), while the localized granular pattern is mainly present (6/9 cases) in the FE type. Vascular structures can be found in half of the cases and white scar‐like depigmentation is just present in four cases. BWS and vascular structures present together are observed in four cases (25%).Conclusions  Our results show a large correlation among clinical, histologic and dermoscopic aspects of LPLK may be interpreted as a spectrum of cutaneous lesions going into inflammatory regression, showing different clinical and dermoscopic patterns according to the involuting stage. The early type of LPLK (FE) shows a localized granular pattern where regression is at the very early stage. The classic dermoscopic features of regressing lesion for LPLK (pigmented granular pattern) apply to the most frequent encountered pigmented atrophic flat type or classic pigmented type, where sometimes regression is advanced or almost complete and no clear diagnosis of a previous benign/malignant ‐ epithelial or melanocytic lesion can often be given. Regressive dermoscopic features must be evaluated in the context of global and clinical pattern of the lesion. Nonetheless dermoscopy can close correlate with clinical incipient or complete regression and must prompt the need for eventual prophylactic surgical removal.