bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
North American Snow Depth and Climate Teleconnection Patterns
Authors: Ge Yan , Gong Gavin 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
Snow–atmosphere relationships have been studied for nearly half a century, but the primary focus has been on snow extent variability, largely because of the relative scarcity of snow depth data. A recently released North American snow depth dataset, with extensive spatial coverage and multidecadal temporal duration, provides a new opportunity to compare snow depth–climate relationships with snow extent–climate relationships over North America. Robust concurrent lead and lag correlations are observed between snow depth and two major climate modes, the Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO) and the Pacific–North America (PNA) pattern, across North America and throughout the snow season. In contrast, snow extent exhibits a less coherent relationship with PDO and PNA except in late spring, which can be interpreted as a residual of the snow depth–climate mode relationship. A regional signature for the snow depth–PDO/PNA relationship is also identified, centered over interior central-western North America. Smaller scales mask the regional effect of PDO and PNA because of local snow depth variability, while larger continental scales exceed the regional domain of the climate mode teleconnections. Overall these results suggest that North American snow depth variability may have greater climatic causes and consequences than snow extent. Physical mechanisms that may be responsible for the observed snow depth–climate teleconnection patterns such as the surface energy balance, moisture transport, and atmospheric flow regimes are briefly discussed.
Probabilistic Forecasts of (Severe) Thunderstorms for the Purpose of Issuing a Weather Alarm in the Netherlands
Authors: Schmeits Maurice J. , Kok Kees J. , Vogelezang Daan H. P. , van Westrhenen Rudolf M. 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
The development and verification of a new model output statistics (MOS) system is described; this system is intended to help forecasters decide whether a weather alarm for severe thunderstorms, based on high total lightning intensity, should be issued in the Netherlands. The system consists of logistic regression equations for both the probability of thunderstorms and the conditional probability of severe thunderstorms in the warm half-year (from mid-April to mid-October). These equations have been derived for 12 regions of about 90 km × 80 km each and for projections out to 12 h in advance (with 6-h periods). As a source for the predictands, reprocessed total lightning data from the Surveillance et d’Alerte Foudre par Interférométrie Radioélectrique (SAFIR) network have been used. The potential predictor dataset not only consisted of the combined postprocessed output from two numerical weather prediction (NWP) models, as in previous work by the first three authors, but it also contained an ensemble of advected radar and lightning data for the 0–6-h projections. The NWP model output dataset contained 17 traditional thunderstorm indices, computed from a reforecasting experiment with the High-Resolution Limited-Area Model (HIRLAM) and postprocessed output from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) model. Brier skill scores and attributes diagrams show that the skill of the MOS thunderstorm forecast system is good and that the severe thunderstorm forecast system generally is also skillful, compared to the 2000–04 climatology, and therefore, the preoperational system was made operational at the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) in 2008.
A Study of the Error Covariance Matrix of Radar Rainfall Estimates in Stratiform Rain
Authors: Berenguer Marc , Zawadzki Isztar 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
The contribution of various physical sources of uncertainty affecting radar rainfall estimates at the ground is quantified toward deriving and understanding the error covariance matrix of these estimates. The focus here is on stratiform precipitation at a resolution of 15 km, which is most relevant for data assimilation onto mesoscale numerical models. In the characterization of the error structure, the following contributions are considered: (i) the individual effect of the range-dependent error (associated with beam broadening and increasing height of radar measurements with range), (ii) the error associated with the transformation from reflectivity to rain rate due to the variability of drop size distributions, and (iii) the interaction of the first two, that is, the term resulting from the cross correlation between the effects of the range-dependent error and the uncertainty related to the variability of drop size distributions (DSDs).
For this purpose a large database of S-band radar observations at short range (where reflectivity near the ground is measured and the beam is narrow) is used to characterize the range-dependent error within a simulation framework, and disdrometric measurements collocated with the radar data are used to assess the impact of the variability of DSDs. It is noted that these two sources of error are well correlated in the vicinity of the melting layer as result of the physical processes that determine the density of snow (e.g., riming), which affect both the DSD variability and the vertical profile of reflectivity.
Administrative change in the Gulf: modernization in Bahrain and Oman
Authors: Common Richard 
Published: June 2008

States in the Middle East tend to be overlooked by researchers in comparative public administration. However, these states offer potentially useful insights into the nature of administrative change as they defy standard assumptions about pressures for reform. The aim of the article is to provide an account of reform by analysing important contextual factors in Bahrain and Oman. Given the large gap in the literature regarding the Gulf States, this article is supplemented by observations and evidence gathered on regular visits to both countries by the researcher. The analysis reveals systems of public administration highly resistant to international reform trends. Many of these factors are situational; including highly centralized political systems, tradition and strong national and administrative cultures. It is concluded that while reform processes are emerging in these countries, they are slow and evolutionary and are more adapted to the domestic rather than the international context. Points for practitioners The article may be of interest for practitioners working for international consultants, not only in Bahrain and Oman, but also in the wider Gulf Region (Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, which have similar political and social contexts to those of Bahrain and Oman). In addition to providing contextual information, the article discusses the institutional and cultural barriers to reform in terms of providing Western-style administrative solutions. The article also alludes to the different time horizons in the Gulf States, and the slow (by Western standards) and evolutionary nature of the reform process.
The National Governance Programme (2006—10) and the modernization of the administration: Cameroon and New Public Management
Authors: Tamekou Raoul 
Published: June 2008

New Public Management (NPM) emerged in the 1980s as the recognized instrument of public administration modernization. It has been introduced into African countries through National Governance Programmes (NGPs), programmes that set out to reform and improve the action of the State. It is only natural that we should study the impacts, whether concrete or planned, of their application. That is the core purpose of this document, which looks into the mutation of Cameroon's public administration from the perspective of NPM on the basis of the reform planned by the latest NGP straddling 2006—10. It also analyses the reasons that prompted Cameroon to adopt NPM, as well as its political and, in particular, administrative consequences. Points for practitioners The article examines the administrative reform planned by the National Governance Programme (2006—10) in Cameroon. Given that this reform can be interpreted as a consecration of New Public Management (NPM) as the principle behind the modernization of public administration in this country, it sets out to analyse the process involved. Moreover, the author also looks at the underlying causes of this reform and at its political and administrative implications. The article adopts a critical approach and raises the fundamental issue of institutional transfer from the countries of the North towards those of the South, and the consequences for African reform projects.
Facing management choices: an analysis of managerial choices in 18 complex environmental public—private partnership projects
Authors: Klijn Erik-Hans , Edelenbos Jurian , Kort Michiel , van Twist Mark 
Published: June 2008

This article looks at how managers in large infrastructure projects in The Netherlands deal with difficult choices, which are labelled dilemmas in this article, in their managerial activities. It presents the results of a survey of 32 managers in 18 complex decision-making projects in which public—private partnerships (PPPs) play an important role. The managers were presented with a number of choices and asked to rate the amount of attention they paid to each of the choices. The article focuses on four (groups of) dilemmas managers face in the inter-organizational context of these processes: (1) interaction with parties, (2) strategic orientation, (3) management style and (4) process dynamics.After a brief elaboration of the role of (network) managers in complex PPP projects and the nature of the dilemmas they face, the four groups of dilemmas are explored by looking at how managers scored on the dilemmas within each group. Conclusions are drawn about managers' perceptions of these dilemmas and the differences between projects. The different choices of dilemmas are then compared with the differences between the scores of the outputs of the projects as perceived by the managers. Finally, general conclusions are drawn about the dilemmas chosen by managers and the consequences of these choices. Points for practioners Pay attention to commitment, goal searching, communication and vertical relations if you want good outcomes in complex environmental projects. Do managers of complex spatial and environmental projects in general choose to open up the decision-making process for stakeholders to enhance support and use the knowledge of stakeholders or do they choose a more closed decision-making process that reduces the number of actors and might speed up the decision-making process? In general, one can see many of these managerial choices between a more project oriented style, that focuses on control, specifying goals, keeping the budget, etc., and a more process oriented style that focuses on activating actors, creating support, or exploring possible content. If we look at the 32 managerial strategies that were researched, there are a few strategies that are positively and strongly correlated to positive perceived outcomes of projects: commitment, goals searching, vertical relationships and communication.
Swiss public servants' perceptions of performance in a fast-changing environment
Authors: Emery Yves , Wyser Carole , Martin Noemi , Sanchez Joelle 
Published: June 2008

The notion of performance is central in all the modernization processes that have been conducted during the last 20 years, notably under the New Public Management (NPM) movement. Since the models and notions of performance analysed in research nearly always reflect the vision of top management, this article proposes to consider the vision of personnel at the street level, specifically Swiss civil servants. A highly capable public sector organization, focused on efficiency, quality services provided for the citizens and outcomes needs motivated employees to achieve these ambitious objectives. But how is `performance' perceived by civil servants without any management responsibilities? Using the typology of Boltanksi and Thévenot, the article highlights several reference worlds to which civil servants refer when speaking of performance, revealing the dominant influence of the industrial world over that of the civic world, with the domestic and commercial worlds placed third and fourth in importance, respectively. It details the evolution of performance as seen by civil servants, allowing us to better understand their reactions when faced with the transformations under way as well as the identity crisis caused by the contradictory worlds they currently face. Points for practitioners Under the NPM-banner, performance management has been introduced in almost every public sector organization. Performance must be clearly operationalized at all levels of the hierarchy, which is a difficult process because NPM has introduced new values that potentially conflict with traditional public sector values. This article highlights and analyses the way Swiss civil servants at the street level perceive performance, providing useful insight into their dominant value framework. Their perception of a `highly capable public sector' must be set against actual standards in order to achieve a shared vision of the main dimensions and criteria of performance, a prerequisite for effectiveness in every performance management system.
Performance-related pay and work motivation: theoretical and empirical perspectives for the French civil service
Authors: Forest Virginie 
Published: June 2008

At a time when the civil services of most OECD countries have embarked on a process of modernization of their practices, we are questioning the relevance of introducing performance-related pay systems, particularly in view of the, more often than not, negative effects on the work motivation of civil servants. The French civil service has recently decided to pay a part of its public officials on the basis of their performance, and we show how these individualized remuneration practices can, in the long term, undermine the public service motivations that drive some civil servants. Our reasoning is supported by the empirical results of studies conducted in the United States, in England and also in France, as well as on the developments of intrinsic motivation theories, combined with the developments of the public service motivation theory. Points for the practitioners Whereas the implementation of performance-related pay as an instrument of motivation has become widespread within the civil service, this article focuses on the difficulties inherent to these compensation practices. We underline in particular the negative effects of performance-related pay on the public service motivations of civil servants. As these specific motivations can be pushed aside, human resource management tools should be adopted that encourage the development of intrinsic motivation, such as task enlargement or enrichment or the implementation of participative management methods.
Global governance and local government in the Congo: the role of the IMF, World Bank, the multinationals and the political elites
Authors: Kuditshini Jacques Tshibwabwa 
Published: June 2008

This article follows in the wake of the territorial dynamic of globalization. It highlights the interactions between local government and an asymmetric global competitiveness in a country where the wealth of mining and forestry resources are under the control of the neo-liberal players of globalization (multinational companies, IMF, World Bank) and the Congolese political and military elites, thanks in particular to the privatization of land and the natural resources of the entities decentralized by the new mining, forestry and investment codes. Having become a real means of generating artificial revenues for the aforementioned players, these new pieces of legislation dispossess the Congolese local governments upstream, not only financially but also economically and materially and thus undermine their development capacity. Points for practitioners In the light of the data produced and analysed in this study, the government practitioners should be aware of the fact that global competitiveness as it has emerged today has severe effects on the natural resources and the economies of the local governments of developing countries, and those of the DRC in particular. This competitiveness, favoured by new mining and forestry codes, profits the foreign multinational companies that are better endowed in terms of capital and cutting-edge technological equipment. Furthermore, these pieces of legislation have become a source of profiteering for the Congo's political elites. Repealing all this imposed legislation and introducing new reforms are the most effective means of fighting against this ever-changing competitiveness and against all forms of profiteering.
An exploratory study of organizational uncertainty in times of changing and transitional public administration in Korea
Authors: Younhyun Song  
Published: June 2008

This research examines perceptions of organizational uncertainty among Korean public employees during an administrative paradigm shift. Using the data from Korean public employees in the central ministries, this article explores the extent to which public employees perceive organizational uncertainty and how separate instances of perceived uncertainty are associated. The findings reveal four dimensions of uncertainty: structural and systematic; new administrative demand; job-related; and unpredictability in the decision-making process. In addition, all of these types of uncertainty are linked; new administrative demand uncertainty has a strong influence on the other three. This research concludes by suggesting the roles of leaders in solving uncertain aspects from an increased burden of administrative reform. Points for practitioners Public managers need to recognize that when administrative reforms and organizational change take place, employees become anxious about their job prospects, organizational systems, and external demands. Such perceived organizational uncertainties are associated with one another: jobs, organizational systems, decision-making process, and external administrative demand. More specifically, the inability to cope well with uncertain environmental conditions negatively affects organizational members' behaviors and eventually results in individual stress and uncertainty about their jobs. Nevertheless, organizational uncertainties cannot be avoided in changing and transitional administrative environments. Thus, public managers need to consider and mitigate the negative aspects of organizational uncertainty by adopting innovative approaches and practices for successful administrative reform.
Deciphering the Dutch drop: ten explanations for decreasing political trust in The Netherlands
Authors: Bovens Mark , Wille Anchrit 
Published: June 2008

The Netherlands has always been the odd case out regarding trust in public institutions. In the 1980s and 1990s, contrary to international trends, trust in government remained high and even increased. Suddenly, from 2002 onwards, public trust in government declined dramatically. In this article we examine the plausibility of ten explanations, embedded in the international scholarly literature, and explore whether they are empirically supported or rebutted in case of the Dutch drop. We find that because most of the literature concentrates on the cross-national erosion of political support over a long period within Western democracies, explanations tend to focus on gradual, long-term demographic, social, and political trends. Sudden dips in trust levels, however, require different sets of explanatory factors; they are better explained by political or economic contingencies, such as sudden political or economic crises. In the case of the Dutch drop, the most plausible explanation is a combination of an economic decline, combined with high political instability and contestation during the first Balkenende cabinets. As of 2007, with a new cabinet in office, and an economic recovery in place, trust figures are on the rise again. Points for practitioners Sudden dips in public trust in government are better explained by political or economic contingencies, such as political or economic crises, than by a deterioration in government performance or by long-term demographic, social, and political trends. In the case of the sudden drop in trust in The Netherlands, the most plausible explanation is a combination of an economic decline, combined with high political instability and contestation during the first Balkenende cabinets. As of 2007, with a new cabinet in office, and economic recovery in place, trust figures are on the rise again.
Revisiting depression in palliative care settings: the need to focus on clinical utility over validity
Authors: Reeve JL , Lloyd-Williams M , Dowrick C 
Published: June 2008

Objective: To review the literature on depression in palliative care patients to identify implications for development of clinical practice and individual patient care. Method: A qualitative review of depression prevalence studies in palliative care settings. We explore the utility of existing prevalence studies for clinical practice through testing two hypotheses: that high prevalence rates are associated with increased risk factors in study samples, and that poor methodological quality of the studies artefactually inflate prevalence estimates. Eighteen studies were identified in the search and included in this review. Results: Risk factors may contribute to depression prevalence but through a complex interaction of factors making individual risk levels hard to determine. Measurement artefact cannot, alone, account for elevated levels of depression in this population but may contribute to imprecision. The importance of organic decline as a potential confounding variable is highlighted. Conclusion: Future research into the causes and prevalence of depression should adopt longitudinal approaches using large samples, and consider the impact of organic disorder as an important confounding factor. Clinical practice and care of individual patients may be better supported by development of a prognostic index considering the predictive power of depressive symptoms and risk factors on well-being.
Photoinduced Release of Oligonucleotide-conjugated Silica-coated Gold Nanorods Accompanied by Moderate Morphological Changes
Authors: Horiguchi Yukichi , Yamashita Shuji , Niidome Takuro , Nakashima Naotoshi , Niidome Yasuro 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
Near-infrared pulsed-laser irradiation of silica-coated gold nanorods loaded with single-stranded oligonucleotides induced the release of the oligonucleotides without changing the morphology of the gold nanorods into spherical particles. Silica layers on the gold nanorods were advantageous to realize the efficient release of the oligonucleotides.
Fabrication of Urchin-like Bismuth Nanostructures via a Facile Solvothermal Route
Authors: Tang Chunjuan , Zhang Y X , Wang Guozhong , Wang H Q , Li Guanghai 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
A facile solution-phase process has been demonstrated for the preparation of urchin-like bismuth nanostructures by reducing bismuth nitrate with ethylene glycol. X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) have been used to characterize the as-prepared products. The formation mechanism has been proposed.
Ruthenium-catalyzed 1,4-Addition of Organoboronic Acids to α,β-Unsaturated Ketones
Authors: Shintani Ryo , Hayashi Tamio 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
A ruthenium-catalyzed 1,4-addition of organoboronic acids to α,β-unsaturated ketones has been developed. The use of 2-(di-tert-butylphosphino)biphenyl as the ligand in combination with [RuCl2(p-cymene)]2 complex catalyzes these reactions to selectively give 1,4-adducts in good yield by effectively suppressing Heck-type and reduced products.