bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Time‐varying parameter estimation with application to trajectory tracking
Authors: Bousson K. 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThis paper is concerned with an online parameter estimation algorithm for nonlinear uncertain time‐varying systems for which no stochastic information is available.Design/methodology/approachThe estimation procedure, called nonlinear learning rate adaptation (NLRA), computes an individual adaptive learning rate for each parameter instead of using a single adaptive learning rate for all the parameters as done in stochastic approximation, each individual learning rate being controlled by a meta‐learning rate rule for the sake of minimizing the measurement prediction error. The method does not require stochastic information about the system model and the measurement noise covariance matrices contrarily to the Kalman filtering. Numerical results about aircraft navigation trajectory tracking show that the method is able to estimate reliably time‐varying parameters even in presence of measurement noise.FindingsThe proposed algorithm is practically insensitive to changes in the meta‐learning rate. Therefore, the performance of the method is stable with respect to the tuning parameter of the algorithm.Practical implicationsThe proposed NLRA method may be adopted for recursive parameter estimation of uncertain systems when no stochastic information is available. It may also be used for process regulation and dynamic system stabilization in feedback control applications.Originality/valueProvides a method for fast and practical computation of parameter estimates without requiring to know the model and measurement noise covariance matrices contrarily to existing stochastic estimation methods.
Aesthetic theory and logo design: examining consumer response to proportion across cultures
Authors: Pittard Narelle , Ewing Michael , Jevons Colin 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate reactions to the divine proportion (a ratio of 1: 1.618) in logo design across different cultures.Design/methodology/approachThe approach is a survey in three different countries: Australia, Singapore and South Africa.FindingsResults showed there is universal preference for the divine proportion across cultures. Logos based on forms found in nature that were expressed in the divine proportion were most preferred, but for artificially constructed logos, a 1:1 ratio was preferred.Research limitations/implicationsA limited set of ratios were considered. Further research could investigate different ratios and different logos.Practical implicationsInternational brand managers should commission designs that use natural forms based on the divine proportion. Different national cultures react similarly to logo designs, in contrast to many other fields of business where strong cultural differences exist.Originality/valueThis paper is the first exploration of responses to the divine proportion in logo design across cultures.
Service failure and recovery strategies in the restaurant sector
Authors: Dutta Kirti , Venkatesh Umashankar , Parsa H.G. 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to explore the reasons for service failure in restaurants. The paper aims to give insights into customers' perceptions and response regarding service failure and recovery and to try to draw a parallel between consumers in a developing economy like India and the same in a developed society, such as USA.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is empirical and involves data from 200 respondents from India and the USA. The sampling unit is individual restaurant customers and the data collection instrument is a structured, non‐disguised questionnaire. The questionnaires have been administered through personal interviews.FindingsThe study found conclusive results on the reasons for service failure in the restaurant business in the context of developed and developing economies. It also sheds light on the behavioral aspects of customers' perception towards these failures and their responses to the same. The paper further looked into the recovery strategy employed by restaurants and the customers' perception towards the recovery strategies.Practical implicationsThe study has important managerial implications as it facilitates the understanding of where and how the failure‐points occur and how customers perceive and react to them. The paper is also helpful in designing policies and procedures to proactively weed‐out such failure‐points and, in case of their occurrence, design responses to the same.Originality/valueThe paper is valuable as very little has been done in the Indian context. It also creates a comparative perspective as to service failure in the restaurant sector between a developed and a developing country.
Measuring efficiency of the hotel and restaurant sector: the case of India
Authors: Sanjeev Gunjan M. 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to provide exploratory insights on measurement of efficiency of the hotel and restaurant companies operating in India.Design/methodology/approachThis study will use a linear programming‐based approach, data envelopment analysis (DEA), to evaluate the efficiency of hotel and restaurant companies operating in India. DEA is a method of evaluating the relative efficiency of decision‐making units (DMUs). In this study the decision‐making units are the hotel and restaurant companies. The study further explores if there exists a relationship between the efficiency and size of the hotel and restaurant companies.FindingsThe DEA model used in this study assigns efficiency scores to each of the hotel and restaurant companies taken in the sample of 68 companies for the year 2004‐2005. The study also explores whether there is a relationship between the efficiency and size of the hotel and restaurant companies.Practical implicationsAs this study evaluates the efficiency of the hotel and restaurant sector, it separates the most efficient hotel and restaurant companies from the non‐efficient ones. The study identifies the top performers in this sector. Also, managers get important insights for their strategic and operational decisions to improve performance.Originality/valueThere are very few known studies that have measured the efficiency of the hotel and restaurant companies. This study is one of the few exploratory initiatives in the Indian context.
New business models for the new media world
Authors: Berman Saul J. , Abraham Steven , Battino Bill , Shipnuck Louisa , Neus Andreas 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThe authors perform market trend analysis and to examine the clash between new and traditional media and explore future industry competitive scenarios.Design/methodology/approachIBM conducted a comprehensive study that included interviews with leaders of media companies and an in‐depth analysis of the factors that are shaping the industry outlook. IBM conducted in‐person interviews with more than 75 senior media executives, industry analysts, economists and technology visionaries and also worked with the Economist Intelligence Unit to survey another 125 industry executives.FindingsIBM sees four primary business models emerging – traditional media, walled communities, content hyper‐syndication and new platform aggregation. The research also found evidence of another developing conflict that it calls the media divide. It could pit partner against partner in a struggle for growth.Practical implicationsIBM proposes seven industry‐specific recommendations for incumbent media companies as they face the immediate threat from new entrants and eventual collisions with traditional partners: Deliver experiences, not just content. Leverage virtual worlds. Innovate business models. Invest in interactive, measurable advertising services and platforms. Redefine partnerships, while mitigating fallout. Shift investment from traditional business to new models. Create a flexible business design.Originality/valueThe article offers a combination of market evolution analysis, future market scenarios and recommendations for gaining first mover advantage.
Lateralized ERP components related to spatial orienting: Discriminating the direction of attention from processing sensory aspects of the cue
Authors: Jongen Ellen M. M. , Smulders Fren T. Y. , Van der Heiden Joep S. H. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractTwo spatial cueing experiments were conducted to examine the functional significance of lateralized ERP components after cue‐onset and to discriminate components related to sensory cue aspects and components related to the direction of attention. In Experiment 1, a simple detection task was presented. In Experiment 2, attentional selection was augmented. Two unimodal visual cueing tasks were presented using nonlateralized line cues and lateralized arrow cues. Lateralized cue effects and modulation after stimulus onset were stronger in Experiment 2. An early posterior component was related to the physical shape of arrows. A posterior negativity (EDAN) may be related to the encoding of direction from arrow cues. An anterior negativity (ADAN) and a posterior positivity (LDAP) were related to the direction of attention. The ADAN was delayed when it was more difficult to derive cue meaning. Finally, the data suggested an overlap of the LDAP and the EDAN.
Regulation of the
mpt
Operon in
Listeria innocua
by the ManR Protein
Authors: Xue Junfeng , Miller Kurt W. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACT

The phosphotransferase system regulation domain (PRD)-containing activator, ManR, is required for glucose-controlled transcription of the
m
annose
p
ermease
t
wo (
mpt
) operon in
Listeria innocua
. His-871 in ManR PRD-II is needed for
mpt
repression in glucose-free media. His-506 in PRD-I is needed for
mpt
induction by glucose.
Rcs and PhoPQ Regulatory Overlap in the Control ofSalmonella entericaVirulence
Authors: García-Calderón Clara B. , Casadesús Josep , Ramos-Morales Francisco 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTGenetic screens based on the use of MudJ-generatedlacfusions permitted the identification of novel genes regulated by the Rcs signal transduction system inSalmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium. Besides genes that are also found in theEscherichia coligenome, our screens identifiedSalmonella-specific genes regulated by RcsB, includingbapA,siiE,srfA, andsrfB. Here we show that thesrfABCoperon is negatively regulated by RcsB and by PhoP. In vivo studies using mutants with constitutive activation of the Rcs and/or PhoPQ system suggested that there is an overlap between these regulatory systems in the control ofSalmonellavirulence.
The complete genomes of three viruses assembled from shotgun libraries of marine RNA virus communities
Authors: Culley Alexander I , Lang Andrew S , Suttle Curtis A 
Published: July 2007

Abstract

Background
RNA viruses have been isolated that infect marine organisms ranging from bacteria to whales, but little is known about the composition and population structure of the in situ marine RNA virus community. In a recent study, the majority of three genomes of previously unknown positive-sense single-stranded (ss) RNA viruses were assembled from reverse-transcribed whole-genome shotgun libraries. The present contribution comparatively analyzes these genomes with respect to representative viruses from established viral taxa.

Results
Two of the genomes (JP-A and JP-B), appear to be polycistronic viruses in the proposed order Picornavirales that fall into a well-supported clade of marine picorna-like viruses, the characterized members of which all infect marine protists. A temporal and geographic survey indicates that the JP genomes are persistent and widespread in British Columbia waters. The third genome, SOG, encodes a putative RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) that is related to the RdRp of viruses in the family Tombusviridae, but the remaining SOG sequence has no significant similarity to any sequences in the NCBI database.

Conclusion
The complete genomes of these viruses permitted analyses that resulted in a more comprehensive comparison of these pathogens with established taxa. For example, in concordance with phylogenies based on the RdRp, our results support a close homology between JP-A and JP-B and RsRNAV. In contrast, although classification of the SOG genome based on the RdRp places SOG within the Tombusviridae, SOG lacks a capsid and movement protein conserved within this family and SOG is thus likely more distantly related to the Tombusivridae than the RdRp phylogeney indicates.
Down-regulation of FKBP12.6 and SERCA2a contributes to acute heart failure in septic shock and is related to an up-regulated endothelin signalling pathway
Authors: He Hai-Bo , Yu Feng , Dai De-Zai , Dai Yin 
Published: July 2007

Abstract
Acute heart failure (AHF) critically affects morbidity and mortality in patients suffering from septic shock. It is hypothesized that AHF is linked to down-regulation of FKBP12.6 (calstabin 2) and SERCA2a (sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase 2a), which may be mediated by an activated endothelin (ET) system in the myocardium. The aim of the study was to test whether an attenuation of septic AHF can be achieved by a novel dual endothelin receptor antagonist, CPU0213, in association with up-regulation of FKBP12.6 and SERCA2a in rats. AHF in septic shock was produced by faeces leak from a surgically punctured caecum for 72 h in rats. CPU0213 (30 mg kg−1, s.c., every 12 h, for 3 days) was administered to rats 8 h after the operation. In the untreated model group, survival rate markedly decreased (P &lt; 0.01), and the cardiac performance was seriously compromised (P &lt; 0.01) relative to control. The AHF was characteristically associated with down-regulated mRNA and protein expressions of FKBP12.6, SERCA2a and PLB (phospholamban). Elevated ET-1 and mRNA abundances of the preproET-1, ECE (endothelin converting enzyme) and ETA and ETB receptors in the left ventricular tissue (P &lt; 0.01) were found. All abnormalities were reversed significantly following CPU0213 administration. In conclusion, septic AHF is attributed to down-regulation of FKBP12.6 and SERCA2a, which is related to an activated ET system. An endothelin receptor antagonism of CPU0213 significantly improves the cardiac performance by blocking both ETA and ETB receptors.
Does caffeine reverse the EAC cell-induced immune suppression?
Authors: Mandal Anup , Poddar Mrinal K 
Published: July 2007

Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of long-term consumption of caffeine in the development of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells in adult female mice, 25–30 g, in relation to immune response. Mice were treated with caffeine (20 mg kg−1 daily, p.o.) for 22–27 consecutive days or inoculated with EAC cells (5 times 106 cells/mL, i.p.), or both. Control mice, corresponding to experimental groups, were treated with corresponding vehicles under similar conditions. The lymphocyte viability, mitogen-induced proliferating activity, cytotoxicity and DNA fragmentation from blood, spleen and thymus of both control and experimental groups were measured as immune response parameters. An immune response index, corticosterone, was also measured in adrenals and plasma under similar conditions. Results showed that development of EAC cells caused immune suppression with a reduction of lymphocyte viability, cytotoxicity and proliferative activity and induction of DNA fragmentation in those tissues, as well as an increase in plasma corticosterone. Though long-term caffeine treatment (which resulted in tolerance to caffeine) alone did not alter significantly any of the immune response parameters studied, including corticosterone status (immune biomarker), the continuation of caffeine treatment during the development of EAC cells either restored or reduced the EAC cell-induced alteration in these parameters, including the HPA axis biomarker. These results suggest that long-term caffeine intake may inhibit or reverse the EAC cell-induced immune suppression.
The stress distributions in shouldered shafts under axisymmetric loading
Authors: Gooyer L. E. , Overbeeke J. L. 
Published: July 2007

The stress distributions in shouldered shafts in tension and in torsion were calculated by the finite element method (FEM) for notch radii that are of technical interest. The calculated stress concentration factors Kt and relative stress gradients normal to the surface were compared with values given in a well-known handbook used by many designers, and with literature, respectively. From this comparison it appears that: – Kt values for a shouldered shaft in tension are up to 30 percent higher than the values given in mentioned handbook; –the relative stress gradients can, within the range of notch radii r that was investigated, be approximated by 2/ r for the tension case and 1/ r for the case of torsion. Publication of reliable results from FEM calculations of stress concentrations are recommended in order to improve or extend the usability of the design data which are now available.
Free bending fatique of axially pre-loaded spiral strands
Authors: Raoof M 
Published: July 2007

The response of a large diameter and a multi-layered spiral strand to an applied moment is considered in some detail for a given mean axial load. Carefully conducted large-scale experiments have cast some light on an interesting phenomenon observed in previously reported bending fatigue experiments The first wire to fail was invariably the wire which entered the socket on the bending neutral axis rather than the wires in the ‘extreme fibre’ positions, as might usually be expected. Using a series of electrical resistance strain gauges placed on the individual wires at the mouth of the socket, the previously reported theoretical predictions that interwire slippage is greatest at the neutral axis (in terms of simple beam bending theory), and least at the extreme fibre positions, have been confirmed. In line with the theoretical predictions reported elsewhere, the test results show that, in general, the onset of deviations from no-slip interlayer shear interaction occurs at rather small levels of bending movements near the socket. Based on the theoretical and experimental findings, which identify interlayer fretting as the primary cause of wire fractures, a newly developed parameter capable of predicting spiral strand free bending fatigue life has been proposed. Unlike the traditional extreme fibre maximum direct stress approaches, the proposed parameter takes the interwire/interlayer fretting phenomenon into account.
A specimen for determining fracture properties under combined modes, I, II, and III crack tip conditions
Authors: Hyde T H , Aksogan O 
Published: July 2007

An axisymmetric, bar-type specimen, which contains conical, ‘crack-like’, external flaws, is described. The specimen can be used to obtain mixed-mode (I, II, and III) fracture data. These ‘crack-like’ flaws can be created in metallic and non-metallic materials by incorporating metal or ceramic shims in moulds used to cast the components. Mode I and mode II crack tip conditions are created in the specimen by subjecting it to an axial load, while mode III crack tip conditions are produced by applying a torsional load. Finite element analyses are performed and results are presented which enable the KI, KII, and KIII values to be determined from the axial load, the torque, the bar diameter, the crack length, and the crack inclination.
The application of the Graham and Walles creep equation to aeroengine superalloys
Authors: Harrison G F , Homewood T 
Published: July 2007

The paper briefly discusses the charcteristics of creep deformation and the requirements of any creep equation developed to quantify this behavior. It is shown how the Graham and Walles methodology (1)† fulfils the identified objectives and how the equations have been applied to simple and complex variable loading situations. By reference to an appropriate blade alloy it will be shown that the approach can be extended to produce deformation maps and the results will be compared with theoretical creep models such as dislocation shearing of precipitate particles. Finally it is shown how the Graham and Walles model has been applied to single crystal materials to predict creep in randomly oriented crystals.
Response and cyclic strain accumulation of pressurized piping elbows under dynamic in-plane bending
Authors: Yahiaoui K , Moffat D G , Moreton D N 
Published: July 2007

Eight pairs of carbon and stainless steel, long and short radius welding elbows were tested under conditions of steady internal pressure and in-plane, resonant dynamic moments that simulated seismic excitations. The elbows had an outside diameter of 60.3 mm and thicknesses of 3.91 and 5.54 mm. The material properties are reported, and the testing procedure and experimental programme fully described. The dynamic response of the comonents indicates that the stainless steel elbows behave differently from the carbon steel elbows. The cyclic strain accumulation for each component is assessed and ratios of applied to limit moments of the elbows at onset of ratcheting are given for each material. While the gross deformation range increased with level of input in testing, no permanent overall swelling or ovalization was recorded; this is contrasted with similar results reported in the general literature.
Creep constitutive equations for a 0.5Cr–0.5Mo–0.25V ferritic steel in the temperature range 600–675°C
Authors: Perrin I J , Hayhurst D R 
Published: July 2007

Constitutive equations have been developed to describe the creep behaviour of a 0.5Cr-0.5Mo-0.25V ferritic steel under uniaxial and multi-axial states of stress, as well as over the temperature range of 600–675°C. This material has widespread application as the parent steam pipe in the power generation industry. An accurate description of creep behaviour has been achieved by formulating constitutive equations that describe the physical mechanisms of deformation and rupture. To this end, two state variables were introduced to model intergranular creep cavitation and the coarsening of carbide precipitates respectively. The influence of temperature on the constitutive equations is also considered and activation energies are identified for each of the material constants that show a notable temperature dependence. Numerical optimization methods are discussed for the determination of the material constants and of the corresponding activation energies. The constitutive equations provide a good representation of the experimental creep data. The limitations on the range of validity of the equations are explained with reference to the mechanisms of material deformation and rupture. The description of the creep behaviour is completed by the determination of the constant that defines the multi-axial stress rupture criterion of the material. It is argued that the constitutive equation set is suitable for the analysis of engineering components.
Participation, job satisfaction and decentralization: The case of Swaziland
Authors: Yoder Richard A. , Eby Scott L. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractUsing Swaziland's Ministry of Health as a case study this paper assesses the extent to which the empirical data supports anecdotal information and trends towards decentralized and participatory management systems. Specifically, this study measures the level of participation in decision making and assesses its impact on job satisfaction, measures the level of and analyses differences in job satisfaction by job classification, and identifies and analyses the determinants of employee job satisfaction. Data were obtained from a survey questionnaire which was constructed and administered to 447 employees of the Ministry of Health, a 42 per cent sample, at fifteen representative locations throughout the country. Simple descriptive statistics and multivariate techniques are used to analyse the data. From the analysis, policy implications are developed for designing administrative structures and systems that respond to emerging ‘quality of worklife’ needs, strengthening productivity, and improving the quality of services provided.