bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Catalysis of potato epoxide hydrolase, StEH1
Authors: Elfström Lisa T. , Widersten Mikael 
Published: August 2005

The kinetic mechanism of epoxide hydrolase (EC 3.3.2.3) from potato, StEH1 (Solanum tuberosum epoxide hydrolase 1), was studied by presteady-state and steady-state kinetics as well as by pH dependence of activity. The specific activities towards the different enantiomers of TSO (trans-stilbene oxide) as substrate were 43 and 3 μmol·min−1·mg−1 with the R,R- or S,S-isomers respectively. The enzyme was, however, enantioselective in favour of the S,S enantiomer due to a lower Km value. The pH dependences of kcat with R,R or S,S-TSO were also distinct and supposedly reflecting the pH dependences of the individual kinetic rates during substrate conversion. The rate-limiting step for TSO and cis- and trans-epoxystearate was shown by rapid kinetic measurements to be the hydrolysis of the alkylenzyme intermediate. Functional characterization of point mutants verified residues Asp105, Tyr154, Tyr235 and His300 as crucial for catalytic activity. All mutants displayed drastically decreased enzymatic activities during steady state. Presteady-state measurements revealed the base-deficient H300N (His300→Asn) mutant to possess greatly reduced efficiencies in catalysis of both chemical steps (alkylation and hydrolysis).
The reliability of force platform data from trotting horses
Authors: Lynch JA , Clayton HM , Mullineaux DR 
Published: August 2005

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to quantify the inter-day reliability of force platform data from horses at the trot. The subjects were ten horses judged to be sound on the basis of clinical evaluation and similarity of ground reaction force peaks of left and right limbs. The same handler trotted horses in hand for four consecutive days over a force platform at their natural and comfortable velocity between 2.70 and 3.60 m s−1. For each horse, velocity was controlled in a range of±0.15 m s−1. Five contacts per limb were recorded on each day. Custom-written code in MATLAB was used to smooth the data and time-normalize to 101 data points. The agreement boundary was used to determine the reliability of seven force variables. Stance duration, peak vertical force and vertical impulse were the most reliable variables (<10% variability in the mean), while peak braking and propulsive forces and impulses had larger variation across the three days (>20% variability in the mean). Variables with low variability may require fewer animals, trials and days to obtain accurate data while maintaining adequate statistical power. These results may act both as a reference when studying variability in lame horses and as a guide for planning future equine kinetic studies.
Acute progressive resistance exercise alters intracardiac pressure in ponies
Authors: McKeever KH , Alway SE , Farris JW , Hinchcliff KW , Lombardo JA 
Published: August 2005

AbstractFive male ponies (3–6 years, 208±11 kg) were used to examine the haemodynamic effects of resistance exercise. The experiment consisted of a 30 min catheterization period and a 15 min equilibration period followed by the test. Initially, the ponies stood quietly on a treadmill for collection of 5 min of baseline data. They then walked at 1.9 m s−1for 1 min sets while carrying 0 kg, 67 kg or 134 kg of weight loaded on the saddle area. Weights were applied in a randomized order using a chain hoist and sling. The ponies rested unloaded for 2 min between sets and all cardiovascular parameters returned to baseline before beginning the next set. Haemodynamic measurements (heart rate (HR), carotid artery systolic (SP), diastolic (DP), pulse (PP) and mean pressure (MAP), right atrial pressure (RAP), right ventricular pressure (RVP) and right ventricular maximum rate of pressure rise (dP/dtmax)) were recorded continuously and data collected during the last 18 s of each set were averaged and analysed. HR increased (P<0.05) with unloaded exercise (201%) and with increases in load (252 and 271% at 67 and 134 kg, respectively). RAP increased (P<0.05) with exercise, with differences (P<0.05) between the response to the 0 kg (66%), 67 kg (121%) and 134 kg (138%) loads. RVP increased (P<0.05) incrementally with load during exercise (58, 110 and 136%, respectively), with differences (P<0.05) between 0versus67 kg and 67versus134 kg. Right ventricular dP/dtmaxincreased (P<0.05) incrementally and showed differences (P<0.05) between loads (131, 191 and 252% at 0, 67 and 134 kg, respectively). There were increases (P<0.05) in MAP (20%), SP (20%) and DP (27) with exercise, but no difference (P>0.05) between the response to 67versus134 kg load (43 and 51%; 40 and 46%; 49 and 62, respectively). Pulse pressure did not change (P>0.05) from baseline values. These data suggest that resistance exercise in the form of weight carried increases intraventricular pressure through a significant increase in both cardiac pre-load and after-load.
Time course and magnitude of fluid and electrolyte shifts during recovery from high-intensity exercise in Standardbred racehorses
Authors: Waller Amanda , Lindinger Michael I 
Published: August 2005

AbstractThe present study characterized the fluid and electrolyte shifts that occur in Standardbred racehorses during recovery from high-intensity exercise. Jugular venous blood was sampled from 13 Standardbreds in racing condition, at rest and for 2 h following a high-intensity training workout. Total body water (TBW), extracellular fluid volume (ECFV) and plasma volume (PV) were measured at rest using indicator dilution techniques (D2O, thiocyanate and Evans Blue, respectively). Changes in TBW were assessed from measures of body mass, and changes in PV and ECFV were calculated from changes in plasma protein concentration. Exercise resulted in a 26.9% decrease in PV. At 10 min of recovery TBW and ECFV were decreased by 2.2% and 16.5% respectively, while intracellular fluid volume was increased by 7.1%. There was a continued loss of fluid due to sweating throughout the recovery period such that TBW was decreased by 3.9% at 90 min of recovery. This decrease in TBW was nearly equally partitioned between the extracellular and intracellular fluid compartments. Plasma Na+and Cl−contents were decreased at 1 min of recovery, but not different from rest by 40 min of recovery. Plasma K+content at 1 min post exercise was not different from the pre-exercise value; however, by 5 min of recovery K+content was significantly decreased and it remained decreased throughout the recovery period. It is concluded that there are very rapid and large fluid and electrolyte shifts between body compartments during and after high-intensity exercise, and that full recovery of these shifts requires 90–120 min.
Stress corrosion cracking and electrochemistry of C−Mn steels in CO−CO2−H2O environments
Authors: Malik Hassan , Nawaz Fahd 
Published: August 2005

PurposeTo discover if stress corrosion cracking (SCC) of C−Mn steel is possible at ambient pressure and temperature in a CO−CO2−H2O environment.Design/methodology/approachApproach involved electrochemical testing, slow strain rate testing (SSRT) and fractography. The chemistry within a crack or crevice during SCC differs from that of the bulk environment. To simulate this condition, a specimen was designed containing a steel plate, microelectrodes and artificial crevice. Electrochemical tests were performed to discover if conditions likely to cause SCC could be achieved. Slow strain rate tests and fractography was also carried out to support the electrochemical data.FindingsResults indicated that CO can adsorb onto the metal and that localized corrosion occurred at defects in the adsorbed CO layer due to CO2, which led to the onset of SCC. Consequently, larger anodic and cathodic currents were measured with or without a crevice, when CO2 was in solution. Similar behaviour was observed on the microelectrodes. Regions of brittle fracture were discovered on the specimen surface after SSRT were conducted in a vapour phase environment. After such tests, the ductility of the steel was found to be impaired.Practical implicationsPractically the results could help to predict the potential range in which SCC may occur.Originality/valuePaper is new because previous results were at high pressures. However, results indicate that SCC is a danger at atmospheric pressure. The paper is of value to people in the oil and gas industry.
Automated aerostructure assembly
Authors: Webb P. , Eastwood S. , Jayaweera N. , Chen Y. 
Published: August 2005

PurposeDescribes the application of standard industrial robots to the assembly and riveting of aerostructure sub‐assemblies.Design/methodology/approachDescribes the design and operation of special purpose end‐effectors for assembly and solid riveting and their integration in an aerostructure sub‐assembly fabrication cell. The robots are controlled by a novel control system which allows the cell to compensate for distortion and misalignment of the components.FindingsDemonstrates that with advanced control standard industrial robots can be used to assemble aerostructure sub‐assemblies.Originality/valueIntroduces techniques for compensating for the inherent distortion that occurs in airframe components during manufacture. This is an enabling technology that will significantly increase the number of possible applications for robots in the assembly of aerostructures.
Robot assisted tiling of glass mosaics with image processing
Authors: Kaya Bulent , Berkay Ahmet , Erzincanli Fehmi 
Published: August 2005

PurposeThis paper describes a robotic system developed for tiling mosaics based on image processing according to customer expectations.Design/methodology/approachMany varieties of mosaics art in different forms has been applied manually over centuries for art decorating. Although the mosaics material is cheap with immense decorative potential, the mosaics tiling process is difficult and costly skill to perform. Therefore, an image processing based robotic tiling system has been presented and applied in this study. An algorithm has been developed for converting the computer image to mosaic picture by using Borland C++ Builder 6.0 and successfully utilized on six degrees of freedom Ultimate Puma 500 type industrial robot for tiling glass mosaics to any plane.FindingsAccording to result of this study, it can be realized that the robots could be successfully utilized on decorating processes, e.g. tiling mosaics, for faster and flexible production.Originality/valuePresented robotic system allows the craftsmen to produce large and extra ordinary mosaic figures by using computer image and glass mosaic tiles. The goal of using a robot in this application is to increase the speed without man‐faults and flexibility.
Selection and diversification of market segments for robotics products
Authors: Shim Sung J. , Kumar Arun 
Published: August 2005

PurposeExamines the selection and diversification of market segments for robotics products with respect to application areas and customer sectors.Design/methodology/approachThis study attempted to investigate the selection and diversification of market segments by 50 robotics firms in the US with respect to application areas and customer sectors that they serve. Based upon the concept of strategic groups, we classified those robotics firms into three distinct strategic groups along the dimensions of application area diversification and customer sector diversification. The three strategic groups were identified as high, moderate, and low diversification groups, with respect to both application areas and customer sectors.FindingsThe results show that robotics firms vary in their selection of application areas and customer sectors, and more importantly in the degree of diversification of application areas and customer sectors. Also, three distinct strategic groups are observed among them, based upon the degree of diversification of application areas and customer sectors.Research limitations/implicationsA few limitations are recognized in this study. First, we used only the dimensions of market segment diversification in classifying the strategic groups in the US robotics industry. Given the important role of technology in the industry, we may consider pairing market dimensions with technology dimensions in exploring any strategic groups in the industry. Second, we only tested for the existence of strategic groups in the industry. We may further consider investigating the factors or reasons for the differences between the strategic groups, as well as any performance differences between the strategic groups. In studying the firm's performance, it is desirable to utilize financial performance measures such as sales growth and profitability. But securing such financial performance measures for individual robotics firms is hampered by the consolidated financial results of diversified firms and the presence of privately held firms in the industry. Third, we used data compiled from a secondary source. We may consider collecting time‐series data directly from robotics firms. These limitations are not certainly exhaustive but rather important ones for future research.Practical implicationsGiven the limited studies on robotics firms and their strategy, the results should be of interest to those who formulate product strategy in the robotics market.Originality/valueThe issues of diversification of market segments and the resultant strategic groups that we examined are well worth trying to understand for more viable market strategy in the field. Particularly, the identification of such strategic groups in the industry would help robotics firms evaluate their competitive positions, as well as competitors' approach to the market place.
Highly accurate contour control of an articulated robot manipulator using a Gaussian neural network
Authors: Zhang Tao , Nakamura Masatoshi , Goto Satoru , Kyura Nobuhiro 
Published: August 2005

PurposeAims to realize the high accurate contour control with high‐speed motion of articulated robot manipulator (ARM) with interference.Design/methodology/approachProposes a new contour control method by using Gaussian neural network (GNN) to solve the problem of the deterioration of the contour control performance due to the interference between robot links. The construction of the GNN controller and the approximation of the interference are based on the Euler‐Lagrange model of ARM. The actual input/out data about the motion of ARM are used for training the GNN to accurately represent the inverse dynamics of ARM with interference. With the Lyapunov function, the stability and the robustness of the GNN controller are discussed. Through the simulation and experiment, it verified that the precision of the contour control has been improved, and illustrated the good features of the proposed method.FindingsFinds that the actual data about the motion of ARM, which is easily obtained from the working field, can express the real features of ARM, and the GNN controller can improve the precision of the contour control with good features.Practical implicationsThe proposed method provides an effective method for realizing high accurate contour control of ARM with interference. It can be extended to the ARMs with more than two links and concerning more factors affecting the precision of the contour control, such as friction or gravity.Originality/valueProposes a new GNN controller for realizing high accurate contour control of ARM with interference, which is significant for industry.
Outsourcing: assessing the risks and benefits for organisations, sectors and nations
Authors: Harland Christine , Knight Louise , Lamming Richard , Walker Helen 
Published: August 2005

PurposeThis research aims to assess the risks and benefits of outsourcing for organisations, sectors and nations. The literature on outsourcing contains little evidence of research on holistic issues of its impact at systems levels beyond the firm, notably sectors and nations.Design/methodology/approachA Delphi study with senior strategists from private and public sectors captured perspectives and specific observations on benefits and risks of outsourcing. Emergent issues on outsourcing policy, strategy and decision‐making processes were synthesised into a framework for analysing factors associated with outsourcing.FindingsThe findings suggest that a more holistic view of outsourcing is needed, linking local, organisational issues with sector and national level actions and outcomes. In this way, aggregate risks and benefits can be assessed at different systems levels.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research might address the motivations for outsourcing; currently there is little research evidence to assess whether outsourcing is a mechanism for failing to solve internal problems, and moving responsibility and risk out of the firm. Additionally most outsourcing research to date has concentrated on an activity either being “in” or “out”; there is little research exploring the circumstances in which mixed models might be appropriate.Practical implicationsThe framework provides an aid to research and anaide memoirefor managers considering outsourcing.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to knowledge on understanding of outsourcing at different systems levels, particularly highlighting the implications of outsourcing for sectors and nations. Previously most research has focused at the level of the firm or dyadic relationship.
Ethnocentricity in top marketing journals
Authors: Svensson Göran 
Published: August 2005

PurposeTo draw up a demographic profile of editors, editorial boards and contributors, in the specific case of one top‐ranked marketing journal, and to discuss the implications.Design/methodology/approachFrom a list of top‐ranked titles, compiled from various sources, one was chosen as a case study. Demographic data relating to contributors and editors were collected by inspection, for a five‐year period. The anonymity of the journal was preserved.FindingsNorth American affiliations dominated among authors, editors and editorial boards. Successive editors have had an American affiliation for many years. This strongly skewed demographic profile raises a number of doubts and questions. The author suggests that one important effect is a kind of academic myopia, caused by demographic uniformity and paradigmatic inertia. He contends that this phenomenon threatens to weaken the scientific reputation of the marketing discipline and its research community.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is restricted to a single top‐ranked journal, which is anonymous because the aim is not to focus attention, negative or positive, on a single case, but rather to stimulate debate.Practical implicationsTentative recommendations are offered to the publishers and editors of marketing journals for reduction of the specific and general damaging effects of demographically induced academic myopia.Originality/valueThis study sows the seed and provides the trigger for further research and discussion of a phenomenon with important practical implications for the academic marketing community.
Market orientation and performance: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Shoham Aviv , Rose Gregory M. , Kropp Fredric 
Published: August 2005

PurposeTo assess quantitatively the impact of market orientation on the performance of the firm. While much empirical work has centered on market orientation, the generalizability of its impact on performance has been under‐researched.Design/methodology/approachA substantive meta‐analysis quantitatively summarizes the results of empirical studies of the direct and indirect impact of market orientation on three outcomes. A second, methodological meta‐analysis assessed the influence of methodological variables on explained variance in performance.FindingsThe direct, indirect, and total impacts of market orientation on performance were all significant. Additionally, the geographic location of the study and the performance measure used (but not the scale) affected explained variance.Research limitations/implicationsFirst, across study contexts, market orientation affects performance. Second, its impact might be stronger than previously thought due to the indirect paths not considered in previous research. Third, the strength of its impact depends on the country in which it was implemented; managers should expect higher payoffs in less developed countries.Originality/valueThe findings of this study significantly refine the body of knowledge concerning the impact of market orientation on the performance of the firm, and thereby offer an improved conceptual framework for marketing planners.
Understanding the probability of response to competitive actions
Authors: Otero‐Neira Carmen , Varela‐González José A. 
Published: August 2005

PurposeThe interdependence of firms in the marketplace implies that the effectiveness of an action cannot be valued without considering potential reactions. Therefore, the main objectives of this paper are to analyse the effect of the initiating company characteristics on the perceived attributes of its action and to understand the effect of these dimensions on the number of companies that respond to it.Design/methodology/approachBased on action‐reaction dynamics, a series of hypotheses was theoretically justified inking the characteristics of the actor with the dimensions of its action, and these dimensions with the probability of response from rivals. Their validity with data obtained from a survey of marketing managers of Spanish companies was checked, using a variety of statistical techniques.FindingsResults indicate that the probability of reaction is influenced by the level of visible threat of action. Further findings indicate that the leadership position of the actor has an indirect influence on the probability of response.Research limitations/implicationsThe size of the sample and the measures used are both limited. Also, the explanatory capacity of the model could be improved by considering new variables.Practical implicationsPrior knowledge of the probability of a reaction is an important input for the managerial process of strategic planning, capable of improving the success rate in implementing actions and thereby the competitive position.Originality/valueFew research studies of competitive interaction have focused on the probability of response, into which this paper offers an insight.
National customer satisfaction indices: an implementation in the Turkish mobile telephone market
Authors: Aydin Serkan , Özer Gökhan 
Published: August 2005

PurposeTo build a National Consumer Satisfaction Index for Turkey, drawing on models already in existence in Sweden, the USA, Norway and the European Union. In so doing, to remedy observed practical shortcomings of those indices.Design/methodology/approachStructural equation modelling was applied to the general model, in the specific context of the mobile telephone market in Turkey, based on data collected by questionnaire from more than 1,500 subscribers.FindingsThe purpose‐designed new customer satisfaction index exhibits good fit and strong explanatory power. It is the most comprehensive so far developed, by virtue of adding two new factors to the model.Research limitations/implicationsThe new Turkish index was tested for validity and reliability only in the context of mobile telephony; it should ideally now be further tested in different sectors, periodically, to validate comparisons with other national variants. More latent variables and economic data should be incorporated to analyse the links among the index itself, loyalty and economic consequences. It is suggested that the partial least squares method could have been more appropriate than the maximum likelihood iteration procedure actually employed.Practical implicationsApart from its obvious role in assessing customer satisfaction in a domestic market, a customer satisfaction index can be extended to the level of comparing whole economies. This is of considerable significance for Turkey's ambitions to join the European Union.Originality/valueThis article enhances and extends an established but relatively little known quantitative method for evaluating customer satisfaction, and thereby offers an important diagnostic tool to marketing planners