Spatial and temporal variability in midge (Nematocera) assemblages in shallow Finnish lakes (60−70 °N) : community-based modelling of past environmental change

Multi- and intralake datasets of fossil midge assemblages in surface sediments of small shallow lakes in Finland were studied to determine the most important environmental factors explaining trends in midge distribution and abundance. The aim was to develop palaeoenvironmental calibration models for the most important environmental variables for the purpose of reconstructing past environmental conditions. The developed models were applied to three high-resolution fossil midge stratigraphies from southern and eastern Finland to interpret environmental variability over the past 2000 years, with special focus on the Medieval Climate Anomaly (MCA), the Little Ice Age (LIA) and recent anthropogenic changes. The midge-based results were compared with physical properties of the sediment, historical evidence and environmental reconstructions based on diatoms (Bacillariophyta), cladocerans (Crustacea: Cladocera) and tree rings. The results showed that the most important environmental factor controlling midge distribution and abundance along a latitudinal gradient in Finland was the mean July air temperature (TJul). However, when the dataset was environmentally screened to include only pristine lakes, water depth at the sampling site became more important. Furthermore, when the dataset was geographically scaled to southern Finland, hypolimnetic oxygen conditions became the dominant environmental factor. The results from an intralake dataset from eastern Finland showed that the most important environmental factors controlling midge distribution within a lake basin were river contribution, water depth and submerged vegetation patterns. In addition, the results of the intralake dataset showed that the fossil midge assemblages represent fauna that lived in close proximity to the sampling sites, thus enabling the exploration of within-lake gradients in midge assemblages. Importantly, this within-lake heterogeneity in midge assemblages may have effects on midge-based temperature estimations, because samples taken from the deepest point of a lake basin may infer considerably colder temperatures than expected, as shown by the present test results. Therefore, it is suggested here that the samples in fossil midge studies involving shallow boreal lakes should be taken from the sublittoral, where the assemblages are most representative of the whole lake fauna. Transfer functions between midge assemblages and the environmental forcing factors that were significantly related with the assemblages, including mean air TJul, water depth, hypolimnetic oxygen, stream flow and distance to littoral vegetation, were developed using weighted averaging (WA) and weighted averaging-partial least squares (WA-PLS) techniques, which outperformed all the other tested numerical approaches. Application of the models in downcore studies showed mostly consistent trends. Based on the present results, which agreed with previous studies and historical evidence, the Medieval Climate Anomaly between ca. 800 and 1300 AD in eastern Finland was characterized by warm temperature conditions and dry summers, but probably humid winters. The Little Ice Age (LIA) prevailed in southern Finland from ca. 1550 to 1850 AD, with the coldest conditions occurring at ca. 1700 AD, whereas in eastern Finland the cold conditions prevailed over a longer time period, from ca. 1300 until 1900 AD. The recent climatic warming was clearly represented in all of the temperature reconstructions. In the terms of long-term climatology, the present results provide support for the concept that the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) index has a positive correlation with winter precipitation and annual temperature and a negative correlation with summer precipitation in eastern Finland. In general, the results indicate a relatively warm climate with dry summers but snowy winters during the MCA and a cool climate with rainy summers and dry winters during the LIA. The results of the present reconstructions and the forthcoming applications of the models can be used in assessments of long-term environmental dynamics to refine the understanding of past environmental reference conditions and natural variability required by environmental scientists, ecologists and policy makers to make decisions concerning the presently occurring global, regional and local changes. The developed midge-based models for temperature, hypolimnetic oxygen, water depth, littoral vegetation shift and stream flow, presented in this thesis, are open for scientific use on request.

Enterprise system investments for competitive advantage: An empirical study of Swiss SMEs

Previous research identifies various reasons companies invest in information technology (IT), often as a means to generate value. To add to the discussion of IT value generation, this study investigates investments in enterprise software systems that support business processes. Managers of more than 500 Swiss small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) responded to a survey regarding the levels of their IT investment in enterprise software systems and the perceived utility of those investments. The authors use logistic and ordinary least squares regression to examine whether IT investments in two business processes affect SMEs' performance and competitive advantage. Using cluster analysis, they also develop a firm typology with four distinct groups that differ in their investments in enterprise software systems. These findings offer key implications for both research and managerial practice.

Build-up of toxic metals on the impervious surfaces of a commercial seaport

In the context of increasing threats to the sensitive marine ecosystem by toxic metals, this study investigated the metal build-up on impervious surfaces specific to commercial seaports. The knowledge generated in this study will contribute to managing toxic metal pollution of the marine ecosystem. The study found that inter-modal operations and main access roadway had the highest loads followed by container storage and vehicle marshalling sites, while the quay line and short term storage areas had the lowest. Additionally, it was found that Cr, Al, Pb, Cu and Zn were predominantly attached to solids, while significant amount of Cu, Pb and Zn were found as nutrient complexes. As such, treatment options based on solids retention can be effective for some metal species, while ineffective for other species. Furthermore, Cu and Zn are more likely to become bioavailable in seawater due to their strong association with nutrients. Mathematical models to replicate the metal build-up process were also developed using experimental design approach and partial least square regression. The models for Cr and Pb were found to be reliable, while those for Al, Zn and Cu were relatively less reliable, but could be employed for preliminary investigations.

A relational approach to direct mail consumption

- Purpose This paper aims to investigate how direct mail consumption contributes to brand relationship quality. Store flyers and other direct mailings continue to play a significant role in many companies’ communication strategies. Research on this topic predominantly investigates driving store traffic and sales. Less is known regarding the consumer side, such as the value that consumers may derive from the consumption of direct mailings and the effects of such a value on brand relationship quality. To address this limitation, this paper tests a causal model of the contribution of direct mail value to brand commitment, drawing on a value framework that integrates social theory of engagement regimes and literature on experiential customer value. - Design/methodology/approach The empirical work of this paper is based on a rigorous four-study mixed methods design, involving qualitative study, confirmatory factor analysis and partial least squares structural modeling. - Findings The authors develop two second-order formatively designed scales – familiar value and planned value scales – that illustrate the role of engagement regimes in consumer behavior. Although both types of value contribute equally to direct mail attachment, they exert contrasting effects on other mediational consumer responses, such as reading and gratitude. Finally, the proposed theoretical model appears to be robust in predicting customers’ brand commitment. - Research limitations/implications This study provides new insights into the research on consumer value and brand relational communication. - Originality/value This study is the first to consider consumer benefits from the social perspective of engagement regimes.

Chemical-shift of the X-ray K-absorption edge of Co in some compounds, complexes and minerals

The chemical-shift of the X-ray K-absorption edge of Co was studied in a large number of compounds, complexes (spinels) and minerals of Co in its different oxidation states having widely different crystal structures and containing different types of bonding and various types of ligands, and were reported collectively, for the first time, in a single paper. A quadratic relationship was established on the basis of least-squares regression analysis to hold between the chemical-shift and the effective charge on the absorbing atom, but the dominance of the linear term was shown. This relation was utilized in evaluating the charge on the Co-ion in a number of minerals. The effect on chemical-shift of oxidation states of the absorbing atom, of the bond length, crystal structure and higher shell atoms of the molecule, and of electronegativity, atomic number and ionic radius of the ligand was discussed.

Digital simulation of galvanostatic current-potential data for gas-diffusion electrodes and estimation of electrodekinetic parameters

A computerized non-linear-least-squares regression procedure to analyse the galvanostatic current-potential data for kinetically hindered reactions on porous gas-diffusion electrodes is reported. The simulated data fit well with the corresponding measured values. The analytical estimates of electrode-kinetic parameters and uncompensated resistance are found to be in good agreement with their respective values obtained from Tafel plots and the current-interrupter method. The procedure circumvents the need to collect the data in the limiting-current region where the polarization values are usually prone to errors. The polarization data for two typical cases, namely, methanol oxidation on a carbon-supported platinum-tin electrode and oxygen reduction on a Nafion-coated platinized carbon electrode, are successfully analysed.

System Dy-Fe-O: thermodynamic properties of ternary oxides using Calvet calorimetry and solid-state electrochemical cell

The enthalpy increments and the standard molar Gibbs energies of formation-of DyFeO3(s) and Dy3Fe5O12(s) have been measured using a Calvet micro-calorimeter and a solid oxide galvanic cell, respectively. A co-operative phase transition, related to anti-ferromagnetic to paramagnetic transformation, is apparent. from the heat capacity data for DyFeO3 at similar to 648 K. A similar type of phase transition has been observed for Dy3Fe5O12 at similar to 560 K which is related to ferrimagnetic to paramagnetic transformation. Enthalpy increment data for DyFeO3(s) and Dy3Fe5O12(s), except in the vicinity of the second-order transition, can be represented by the following polynomial expressions:{H(0)m(T) - H(0)m(298.15 K)) (Jmol(-1)) (+/-1.1%) = -52754 + 142.9 x (T (K)) + 2.48 x 10(-3) x (T (K))(2) + 2.951 x 10(6) x (T (K))(-1); (298.15 less than or equal to T (K) less than or equal to 1000) for DyFeO3(s), and {H(0)m(T) - H(0)m(298.15 K)} (Jmol(-1)) (+/-1.2%) = -191048 + 545.0 x (T - (K)) + 2.0 x 10(-5) x (T (K))(2) + 8.513 x 10(6) x (T (K))(-1); (208.15 less than or equal to T (K) less than or equal to 1000)for Dy3Fe5O12(s). The reversible emfs of the solid-state electrochemical cells: (-)Pt/{DyFeO3(s) + Dy2O3(s) + Fe(s)}/YDT/CSZ//{Fe(s) + Fe0.95O(s)}/Pt(+) and (-)Pt/{Fe(s) + Fe0.95O(s)}//CSZ//{DyFeO3(s) + Dy3Fe5O12(s) + Fe3O4(s)}/Pt(+), were measured in the temperature range from 1021 to 1250 K and 1035 to 1250 K, respectively. The standard Gibbs energies of formation of solid DyFeO3 and Dy3Fe5O12 calculated by the least squares regression analysis of the data obtained in the present study, and data for Fe0.95O and Dy2O3 from the literature, are given by Delta(f)G(0)m(DyFeO3,s)(kJmol(-1))(+/-3.2)= -1339.9 + 0.2473 x (T(K)); (1021 less than or equal to T (K) less than or equal to 1548)and D(f)G(0)m(Dy3Fe5O12,s) (kJmol(-1)) (+/-3.5) = -4850.4 + 0.9846 x (T (K)); (1035 less than or equal to T (K) less than or equal to 1250) The uncertainty estimates for Delta(f)G(0)m include the standard deviation in the emf and uncertainty in the data taken from the literature. Based on the thermodynamic information, oxygen potential diagram and chemical potential diagrams for the system Dy-Fe-O were developed at 1250 K. (C) 2002 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved.

Thermodynamic studies on NdFeO3(s)

The enthalpy increments and the standard molar Gibbs energy of formation of NdFeO3(s) have been measured using a hightemperature Calvet microcalorimeter and a solid oxide galvanic cell, respectively. A lambda-type transition, related to magnetic order-disorder transformation (antiferromagnetic to paramagnetic), is apparent from the heat capacity data at similar to 687 K. Enthalpy increments, except in the vicinity of transition, can be represented by a polynomial expression: {Hdegrees(m)(T)-Hdegrees(m) (298.15 K)} /J(.)mol(-1) (+/- 0.7%)=-53625.6+146.0(T/K) +1.150 X 10(-4)(T/K)(2) +3.007 x 10(6)(T/K)(-1); (298.15 less than or equal to T/K less than or equal to 1000). The heat capacity, the first differential of {Hdegrees(m)(T)-Hdegrees(m)(298.15 K)}with respect to temperature, is given by Cdegrees(pm)/J(.)K(-1.)mol(-1)=146.0+ 2.30x10(-4) (T/K) - 3.007 X 10(6)(T/K)(-2). The reversible emf's of the cell, (-) Pt/{NdFeO3(s) +Nd2O3(s)+Fe(s)}//YDT/CSZ// Fe(s)+'FeO'(s)}/Pt(+), were measured in the temperature range from 1004 to 1208 K. It can be represented within experimental error by a linear equation: E/V=(0.1418 +/- 0.0003)-(3.890 +/- 0.023) x 10(-5)(T/K). The Gibbs energy of formation of solid NdFeO, calculated by the least-squares regression analysis of the data obtained in the present study, and data for Fe0.95O and Nd2O3 from the literature, is given by Delta(f)Gdegrees(m)(NdFeO3 s)/kJ (.) mol(-1)( +/- 2.0)=1345.9+0.2542(T/K); (1000 less than or equal to T/K less than or equal to 1650). The error in Delta(f)Gdegrees(m)(NdFeO3, s, T) includes the standard deviation in emf and the uncertainty in the data taken from the literature. Values of Delta(f)Hdegrees(m)(NdFeO3, s, 298.15 K) and Sdegrees(m) (NdFeO3 s, 298.15 K) calculated by the second law method are - 1362.5 (+/-6) kJ (.) mol(-1) and 123.9 (+/-2.5) J (.) K-1 (.) mol(-1), respectively. Based on the thermodynamic information, an oxygen potential diagram for the system Nd-Fe-O was developed at 1350 K. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science (USA).

Thermodynamic properties of SmFeO3(S) and SM3R5O12(S)

The enthalpy increments and the standard molar Gibbs energy (G) of formation of SmFeO3(S) and SM3Fe5O12(s) have been measured using a Calvet micro-calorimeter and a solid oxide galvanic cell, respectively. A X-type transition, related to magnetic order-disorder transformation (antiferromagnetic to paramagnetic), is apparent from the heat capacity data at similar to673 K for SmFeO3(s) and at similar to560 K for Sm3Fe5O12(S). Enthalpy increment data for SmFeO3(s) and SM3Fe5O12(s), except in the vicinity of X-transition, can be represented by the following polynomial expressions: {H-m(0)(T) - H-m(0)(298.15 K){/J mol-(1)(+/-1.2%) = -54 532.8 + 147.4 . (T/K) + 1.2 . 10(-4) . (T/K)(2) +3.154 . 10(6) . (T/K)(-1); (298.15 less than or equal to T/K less than or equal to 1000) for SmFeO3(s), and {H-m(0)(T) - H-m(0)(298.15 K)}/J mol(-1) (+/-1.4%) = -192 763 + 554.7 . (T/K) + 2.0 . 10(-6) . (T/K)(2) + 8.161 . 10(6) - (T/K)(-1); (298.15 less than or equal to T/K less than or equal to 1000) for Sm3Fe5O12(s). The reversible emf of the solid-state electrochemical cells, (-)Pt/{SmFeO3(s) + Sm2O3(S) + Fe(s)) // YDT / CSZ // {Fe(s) + Fe0.95O(s)} / Pt(+) and (-)Pt/{Fe(s) + Fe0.95O(S)} // CSZ // {SmFeO3(s) + Sm3Fe5O12(s) + Fe3O4(s) / Pt(+), were measured in the temperature ranges of 1005-1259 K and 1030-1252 K, respectively. The standard molar G of formation of solid SmFeO3 and Sm3Fe5O12 calculated by the least squares regression analysis of the data obtained in the current study, and data for Fe0.95O and Sm2O3 from the literature, are given by: Delta(f)G(m)(0)(SmFeO3, s)/kj . mol(-1)(+/-2.0) = -1355.2 + 0.2643 . ; (1005 less than or equal to T/K less than or equal to 1570) and Delta(f)G(m)(0)(Sm3Fe5O12, s)/kj . mol(-1) (+/- 3.1) = -4891.0 + 1.0312 . (T/K); (1030 less than or equal to T/K less than or equal to 1252) The uncertainty estimates for Delta(f)G(m)(0) include the standard deviation in the emf and uncertainty in the data taken from the literature. Based on these thermodynamic data, the oxygen potential diagram for the system Sm-Fe-O was constructed at 1250 K.

Confianza como consecuencia del compromiso percibido: Implicaciones sobre el aprendizaje y la innovación

En este trabajo pretendemos alcanzar un doble objetivo. En primer lugar, estudiamos la influencia del compromiso afectivo de los empleados percibido por el directivo, tanto sobre su nivel de confianza, como sobre la capacidad de aprendizaje organizativo (CAO). Igualmente, analizamos cómo influye sobre la CAO esta predisposición del directivo a confiar en sus empleados. En segundo lugar, examinamos si el compromiso afectivo de los empleados percibido por el directivo, la confianza del directivo y la CAO favorecen la innovación en producto. Aplicando modelos de ecuaciones estructurales (Partial Least Squares -PLS-) sobre una muestra de 92 empresas pertenecientes a sectores innovadores españoles se concluye que el compromiso afectivo que el directivo percibe en los empleados determina su nivel de confianza en aquellos. Asimismo, ambas variables (compromiso afectivo de los empleados percibido por el directivo y confianza del directivo) explican la CAO. Finalmente, se comprueba que los dos factores considerados (compromiso afectivo percibido y confianza) influyen sobre la innovación en producto a través de la CAO.

Relationship between fish size and otolith length for 63 species of fishes from the Eastern North Pacific Ocean

Otoliths commonly are used to determine the taxon, age, and size of fishes. This information is useful for population management, predator-prey studies, and archaeological research. The relationship between the length of a fish and the length of its otoliths remains unknown for many species of marine fishes in the Pacific Ocean. Therefore, the relationships between fish length and fish weight, and between otolith length and fish length, were developed for 63 species of fishes caught in the eastern North Pacific Ocean. We also summarized similar relationships for 46 eastern North Pacific fish species reported in the literature. The relationship between fish length and otolith length was linear, and most of the variability was explained by a simple least-squares regression (r 2 > 0.700 for 45 of 63 species). The relationship between otolith length and fish length was not significantly different between left and right otoliths for all but one fish species. Images of otoliths from 77 taxa are included to assist in the identification of species. (PDF file contains 38 pages.)

Structural capital, innovation capability, and company performance in technology-based colombian firms

[EN] In today s economy, innovation is considered to be one of the main driving forces behind business competitiveness, if not the most relevant one. Traditionally, the study of innovation has been addressed from different perspectives. Recently, literature on knowledge management and intellectual capital has provided new insights. Considering this, the aim of this paper is to analyze the impact of different organizational conditions i.e. structural capital on innovation capability and innovation performance, from an intellectual capital (IC) perspective. As regards innovation capability, two dimensions are considered: new idea generation and innovation project management. The population subject to study is made up of technology-based Colombian firms. In order to gather information about the relevant variables involved in the research, a questionnaire was designed and addressed to the CEOs of the companies making up the target population. The sample analyzed is made up of 69 companies and is large enough to carry out a statistical study based on structural equation modelling (partial least squares approach) using PLS-Graph software (Chin and Frye, 2003). The results obtained show that structural capital explains to a great extent both the effectiveness of the new idea generation process and of innovation project management. However, the influence of each specific organizational component making up structural capital (organizational design, organizational culture, hiring and professional development policies, innovation strategy, technological capital, and external structure) varies. Moreover, successful innovation project management is the only innovation capability dimension that exerts a significant impact on company performance.

Un análisis empírico de las competencias directivas necesarias en la identificación de los empleados clave

[ES] El presente estudio analiza empíricamente de qué forma la composición de capital humano de los equipos directivos favorece el desarrollo de una de las fases más relevantes en la formulación de la estrategia de recursos humanos: la identificación de los empleados clave. Basándonos en las recientes llamadas de atención en la literatura en dirección de recursos humanos, este estudio parte de una perspectiva de "proceso" frente al clásico análisis de "contenido", con el fin de ir un paso más allá en la dinámica interna de estos procesos estratégicos. La aplicación del análisis de ecuaciones estructurales a través del procedimiento Partial Least Squares (PLS) sobre una muestra de 120 empresas españolas, reveló que la identificación de recursos humanos críticos requiere de habilidades cognitivas mixtas, tanto racionales como creativas, para completar eficientemente cada una de las etapas del proceso. Consecuentemente, la combinación de estas competencias se alcanzará en entornos de trabajo de carácter colectivista, favoreciendo la toma de decisiones cooperativa y colaborativa. En este contexto, el responsable de recursos humanos participará enriqueciendo con su poder experto las actividades más técnicas del proceso, para posteriormente integrar la información de recursos humanos en el proceso de deliberación estratégica con el resto de miembros del equipo. Asimismo, estos resultados ponen de manifiesto interesantes implicaciones profesionales relacionadas con la presencia de diversidad cognitiva de los equipos de alta dirección.

Length-weight relationship of fishes from Yemen waters (Gulf of Aden and Red Sea)

The data for this study were gathered between 1993 and 1996 on board commercial trawlers from Somalia, China and Yemen and also from the research vessel Ibn Magid belonging to the Marine Science and Resources Research Centre, Aden, Republic of Yemen. Fish were identified using the FAO species identification literature. All fish were measured to the nearest mm (total length) and weighed to the nearest g. Sex was determined by dissection after the length and weight had been measured. The length-weight relationships were calculated using least-squares regression on log-transformed data and the parameters of the relationship of the form of W=aL super(b) are summarized. Maximum and minimum size of fish sampled are also given. Common names and recent changes in nomenclature were taken from ICLARM's FishBase.

Quantitative structure-property relationships for octanol-air partition coefficients of polychlorinated naphthalenes, chlorobenzenes and p,p '-DDT

The octanol-air partition coefficient (K-OA) is a key descriptor of chemicals partitioning between the atmosphere and environmental organic phases. Quantitative structure-property relationships (QSPR) are necessary to model and predict KOA from molecular structures. Based on 12 quantum chemical descriptors computed by the PM3 Hamiltonian, using partial least squares (PLS) analysis, a QSPR model for logarithms of K-OA to base 10 (log K-OA) for polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs), chlorobenzenes and p,p'-DDT was obtained. The cross-validated Q(cum)(2) value of the model is 0.973, indicating a good predictive ability of the model. The main factors governing log K-OA of the PCNs, chlorobenzenes, and p,p'-DDT are, in order of decreasing importance, molecular size and molecular ability of donating/accepting electrons to participate in intermolecular interactions. The intermolecular dispersive interactions play a leading role in governing log K-OA. The more chlorines in PCN and chlorobenzene molecules, the greater the log K-OA values. Increasing E-LUMO (the energy of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital) of the molecules leads to decreasing log K-OA values, implying possible intermolecular interactions between the molecules under study and octanol molecules. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.