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This study explores how certain characteristics of the network structure, such as autonomization and connectivity, differently combine with individual leadership in order to produce high network performance. Data gathered through a survey of 265 networks for homecare assistance shed light on three different paths simultaneously leading to network success. First, the presence of autonomy from government (autonomization) appears to be able to ensure network success, irrespective of the other conditions. Secondly, the presence (or absence) of an individual network leader combines differently with the network’s connectivity. Sparsely connected networks seem to require a network leader, forging agreements and leading partners towards a common objective. On the contrary, in highly connected networks, it is the intensity of network ties that appears to lead the network (the network leader seems to be not important). These networks seem to be leaderless, but not necessarily leadershipless.

The relationship between strategy and structure is one of the long-lasting and rather controversial topics in the strategy literature. It is also an evergreen and unresolved issue in the literature on public networks. Some authors have focused on structural characteristics of public networks (i.e., network integration and centrality and/or network governance structure) and their relationship with network performance (Provan and Milward, 1995; Provan and Sebastian, 1998; Provan and Kenis, 2008; Kenis and Provan, 2009). Others have shed light on the criticality of strategies to manage public networks and of the mechanisms for strategy implementation and network partner interaction (Klijn et al., 2010), and have concluded that strategy matters (and matters even more than structure) in affecting public network performance (Klijn et al., 2010). However, just very few studies have investigated the possibility of an interaction effect among the abovementioned factors. In this sense, our chapter aims at understanding whether a relationship does exist between network structure, strategies and mechanisms in jointly affecting the network performance. In particular, by following the extant literature, we will focus on three configurations of network structure (i.e., decentralized and shared-governed networks, networks centralized in a Lead Organization, and networks centralized in a Network Administrative Organization), three strategies to manage public networks (i.e., facilitating, mediating and leading), and two kinds of mechanisms for strategy implementation and partner interaction (formalized and informal mechanisms), and explore whether different combinations of network structure, strategies and mechanisms can equally lead to good network performance. For this purpose a so called “configurational approach”, the Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) (Ragin, 1987), was chosen to systematically compare 13 networks for homecare assistance in Switzerland (Spitex networks) (alo

A research investigation of the inertisation of brown coal dusts from the three largest Bosnian and Herzegovinian coal mines using limestone rock dust is presented. The tests on the brown coal dusts, carried out according to EN 14034-1 and EN 14034-2, used their explosive characteristics Ek as indicator of explosibility (interaction between maximum rate of pressure rise (dp/dt)max, maximum explosion pressure pmax and duration of explosion t1). The results indicate that the content of the inert limestone rock dust component in the brown coal dusts differs from the currently used amounts based on Polish regulations and that the Bosnian and Herzegovinian standards will therefore need to be changed., A research investigation of the inertisation of brown coal dusts from the three largest Bosnian and Herzegovinian coal mines using limestone rock dust is presented. The tests on the brown coal dusts, carried out according to EN 14034-1 and EN 14034-2, used their explosive characteristics Ek as indicator of explosibility (interaction between maximum rate of pressure rise (dp/dt)max, maximum explosion pressure pmax and duration of explosion t1). The results indicate that the content of the inert limestone rock dust component in the brown coal dusts differs from the currently used amounts based on Polish regulations and that the Bosnian and Herzegovinian standards will therefore need to be changed.

Many studies have striven to understand which factors affect the performance of public networks. However, there are very few studies in the field of public management that investigate the joint, interactive effects of different determinants on network performance. This article uses the relatively new method of qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) to investigate the complex causality of determinants and network performance. It examines the combination of resource munificence, centralization of the network structure, formalization of coordination mechanisms, network management and their joint effects on network performance. An analysis of 12 Swiss networks providing home and social care services shows that there are a range of possible paths. Various combinations of the above-mentioned factors can in fact lead to high network performance. The paths provide insight into how to make public networks really work.

This paper compares four cases and explores the effects on network performance of network governance, coordination mechanisms, and the abilities of the network manager. The focus is on shared-governance networks, which are in general considered to have difficulties achieving high-level performances. The cross-case comparison suggests a relationship between coordination mechanisms and the way shared-governance networks are managed: in order to be successful, they must be able to rely on formalized mechanisms and make a pool of "network administrators" responsible for their governance. © 2012 Springer Science+Business Media New York

Apatites are well known matrix for heavy metal immobilization and remediation of ground water and contaminated soils. In this work, capacities of different synthetic hydroxyapatite (HAP) samples for Pb, Cd, Sr and Zn sorption were analyzed, from single metal solutions and their equimolar mixture. Initial concentration of each metal in single metal solutions and total metal concentration in the mixture was 10(-2) mol/dm(3). Initial pH was adjusted to 5.0 +/- 0.1. After 24 h equilibration of HAP samples with heavy metal solutions (solid/liquid ratio 1:200), the concentration of metals and of Ca2+ released from crystal lattice, as well as the final pH values were measured. The selectivity of all samples, regardless of the differences in their compositions, crystallinities, specific surface areas, points of zero charge and sorption capacities, was as follows: Pb GT Cd GT Zn GT Sr. The same order was obtained for both single metal solutions and their mixture. In all cases, the sorption was followed by a decrease in final pH values, which are lower than the pH(PZC) values obtained by equilibration of HAP samples with an inert electrolyte (KNO3). A linear relationship between the amount of metals sorbed and Ca2+ released from HAP was observed. Also, a correlation between sorption capacities and physicochemical properties of HAP samples was found.

Monitoring has been carried out at the Stretno brown coal longwall mine in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Measurements were carried out to determine the balance of methane at the ventilation stations of the air return from the development faces. The relation between advance rate and release of methane was obtained using a single-factorial regression analysis. The relation between the release of methane as a function of the volume of air and advance rate was obtained using bi-factorial regression analysis. Results showed that methane release is proportional to the square root of the advance rate. Regression analysis suggested a feasible advance rate would be 27.3 m/day with a minimum air volume of 500 m3/min, which would not exceed methane concentrations of 1.5% in the longwall face return air., Monitoring has been carried out at the Stretno brown coal longwall mine in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Measurements were carried out to determine the balance of methane at the ventilation stations of the air return from the development faces. The relation between advance rate and release of methane was obtained using a single-factorial regression analysis. The relation between the release of methane as a function of the volume of air and advance rate was obtained using bi-factorial regression analysis. Results showed that methane release is proportional to the square root of the advance rate. Regression analysis suggested a feasible advance rate would be 27.3 m/day with a minimum air volume of 500 m3/min, which would not exceed methane concentrations of 1.5% in the longwall face return air.