bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Arabidopsis F-Box Protein SLEEPY1 Targets Gibberellin Signaling Repressors for Gibberellin-Induced Degradation[W]
Authors: Dill Alyssa , Thomas Stephen G. , Hu Jianhong , Steber Camille M. , Sun Tai-ping
Published: June 2004

The nuclear DELLA proteins are highly conserved repressors of hormone gibberellin (GA) signaling in plants. In Arabidopsis thaliana, GA derepresses its signaling pathway by inducing proteolysis of the DELLA protein REPRESSOR OF ga1-3 (RGA). SLEEPY1 (SLY1) encodes an F-box–containing protein, and the loss-of-function sly1 mutant has a GA-insensitive dwarf phenotype and accumulates a high level of RGA. These findings suggested that SLY1 recruits RGA to the SCFSLY1 E3 ligase complex for ubiquitination and subsequent degradation by the 26S proteasome. In this report, we provide new insight into the molecular mechanism of how SLY1 interacts with the DELLA proteins for controlling GA response. By yeast two-hybrid and in vitro pull-down assays, we demonstrated that SLY1 interacts directly with RGA and GA INSENSITIVE (GAI, a closely related DELLA protein) via their C-terminal GRAS domain. The rga and gai null mutations additively suppressed the recessive sly1 mutant phenotype, further supporting the model that SCFSLY1 targets both RGA and GAI for degradation. The N-terminal DELLA domain of RGA previously was shown to be essential for GA-induced degradation. However, we found that this DELLA domain is not required for protein–protein interaction with SLY1 in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), suggesting that its role is in a GA-triggered conformational change of the DELLA proteins. We also identified a novel gain-of-function sly1-d mutation that increased GA signaling by reducing the levels of the DELLA protein in plants. This effect of sly1-d appears to be caused by an enhanced interaction between sly1-d and the DELLA proteins.
The Novel Myb Transcription Factor LCR1 Regulates the CO2-Responsive GeneCah1, Encoding a Periplasmic Carbonic Anhydrase inChlamydomonas reinhardtii [W]
Authors: Yoshioka Satoshi , Taniguchi Fumiya , Miura Kenji , Inoue Takeshi , Yamano Takashi , Fukuzawa Hideya
Published: June 2004

Chlamydomonas reinhardtii acclimates to CO2-limiting stress by inducing a set of genes for a carbon-concentrating mechanism (CCM). This set includes the gene Cah1, which encodes a periplasmic carbonic anhydrase. Although physiological aspects of CO2 response have been extensively studied, regulatory components, such as transcription factors involved in the acclimation, have not been well described in eukaryotic microalgae. Using an arylsulfatase gene driven by the Cah1 promoter, a regulatory mutant of Cah1 was isolated and named lcr1 (for low-CO2 stress response). The photosynthetic affinity for inorganic carbon of lcr1 was reduced compared with that of wild-type cells. Expression of three low-CO2-inducible genes, Cah1, Lci1, and Lci6, were regulated by LCR1 as shown by cDNA array and RNA gel blot analyses. The Lcr1 gene encodes a protein of 602 amino acids containing a single Myb domain, which binds to the Cah1-promoter region. Expression of Lcr1 was induced by lowering CO2 levels and controlled by the regulatory factor CCM1. These results suggest that LCR1 transmits the low CO2 signal to at least three CO2-responsive genes and then fully induces CCM.
CENTRIN2 Modulates Homologous Recombination and Nucleotide Excision Repair in Arabidopsis[W]
Authors: Molinier Jean , Ramos Cynthia , Fritsch Olivier , Hohn Barbara
Published: June 2004

A genetic screen of a population of Arabidopsis thaliana lines exhibiting enhanced somatic homologous recombination yielded a mutant affected in expression of a gene encoding a caltractin-like protein (centrin). The hyperrecombinogenic phenotype could be reproduced using RNA interference (RNAi) technology. Both the original mutant and the RNAi plants exhibited a moderate UV-C sensitivity as well as a reduced efficiency of in vitro repair of UV-damaged DNA. Transcription profiling of the mutant showed that expression of components of the nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathway and of factors involved in other DNA repair processes were significantly changed. Our data suggest an indirect involvement of centrin in recombinational DNA repair via the modulation of the NER pathway. These findings thus point to a novel interconnection between an early step of NER and homologous recombination, which may play a critical role in plant DNA repair.
The Arabidopsis Mutant sleepy1gar2-1 Protein Promotes Plant Growth by Increasing the Affinity of the SCFSLY1 E3 Ubiquitin Ligase for DELLA Protein Substrates[W]
Authors: Fu Xiangdong , Richards Donald E. , Fleck Barbara , Xie Daoxin , Burton Nicolas , Harberd Nicholas P.
Published: June 2004

DELLA proteins restrain the cell proliferation and enlargement that characterizes the growth of plant organs. Gibberellin stimulates growth via 26S proteasome–dependent destruction of DELLAs, thus relieving DELLA-mediated growth restraint. Here, we show that the Arabidopsis thaliana sleepy1gar2-1 (sly1gar2-1) mutant allele encodes a mutant subunit (sly1gar2-1) of an SCFSLY1 E3 ubiquitin ligase complex. SLY1 (the wild-type form) and sly1gar2-1 both confer substrate specificity on this complex via specific binding to the DELLA proteins. However, sly1gar2-1 interacts more strongly with the DELLA target than does SLY1. In addition, the strength of the SCFSLY1–DELLA interaction is increased by target phosphorylation. Growth-promoting DELLA destruction is dependent on SLY1 availability, on the strength of the interaction between SLY1 and the DELLA target, and on promotion of the SCFSLY1–DELLA interaction by DELLA phosphorylation.
The Arabidopsis Rab GTPase RabA4b Localizes to the Tips of Growing Root Hair Cells[W]
Authors: Preuss Mary L. , Serna Jannie , Falbel Tanya G. , Bednarek Sebastian Y. , Nielsen Erik
Published: June 2004

Spatial and temporal control of cell wall deposition plays a unique and critical role during growth and development in plants. To characterize membrane trafficking pathways involved in these processes, we have examined the function of a plant Rab GTPase, RabA4b, during polarized expansion in developing root hair cells. Whereas a small fraction of RabA4b cofractionated with Golgi membrane marker proteins, the majority of this protein labeled a unique membrane compartment that did not cofractionate with the previously characterized trans-Golgi network syntaxin proteins SYP41 and SYP51. An enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (EYFP)-RabA4b fusion protein specifically localizes to the tips of growing root hair cells in Arabidopsis thaliana. Tip-localized EYFP-RabA4b disappears in mature root hair cells that have stopped expanding, and polar localization of the EYFP-RabA4b is disrupted by latrunculin B treatment. Loss of tip localization of EYFP-RabA4b was correlated with inhibition of expansion; upon washout of the inhibitor, root hair expansion recovered only after tip localization of the EYFP-RabA4b compartments was reestablished. Furthermore, in mutants with defective root hair morphology, EYFP-RabA4b was improperly localized or was absent from the tips of root hair cells. We propose that RabA4b regulates membrane trafficking through a compartment involved in the polarized secretion of cell wall components in plant cells.
Does diet protect against Parkinson's disease? Part 1 – vitamin E
Authors: Brown Isabella
Published: June 2004

Whilst Parkinson's disease (PD) remains incurable recent evidence has suggested that diet may have a role in delaying the onset of symptoms and/or reducing the risk of developing the disease. This paper is the first in a series on diet and PD and outlines the effect that vitamin E may have on the prevalence of the disease. Results have indicated that a doubled intake of vitamin E has been associated with a reduction in disease incidence of up to 70 per cent, possibly due to reducing the effects of oxidative stress. Raised intake of peanuts and salad dressing has also associated with a reduced risk of PD. Although no guaranteed protection can be conferred by vitamin E intake it can be recommended that individuals at risk of PD could increase their intake as it may be of benefit and is unlikely to be harmful.
Therapeutic aspects of breast milk
Authors: Sarkar S.
Published: June 2004

An attempt has been made to appraise the therapeutic uniqueness of breast milk for infants. Colostrum being rich in therapeutic attributes must be offered to infants after birth to confer immunity to infective agents in the new environment. Feeding of fresh breast milk rather than stored or boiled milk is suggested to avoid therapeutic losses. Therapeutic advantages proclaimed by breast milk are in prevention of various diseases and allergy. Feeding of infants with infant milk formulae may pose health risks arising from faulty methods of preparation, sterilization of utensils and improper storage conditions of reconstituted milk. Breast milk is considered superior over other modified infant milk formulae owing to its various inherent therapeutic attributes.
A need for effective health education programme for diabetic patients in Mauritius
Authors: Subratty A.H. , Cheekoory R. , Fakira‐Jhurry A.
Published: June 2004

This paper focuses on the assessment of educational need of diabetic in‐patients in medical wards in a regional hospital in Mauritius. Based on a questionnaire survey among 50 diabetic patients admitted to medical wards in a hospital, the present findings showed that the majority of the patients did not know what constitutes a fibre rich diet and were not even aware of their weight or recommended weight. Only half of the study population confirmed that they exercised regularly. Moreover cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption were also found to be common among male patients. It was evident from the findings that despite the fact that the patients were aware of the nature of their disease they did not have adequate knowledge regarding the disease state and complications and risks associated with diabetes mellitus. Finally, the present study supports the need for a structured health education programme for in‐patients suffering from diabetes.
Effect of cocoa powder extract on plasma glucose levels in hyperglycaemic rats
Authors: Amin I. , Faizul H.A. , Azli R.
Published: June 2004

This study was carried out to examine the effect of cocoa extract (CE) on plasma glucose levels in hyperglycaemic rats induced with streptozotocin. Three concentrations of CE were used to study its effect on oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). In the normal group, CE at 0.5 per cent concentration had significantly reduced the glucose level (p<0.05) at 0 and 60 min, 1.0 per cent at 0 (p<0.05), 60 (p<0.01) and 180 min (p<0.01), 3.0 per cent at 60 (p<0.05) and 180 min (p<0.01) as compared to control. In hyperglycaemic group, 3.0 per cent CE had reduced the glucose level significantly (p<0.05) at 60 as compared to control. Based on the results from OGTT, 3.0 per cent concentration was used to evaluate the effect of CE in a 2‐week study. There was no significant difference in reduced plasma glucose levels and lipid profiles in hyperglycaemic and normal rats, which were given basal diet enriched with 3.0 per cent CE extracted from cocoa powder as compared to the control (basal diet).
Consumer perceptions of poultry meat: a qualitative analysis
Authors: Kennedy O.B. , Stewart‐Knox B.J. , Mitchell P.C. , Thurnham D.I.
Published: June 2004

Consumer studies of meat have tended to use quantitative methodologies providing a wealth of statistically malleable information, but little in‐depth insight into consumer perceptions of meat. The aim of the present study was therefore, to understand factors perceived important in the selection of chicken meat, using qualitative methodology. Focus group discussions were tape recorded, transcribed verbatim and content analysed for major themes. Themes arising implied that “appearance” and “convenience” were the most important determinants of choice of chicken meat and these factors appeared to be associated with perceptions of freshness, healthiness, product versatility and concepts of value. A descriptive model has been developed to illustrate the interrelationship between factors affecting chicken meat choice. This study indicates that those involved in the production and retailing of chicken products should concentrate upon product appearance and convenience as market drivers for their products.
Pepper (Capsicum frutescens) fruit anthracnose in the humid forest region of south‐western Nigeria
Authors: Amusa N.A. , Kehinde I.A. , Adegbite A.A.
Published: June 2004

The etiology of fruit anthracnose in hot pepper (Capsicum frutescens) was investigated at Ibadan, Osogbo, and Ikenne in the lowland forest zone of western Nigeria. Collectotrichum capsici (Synd) Butler & Bisby was found associated with the fruit anthracnose of hot pepper in all locations. Out of 300 plants examined in all the locations, over 70 per cent had fruit anthracnose, while in some pepper fields all the fruits produced had the disease symptom. The pathogen overseasoned in pepper plant debris. A high inoculum population of 4.9×106 g−1 colony forming units/g was estimated in the soil of pepper fields. The seed from the infected hot pepper fruits also carried propergules of the pathogen. The fungus was also found on Lycopersicon esculentus, C. annum and Vigna unguiculata growing in and around the pepper fields. Pepper fruits infection by the disease occurs during the peak of the rainy season beginning in patches which spread later, resulting in extensive infection of the pepper field.
OAI compliant institutional repositories and the role of library staff
Authors: Horwood Lynne , Sullivan Shirley , Young Eve , Garner Jane
Published: June 2004

The role of librarians in the development and promotion of institutional repositories is discussed. It is presented as a continuation of their existing functions of acquiring, organising and making readily available the resources needed by academic staff and students. Library staff are collaborating with IT staff and academics to disseminate scholarly material and learning objects emanating from their institutions. The Open Archives Initiative and its Protocol for Metadata Harvesting, which provide the technical structure to support the repositories and enable their interoperability for searching purposes, are discussed. The benefits to institutions and their staffs are also reported. The skills needed by library staff are outlined, as well as the pitfalls and problems they may face in persuading academic staff of the virtues of institutional repositories.
The growth of electronic journals in academic libraries in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Taha Dulaymi Sawsan , Marghalani Mohammed A. , McDonald Andrew , Tait John I.
Published: June 2004

Saudi academic libraries (SALs) have been moving towards using electronic resources since 1992. This study aims to investigate the changes in electronic journal (EJ) (bibliographic and full‐text databases) and printed journal (PJ) collection and acquisition in terms of number of titles, type of provisions and acquisition budgets and costs, between the years 1995 and 2000. The survey method was used to obtain the data. The instruments used in this study were questionnaires that were distributed to six academic libraries in Saudi Arabia. The percentages were used to show the differences between the increase and the decrease of EJ and PJ collections and budgets. The most important findings show that the percentage of EJ collections sharply increased in 1996 by 98 percent, which corresponds to a high increase in their budget of 125 percent.
Information audit at the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat
Authors: Tali Maria , Mnjama Nathan
Published: June 2004

This article relates to an information audit that was carried out at the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat headquarters in Gaborone, the capital city of Botswana. The broad objective of the study was to identify the information needs, information flows and processes and information resources within SADC Secretariat in order to improve the management of information in the organization. The study was motivated by the fact that information audits are important tools for identification of information resources, information needs, information flows and processes. The information audit enabled the identification of Secretariat's users' needs and the information services available within the institution that needed to be developed in order to match information services and resources to users” needs. The study concludes that t for these information services to have a strategic role within the organization, it is necessary for the organization itself to recognize the value of information and its vital role in effective management and operations of the organization. The study makes recommendations for improving the services available at the Secretariat.
Baby Boom generation librarians
Authors: Pankl Robert R.
Published: June 2004

Baby Boom generation librarians, those over 40 who have not been promoted into supervisory and managerial positions, are important but often‐undervalued assets to the libraries that employ them. Their presence in the library workforce, and the issues surrounding them, are similar to those in the workforce as a whole. A truly diverse organization reflects both major racial and ethnic groups, and different generations. Managers are challenged to maximize the often‐considerable expertise of these librarians. Older librarians are challenged to maintain their enthusiasm and commitment to their professional careers, and to contribute commensurably to their respective libraries.
Staff discipline in Nigerian university libraries
Authors: Adomi Esharenana E. , Eruvwe Ufuoma
Published: June 2004

This work surveys staff discipline in university libraries in Nigeria. Staff of two university libraries – University of Benin Library, Benin City and Delta State University Library, Abraka – were used as subjects for the investigation. By means of questionnaires, data were collected from respondents while data were analysed using frequency counts and percentages. Findings revealed sex of respondents, categories of staff used, their working experience, disciplinary measures staff have been subjected to, behaviours/acts that elicited discipline as well as respondents' views on the disciplinary measures of the libraries. Recommendations are made in light of the findings.
Management musings 17: changing attitudes
Authors: Line Maurice B.
Published: June 2004

Discusses the problem of managing organisational change. Considers the difference between long‐ and short‐term organisational change and how the attitudes of both staff and managers can affect the processes and outcomes of organisational change.
Managing the information revolution: library management, the control of prescriptive technologies, and the future of librarianship
Authors: Sierpe Eino
Published: June 2004

This article seeks to promote a critical perspective on the present conceptualization of library management and the problems posed by technology. More specifically, it addresses the challenges faced by library administrators in relation to computing technologies. Through the adoption of Ursula Franklin's view of technology as “practice”, the article contrasts the practice of holistic and prescriptive technologies in library contexts. It also addresses the transformations of librarianship and the increasing adoption of prescriptive technological models. To exemplify the ongoing destruction of traditional librarianship, the three practices that comprise the fundamentals of librarianship are analyzed, namely, cataloging, collection development, and reference work.
Measuring delayed and long‐term effects of pricing decisions on market share
Authors: Terui Nobuhiko
Published: June 2004

Market‐share analysis focuses on the competitive interrelations between products or brands. Marketing activity may affect the performance of a company's own product and that of its competitors not only within a single time horizon but also over several extended periods. Starting from a static market‐share analysis model, the dynamic relationships of market shares between competitive brands are described by multiplicative competitive interaction (MCI) time‐series models, in which the problem of logical consistency for estimated shares is resolved. A Bayesian shrinkage estimator solution is applied to the further problem of model‐induced collinearity in cross‐differential MCI models. Dynamic elasticity is defined and used to measure the delayed and long‐term effects of marketing mix variables on market shares. The dynamic relationships of future market shares are predicted by means of predictive density. Strategic simulations are conducted under several scenarios for marketing planning. It is argued that the new dynamic model proposed here, applied to daily national or store tracking data, provides useful insights into dynamic competitive relationships in the marketplace, to the benefit of corporate planners, marketing directors, brand managers and retail strategists.
New technology and the changing role of marketing
Authors: Tapp Alan , Hughes Tim
Published: June 2004

Marketing practice is increasingly being affected by new technologies, creating opportunities and threats for marketing practitioners. Much of the literature has concentrated on effects external to the firm such as the Internet's impact on market structure, or new business paradigms. However, the research reported on here highlights how new technologies are acting as internal agents of change, forcing firms to adapt to new processes, which in turn are disrupting existing hierarchies. The paper makes the case that this disruption will create opportunities for marketers, who have hitherto failed to be seen as key players at board level. It has been argued that marketing's focus needs to move to internal management and facilitation in order to enable enterprise‐wide market orientation to emerge as the dominant ethos of the firm. The respondents’ often blunt views on marketers’ abilities to lead this change are reported, making rather sombre reading for the profession. A number of possible routes were explored through which marketers could address these weaknesses, improve their influence within the firm, and capitalise on the internal disruption caused by new technology.
Electronic marketing, the new kid on the block
Authors: Harridge‐March Sally
Published: June 2004

During the last decade, many organisations have developed some form of Internet presence. This paper considers electronic marketing, the latest type of marketing, using the familiar framework of the seven Ps of marketing – product, price, promotion, place (distribution), process, physical evidence, and people – in an attempt to evaluate electronic marketing and its potential contribution to marketing in general. The paper concludes that whilst not every marketer embraces the use of the Internet, this “new kid on the block” has become an accepted part of marketing activity. The paper concludes that electronic marketing does not yet have the potential to replace traditional marketing efforts. It should be seen as a valuable and complementary tool, and managers should embrace new technology in order to create greater value for customers.
QFD strategy house: an innovative tool for linking marketing and manufacturing strategies
Authors: Gonzalez Marvin E. , Quesada Gioconda , Mueller Rene , Mora‐Monge Carlo A.
Published: June 2004

Since the 1960s, quality function development (QFD) has been recognized worldwide as a suitable planning tool for translating customers' needs into product specifications. QFD methodologies, as opposed to traditional quality approaches, are most often cited as essential for advancing the competitive advantage of an organization. This paper proposes a modified approach to QFD, called “QFD strategy house”, as a systematic means of incorporating intelligence on markets, consumers and technologies in strategy development. It links marketing and manufacturing strategies by first developing a continuous improvement strategy. Both the marketing and manufacturing literatures have reported that an alignment between the two constituent strategies confers a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
Corporate culture and organizational performance
Authors: Kim Jean Lee Siew , Yu Kelvin
Published: June 2004

While many culture researchers have devoted numerous articles to the nature and definitions of culture, relatively fewer articles have contributed towards culture and performance research. The purpose of this study is to investigate the possible relationships between corporate culture and organizational performance among Singaporean companies. The objectives of this study are twofold: first, it aims to investigate the validity of the culture construct. Can culture construct be operationalized along distinct, repeatable dimensions? Second, it attempts to assess how culture affects organizational performance. The organizational culture profile was used as the primary research instrument. Culture was found to impact a variety of organizational processes and performance. While more research remains to be done in this area, this study has demonstrated the power of culture in influencing organizational performance.
Measuring person‐team fit: development and validation of the team selection inventory
Authors: St J. Burch Giles , Anderson Neil
Published: June 2004

Further to the development of the team climate inventory (TCI), a multidimensional team‐level measure of team‐working style, this paper reports the development and psychometric validation of the team selection inventory (TSI), an individual‐level version of the TCI for use in selection. The importance of examining selection at both person‐job and person‐team levels of analysis is discussed, the team climate literature briefly reviewed, and the need advocated for methods and measures to evaluate person‐team fit. The TSI was developed by changing the context of the TCI, from asking respondents about the actual climate of their existing work‐team, to what their preferred or ideal team‐working climate would be. Having developed items for the TSI through this change of context, six studies (total n=1,029) were carried out over a two‐year period to establish the underlying psychometric properties of this new measure. This paper reports the results pertaining to TSI factor structure, the newly developed social desirability scale, internal reliability, test‐retest reliability, and construct validity of the TSI compared with the NEO PI‐R and 16PF Version 5. Overall, the findings of these studies revealed acceptable levels of reliability and validity, showing promise for the TSI as an individual‐level measure of team climate preference for selection and development purposes in industrial, work and organizational psychology and human resource management. In conclusion, potential uses for the TSI in team selection and development are discussed.
The relationship between self‐leadership and personality
Authors: Houghton Jeffery D. , Bonham T.W. , Neck Christopher P. , Singh Kusum
Published: June 2004

This study examined the relationship between self‐leadership and personality through an analysis and comparison of hierarchical factor structures. Structural equation modeling techniques were used to examine several competing models combining the hierarchical factor structures of self‐leadership and personality. Model fit increased significantly through a progression of models that reflected increasingly greater distinction between self‐leadership skill dimensions and key personality traits. The best fitting model consisted of a hierarchical factor structure with three first‐order self‐leadership factors, three first‐order personality factors, and two correlated second‐order factors. Unexpectedly, the general second‐order factors of self‐leadership and personality were statistically indistinguishable. Nevertheless, these results seem to provide some initial evidence that self‐leadership dimensions are distinct from, yet related to, certain key personality traits. The implications of these results for future self‐leadership research and practice are discussed.
Control self‐assessment as a route to organisational excellence
Authors: Sheffield James , White Siobhan
Published: June 2004

Control self‐assessment (CSA) has been discussed as an audit technique, but little practical guidance is available in the UK on the subject. A limited number of public sector organisations have implemented it. This paper describes a case study of CSA implementation in a Scottish Housing Association. The case study details the decision processes that led to the choice of CSA as a favoured audit technique, and the development of CSA skills within the organisation. This paper examines the broader benefits of a CSA approach, in terms of performance management and employee empowerment. This paper also uses a cost benefit analysis to examine the efficacy of CSA for small organisations.
Goal characteristics, communication and reward systems, and managerial propensity to create budgetary slack
Authors: Yuen Desmond C.Y.
Published: June 2004

This study examines the relationship between a number of goal characteristics and the propensity of divisional managers to create budgetary slack. These goal characteristics are variables in goal clarity and goal difficulty. Managers also consider communication and reward systems – which are significant factors affecting the relationship between goal characteristics and propensity to create budget slack. The communication and reward systems are affected by influencing power of managers, required explanation of budget variance, budgetary feedback, peer relations, and relationship between superiors and subordinates. Using a sample of 108 hotel managers in Macau, the findings indicate that the clear communication and reward systems can result in goal clarity and can help to solve budgeting problems under difficult goal situations. The implications of these findings are discussed in relation to the design of budgeting systems. The need to integrate results and develop frameworks for future research is noted.
BSQ strategic formulation framework
Authors: Ip Y.K. , Koo L.C.
Published: June 2004

The hybrid of the balanced scorecard, SWOT analysis and quality function deployment creates a pragmatic approach for managerial and consultant practitioners to translate vague strategy into action. Sun Tzu's Art of War is further incorporated to develop a more structured strategic formulation framework. Nevertheless, many modern practitioners are, in fact, unfamiliar with this profound principle of strategy that was written some 2,400 years back. Despite the establishment of a theoretical framework, so far there have not been many published papers about the pragmatic implementation and holistic strategy development. Thus, a case study, in the form of a strategy workshop of a professional institute in Hong Kong, has been used to delineate the aforesaid translation of strategy.
The evolution of IT auditing and internal control standards in financial statement audits
Authors: Yang David C. , Guan Liming
Published: June 2004

The rapid escalation of technology and the use of computers in business practice result in more information technology (IT) auditing and internal control standards and guidelines to assist auditors in their roles and responsibilities. Several organizations, such as the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the International Federation of Accountants and the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA), have issued standards in this area to be observed by their members in performing an IT audit. This paper traces the evolution of US IT auditing and internal control standards in financial statement audits and discusses their significance for the auditing profession. We primarily focus on the discussion of the IT audit standards issued by the AICPA and ISACA. As the use of computers in business data processing gets more widespread and the integration of IT in business processes gets more intricate, we expect to see more pronouncements of IT audit standards in the future. Auditors should well understand these pronouncements, standards and guidelines when performing an IT audit.
Investment appraisal
Authors: Pogue Michael
Published: June 2004

This paper addresses a theoretical weakness inherent in the typical application of the net present value approach to investment appraisal. This weakness concerns the assumption that the estimated cash flows occur at the end of each period rather than the more realistic assumption of occurring on a continuous basis. Continuous cash flows are introduced and, more significantly, continuous discount factors (CDF) are estimated. The impact of using CDFs is examined in a simple project appraisal and compared to discrete discount factors. It is shown that the acceptance or rejection of marginal investment projects may depend on the type of discount factor used. Similarly, the impact upon the internal rate of return method is addressed. Finally directions for further theoretical developments are suggested.
Long term mechanical reliability with lead‐free solders
Authors: Plumbridge W.J.
Published: June 2004

The decision to move to lead‐free solders has been made, but processing and performance challenges remain. This paper considers the transition in terms of performance, with particular emphasis on long term, high reliability applications. Comparison of key mechanical properties indicates generally beneficial outcomes of the transition to lead‐free alloys, although there is a lack of understanding surrounding “anomalous” observations, such as the effects of the bismuth. The lower melting point of Sn‐Zn‐Bi alloys, together with their comparable mechanical properties, provide further impetus to address their shortcomings during processing. Some lead‐free alloys, such as Sn‐0.5Cu, are susceptible to tin‐pest formation following prolonged exposure below 13°C, and this possibility remains for the more concentrated Sn‐3.8Ag‐0.7Cu alloy.
Comparison of solder ball shear strengths for various nickel platings on the bond pads of a PBGA substrate
Authors: Yan Eric C.C. , Ricky Lee S.W. , Huang X.
Published: June 2004

This paper presents an experimental study to assess the reliability of solder ball attachment to the bond pads of PBGA substrate for various plating schemes. The basic structure of the under bump metallisation is Cu/Ni/Au. Three different kinds of electroless plating solutions are used to deposit the Ni layer, namely, Ni‐B, Ni‐P (5 per cent), and Ni‐P (10 per cent). Also, conventional electrolytic Ni/Au plating is performed to provide a benchmark. After solder ball attachment, mechanical tests are conducted to characterize the ball shear strength for comparison. Furthermore, some specimens are subjected to multiple reflows to investigate the thermal aging effect.
CBGA solder joint thermal fatigue life estimation by a simple method
Authors: Wong T.E. , Lau C.Y. , Fenger H.S.
Published: June 2004

A simple analysis method was developed to determine the fatigue life of a ceramic ball grid array (CBGA) solder joint when exposed to thermal environments. The solder joint consists of a 90Pb/10Sn solder ball with eutectic SnPb solder on both top and bottom of the ball. A closed‐form solution, based on the calculation of the equilibrium of the displacements within the electronic package assembly, was first derived in order to calculate the solder joint strains during temperature cycling. In the calculation, an iteration technique was used to obtain a convergent solution for the solder strains, and the elastic material properties were used for all the electronic package assembly components except for the solder materials. A fatigue life prediction model was established.
Reliability testing and data analysis of lead‐free solder joints for high‐density packages
Authors: Lau John , Hoo Nick , Horsley Rob , Smetana Joe , Shangguan Dongkai , Dauksher Walter , Love Dave , Menis Irv , Sullivan Bob
Published: June 2004

Temperature cycling tests, and statistical analysis of the results, for various high‐density packages on printed‐circuit boards with Sn‐Cu hot‐air solder levelling, electroless nickel‐immersion gold, and organic solder preservative finishes are investigated in this study. Emphasis is placed on the determination of the life distribution and reliability of the lead‐free solder joints of these high‐density package assemblies while they are subjected to temperature cycling conditions. A data acquisition system, the relevant failure criterion, and the data extraction method will be presented and examined. The life test data are best fitted to the Weibull distribution. Also, the sample mean, population mean, sample characteristic life, true characteristic life, sample Weibull slope, and true Weibull slope for some of the high‐density packages are provided and discussed. Furthermore, the relationship between the reliability and the confidence limits for a life distribution is established. Finally, the confidence levels for comparing the quality (mean life) of lead‐free solder joints of high‐density packages are determined.
Thermal cycling reliability of lead‐free chip resistor solder joints
Authors: Suhling Jeffrey C. , Gale H.S. , Wayne Johnson R. , Nokibul Islam M. , Shete Tushar , Lall Pradeep , Bozack Michael J. , Evans John L. , Seto Ping , Gupta Tarun , Thompson James R.
Published: June 2004

The solder joint reliability of ceramic chip resistors assembled to laminate substrates has been a long time concern for systems exposed to harsh environments. In this work, the thermal cycling reliability of several 2512 chip resistor lead‐free solder joint configurations has been investigated. In an initial study, a comparison has been made between the solder joint reliabilities obtained with components fabricated with both tin‐lead and pure tin solder terminations. In the main portion of the reliability testing, two temperature ranges (−40‐125°C and −40‐150°C) and five different solder alloys have been examined. The investigated solders include the normal eutectic Sn‐Ag‐Cu (SAC) alloy recommended by earlier studies (95.5Sn‐3.8Ag‐0.7Cu), and three variations of the lead‐free ternary SAC alloy that include small quaternary additions of bismuth and indium to enhance fatigue resistance.
The boundaries of property: lessons from Beatrix Potter
Authors: Blomley Nicholas
Published: June 2004

Beatrix Potter's classic children's book, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, offers an example of a well‐entrenched view of property and its geographies. Drawing on this, and current scholarship on law and geography, I explore the ways in which the spatial boundaries of property are formally conceived. I then compare this model with the findings of a qualitative research project on people's everyday practices and understandings of their garden boundaries in inner city Vancouver. While this provides partial support for the formal model, I find more pervasive evidence for a very different view of the boundaries of property. While the dominant account assumes a determinate, individualistic and ordered view of the boundary, my findings suggest a more relational, porous and ambiguous alternative. The gap, however, proves instructive. In conclusion, therefore, I return to law and geography to reflect on the importance of thinking through the ways legal forms, such as property, are materially and spatially enacted within particular places. Finally, the study alerts us to the multivalent political possibilities of property. While property can, indeed, be individualistic and reified, it also contains more collective and fluid meanings.
Producing North and South: a political geography of hydro development in Québec
Authors: Desbiens Caroline
Published: June 2004

Since the 1970s, the tapping of James Bay's hydroelectric potential has been synonymous with the tapping of divergent national imaginaries for native and non‐native people in Québec. Exploitation of natural resources in the region has activated different narratives of political identity for each community. I explore this evolving political context by examining how, for each group, water has emerged simultaneously as a physical entity possessing economic value and a social artefact supporting the consolidation of national boundaries. I do so by analysing three phases of changing relationships around resource management, namely: hydroelectric development on the La Grande river in the 1970s; the Cree opposition to Great Whale in the 1990s; and the recent agreement concerning a new relationship between the two parties. In each of these phases, nature has been both the symbolic and material tie that binds different national identities and materialises their boundaries. While these are not boundaries in the traditional geopolitical understanding of the term, the forging of an equitable framework of development in the region depends on the recognition of nature as a historical and political formation that answers to different sets of national preoccupations.
The rise of specialty crops in Saskatchewan, 1981–2001
Authors: Carlyle William J.
Published: June 2004

Specialty crops have risen from being of little to great importance in Saskatchewan agriculture over the past 20 years. Many interrelated factors have contributed to this change. These factors are analysed using a food supply system model that involves inputs, on‐farm production variables, research and linkages to farmers, contracting, transportation and processing and market development for specialty crops. Specialty crops, especially the dominant trio of pulse crops, dry field pea, lentil and chickpea, reduce input costs, have proved to be agronomically suitable to fill much of the land made available through the decline of spring wheat and summerfallow in Saskatchewan, have benefited from research and its transfer to farmers and farmers' producer groups, are transported to local or regional processors and have benefited from the development of domestic and foreign markets. Specialty crops as a group tended to be relatively more important in 2001 in the Brown and Dark Brown than the Black and Grey soil zones, although each main specialty crop displayed a distinct geographical pattern.
Visual artists: counter‐urbanites in the Canadian countryside?
Authors: Mitchell Clare J.A. , Bunting Trudi E. , Piccioni Maria
Published: June 2004

Professional visual artists have always enjoyed considerable latitude in the selection of a place of work and residence. Recent decades have witnessed their growing presence within the Canadian countryside. This paper seeks to provide an interpretation of this phenomenon by exploring two sub‐objectives. First is to determine whether artists who establish themselves in rural communities can be considered to be part of the counter‐urbanisation movement, involving the relocation of urban residents down the settlement hierarchy. Second is to identify what types of migration are occurring and why. Our surveys of visual artists residing in the southern Ontario communities of Elora and Parry Sound reveal that most participants are part of a movement involving the decision to take up both residence and employment in a rural locale. We further find that the relocation of visual artists is driven to some extent by a strong attachment to natural landscapes. By way of conclusions, we briefly speculate about the broader population of urban residents. We remind ourselves that artists often have been harbingers of new movements and that today there are growing numbers of workers outside the artistic community who also have increasing latitude in regards to choosing where to live and work. Overall, our findings suggest that there is ongoing blurring of geographic boundaries—between space and place, between place of work and place of residence and, of course, between rural and urban.
Lifetime interprovincial migration in Canada: looking beyond short‐run fluctuations
Authors: Liaw Kao‐Lee , Qi Mingzhu
Published: June 2004

This article studies the lifetime interprovincial migration of the Canada‐born elderly (aged 60 and over), based on the data of the 1996 population census. The outcomes of the lifetime migration are found to be highly consistent with the human capital investment theory: there were substantial net transfers of migrants from the ‘have not’ provinces to the ‘have’ provinces, and the migrants moving in the ‘right’ direction, on average, achieved long‐term income improvements. However, the long‐term income improvements attributable to lifetime migration, both directly and indirectly via educational improvement, were in general not large enough to compensate for the disadvantages of being born in the ‘have not’ provinces and to francophone parents. The lifetime migration is also found to be highly selective by mother tongue and to have aggravated somewhat the spatial polarisation between Francophones and non‐Francophones.
The dynamics of family farming in North Huron County, Ontario. Part I. Development trajectories
Authors: Smithers John , Johnson Paul
Published: June 2004

Recent structural shifts towards enlargement and intensification in the farm sector in Canada have drawn attention to the changing relationship between farming and the rural community. While some developments in farming are implicated in increasing conflict with communities, others may be fostering the need for stronger linkages. A more nuanced understanding of change in both the family farm and community sectors would contribute to a better appreciation of these evolving linkages. This paper explores contemporary change on the farm side, with attention to the nature and causes of diversity in a local family farming system. Data from a survey of family farms in northern Huron County, Ontario, were used to document variations in farm development trajectories and to explore the interactive importance of factors relating to the farm economy, the farm business and the household. The research invokes a pathways conceptualisation and the theory of business and family life cycles in attempting to characterise and attribute change. Revealed trajectories range from aggressive engagement in expansion, diligent efforts to ‘hang on’ and forced or voluntary contraction. In addition, the paper presents two brief farm history case studies as a means of demonstrating the interaction of farm business and household factors through the lived experience of farm families. Revealed diversity in family farm business trajectories suggests an increasingly differentiated set of linkages and dependencies between farm and community.
The dynamics of family farming in North Huron County, Ontario. Part II. Farm–community interactions
Authors: Smithers John , Johnson Paul , Joseph Alun
Published: June 2004

In Canada and elsewhere, there is a growing belief that farming and rural communities have become effectively disconnected from one another. While attention to recent media reporting suggests that incidences of conflict are now as common as examples of support and collaboration, it is suggested that many examples of complementarity remain. These evolving relationships may, however, be linked to the nature of specific farm development trajectories. Such possibilities warrant empirical examination, with attention to known diversity in the family farm sector. This paper reports on an empirical investigation of farm and community linkages in North Huron County, Ontario. The paper builds upon a recent investigation of change in family farming in this region and seeks to document the ways in which local farmers continue to look to their rural communities for support of various kinds. Data are drawn from a survey of farmers in Ashfield and Colborne Townships in 1999. The research explores community linkages around three dominant themes: participation in organisations, purchasing and perceptions and experiences of community support for farming. The findings indicate the persistence of strong linkages between farms and local communities in the study region but point to a potential tendency for disconnection between farms pursuing aggressive expansion and local community organisations and businesses. There is some evidence that jobs and a variety of farm household considerations may form key linkage points between the two sectors, with the importance of these mediated by farm business trajectories and the family life course.