bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Properties of Human Mitochondrial Ribosomes
Authors: O'Brien Thomas W.
Published: April 2004

Mammalian mitochondrial ribosomes (55S) differ unexpectedly from bacterial (70S) and cytoplasmic ribosomes (80S), as well as other kinds of mitochondrial ribosomes. Typical of mammalian mitochondrial ribosomes, the bovine mitochondrial ribosome has been developed as a model system for the study of human mitochondrial ribosomes, to address several questions related to the structure, function, biosynthesis and evolution of these interesting ribosomes. Bovine mitochondrial ribosomal proteins (MRPs) from each subunit have been identified and characterized with respect to individuality and electrophoretic properties, amino acid sequence, topographic disposition, RNA binding properties, evolutionary relationships and reaction with affinity probes of ribosomal functional domains. Several distinctive properties of these ribosomes are being elucidated, including their antibiotic susceptibility and composition. Human mitochondrial ribosomes lack several of the major RNA stem structures of bacterial ribosomes but they contain a correspondingly higher protein content (as many as 80 proteins), suggesting a model where proteins have replaced RNA structural elements during the evolution of these ribosomes. Despite their lower RNA content they are physically larger than bacterial ribosomes, because of the 'extra' proteins they contain. The extra proteins in mitochondrial ribosomes are 'new' in the sense that they are not homologous to proteins in bacterial or cytoplasmic ribosomes. Some of the new proteins appear to be bifunctional. All of the mammalian MRPs are encoded in nuclear genes (a separate set from those encoding cytoplasmic ribosomal proteins) which are evolving more rapidly than those encoding cytoplasmic ribosomal proteins. The MRPs are imported into mitochondria where they assemble coordinately with mitochondrially transcribed rRNAs into ribosomes that are responsible for translating the 13 mRNAs for essential proteins of the oxidative phosphorylation system. IUBMB Life, 55: 505‐513, 2003
Putting the Brake on Inflammatory Responses: the Role of Glucocorticoids
Authors: Hermoso Marcela A. , Cidlowski John A.
Published: April 2004

Glucocorticoids are among the most widely used agents for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. The primary mechanism of glucocorticoid action is via the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), which blocks the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and adhesion molecules. Repression of many pro‐inflammatory genes occurs by inhibition of transcription factors including nuclear factor κB (NFκB) and activator protein‐1 (AP‐1). In this article, we discuss the physiological and molecular interaction that occurs between GR and proinflammatory cytokines signaling pathways. IUBMB Life, 55: 497‐504, 2003
The stationarity characteristics of electrochemical current noise
Authors: Zielinski A. , Smulko J. , Krakowiak A. , Darowicki K.
Published: April 2004

The results of the electrochemical noise observations in 0H18N9 steel are presented. Current noise was obtained by potentiostatic measurements in aqueous solution of 0.1M H2SO4 and 0.06M Cl−. The recorded noise had an evident trend and peaks that are typically observed during pitting corrosion. The trend was removed by means of the third order polynomial approximation. The statistical hypothesis, i.e. the difference between the approximation and the observed noise, was tested. The results confirmed that current noise caused by pitting corrosion has nonstationary or weakly stationary character. The recorded noise was analysed using the Joint Time‐Frequency Analysis method, which is appropriate for nonstationary signals. The derived results confirmed the presence of pitting corrosion. It was usual for a few pits to form on the surface of the electrodes in distinct phases, and these were observed as peaks in current fluctuations.
Corrosion behaviour of Ti6Al4V and duplex stainless steel (UNS31803) in synthetic bio‐fluids
Authors: Sathiyanarayanan S. , Marikkannu C. , Bala Srinivasan P. , Muthupandi V.
Published: April 2004

Compares the corrosion behaviour of Ti6Al4V titanium alloy, a conventional duplex stainless steel (UNS 31803) and AISI 304 austenitic stainless steel in synthetic biofluids using electrochemical techniques and comments on the suitability of DSS for use in biomedical applications. Finds that the general corrosion resistance of duplex stainless steels is slightly inferior to that of austenitic stainless steel and titanium alloy; duplex stainless steel does not show any sign of pitting when exposed to synthetic biofluids and exhibits excellent resistance to localised corrosion on par with that of titanium alloy. Concludes that duplex stainless steels are one of the best alternates to titanium alloys.
Developing a model to provide digital reference services
Authors: Stemper James A. , Butler John T.
Published: April 2004

Developing digital reference services within a large library system requires managing fundamental organizational issues before applying technological strategies. Using the development of library services for distance learners as a catalyst, the University of Minnesota‐Twin Cities Libraries have implemented an organizational model for providing digital reference services to all students, faculty and staff who access the library remotely. The resulting service, InfoPoint, has the dual role of providing reference service and making referrals to over 30 information service units in the library system. Details the planning and implementation process by which the libraries developed this centrally coordinated digital reference service within a historically decentralized environment. Initial conclusions based on the service’s first two years of operation are presented. In conclusion discusses organizational change issues and the value of digital reference services in the digital library.
Engaging users by transforming the way we think
Authors: Rockman Ilene F.
Published: April 2004

Libraries must transform the way they think and take a stronger leadership role in campus planning efforts, especially as information technology assumes an increased presence in all facets of higher education. The move toward campus portal development and use, and the rise of electronic course delivery systems with built‐in electronic course packs, offer particular opportunities for academic libraries to clarify their role and assert their expertise.
The US feminist art movement: a selective annotated bibliography
Authors: Zangara Joanne M.
Published: April 2004

The US feminist art movement of the 1970s is examined through selected works written by artists, critics, and historians during the 1990s. Books, exhibition catalogues, dissertations, and articles place the movement within the broader contexts of art history and criticism, women’s history, and cultural studies. The art includes painting, drawing, collage, mixed‐media, graphics, installations, video, and performance. An increasing historical perspective allows scholars to examine the movement’s institutions and unresolved issues surrounding class, race, and sexual preference. Background is provided by an introductory essay, which summarizes the movement’s facets of protest, pedagogy, networks and professional associations, and art making while noting examples of publications and institutions that form part of the record of the movement. This article will be useful to librarians and scholars in art, women’s studies, history, sociology, and cultural studies.
Using the Internet to teach access to Asian history resources
Authors: Yi Hua
Published: April 2004

Finding primary source information for history classes is a challenge, especially for small, non‐research libraries. The Internet, with its potentially unlimited resources, opens a new world to instructors and other information seekers, and makes formerly out‐of‐reach information accessible. Through the experience of teaching classes in history information research, the author discusses how librarians can help users to locate Internet resources which can be used to fill gaps of in‐house collections. The author argues that carefully planned effective instruction is necessary to assist students in navigating the Internet. Collaboration between faculty and librarians can enhance the teaching and learning of information research skills.
Korean reunification: an annotated bibliography of selected English‐language resources
Authors: Shin Hee‐sook
Published: April 2004

The issue of the reunification of North and South Korea attracted worldwide attention in June 2000, when the historic summit meeting between the two top Korean leaders was held in North Korea. Although recently the two Koreas have stepped up their efforts toward reconciliation, international scholars and researchers in Korean studies seem to agree that Korean reunification will be slow and difficult. For this reason, they are researching possible solutions to the critical problems involved, and thus there has been an upsurge of published materials on reunification. This annotated bibliography aims to serve as a guide to these materials. Although this bibliography is selective in that it is limited to literature published in English since 1996, it has wide content coverage and includes books, journals, government publications, special reports, research papers, and Websites. Given the complicated and dynamic situation in Korea, this bibliography will be of use to those who are concerned with Korean reunification.
Group mentoring and professionalism: a programme evaluation
Authors: Ritchie Ann , Genoni Paul
Published: April 2004

This evaluative research represents the first report in the literature to date in which a group mentoring programme has been evaluated using a quasi‐experimental research design. Results indicated that the programme was effective in one domain of professionalism, the main outcome variable; and that career‐development outcomes were significantly higher in programme participants. In addition to the previously established functions of mentoring (career and psychosocial development), the research suggests that the conceptual basis of mentoring should be expanded to include the function of professionalism. This has implications for both the practical aspects of mentoring programme development and for future evaluative research. Data were collected by means of pre‐ and post‐test questionnaires and analysed by multiple regression analysis.
Quality function deployment in healthcare
Authors: Dijkstra Lieuwe , van der Bij Hans
Published: April 2004

In the current decade, client requirements appear to play an increasingly important role in designing not‐for‐profit organisations, in particular in the domains of services and healthcare. Quality function deployment (QFD) is a well‐known design method. This method has a vested reputation in industrial production as a means of systematically incorporating customer requirements in product design. However, in the domain of the services, and especially the professional services, there is little experience in applying QFD. Application in this domain probably causes problems, for instance with respect to the customer concept, which is more ambiguous in this domain, and with respect to the interrelated nature of the product (service) and the process. In this paper we present some limitations of conventional QFD outside physical industrial production and we present a refinement and an extension of QFD for healthcare applications, based on research methods in the social sciences. Illustrations are given from two cases in Dutch healthcare organisations.
Minimising equipment down time under shock load conditions
Authors: Mathew Subhash , Kennedy Damian
Published: April 2004

Random shocks are a leading cause of equipment failure. The shocks arise because of large variations in parameters like operating load, voltage, pressure, thermal load, hardness, contamination, tolerances on clearances and alignments, among other factors. Frequent inspections can help detect deterioration at an early stage and prevent failure. However, inspection is also expensive. The challenge is to develop a model that keeps inspection costs to a minimum while ensuring that the equipment down time is prevented or minimised. This paper first develops a model based on failure due to random shock loads, and then follows it up with a strategy for preventing or minimising such failure at optimum cost.
Human reliability analyses by random hazard rate approach
Authors: Chiodo E. , Gagliardi F. , Pagano M.
Published: April 2004

The aim of this paper is to show the connections among uncertainty, information and human knowledge to develop methodologies able to support actions for measure and control of complex processes, and to propose new model to represent human hazard rate. The interest to human reliability analyses (HRA) arose for nuclear applications, observing that 50‐70 per cent of reported failures on operating systems were human‐induced. Since the middle of 1980, methods and tools of HRA have been transferred former to military weapons systems, latter to aviation designs and operations. At present, HRA, which consider human performance and human reliability knowledge, must be an integral element of complex system design and development. In this paper, system reliability function is carried out as a function of technological, information and human components, evidencing how human element affects the whole system reliability. On the basis of consideration that human errors are often the most unexpected and then the least protected, and subject to many random factors, an analytical model is proposed, based on a conditional Weibull hazard rate with a random scale parameter, for whose characterization the log‐normal, gamma and the inverse Gaussian distributions are considered. The aim of this model is to take into account random variability of human performances by introducing a random hazard rate.
Increasing design robustness in evolutionary optimisation
Authors: Cioffi Marco , Formisano Alessandro , Martone Raffaele
Published: April 2004

The role of the parameters uncertainness in the optimal design of electromagnetic devices is discussed and an efficient strategy to look for robustness of feasible solutions is proposed. A suitable modification of the objective function (OF) is used to rank different device configurations on the basis of their ability to maintain the required performances against small parameters modifications due to construction tolerances. In the frame of a genetic algorithm approach, the modified OF has been able to address the evolutionary optimisation towards more robust solutions.
Distributing the train traction power over cars: effects on dependability analyzed based on daily duty‐cycle
Authors: Bifulco Giovanni , Capozzi Sebastiano , Fortuna Sergio , Mormile Tiziana , Testa Alfredo
Published: April 2004

Distributing the train traction power over cars of modern High Speed trains, which represent one of the main loads of European electrical power systems, is considered and its effects on dependability are analyzed with reference to the daily duty‐cycle. Two different possible solutions for the traction systems, the former based on four converters and eight motors, the latter on six converters and 12 motors are compared in terms of service dependability, immobilizing risks and expected failure entity per day. Simplified Markov models are obtained by means of a proper selection of the most likely states. The models are also extended to represent the case of log‐normal distributions for repair times, and are solved separately for mission and idle times, by tuning the transition rates with the different duty‐cycle stages. Numerical applications give the opportunity of verifying the proposed approach suitability and of making quantitative comparisons between the two different considered trains.
Evaluation of the magnetic field – high temperature superconductor interactions
Authors: May H. , Palka R. , Portabella E. , Canders W‐R.
Published: April 2004

To describe the wide range of possible applications of high temperature superconductors (HTSCs) (e.g. magnetic bearings, levitation systems or electrical machines) several appropriate calculation algorithms have been developed. They determine the force interaction between a superconductor and any even multidimensional magnetic field excitation system. Especially good agreements between experiments and computed results have been obtained for the Vector‐Controlled Model, which seems to be the best approximation of the macroscopic superconductivity behaviour. The validation of this model by means of measurements makes it a powerful tool for the design and optimisation of any HTSC application in the field of force generation. It can be used not only for the designing of levitation applications, but also to help the understanding of the flux penetration, flux trapping and magnetisation of bulk superconductors in non‐uniform magnetic fields. By means of this model, the force interaction between superconductors and external magnetic fields for practical multi‐polar configurations, e.g. superconducting levitation systems or inherently stable superconducting bearings has been determined. Furthermore, the time dependency of the forces taking flux flow and flux creep into account, can be considered.
The poet of cybernetics
Authors: Andrew Alex
Published: April 2004

Discusses Gordon Pask’s contributions to our understanding of learning and, in particular, his insistence that its occurrence forces an observer to change the reference frame used to describe the system which may equivalently be seen as a change in the language of the system or the emergence of a metalanguage. Pask’s ideas are used to discuss the distinction between the processing of continuous information and the manipulation of symbolic, or concept‐based, information and their combination, as in, for example, the use of continuous heuristics to guide symbolic problem solving.
Consensus measurement in multi‐participant conversations
Authors: Dirkzwager Arie
Published: April 2004

Pask’s conversation theory is applied to a multi‐participant (Internet) community striving for optimal mutual understanding and agreement. A system, “BetVote”, to computer‐assist participants in such a process is described, as is its application in psychological and educational assessment and testing. The construction of relevant questions and answers for such a system is discussed, as is the reward structure to make the participants function honestly and realistically. BetVote is proposed as the best system also for opinion polling and arguments are given in support of this proposal. Applications to (group) decision making are discussed.
Fond memories of Gordon Pask
Authors: Forsythe Kathleen
Published: April 2004

Gordon Pask has been a great influence on the author’s work in education, particularly in the development of knowledge architectures, spaces that come to life with the interaction of people within them. Here, the author presents some fond memories.
A letter from Dik Gregory
Authors: Gregory Dik
Published: April 2004

The author’s contribution to this memorial collection is the letter written to Gordon on hearing of his death.
Gordon Pask at the Open University
Authors: Hawkridge David
Published: April 2004

Gordon Pask worked with the author at the Open University and became his friend as well as colleague. Here are some recollections.
Gordon Pask memorial speech: contributions to educational technology
Authors: Laurillard Diana
Published: April 2004

Discusses Gordon Pask’s contributions to educational technology and his influences on the author’s own work.
Gordon Pask: an appreciation
Authors: O’Shea Tim
Published: April 2004

As a young researcher the author met Gordon Pask who subsequently had a great influence on the author’s work. Here are some recollections.
Intelligent tutoring: from SAKI to Byzantium
Authors: Patel Ashok , Scott Bernard , Kinshuk
Published: April 2004

Describes Byzantium, an intelligent tutoring system for teaching the concepts and skills of accounting. The generic design philosophy of Byzantium and its associated intelligent tutoring tools are described, together with commentary that places Byzantium in the tradition of the adaptive teaching machines and conversational tutorial systems (SAKI and CASTE) developed by Gordon Pask.
Reduction of nosocomial pressure ulcers in patients with hip fractures: a quality improvement program
Authors: Peich Sara , Calderon‐Margalit Ronit
Published: April 2004

Pressure ulcers (PUs) continue to be a distressing medical problem. The Nursing Quality Improvement Unit of Israel's Hadassah Mount Scopus Medical Center designed and implemented a quality improvement intervention program to reduce the incidence of nosocomial PUs. Assessing data, it was found that 46.7 percent of nosocomial PUs develop inpatients with hip fractures. Following the first audit of all patients with hip fractures, an intervention program was focused on the orthopedic ward and the recovery room. Intervention in the orthopedic ward included providing each patient with a visco‐elastic mattress and a specially designed cushion for the elevation of the affected limb. In the recovery room, pressure‐relieving practices were introduced. Following the implementation of the intervention program, the second audit revealed a reduction in the incidence of nosocomial PUs from 12.9 percent to 0 percent. Although patients with hip fractures are still at very high risk of developing nosocomial PUs, prevention is feasible.
Remember, the (Internet) applet doesn’t fall far from the tree
Authors: Mc Nellis Tom , Harrington H. James
Published: April 2004

This article addresses how an organization can combine sig‐sigma and the Internet to reduce costs, improve the delivery success rate, and increase service quality. The model that was developed to map the six‐sigma quality process against the software development life cycle was introduced. A case study in which the model was applied is discussed: use of the model enabled the IT organization to infuse six‐sigma into the Internet development effort and gave the rest of the company an understanding of the necessary steps for that attempt to be successful. Total commitment is necessary to carry this process out; hoever, this commitment allows organizations as a whole to “get it right the first time around”, while satisfying client and business requirements.
A new appraisal approach for English Heritage
Authors: Sims Fiona
Published: April 2004

English Heritage is a non‐departmental public body and as such is covered by the provisions of the Public Records Act. In 1999 all file destructions were suspended and the entire approach to records appraisal was re‐examined. This paper explains the revised appraisal programme, based on the functional approach, introduced at English Heritage last year. It sets out the proposals that were made for implementation and future action; it outlines the resources that have been committed to the programme and other resources that will be needed in the future. It also examines the drivers for the revised programme and sets out the projected corporate benefits, which include accountability, affordability and openness, the early identification and documentation of records selected for permanent preservation and a significant reduction in non‐current record holdings.
Much ado about metadata
Authors: Atkinson Edward
Published: April 2004

The traditional archival accessioning of records when they are no longer required by their originators has led to problems, especially in the case of electronic records. This has created not only huge backlogs but also either the non‐receipt of electronic records or their receipt with vital contextual or structural metadata missing. The solution put forward by Bearman, Hedstrom, Dollar and Kandur is the metadata systems approach. This approach involves archivists in managing the context and structure of electronic records rather than their content. This is achieved not only through using electronic records’ existing metadata, but also through archivists influencing the design of electronic records systems to provide them with the metadata they need. MacNeil, however, has reservations about the metadata systems approach, and feels that archivists’ influence on metadata for potential secondary use contravenes the archivist’s primary duty to protect and preserve. This article posits that the positive effects of archivists’ influence on metadata far outweigh the negative.
Moral leadership in schools
Authors: Greenfield William D.
Published: April 2004

The genesis of the moral leadership concept in educational administration and examples of studies exploring this idea during the 1979‐2003 period are discussed. The author recommends more contextually sensitive descriptive studies with a focus on the social relations among school leaders and others, giving particular attention, in a phenomenological sense, to the meanings, perspectives, and espoused purposes of school leaders’ actions, social relationships, and interpersonal orientations.
ERP systems and the university as a “unique” organisation
Authors: Pollock Neil , Cornford James
Published: April 2004

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems are widely used by large corporations around the world. Recently, universities have turned to ERP as a means of replacing existing management and administration computer systems. This article provides analysis of the rollout of an ERP system in one particular institution in the UK, the particular focus being on how the development, implementation and use of both generic and university specific functionality is mediated and shaped by a fundamental and long standing tension within universities: this is the extent to which higher education institutions are organisations much like any other and the extent to which they are “unique”. The aim of this article is not to attempt to settle this issue of similarity/difference in one way or another. Rather, it seeks to illustrate the value of taking discussions of similarity relationships surrounding the university and other organisations as the topic of analysis. One way of working with these kinds of issues without resolving them is to consider their “distribution” and where ERP shifts the responsibility for their final resolution. This is a novel and insightful way of understanding how ERP systems are refashioning the identity of universities. The article suggests, moreover, that ERP software is “accompanied” by such tensions in which ever site it is implemented. The research presented here is based on a participant observation study carried over the period of three years.
Situating gender: students' perceptions of information work
Authors: Harris Roma , Wilkinson Margaret Ann
Published: April 2004

Young people entering their first year of university studies were asked to give their impressions of 12 high knowledge and information sector occupations. Their perceptions yield a complex set of expectations that are consistent, in large measure, with experts’ predictions of the information sector's occupational winners and losers. The majority of students aspire to be self‐employed or to work in the private, rather than the public sector. Of the occupations included in the study, the students perceived the occupation “librarian” most negatively in terms of skill, status, compensation and future opportunity, unlike, for example, the similar occupation, “Internet researcher”. The results are discussed in term of the complex interactions of gender, computing, and skill on the attractiveness of difference types of work.
Information management of automatic data capture: an overview of technical developments
Authors: Smith Alan D. , Offodile Felix
Published: April 2004

Automatic identification and data capture/collection (AIDC) systems are one of the most widely used and under‐recognized IT strategic assets in use in the global economy. Data collection and integration strategies are essential to enterprise resource management systems as well as warehouse management systems. The development of innovation through the development and marketing of products and services has been a key source of competitive advantage for many large and small manufacturing firms and is greatly aided by AIDC technologies. Management needs to control quality, cost, schedule, location of warehouses and plants, inventory levels, pricing, shipment, and a vast host of factors that are based almost entirely on the volume and quality of data and data collection. A discussion of types of bar coding technologies and their associated software/hardware requirements is included, with a mobile communications example.
High‐tech corporate branding: lessons for market research in the next decade
Authors: Schoenfelder Julie , Harris Phil
Published: April 2004

Established corporate brand research has two significant weaknesses. The first is the lack of empirically based research behind the theory. The second is the “over‐quantification” of research methods to deal with marketing topics concerning consumers” beliefs, perceptions and values. Additionally, high‐tech corporate brands are rarely the basis of brand research. This study explores consumer reactions to technical brands to draw inferences and build more effective brand strategies. The mobile phone market is selected to represent a high‐tech consumer market. In‐depth interviews guided by the principal of personal construct theory and using the laddering technique (Kelly, G.A.,The Psychology of Personal Constructs, Norton, New York, NY, 1955) are used. Two polar groups of consumers are selected as respondents. The findings reveal three shared key dimensions of brand value that are relevant in this type of market. The nature and relative importance of these dimensions are outlined. The evidence indicates that perceptions of corporate “credibility” are based on emotional and experiential associations rather than on more obvious, rational ones.
Rapid production of microwave packaging in silicon–aluminium by thin‐shell electroforming
Authors: Bocking C. , Jacobson D.M. , Rennie A.E.W.
Published: April 2004

High silicon Si–Al alloys (50–70 wt% Si) have been developed by Osprey Metals Ltd for use in electronic packaging. They have the advantages of a coefficient of thermal expansion that can be tailored to match ceramics and electronic materials (6–11 ppm/K), low density (<2.8 g/cm3) high thermal conductivity (>100 W/m K). These alloys are also environmentally friendly and are easy to recycle.These Osprey alloys can be fabricated readily into electronic packages by conventional machining with tungsten‐carbide or polycrystalline diamond (PCD) tools and electro‐discharge machining (EDM). Generally more than one of these conventional machining operations is required in the fabrication process. A new and much faster method has been developed which has been used to produce complete electronic packages from plates of Si–Al alloys in a single machining step. In this novel method, known as thin‐shell electroforming (TSE), an accurate model of the package is produced directly from the drawing in wax using a 3D Systems ThermoJet Modeller. This model is mounted into a frame and it is then plated with a thin copper electroform. The wax model is then melted leaving the electroform attached to the frame. This is backfilled with solder and used as the EDM tool for machining the package from a plate of Si–Al alloy.
Inspection of electronics packages using the efficient perception technique
Authors: Zhong Z.W. , Jiang Y.
Published: April 2004

When engineers choose and arrange proper lighting sources for an inspection system, many of them rely on their own experience or guesswork without any guidance of theories. This paper discusses the efficient perception technique, i.e. the Torrance‐Sparrow model and its application to the selection and configuration of light emitting diode (LED) lighting sources for a package visual inspection system. Inspection of several typical package samples has been evaluated. The image changes of the sample packages are explained using the Torrance‐Sparrow model. The experimental results with the actual gray level values of the images are compared.
Modelling uncertainty under a multi‐echelon ERP‐controlled manufacturing system
Authors: Ching Lenny Koh Siau , Saad Sameh
Published: April 2004

This paper discusses the experimental work in modelling uncertainty under a multi‐echelon enterprise resource planning (ERP)‐controlled manufacturing system. A new method known as part tagging (Ptag) is successfully implemented in a material requirements planning (MRP) planning architecture, which is used to generate a planned order release (POR) schedule for controlling purchase and manufacture operations in a batch manufacturing system using simulation. One of the most important findings is that parts tardy delivery (PTD) is a more responsive performance measure compared with finished products tardy delivery (FPTD); therefore it is recommended that PTD should be measured to reveal the unmasked effects of uncertainty. The main conclusion and implication from this experiment are that an ERP‐controlled manufacturing enterprise should diagnose for uncertainty in a way that produces significant effects on delivery tardiness, so that reduction of their levels will significantly minimise tardy delivery.
A sequencing algorithm for makespan minimization in FMS
Authors: Choi Shiu‐Hong , Siu‐Lung Lee James
Published: April 2004

Job sequencing is an important stage in any hierarchical production control model, especially when a real‐time dispatching rule is not employed. The problems become complicated when constraints, such as different parts requiring different operation processes at different machines and with different production priorities, are taken into consideration in the development of sequencing models. This paper first describes a mathematical programming model developed for small flexible manufacturing systems (FMS) makespan minimization sequencing problems. For large problems, a heuristic decomposition‐based algorithm is proposed. The algorithm is based on the proposed concept of track generation and track identification. Each part type may require a different number of operation processes at different machines. A numerical example is used to illustrate the use of the algorithm.
Changing employment relations in the Asia‐Pacific region
Authors: Bamber Greg J. , Leggett Chris J.
Published: April 2004

Discusses the employment relations (ER) of seven countries: Australia, New Zealand and Japan have in different ways been restructuring their ER for increased flexibility. The South Korean process of democratisation has included a reduction in state regulation of unions. Taiwan’s democratisation has led its government to become more active in ER. The People’s Republic of China’s transition from a highly regulated to a “socialist market” economy has had significant implications for ER. In Indonesia, the end of the Soharto regime offered opportunities for greater recognition of workers’ interests, but these were checked initially by political instabilities and the 1997 Asian economic crisis.
Digital reference: a case study of question types in an academic library
Authors: Diamond Wendy , Pease Barbara
Published: April 2004

An analysis of reference questions received by the digital reference service of a medium‐sized academic library over a two‐year period showed that the service could handle the full range of simple to complex questions typically asked at a physical reference desk. Because broad or complex questions can be difficult to answer remotely, suggests a strategy for improving the process of answering such questions in the digital environment.
Visionary pragmatism in an e‐library environment
Authors: Rockman Ilene F.
Published: April 2004

Recent technological and organizational changes in library services and the book publishing industry have underscored the need for libraries to re‐examine their core values in an effort to remain true to their service principles.
Robots at the heart of fully automated Mini bodyshop
Authors: Mortimer John
Published: April 2004

A new manufacturing plant has been installed in Oxford, UK, to manufacture the new BMW Mini car. An important aspect of the £230 million investment at the site is the fully automated body‐in‐white assembly shop containing 230 robots.
A tool for total quality management of educational provision illustrated using advanced coastal management courses
Authors: Hills J.M. , Stewart‐David D.
Published: April 2004

Doubts have been raised over the adequacy of supply of appropriately skilled graduates from UK higher education (HE) institutes to employers. Changing educational provision to met these employers’ requiremetns may be one of the foremost future challenges to the higher education sector. It has been suggested that to address this challenge a total quality management (TQM) framework, coupled with appropriate curricular modifications, could be used to promote change in HE courses. Introduces and pilots a tool that could be used to promote awareness and understanding of the process‐oriented aspects of TQM. Suggest that this technique could represent a mechanism to promote awareness and change in quality issues involved in educational provision in HE institutes.
Nice to Know You? Testing Contact, Cultural, and Group Threat Theories of Anti‐Black and Anti‐Hispanic Stereotypes*
Authors: Dixon Jeffrey C. , Rosenbaum Michael S.
Published: April 2004

Objective. Many racial/ethnic policies in the United States—from desegregation to affirmative action policies—presume that contact improves racial/ethnic relations. Most research, however, tests related theories in isolation from one another and focuses on black‐white contact. This article tests contact, cultural, and group threat theories to learn how contact in different interactive settings affects whites' stereotypes of blacks and Hispanics, now the largest minority group in the country.

Method. We use multi‐level modeling on 2000 General Social Survey data linked to Census 2000 metropolitan statistical area/county‐level data.

Results. Net of the mixed effects of regional culture and racial/ethnic composition, contact in certain interactive settings ameliorates anti‐black and anti‐Hispanic stereotypes.

Conclusions. Cultural and group threat theories better explain anti‐black stereotypes than anti‐Hispanic stereotypes, but as contact theory suggests, stereotypes can be overcome with relatively superficial contact under the right conditions. Results provide qualified justification for the preservation of desegregation and affirmative action policies.
Status Seeking and Social Welfare: Is There Virtue in Vanity?*
Authors: Jaeger William K.
Published: April 2004

Objectives. This article examines how social status rewards can affect social welfare outcomes in the presence of positive and negative externalities.

Method. A rational choice approach is used to characterize how individuals respond to incentives to seek high status (and avoid stigma) given existing preferences, technology, and the sources of status defined within a given reference group.

Results. In the presence of market failures, the analysis identifies several kinds of status‐related interventions that encourage acts with positive externalities or discourage those with negative externalities, with results that contribute to social well‐being generally.

Conclusions. The analysis characterizes ways that formal and informal social mechanisms can make these incentives more effective, and finds abundant evidence that interventions of this kind are widely observed in society today.
Party and Personal Preference in Post‐Soviet Legislatures*
Authors: Thames Frank C.
Published: April 2004

Objective. Initial studies of post‐Soviet legislative behavior have concluded that parties can affect legislative behavior; however, the methods used by these studies failed to distinguish between the effects of party and personal preferences. Evidence of party effects would be surprising given not only the perceived weaknesses of post‐Soviet political parties, but also the debate on the existence of party effects in the U.S. Congress literature.

Methods. The data are electronically recorded roll‐call data from both the Ukrainian Rada and Russian Duma. I employ an OLS residualization technique to construct deputy preference measures. Then, I use multivariate analysis (tobit) to measure the impact of deputy preference and partisanship on support for government legislation.

Results. In both the Rada and Duma, party and personal preferences impacted deputy voting behavior.

Conclusion. Parties are an important determinant of legislative behavior, even in weak party systems of post‐Soviet Ukraine and Russia.
Hybridization between redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus and black redstart P. ochruros, and the effect on habitat exploitation
Authors: Grosch Kai
Published: April 2004

Although redstarts Phoenicurus phoenicurus and black redstarts P. ochruros breed in different habitats they have been found to interbreed and to produce viable and fertile offspring, which backcross to the parental species. In a dual choice experiment, I investigated the preference of black redstarts and redstarts, and F1‐hybrids for different habitat structures in an aviary. Black redstarts strongly preferred a perch type on which they could stand to a perch they had to cling to. Redstarts were less selective and used both perch types equally as long as food was offered between both perches on the ground. If food was given at one of the perches redstarts changed their preference depending on food location. Black redstarts, however, showed only a slight response. They always preferred the same perch type. Hybrids behaved like redstarts. They did not show a preference as long as food was placed on the ground. When food was offered at one of the perch sites they more often chose the one with food. Due to high phenotypic variability among individuals perch type preference overlapped between the three experimental groups.
Spring arrival of birds depends on the North Atlantic Oscillation
Authors: V. Vähätalo Anssi , Rainio Kalle , Lehikoinen Aleksi , Lehikoinen Esa
Published: April 2004

The timing of arrival of 81 migratory species in response to the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) was studied at two Finnish bird observatories (1970–99). Timing was determined for the first migrants and for the peak of migration, as well as for the early, median and late phases of migration, defined as the dates when the seasonal cumulative sum of birds reached 5%, 50% and 95%, respectively. For most species, the timing of arrival correlated negatively with the NAO in all phases of migration: the correlation was significant for 79% of species studied. Thus, most species arrived in Finland early when the NAO was positive and indicative of mild and rainy winters in northern Europe. Although all phases of migration correlated negatively with the NAO, the correlations were more negative for the early than for the late phases of migration. Since the NAO did not show a significant trend during the study period, the correlations indicate that the timing of birds followed stochastic fluctuations in the NAO. This finding suggests that most Finnish migratory birds are able to adjust the timing of spring arrival in response to climatic change without time delay.
The metabolic role and evolution of l‐arabinitol 4‐dehydrogenase of Hypocrea jecorina
Authors: Pail Manuela , Peterbauer Thomas , Seiboth Bernhard , Hametner Christian , Druzhinina Irina , Kubicek Christian P.
Published: April 2004

l‐Arabinitol 4‐dehydrogenase (Lad1) of the cellulolytic and hemicellulolytic fungus Hypocrea jecorina (anamorph: Trichoderma reesei) has been implicated in the catabolism of l‐arabinose, and genetic evidence also shows that it is involved in the catabolism of d‐xylose in xylitol dehydrogenase (xdh1) mutants and of d‐galactose in galactokinase (gal1) mutants of H. jecorina. In order to identify the substrate specificity of Lad1, we have recombinantly produced the enzyme in Escherichia coli and purified it to physical homogeneity. The resulting enzyme preparation catalyzed the oxidation of pentitols (l‐arabinitol) and hexitols (d‐allitol, d‐sorbitol, l‐iditol, l‐mannitol) to the same corresponding ketoses as mammalian sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH), albeit with different catalytic efficacies, showing highest kcat/Km for l‐arabinitol. However, it oxidized galactitol and d‐talitol at C4 exclusively, yielding l‐xylo‐3‐hexulose and d‐arabino‐3‐hexulose, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis of Lad1 showed that it is a member of a terminal clade of putative fungal arabinitol dehydrogenase orthologues which separated during evolution of SDHs. Juxtapositioning of the Lad1 3D structure over that of SDH revealed major amino acid exchanges at topologies flanking the binding pocket for d‐sorbitol. A lad1 gene disruptant was almost unable to grow on l‐arabinose, grew extremely weakly on l‐arabinitol, d‐talitol and galactitol, showed reduced growth on d‐sorbitol and d‐galactose and a slightly reduced growth on d‐glucose. The weak growth on l‐arabinitol was completely eliminated in a mutant in which the xdh1 gene had also been disrupted. These data show not only that Lad1 is indeed essential for the catabolism of l‐arabinose, but also that it constitutes an essential step in the catabolism of several hexoses; this emphasizes the importance of such reductive pathways of catabolism in fungi.
Identification and expression analysis of an IL‐18 homologue and its alternatively spliced form in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Zou Jun , Bird Steve , Truckle Jonathan , Bols Niels , Horne Mike , Secombes Chris
Published: April 2004

A homologue of interleukin 18 has been identified from rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. The trout IL‐18 gene spans 3.7 kb and consists of six exons and five introns, sharing the same gene organization with its human counterpart. The putative translated protein is 199 amino acids in length with no predicted signal peptide. Analysis of the multiple sequence alignment reveals a conserved ICE cut site, resulting in a mature peptide of 162 amino acids. The trout IL‐18 shares 41–45% similarity with known IL‐18 molecules and contains an IL‐1 family signature motif. It is constitutively expressed in a wide range of tissues including brain, gill, gut, heart, kidney, liver, muscle, skin and spleen. Transcription is not modulated by lipopolysaccharide, poly(I:C) or trout recombinant IL‐1β in primary head kidney leucocyte cultures and RTS‐11 cells, a macrophage cell line. However, expression is downregulated by lipopolysaccharide and rIL‐1β in RTG‐2 cells, a fibroblast‐like cell line. An alternatively spliced form of IL‐18 mRNA has also been found and translates into a 182 amino acid protein with a 17 amino acid deletion in the precursor region of the authentic form. This alternatively spliced form is also widely expressed although much lower than the authentic form. Interestingly, its expression is upregulated by lipopolysaccharide and poly(I:C), but is not affected by rIL‐1β in RTG‐2 cells. The present study suggests that alternative splicing may play an important role in regulating IL‐18 activities in rainbow trout.