bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential Expression of Members of the Annexin Multigene Family in Arabidopsis
Authors: Clark Greg B. , Sessions Allen , Eastburn Dennis J. , Roux Stanley J.
Published: July 2002

Although in most plant species no more than two annexin genes have been reported to date, seven annexin homologs have been identified in Arabidopsis, Annexin Arabidopsis 1–7 (AnnAt1–AnnAt7). This establishes that annexins can be a diverse, multigene protein family in a single plant species. Here we compare and analyze these seven annexin gene sequences and present the in situ RNA localization patterns of two of these genes, AnnAt1 andAnnAt2, during different stages of Arabidopsis development. Sequence analysis of AnnAt1–AnnAt7 reveals that they contain the characteristic four structural repeats including the more highly conserved 17-amino acid endonexin fold region found in vertebrate annexins. Alignment comparisons show that there are differences within the repeat regions that may have functional importance. To assess the relative level of expression in various tissues, reverse transcription-PCR was carried out using gene-specific primers for each of the Arabidopsis annexin genes. In addition, northern blot analysis using gene-specific probes indicates differences in AnnAt1 and AnnAt2expression levels in different tissues. AnnAt1 is expressed in all tissues examined and is most abundant in stems, whereas AnnAt2 is expressed mainly in root tissue and to a lesser extent in stems and flowers. In situ RNA localization demonstrates that these two annexin genes display developmentally regulated tissue-specific and cell-specific expression patterns. These patterns are both distinct and overlapping. The developmental expression patterns for both annexins provide further support for the hypothesis that annexins are involved in the Golgi-mediated secretion of polysaccharides.
An Arabidopsis Mutant Tolerant to Lethal Ultraviolet-B Levels Shows Constitutively Elevated Accumulation of Flavonoids and Other Phenolics
Authors: Bieza Kim , Lois Rodrigo
Published: July 2002

The isolation and characterization of mutants hypersensitive to ultraviolet (UV) radiation has been a powerful tool to learn about the mechanisms that protect plants against UV-induced damage. To increase our understanding of the various mechanisms of defense against UVB radiation, we searched for mutations that would increase the level of tolerance of Arabidopsis plants to UV radiation. We describe a single gene dominant mutation (uvt1) that leads to a remarkable tolerance to UVB radiation conditions that would kill wild-type plants. Pigment analyses show a constitutive increase in accumulation of UV-absorbing compounds in uvt1 that increases the capacity of the leaves to block UVB radiation and therefore is likely to be responsible for the elevated resistance of this mutant to UVB radiation. These increases in absorption in the UV region are due, at least in part, to increases in flavonoid and sinapate accumulation. Expression of chalcone synthase (CHS) mRNA was shown to be constitutively elevated in uvt1 plants, suggesting that the increases in absorption may be a consequence of changes in gene expression. Expression of CHS in uvt1 was shown to be still inducible by UV, indicating that the uvt1 lesion may not affect the UV-mediated regulation of CHS gene expression. Our data support an important role for UV screens in the overall protection of plants to UVB radiation. The uvt1 mutant could prove to be an important tool to elucidate further the exact role of UV-absorbing pigments in UV protection as well as the relative contribution of other mechanisms to the overall tolerance of plants to UV radiation.
Inhibition of Proteasome Activity Strongly Affects Kiwifruit Pollen Germination. Involvement of the Ubiquitin/Proteasome Pathway as a Major Regulator
Authors: Speranza Anna , Scoccianti Valeria , Crinelli Rita , Calzoni Gian Lorenzo , Magnani Mauro
Published: July 2002

The 26S proteasome is a multicatalytic complex that acts as primary protease of the ubiquitin-mediated proteolytic pathway in eukaryotes. We provide here the first evidence that the proteasome plays a key role in regulating pollen tube growth. Immunoblotting experiments revealed the presence of high levels of free ubiquitin and ubiquitin conjugates in rehydrated and germinating pollen of kiwifruit [Actinidia deliciosa var. deliciosa (A. Chev) C. F. Liang et A. R. Ferguson]. Proteasome activity, assayed fluorometrically, accompanied the progression of germination. Specific inhibitors of proteasome function such as benzyloxycarbonyl-leucinyl-leucinyl-leucinal (MG-132),clasto-lactacystin β-lactone, and epoxomicin significantly decreased tube growth or altered tube morphology. High-molecular mass, ubiquitinated proteins accumulated in MG-132- and β-lactone-treated pollen, indicating that proteasome function was effectively impaired. The inhibitors were also able to decrease in vitro proteasome activity in pollen extracts. Because MG-132 can inhibit calpains, as well as the proteasome, trans-epoxy succinyl-l-leucylamido-(4-guanidino) butane (E-64), an inhibitor of cysteine proteases, was investigated. Some reduction in tube growth rate was observed, but only at 80 μm E-64, and no abnormal tubes were produced. Furthermore, no inhibition of tube growth was observed when another inhibitor of cysteine proteases, leupeptin, or inhibitors of serine and aspartic proteases (phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride and pepstatin) were used. Our results indicate that protein turnover during tube organization and elongation in kiwifruit pollen is important, and our results also implicate the ubiquitin/26S proteasome as the major proteolytic pathway involved.
Data Mining the Arabidopsis Genome Reveals Fifteen 14-3-3 Genes. Expression Is Demonstrated for Two out of Five Novel Genes
Authors: Rosenquist Magnus , Alsterfjord Magnus , Larsson Christer , Sommarin Marianne
Published: July 2002

In plants, 14-3-3 proteins are key regulators of primary metabolism and membrane transport. Although the current dogma states that 14-3-3 isoforms are not very specific with regard to target proteins, recent data suggest that the specificity may be high. Therefore, identification and characterization of all 14-3-3 (GF14) isoforms in the model plant Arabidopsis are important. Using the information now available from The Arabidopsis Information Resource, we found three new GF14 genes. The potential expression of these three genes, and of two additional novel GF14 genes (Rosenquist et al., 2000), in leaves, roots, and flowers was examined using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and cDNA library polymerase chain reaction screening. Under normal growth conditions, two of these genes were found to be transcribed. These genes were namedgrf11and grf12, and the corresponding new 14-3-3 isoforms were named GF14omicron and GF14iota, respectively. The gene coding for GF14omicron was expressed in leaves, roots, and flowers, whereas the gene coding for GF14iota was only expressed in flowers. Gene structures and relationships between all members of the GF14 gene family were deduced from data available through The Arabidopsis Information Resource. The data clearly support the theory that two 14-3-3 genes were present when eudicotyledons diverged from monocotyledons. In total, there are 15 14-3-3 genes (grfs 1–15) in Arabidopsis, of which 12 (grfs 1–12) now have been shown to be expressed.
Propargyl alcohol as hydrochloric acid inhibitor for mild steel ‐ temperature dependence of critical concentration
Authors: Jayaperumal D. , Muralidharan S. , Subramanian P. , Venkatachari G. , Senthilvel S.
Published: July 2002

The inhibition effect of propargyl alcohol on the acidic corrosion of mild steel in 5 per cent commercial hydrochloric acid was studied at different temperatures by mass loss measurements and polarization studies. Corrosion potential and corrosion current have been calculated in the presence and in the absence of inhibitor. The inhibitor efficiency increases with increase in concentration and it decreases with rise in temperature. The interrelationship between the surface coverage and concentration of the inhibitor was also studied. It has been found that the inhibitor obeys Temkin adsorption isotherm.
Protection of steel structures in industries with epoxy‐silicone based coatings
Authors: Mathivanan L. , Radhakrishna S.
Published: July 2002

This article presents a study of the major corrosion problems of steel structures in rubber and palm oil mill industries in Malaysia. Such structures, improperly coated with protective treatment (commercial coatings) were easily damaged by corrosion due to the environment within a month’s time. In order to prevent these types of corrosion problems, the epoxy‐silicone resin based paints were developed. The performance of the coatings were evaluated. These studies confirm the fact that the epoxy‐silicone coatings are effectively useful for protection of steel structures in these industries for considerably longer times.
Leadhills Library and a wider world
Authors: Crawford John C.
Published: July 2002

Reviews Leadhills Library, Britain’s first subscription library and also the first subscription library in Britain to have a working‐class base. It originated the ideology of mutual improvement as applied to libraries in Scotland, which has clear links with the social philosophy of the period and formed an organizational model for others to follow. Its book selection policy was both progressive and independent and much of its early stock still survives in situ in a building which has probably been occupied since the late eighteenth century. It functioned actively as a library from 1741 until the mid‐1960s and is still available for use today. The surviving stock, catalogued in 1985, totals about 2,500 volumes.
New tribotechnical materials for the friction pair radial lip seal/shaft
Authors: Padgurskas J. , Rukuiza R. , Vötter M. , Wollesen V.
Published: July 2002

The possibilities increasing the wear resistance of friction pair radial lip seal/shaft were tested using fluoroligomeric materials and selective transfer technologies. Measurements of friction moment, temperature in contact spot and wear of friction surfaces show that fluoroligomeric coat and selective transfer technologies (metallpolymeric oil additives and NABA‐coat on shaft) can considerably decrease the friction losses and increase the wear resistance of friction pair. The microscopic analysis of surfaces shows that using tribotechnical materials in contact spot of friction surfaces forms virtually different structures which can explain the different efficiency mechanisms of the mentioned materials. These tests show that in friction pair radial lip seal/shaft the tribomaterials could be used which create selective transfer effect and have regenerating properties.
Closing the gap between what industry needs and what HE provides
Authors: McHardy Peter , Allan Teresa
Published: July 2002

The Economic and Social Science Research Council’s Innovation Agenda singled out “more innovation” as a key weapon for UK companies to outperform world competitors. This research explores this Innovation Agenda from an HE perspective, and reports on a study of a final year undergraduate course in Creative Management. Students, in syndicate groups, were asked to invent their own business idea. By simulating make‐believe situations in the classroom, we aimed to approximate feelings purportedly experienced by business managers as they innovate, such as “creative tension” and “strategic discomfort”. This article argues that preparedness for creative tension is now a necessity for business graduates. Additionally, it proposes that an awareness of discomfiting strategic effects of renewal is worthwhile. For example, how might students have coped with the shock to IBM during the demise of the computer mainframe market?
Giving undergraduates managerial experience
Authors: Dickinson Mary
Published: July 2002

For over a decade, a number of employers have been sounding warnings to the higher education sector that a “skills gap” was emerging at the employer/graduate interface. Some graduate recruiters no longer perceived academic competence alone to be sufficient and began calling for higher education to produce graduates with highly developed and recognisable transferable skills. Increasingly the graduates of the late 1990s are being asked to display far more than subject‐specific knowledge and are asked to prove that this skills development activity has occurred, usually by demonstrating that they have taken additional responsibility for something or someone during their higher education experience. This work examines what higher education can do to facilitate the development of transferable, and especially managerial, skills amongst the undergraduate population using extra‐curricula schemes.
Competence‐based Management Education and the Needs of the Learning Organization
Authors: Macfarlane Bruce , Lomas Laurie
Published: July 2002

Points out that competence‐based education has been endorsed by Government and employers alike as a means of raising standards of management practice in the UK, though the highly prescriptive nature of the competence curriculum poses dangers to organizations seeking to release the human potential of managers. Contends that the over‐control of the management curriculum through competences encourages conformity and fails to challenge the received wisdom of current practice.
Creating a knowledge culture
Authors: Banks Eric
Published: July 2002

In a world of rapid and continuing change it is imperative that organisations maximise their return on all assets. One of the least‐exploited assets is the knowledge that resides within the individuals and groups of the organisation. It is possible to create an organisation that has an appropriate culture and the internal systems and structure to realise the potential locked into these assets. This is what knowledge management attempts to do. Explains the basic concepts of knowledge management, and the underlying issues. Suggests a broad approach to creating a knowledge organisation.
The distribution of Belbin team roles among UK managers
Authors: Fisher S.G. , Hunter T.A. , Macrosson W.D.K.
Published: July 2002

Ascertains the preferred team roles of a substantial sample of UK managers using Belbin’s model. Finds that co‐ordinators and resource investigators are present in great numbers, but few completers, monitor evaluators, plants and shapers are encountered. Highlights the significance of this finding for firms seeking to create balanced and, hopefully, optimally‐structured teams. Adduces some evidence for the validity of the Belbin team role construct.
The nature of managerial commitment to strategic change
Authors: Lämsä Anna‐Maija , Savolainen Taina
Published: July 2002

This article explores the nature of managerial commitment to such strategic changes as downsizing and quality improvement. Its purpose is to develop a theoretical framework of managerial commitment. Findings from a qualitative study are presented resulting in the classification of commitment in two dimensions: reward‐based and trust‐based commitments. A theoretical typology of the four types of managerial commitment is developed based on the dimensions: passive, calculative, trustful, and balanced types of commitment. The article argues that the general assumptions in commitment literature that people need material, social or psychological incentives and rewards which facilitate identification with an organization are one‐sided. It proposes that much more emphasis should be put on studying trust‐based commitment and elements affecting it for both economic and ethical reasons than prior research has done.
The BarrettHand grasper – programmably flexible part handling and assembly
Authors: Townsend William
Published: July 2002

This paper details the design and operation of the BarrettHand BH8‐250, an intelligent, highly flexible eight‐axis gripper that reconfigures itself in real time to conform securely to a wide variety of part shapes without tool‐change interruptions. The grasper brings enormous value to factory automation because it: reduces the required number and size of robotic workcells (which average US$90,000 each – not including the high cost of footprint) while boosting factory thoughput; consolidates the hodgepodge proliferation of customized gripper‐jaw shapes onto a common programmable platform; and enables incremental process improvement and accommodates frequent new‐product introductions, capabilities deployed instantly via software across international networks of factories.
Rapid prototyping gains speed, volume and precision
Authors: Kochan Anna
Published: July 2002

Identifies trends in the rapid prototyping market worldwide, reports on new rapid prototyping techniques, reviews the latest developments in 3D printers, highlights new metal spraying and direct metal deposition processes.
Interpreting load paths and stress trajectories in elasticity
Authors: Kelly D.W. , Tosh M.W.
Published: July 2002

Design engineers use the term load path to describe, in general terms, the way in which loads path through a structure from the points of application to the points where they are reacted. In contrast, stress trajectories are more clearly identified by the direction of the principal stress vectors at a point. The first author proposed a simple definition of the term load path in 1995 and proposed procedures to determine load paths from two‐dimensional finite element solutions. In this paper, the concept of load paths will be further explored and related to stress trajectories and Michell structures. The insight given when determining the load transfer near a pin‐loaded hole will be demonstrated. In addition a cantilevered beam will be considered and an introduction to plotting load paths in three‐dimensional structures is given.
Post‐ “psychological contract” violation: the durability and transferability of employee perceptions: the case of TimTec
Authors: Pate Judy , Malone Charles
Published: July 2002

This paper is concerned with the role played by the psychological contract in the relationship between an individual and his or her employer. In particular, the research concentrates on a prior perceived violation of an employee’s psychological contract and the subsequent attitudes towards employers. The aims of the paper are to assess the nature, transferability and durability of outcomes arising from the perceived violations. Draws on the perceptions of 20 employees from a range of employment settings who five years earlier shared a common experience with a previous employer. The evidence suggested that a negative experience with one employer led to negative perceptions of employers in terms of trust, loyalty and commitment. Further, the study suggested that outcomes as a result of perceived violation are durable. Finally, the paper supported the findings of that after violation; the transactional contract assumes primacy over the psychological.
Exploring strategic maturity in HRD – rhetoric, aspiration or reality?
Authors: McCracken Martin , Wallace Mary
Published: July 2002

Revisits the literature on strategic human resource development (SHRD) in the context of Garavan’s work on the characteristics of SHRD. A conceptual framework is constructed that redefines SHRD stressing a shaping rather than supporting role for HRD in relation to corporate strategy. The concept of strategic maturity in HRD is examined linking the work of Garavan; Lee and McCracken; and Wallace. The resulting model of strategic maturity is then analysed empirically using data from a major questionnaire and interview survey. A new model of strategic partnerships in HRD is then proposed.
Strategic Planning in Higher Education
Authors: Conway Tony , Mackay Stephen , Yorke David
Published: July 2002

The Education Reform Act 1988 brought about a number of radical changes
in the structure and funding of UK higher education institutions
particularly within the “new university” and college sector. As a result,
they now operate within a much greater competitive context and need
therefore to incorporate a greater market orientation into their
strategic planning process in order to acquire a competitive advantage
over their rivals. Reports on exploratory research undertaken to assess
the degree to which these higher education institutions are aware of the
complexity of the student′s role and whether this complexity is
considered in the development of an institutions mission statement.
Assesses the degree to which institutions display an awareness of the
various types of customer that need to be taken into consideration when
formulating their strategic plans.
Teaching management in the Arab world
Authors: Ali Abbas J. , Camp Robert C.
Published: July 2002

Addresses issues related to teaching management in the Arab world.
Discusses issues of growth, poor quality and lack of vision. Contrasts
American and Arab cultural profiles and their management implications.
Specifies the illusions that seem to prevail in some quarters in the
Arab world regarding management and its culture.
Critical success factors for international education marketing
Authors: Mazzarol Tim
Published: July 2002

This paper draws on the findings of a survey of 315 education institutions from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and the USA. Respondents were asked to rate their institutions’ overall performance on a series of 17 items that an examination of the literature and previous in‐depth interviews identified as being critical to the success of education institutions seeking to market themselves internationally. A factor analysis of these items identified four underlying dimensions. Promotion and Recruitment, Image and Resources, People and Culture and Coalition and Forward Integration. The relative success of these institutions was then measured using a scale consisting of four indicators relating to: growth in enrolments, demand, short to medium‐term outlook and financial benefits. A logistic regression model was then constructed to identify which of these success factors were possible determinants of institutional success. Two factors, Image and Resources, and Coalition and Forward Integration were found to be significant predictors of market success.
The bra design process ‐ a study of professional practice
Authors: Hardaker C.H.M. , Fozzard G.J.W.
Published: July 2002

States that bra design is a highly specialized process requiring a combination of design creativity, precision pattern making skills and a detailed knowledge of fabric performance. Although there is substantial published material cataloguing the historical origins of the garment, there is little information documenting the bra design and manufacture. Examines the design process, following a survey of professional designers. Describes a common framework along with the variations in individual working methods. Emphasizes the high dependence on heuristic knowledge and the reliance on physical prototyping in the design cycle.
Institutional variables and perceived environmental concerns in
higher education
Authors: Michael Steve O.
Published: July 2002

Discusses the effects of financial constraints of the 1980s and
1990s which are being felt in all aspects of institutions of higher
education. Looks into the differences and similarities in institutional
leaders′ opinions with respect to environmental concerns based on the
size, age, location, and sector of their institutions. Environmental
concerns include government grants, inflation, enrolment issues and
declining resources. Reports slight differences. Implies that all
Alberta, Canada, institutions of higher education, irrespective of their
size, age, location and sector are experiencing similar problems and
perhaps in the same magnitude. Concludes that there is not a deliberate
shift in government funding in favour of one institutional sector over
the other. Suggests that institutional leaders within a system of higher
education should search for ways to form a united front, educate the
general public as to the situation of higher education, and seize the
opportunity presented by the hard times to unfold a new vision and chart
a new course for higher education.
Measuring service quality in a tertiary institution
Authors: Soutar Geoffrey , McNeil Margaret
Published: July 2002

Measures service quality from the point of view of the customer using the SERVQUAL model. The “customers” in this instance were a group of business students at an Australian university. Obtains service quality evaluations in relation to academic and administrative aspects of the educational service. Makes significant negative evaluations in relation to the quality of administrative services. Finds that satisfaction with the academic service was closely related to dependability whereas satisfaction with administrative services was associated with good communication.
A three domain model of teacher and school executive career satisfaction
Authors: Dinham Steve , Scott Catherine
Published: July 2002

This paper presents a model of teacher and school executive satisfaction derived from a study involving 892 respondents in 71 government schools in Western Sydney, Australia. Factor analysis of survey items was utilised to develop an eight factor model of teacher satisfaction. The eight factors were named: school leadership, climate, decision making; merit promotion and local hiring; school infrastructure; school reputation; status and image of teachers; student achievement; workload and the impact of change; and professional self‐growth. Scores on the scales fell into three domains: “core business of teaching” factors (student achievement; professional self‐growth); school level factors (school leadership, climate, decision making; school infrastructure; school reputation); and system level/societal factors (workload and impact of change; status and image of teachers; merit promotion). Respondents were most satisfied with “core business” aspects and least satisfied with system level/societal factors, while school level factors showed the most variation, reflecting the influence of teachers’ specific and varying within‐school experiences. Leadership, communication and decision making styles were found to be important contributing factors to satisfaction with school based aspects of respondents’ roles. It is argued that within the important, school level domain, action to improve teacher satisfaction is most likely to be effective.
Total service quality management
Authors: Peters V. John
Published: July 2002

The purpose of this paper is to discuss service quality and total quality management as a business strategy designed to add value to customers. It begins by discussing the roots of quality assurance and total quality management, TQM, discusses BPR and supply chain management, and argues for a “moments of truth” analysis approach to delivering service quality.
Prediction of turbulent fluid flow and heat transfer in a rotating periodical two‐pass square duct
Authors: Hwang J.J. , Lia T.Y. , Chen S.H.
Published: July 2002

Turbulent fluid flow and heat transfer characteristics are analyzed numerically for fluids flowing through a rotating periodical two‐pass square channel. The smooth walls of this two‐pass channel are subject to a constant heat flux. A two‐equation k‐ε turbulence model with modified terms for Coriolis and rotational buoyancy is employed to resolve this elliptic problem. The duct through‐flow rate and rotating speed are fixed constantly; while the wall heat flux into the fluid is varied to examine the rotating buoyancy effect on the heat transfer and fluid flow characteristics. It is disclosed that the changes in local heat transfer due to the rotational buoyancy in the radially outward flow are more significant than those in the radially inward flow. However, the channel averaged heat transfer is altered slightly due to the rotational buoyancy in the both ducts. Whenever the buoyancy effects are sufficiently strong, the flow reversal appears over the leading face of the radially outward‐flow channel, and the radial distance for initiation of flow separation decreases with increasing the buoyancy parameter. A comparison of the present numerical results with the available experimental data by taking buoyancy into consideration is also presented.
A comparison study on fin surfaces in finned‐tube heat exchangers
Authors: Sheu Tony W.H. , Tsai S.F
Published: July 2002

A three‐dimensional numerical study was conducted to assess the heat transfer performance of extended fins in a two‐row finned tube heat exchanger. Fins under investigation were plane and slit types. A finite volume discretization method and a SIMPLE‐based solution algorithm were, respectively, applied to working differential equations and their discrete counterparts to compute the gas velocities and pressure. The temperatures of solid and gas phases were computed from the same energy equation with different diffusivities and prescribed convective fluxes. The main objective of this study was to compare the transfer capabilities of the two investigated fin shapes. Their capabilities as a whole are presented in terms of the computed Nusselt number and the pressure drop across the flow passage.
Managing information systems’ contingencies in banks: a case study
Authors: Petroni Alberto
Published: July 2002

As information systems (IS) become indispensable, EDP disaster recovery has to become an essential IS function. In this paper, after discussing the criticality of sound planning for information systems disaster recovery in banks, the approach to contingency planning adopted by Banca Commerciale Italiana, one of the largest banks of Italy, is presented. The most crucial point of the whole decision‐making process was the selection of the most reliable layout configuration. Hence, the steps and the simulation methodology followed to such a purpose are illustrated. Finally the benefits and pitfalls of the solution adopted in Banca Commerciale Italiana are discussed.
Multi‐models of quality in education
Authors: Cheong Cheng Yin , Ming Tam Wai
Published: July 2002

Suggests that there is a strong emphasis on the pursuit of education quality in ongoing educational reforms in both local and international contexts. Policies issued to implement educational changes for education quality often fail because of lack of comprehensive understanding of the complex nature of education quality in schools or higher education institutions. Introduces seven models of quality in education: the goals and specifications model; the resources input model; the process model; the satisfaction model; the legitimacy model; the absence of problems model; and the organizational learning model. Concludes that these models can form a comprehensive framework for understanding and conceptualizing quality in education from different perspectives and facilitating development of management strategies for achieving it. The framework can contribute to ongoing policy discussion, school practice, and research development on issues of quality in education institutions.
Identifying effectiveness criteria for Internet payment systems
Authors: Shon Tae‐Hwan , Swatman Paula M.C.
Published: July 2002

The Internet, since its commercialisation, has expanded with tremendous rapidity. This development has been still further assisted by the creation of the World Wide Web, which has caught the imagination of users around the world. As the marketing and provision of goods and services over the Web continues to grow, the missing factor appears to be a well‐accepted and well‐trusted method of paying for these products and services. This paper discusses the problem of internet payment systems (IPS) and reports the results of a research project which attempts to identify and classify effectiveness criteria for IPS. The project was undertaken by means of a Delphi survey of experts in IPS usage and classified types of IPS providers, as well as the factors which each group considers most important. This information was used in the development of our set of IPS effectiveness criteria.
An emotional business: a guide to understanding the motivations of small business decision takers
Authors: Culkin Nigel , Smith David
Published: July 2002

Argues that the way in which the UK Government, through its various departments and quangos, approaches designed to approve the effectiveness of the small business sector, is based on a flawed understanding of how small businesses actually operate. Argues that this naïve, over‐simplistic understanding of the motivation of those in the small business sector means that many government interventions that are made, are blunt instruments destined to fail, given the limited understanding shown of the complexity of the small business market. Presents evidence from two recent studies amongst small firms; a series of large‐scale qualitative studies undertaken for a blue chip company and a mixed study on the Business Link network. The emphasis is based on – using qualitative research – getting to grips with the emotion, ambiguity and complexity that characterises this market.
Teamwork: comparing academic and practitioners’ perceptions
Authors: Ingram Hadyn , Desombre Terry
Published: July 2002

Teamworking is a multi‐dimensional concept which has gained recent popularity and some success in manufacturing, but there is little evidence that large numbers of firms in the service sector have espoused teamworking methods. This paper explores this dilemma by comparing academic perceptions of teamworking, through a review of the literature, with a study of the perceptions of practitioners. Although much has been written about group behaviour, the more recent literature on teamworking is inconclusive and is often derived from anecdotal rather than empirical research. Using information obtained from a recent study, this article suggests that the richness of the teamworking experience is not captured by some of the academic literature. It argues for a view of teamworking that is both grounded in the literature and which represents the views of managers and employees in the service sector.
A historical perspective on fad adoption and abandonment
Authors: Phillips Carson Paula , Lanier Patricia A. , Carson Kerry David , Birkenmeier Betty J.
Published: July 2002

While management is considered relatively immature compared to other social sciences, for over half the lifespan of the discipline, the field has been bombarded with “fads”. For the purposes of this manuscript, fads are defined as “managerial interventions which appear to be innovative, rational, and functional and are aimed at encouraging better organizational performance”. This definition draws on and integrates a number of theorists’ conceptualizations of fads. Notably, however, there is some point at which a fad sufficiently demonstrates its effectiveness in numerous and diverse settings to warrant an evolution from fad status to something which implies more permanence. This issue is addressed in a theoretical model which traces the process of fad adoption using historical bibliometric data. The model offers propositions concerning the precursors, moderators, and outcomes of adoption.
Integrating rapid prototyping into the engineering curriculum ‐ a case study
Authors: Helge Bøhn Jan
Published: July 2002

The emerging rapid prototyping technologies are having a dramatic impact on the engineering design process. When properly integrated, these technologies enable aggressive prototyping throughout the design process and reduce the likelihood of expensive design changes late in the product life cycle. Unfortunately, few engineering students get to experience first‐hand the power of rapid prototyping. Reports on an ongoing experimental introduction of physical rapid prototyping technologies into the engineering curriculum at Virginia Tech. The experiments include a senior technical elective approved for graduate credit dedicated to rapid prototyping, a pilot programme within Engineering Fundamentals, and the use of rapid prototyping equipment in Mechanical Engineering Senior Design.
Development of a binder formulation for fused deposition of ceramics
Authors: McNulty T.F. , Mohammadi F. , Bandyopadhyay A. , Shanefield D.J. , Danforth S.C. , Safari A.
Published: July 2002

A new family of thermoplastic binders has been developed for usage in fused deposition of ceramics (FDC). Mixtures were formulated consisting of a base binder, tackifier, wax, and plasticizer. The resultant formulation was chosen based on mechanical, rheological, and thermal property requirements. A formulation consisting of 100 parts base binder (by weight), along with 20 parts tackifier, 15 parts wax, and five parts plasticizer exhibited an optimized compromise of mechanical, rheological, and thermal properties. This formulation was compounded with 55 vol. per cent lead zirconate titanate (PZT) powder, and extruded into filaments with a diameter of 1.75mm and a length of approximately 50 (+/‐10) cm. The resulting filaments were used to fabricate functional piezoelectric ceramic devices via FDC. The binder development process is described, along with the associated mechanical, rheological, and thermal property data.
A comparison of rapid prototyping techniques used for wind tunnel model fabrication
Authors: Chuk Raymond N. , Thomson Vincent J.
Published: July 2002

For faster new product introduction aerospace companies are interested in reducing the time it takes to make wind tunnel models. The increased capabilities of rapid prototyping technologies has made them attractive for this purpose. A study was done of rapid prototyping technologies and their ability to make components for wind tunnel models in a timely and cost effective manner. Components and corresponding fabrication technologies were put into three categories: non‐structurally loaded, lightly loaded and highly loaded according to the stress endured during wind tunnel tests. Rapid prototyping technologies were found capable for non‐structurally loaded parts, but numerically controlled machining was still best for any part enduring significant loads.
Uncertainty in property valuation – The nature and relevance of uncertainty and how it might be measured and reported
Authors: Mallinson Michael , French Nick
Published: July 2002

There will always be a degree of uncertainty in any valuation, but it should be incumbent upon the valuer to report “abnormal uncertainty”. This arises when some particular condition of the market or the property leads to the valuer being unable to value with the confidence of accuracy which might normally be expected. Abnormal uncertainty now features in the RICS Appraisal and Valuation Manual and later in this paper we consider how the valuer might identify and measure the degree of abnormal uncertainty. But this paper is predominantly concerned with “normal uncertainty”, which hereafter we will term only as “uncertainty”. The thesis of this paper is that uncertainty is a real and universal phenomenon in valuation. The sources of uncertainty are rational and can be identified. They can be described in a practical manner, and, above all, the process of identification and description will greatly assist many clients, and will improve the content and the credibility of the valuer’s work. Common professional standards and methods should be developed for measuring and expressing valuation uncertainty (Recommendation 34, Mallinson Report, RICS, 1994).
The influence of clients on valuations
Authors: Levy Deborah , Schuck Edward
Published: July 2002

The literature on appraisal smoothing and valuer behaviour contains frequent references to the “political pressures” faced by valuers. However, the vast majority of these are either unsubstantiated or based on anecdotal evidence or media reports. Recent research focusing on the issue of pressure similarly suffers from either a lack of formal evidence that particular sources of pressure (e.g. client) actually exist or preconceptions concerning the effect of such pressures. This paper reports on the results of a study which seeks to redress these shortcomings by identifying the non‐methodological factors that affect the values reported to, and ultimately accepted by, clients. The study consists of a series of individual in‐depth interviews with senior New Zealand Registered Valuers addressing the topic of “non‐methodological factors affecting reported values to clients”. Our results indicate that the primary factors affecting the degree to which clients influence valuations, are the type of client, the characteristics of valuers and valuation firms, the purpose of a valuation and the information endowments of clients and valuers.
A note on valuation accuracy: an Australian case study
Authors: Parker David
Published: July 2002

Having considered the quantitatively analytical literature concerning valuation accuracy, a number of practical limitations are identified. Such limitations are then addressed in a small sample case study concerning the simultaneous valuation and sale of a portfolio of seven commercial, retail and industrial properties. The level of valuation accuracy observed is compared to that noted in the quantitatively analytical literature and found to be supportive at the portfolio level, suggesting that such practical limitations may have relatively little effect on the results given in such literature. However, having regard to the range and consistency of accuracy at the individual property level, it is contended that further research into the influences on accuracy at the individual property level could be worthwhile.
Designed protein G core variants fold to native‐like structures: Sequence selection by ORBIT tolerates variation in backbone specification
Authors: Ross Scott A. , Sarisky Catherine A. , Su Alyce , Mayo Stephen L.
Published: July 2002

The solution structures of two computationally designed core variants of the β1 domain of streptococcal protein G (Gβ1) were solved by 1H NMR methods to assess the robustness of amino acid sequence selection by the ORBIT protein design package under changes in protein backbone specification. One variant has mutations at three of 10 core positions and corresponds to minimal perturbations of the native Gβ1 backbone. The other, with mutations at six of 10 positions, was calculated for a backbone in which the separation between Gβ1's α‐helix and β‐sheet was increased by 15% relative to native Gβ1. Exchange broadening of some resonances and the complete absence of others in spectra of the sixfold mutant bespeak conformational heterogeneity in this protein. The NMR data were sufficiently abundant, however, to generate structures of similar, moderately high quality for both variants. Both proteins adopt backbone structures similar to their target folds. Moreover, the sequence selection algorithm successfully predicted all core κ1 angles in both variants, five of six κ2 angles in the threefold mutant and four of seven κ2 angles in the sixfold mutant. We conclude that ORBIT calculates sequences that fold specifically to a geometry close to the template, even when the template is moderately perturbed relative to a naturally occurring structure. There are apparently limits to the size of acceptable perturbations: In this study, the larger perturbation led to undesired dynamic behavior.
Folding units in calcium vector protein of amphioxus: Structural and functional properties of its amino‐ and carboxy‐terminal halves
Authors: Baladi Sibyl , Tsvetkov Philipp O. , Petrova Tatiana V. , Takagi Takashi , Sakamoto Hiroshi , Lobachov Vladimir M. , Makarov Alexander A. , Cox Jos A.
Published: July 2002

Muscle of amphioxus contains large amounts of a four EF‐hand Ca2+‐binding protein, CaVP, and its target, CaVPT. To study the domain structure of CaVP and assess the structurally important determinants for its interaction with CaVPT, we expressed CaVP and its amino (N‐CaVP) and carboxy‐terminal halves (C‐CaVP). The interactive properties of recombinant and wild‐type CaVP are very similar, despite three post‐translational modifications in the wild‐type protein. N‐CaVP does not bind Ca2+, shows a well‐formed hydrophobic core, and melts at 44°C. C‐CaVP binds two Ca2+ with intrinsic dissociation constants of 0.22 and 140 μM (i.e., very similar to the entire CaVP). The metal‐free domain in CaVP and C‐CaVP shows no distinct melting transition, whereas its 1Ca2+ and 2Ca2+ forms melt in the 111°–123°C range, suggesting that C‐CaVP and the carboxy‐ domain of CaVP are natively unfolded in the metal‐free state and progressively gain structure upon binding of 1Ca2+ and 2Ca2+. Thermal denaturation studies provide evidence for interdomain interaction: the apo, 1Ca2+ and 2Ca2+ states of the carboxy‐domain destabilize to different degrees the amino‐domain. Only C‐CaVP forms a Ca2+‐dependent 1:1 complex with CaVPT. Our results suggest that the carboxy‐terminal domain of CaVP interacts with CaVPT and that the amino‐terminal lobe modulates this interaction.
MPtopo: A database of membrane protein topology
Authors: Jayasinghe Sajith , Hristova Kalina , White Stephen H.
Published: July 2002

The reliability of the transmembrane (TM) sequence assignments for membrane proteins (MPs) in standard sequence databases is uncertain because the vast majority are based on hydropathy plots. A database of MPs with dependable assignments is necessary for developing new computational tools for the prediction of MP structure. We have therefore created MPtopo, a database of MPs whose topologies have been verified experimentally by means of crystallography, gene fusion, and other methods. Tests using MPtopo strongly validated four existing MP topology‐prediction algorithms. MPtopo is freely available over the internet and can be queried by means of an SQL‐based search engine.
The effect of net charge on the solubility, activity, and stability of ribonuclease Sa
Authors: Shaw Kevin L. , Grimsley Gerald R. , Yakovlev Gennady I. , Makarov Alexander A. , Pace C. Nick
Published: July 2002

The net charge and isoelectric pH (pI) of a protein depend on the content of ionizable groups and their pK values. Ribonuclease Sa (RNase Sa) is an acidic protein with a pI = 3.5 that contains no Lys residues. By replacing Asp and Glu residues on the surface of RNase Sa with Lys residues, we have created a 3K variant (D1K, D17K, E41K) with a pI = 6.4 and a 5K variant (3K + D25K, E74K) with a pI = 10.2. We show that pI values estimated using pK values based on model compound data can be in error by >1 pH unit, and suggest how the estimation can be improved. For RNase Sa and the 3K and 5K variants, the solubility, activity, and stability have been measured as a function of pH. We find that the pH of minimum solubility varies with the pI of the protein, but that the pH of maximum activity and the pH of maximum stability do not.