bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elucidation of Gene Interaction Networks Through Time-Lagged Correlation Analysis of Transcriptional Data
Authors: Schmitt William A. , Raab R. Michael , Stephanopoulos Gregory
Published: August 2004

The photosynthetic cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. strain PCC 6803 uses a complex genetic program to control its physiological response to alternating light conditions. To study this regulatory program time-series experiments were conducted by exposing Synechocystis sp. to serial perturbations in light intensity. In each experiment whole-genome DNA microarrays were used to monitor gene transcription in 20-min intervals over 8- and 16-h periods. The data was analyzed using time-lagged correlation analysis, which identifies genetic interaction networks by constructing correlations between time-shifted transcription profiles with different levels of statistical confidence. These networks allow inference of putative cause-effect relationships among the organism's genes. Using light intensity as our initial input signal, we identified six groups of genes whose time-lagged profiles possessed significant correlation, or anti-correlation, with the light intensity. We expanded this network by using the average profile from each group of genes as a seed, and searching for other genes whose time-lagged profiles possessed significant correlation, or anti-correlation, with the group's average profile. The final network comprised 50 different groups containing 259 genes. Several of these gene groups possess known light-stimulated gene clusters, such as Synechocystis sp. photosystems I and II and carbon dioxide fixation pathways, while others represent novel findings in this work.
Indel-Based Evolutionary Distance and Mouse–Human Divergence
Authors: Ogurtsov Aleksey Y. , Sunyaev Shamil , Kondrashov Alexey S.
Published: August 2004

We propose a method for estimating the evolutionary distance between DNA sequences in terms of insertions and deletions (indels), defined as the per site number of indels accumulated in the course of divergence of the two sequences. We derive a maximal likelihood estimate of this distance from differences between lengths of orthologous introns or other segments of sequences delimited by conservative markers. When indels accumulate, lengths of orthologous introns diverge only slightly slower than linearly, because long indels occur with substantial frequencies. Thus, saturation is not a major obstacle for estimating indel-based evolutionary distance. For introns of medium lengths, our method recovers the known evolutionary distance between rat and mouse, 0.014 indels per site, with good precision. We estimate that mouse–human divergence exceeds rat–mouse divergence by a factor of 4, so that mouse–human evolutionary distance in terms of selectively neutral indels is 0.056. Because in mammals, indels are ∼14 times less frequent than nucleotide substitutions, mouse–human evolutionary distance in terms of selectively neutral substitutions is ∼0.8.
Early Genetic Mechanisms Underlying the Inhibitory Effects of Endostatin and Fumagillin on Human Endothelial Cells
Authors: Mazzanti Chiara M. , Tandle Anita , Lorang Dominique , Costouros Nick , Roberts David , Bevilacqua Generoso , Libutti Steven K.
Published: August 2004

A tumor needs to initiate angiogenesis in order to develop its own blood supply, to grow, to invade, and to spread. Angiogenesis, under normal conditions, is a tightly regulated balance between endogenous pro- and antiangiogenic factors. In this study, we investigated, by microarray analysis, the effects of two known antiangiogenic agents (endostatin and fumagillin) on the gene expression profiles of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) in order to elucidate pathways common to the effects of these agents. We observed a majority of gene expression changes within 1 and 2 h of treatment. The genes demonstrating these early expression changes are involved in cell proliferation, gene transcription, and a number have unknown functions. We selected four genes (DOC1, KLF4, TC-1, ID1) from the microarray profile that showed a similar pattern of expression for both of the antiangiogenic agents we tested. We then used small interfering RNAs (siRNA) in an attempt to better understand the role of these selected genes in the inhibitory activity of these agents. Because the gene expression changes occurred within 1 and 2 h of treatment, these genes might be involved in the initial pathways of angiogenesis inhibition.
Optimal Haplotype Block-Free Selection of Tagging SNPs for Genome-Wide Association Studies
Authors: Halldórsson Bjarni V. , Bafna Vineet , Lippert Ross , Schwartz Russell , De La Vega Francisco M. , Clark Andrew G. , Istrail Sorin
Published: August 2004

It is widely hoped that the study of sequence variation in the human genome will provide a means of elucidating the genetic component of complex diseases and variable drug responses. A major stumbling block to the successful design and execution of genome-wide disease association studies using single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and linkage disequilibrium is the enormous number of SNPs in the human genome. This results in unacceptably high costs for exhaustive genotyping and presents a challenging problem of statistical inference. Here, we present a new method for optimally selecting minimum informative subsets of SNPs, also known as “tagging” SNPs, that is efficient for genome-wide selection. We contrast this method to published methods including haplotype block tagging, that is, grouping SNPs into segments of low haplotype diversity and typing a subset of the SNPs that can discriminate all common haplotypes within the blocks. Because our method does not rely on a predefined haplotype block structure and makes use of the weaker correlations that occur across neighboring blocks, it can be effectively applied across chromosomal regions with both high and low local linkage disequilibrium. We show that the number of tagging SNPs selected is substantially smaller than previously reported using block-based approaches and that selecting tagging SNPs optimally can result in a two- to threefold savings over selecting random SNPs.
Parallel computing for passage retrieval
Authors: MacFarlane A. , Robertson S.E. , McCann J.A.
Published: August 2004

In this paper methods for both speeding up passage processing and examining more passages using parallel computers are explored. The number of passages processed are varied in order to examine the effect on retrieval effectiveness and efficiency. The particular algorithm applied has previously been used to good effect in Okapi experiments at TREC. This algorithm and the mechanism for applying parallel computing to speed up processing are described.
Political hacktivism: tool of the underdog or scourge of cyberspace?
Authors: Auty Caroline
Published: August 2004

Using the Internet as a means of registering discontent with politicians, policies and groups is a growing phenomenon. There are various ways of manifesting protest on the Internet, including building protest sites, cyber‐squatting, defacing Web sites and organising denial of service attacks. Some of these methods are extremely effective, being cheap to use and requiring limited technical ability. Others err on the wrong side of the law and involve full‐scale hacking. Overall, hacktivism can be a productive part of the political process.
The prospects for e‐government on digital television
Authors: Gunter Barrie
Published: August 2004

The UK Government has set targets for its services to be available online by 2005. It is hoped that electronic public services will improve quality and efficiency of delivery, enhance public access to essential services, and achieve cost economies. While attention initially focussed on the Internet as the key platform for online public service delivery, digital television may eventually become the platform of choice. Television's wider penetration and familiarity gives it an edge over the Internet. A number of pilot projects and initiatives have been instigated by Government to explore the potential of digital television (DTV). This paper presents a review of early evidence to emerge about DTV services and public opinion from DTV pilots. While DTV can provide wider access than the Internet in terms of demographic reach, its limited interactivity and the relearning that viewers will need to undergo may limit its initial applications and adoption. Significant problems remain with the usability of basic DTV services, resulting in certain sectors of society being excluded. This exclusion is more pronounced when considering the most complex applications of DTV, such as interactive services. Widespread acceptance of the digital switchover will require a shift in mindset of the television audience as a different paradigm of television use comes to the fore.
Knowledge management in three financial organisations: a case study
Authors: Squier Martie M. , Snyman Retha
Published: August 2004

The article is a report of an investigation of the current state of knowledge management implementation in three South African financial organisations. Two data collection methods were used, namely a questionnaire and face‐to‐face interviews with senior representatives of the organisations. Although some of the respondents felt that knowledge management is another fad, the majority of the respondents indicated that knowledge management is a major strategic imperative for staying competitive. They also regard their organisations as knowledge‐based businesses. Three‐quarters of the respondents reported that the most compelling reason for investing in knowledge management was increased value for customers. Although various barriers to knowledge management were identified, the results of the case studies indicated that knowledge management was seen as a new way to expose tacit knowledge, as well as a more effective way of creating and organising corporate knowledge.
Research into young people's information‐seeking: perspectives and methods
Authors: Shenton Andrew K.
Published: August 2004

Despite the fact that effective information skills are a prerequisite for young people in today's society, relatively little is known about how youngsters actually find information. The existing knowledge base on the subject is scanty and piecemeal, and few efforts have been made to explore, as an entirety, studies of young people's information‐seeking and to isolate the methods, perspectives and strategies that researchers have adopted. Examination of these areas can alert prospective investigators to issues that they should explore and approaches that they might wish to take in their own work. Matters for consideration include the purposes of past studies, the specific focuses that have been under scrutiny, the techniques that have been employed for gathering and analysing data, and stances that have been taken with regard to the generalisablility/transferability of findings.
Review of the Web sites for Chinese archaeology
Authors: Fan Ka‐wai , Yuen Yan Lai Celine
Published: August 2004

The ability to sift through the ever‐increasing amounts of information made available online to find quality and accurate data is becoming more important every day. Using credibility, accuracy, reasonableness, support, and uniqueness as criteria for Web site evaluation, the authors analyse five Web sites in an effort to determine the value and quality of the information. This article discusses the evaluation of Web sites dedicated to Chinese archaeology, and also points to six main characters of online resources for the subject area. In addition, questions are raised concerning the extent to which online Chinese archaeological resources can advance general awareness of the field and contribute to a growing body of knowledge. The authors hope this article sheds light on some of the challenges that need to be overcome when attempting to present this information to the global community.
The mycotoxin profiles and dominant mycoflora distribution in foods and agricultural products in Turkey
Authors: Topal R.S.
Published: August 2004

More than 2,000 samples, representing 73 different kinds of Turkish foodstuffs and agricultural products, were analysed for total mould flora. The samples were collected from nine different agricultural regions and from 34 different cities of Turkey. A total of 1,977 isolates, representing 1,317 species and 40 different genera, were scanned for mycotoxin‐producing activities, using 31 different mycotoxin standards. Qualitative screening indicated 32.5 per cent of the cultures were able to produce mycotoxin, with 19 different types of mycotoxins identified. Dominant mould isolates varied by region. The dominant mycotoxins, respectively, were “roquefortin C” and “sterigmatocystin”. The extent of contamination was also determined and a mycotoxin risk profile was constructed for each agricultural region of Turkey.
Effect of acha (Digitaria exilis staph) and millet (Pennisetum typhodium) grain on kunun zaki
Authors: Ayo J.A.
Published: August 2004

Acha and millet were cleaned, steeped in water, washed and spiced. Dry, granulated sweet potato was added and wet milled to produce a slurry. Two‐thirds of the slurry were gelatinized by the addition of boiled water and allowed to stand for two hours before the temperature was dropped to 50°C. The third part of the fresh slurry was added, mixed and allowed to stand for 12 hours, filtered through a cloth and sweetened by sucrose to produce kunun zaki. The effect of the two grains on the physiochemical properties (viscosity, total soluble solids, total solids, acidity, protein, fat, ash, moisture, carbohydrate and specific density) and sensory (colour, taste, odour, texture) quality were assessed. The physiochemical properties of the two grains were relatively similar. The mean scores for the flavour (odour and taste) are significantly different (P ≤ 0.05) with the acha based kunun zaki being more acceptable.
An exploration of the relationships between food lifestyle and vegetable consumption
Authors: Nijmeijer Marieke , Worsley Anthony , Astill Brian
Published: August 2004

A short questionnaire was completed by 276 South Australian consumers, which examined postulated relationships between personal values, food lifestyle, demographics and their usual consumption of 24 vegetables. Principal components analyses showed that consumers' vegetable consumption could be divided into several categories, most notably salad and boiled vegetables. In multiple regression analyses different sets of values and lifestyle factors predicted intakes of overall vegetable (Rsq=27 per cent), salad (16 per cent) and boiled (27 per cent) vegetables. Path analysis revealed a complex set of pathways leading from values and personal demographics through motives, perceived food attributes and cooking skills to consumption. These partly confirmed the food lifestyle model proposed by Grunert et al. The findings show that vegetable consumption has a number of contextual and cognitive antecedents but strongly suggest that other likely predictive variables require investigation.
Producers and consumers of organic meat
Authors: McEachern Morven G. , Willock Joyce
Published: August 2004

Research into organic production is internationally widespread but has rarely focused on producer's motivations for adopting organic farming techniques and whether organic consumers share their values. As conventional agricultural prices remain depressed, questions arise surrounding producer's motivations towards organic production. For example, are motivations based on economic rather than ethical decisions? Additionally, what motivations underpin consumer's organic purchases and are those values shared between producers and consumers? Using postal questionnaires, the attitudes and motivations of both producers and consumers towards organic livestock production, are explored. Future recommendations are made to the industry with regard to the UK market for organically produced meat.
Auditing and continual improvement in the meat industry in Canada
Authors: Hepner Ingrid , Wilcock Anne , Aung May
Published: August 2004

The objective of this study was to explore the use of auditing as a tool for continual improvement in the meat industry of Southwestern Ontario, Canada. Participants in the study represented the supply chain and included federal slaughterhouses, federal processors of ready‐to‐eat meat products, government agencies involved in auditing and inspection, and the retail sector involved in the auditing of meat facilities. Using in‐depth interviews, the extent of auditing and its implementation on the continual improvement process were explored. Auditing activities were conducted as required for government recognition, retailer approval, and the facility's maintenance of its Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) programme. Correction of deviations identified during audits led to continual improvement activities. However, only two of the participants described secondary quality management schemes that linked auditing with continual improvement.
Halloumi: exporting to retain traditional food products
Authors: Gibbs Paul , Morphitou Ria , Savva George
Published: August 2004

This case study considers what marketing action the producers of halloumi in the Republic of Cyprus ought to take to secure their domestic and export markets. Halloumi is promoted as the national branded product of Cyprus. Its manufacture in Cyprus is mainly undertaken by large dairy producers, but a substantial part of production still remains with small commercial enterprises and farms. Consumption in the Republic is mediated through tourism that acts both to increase consumption and as a conduit to create export demand. The current structure of support for, and supply of milk for the cheese in general, and halloumi in particular, will change when Cyprus enters the EU in 2004.
Matrix structures and the training implications
Authors: Rees W. David , Porter Christine
Published: August 2004

Matrix structures are increasingly used in organisations as they become more complex and as the pace of change increases. They are similar to project management arrangements, although matrix structures may be a permanent feature. Matrix structures, like project management, involve the creation and management of multi‐disciplinary teams. The team leaders have a dual reporting relationship. For the structures to work effectively they should only be introduced when appropriate and even then after careful planning. An important aspect is the training of multi‐disciplinary team leaders. However, it can also be crucial to ensure that those other key members of management who need to monitor and support matrix structures are properly selected and have received appropriate management training.
Systemic working: the constellations approach
Authors: Wade Helen
Published: August 2004

This paper introduces a new approach to diagnosing issues, be they individual, departmental, or for the whole group of companies. It gives a very basic outline about constellations and focuses on their practical uses. Some key themes are highlighted that underpin the approach. The author shows how the underlying ideas associated with constellations can be used without necessarily doing a constellation. Using this approach speeds up the process of understanding issues. The underlying themes may also inform your way of approaching work without having to undertake a constellation. “Organisational constellations” is a relatively new technique within organisations, particularly in the UK. It is so powerful in its clarity of diagnosis, speed and potential for option‐testing that all managers and directors would benefit from its use.
Modernisation in the corridors of power
Authors: Owen Godfrey C.
Published: August 2004

Local authorities are currently undergoing one of the biggest periods of organisational change in their entire history. The drivers are twofold; legislation from central government and a need to be more accountable to their electorate and what is more, the timescale is extremely aggressive. Change is one of the most disruptive processes that any organisation can go through and one of the biggest traps in managing change is underestimating the resistance of the people whom the change affects. Involving people in the planning and implementation process reduces the risk of resistance and offers them a sense of control over the transformation taking place. States recent research conducted with some of the UK's leading County Councils shows that implementing an effective change management strategy can dramatically reduce the time and cost of transition. It will also result in a stronger, more focussed and more cohesive organisation.
Intuitive coaching – summary
Authors: Murray Eileen
Published: August 2004

Intuition calls upon combined wisdom acquired during a lifetime. It is a speedy, creative and subconscious process that can get to the truth of things without reasoning or analysis. It works sufficiently often to be taken seriously. Coaching an unregulated profession, can deliver successful results through the intuitive approaches of both the coach and the coachee. These approaches carry risks which need to be managed through honest assessment and review. Not using intuition is also risky because intuitive insights are at the root of holistic thinking and innovation. Neuroscientific research provides evidence of the power of subconscious mind and confirms that, whilst intuition may be more available to experienced professionals, varying types of intuitive powers are available to all and capable of development. Readers are invited to share their stories and learning about the use of intuition in coaching viaeileen.m.murray@ntlworld.com.
We must have courage, faith and chocolate biscuits
Authors: Stockdale Sue
Published: August 2004

In the training business people face tough situations at times. It could be managing a group of difficult people on a training course, delivering a presentation to 500 people or addressing a conflict situation with colleagues. So what strategies should individuals use to manage stressful situations and focus on success rather than failure? The author has faced many challenging situations in the Arctic, as well as in business and she shares her thoughts on three techniques to help maintain high levels of performance.
Knowledge and the Tego syndrome
Authors: Rabey Gordon P.
Published: August 2004

If communication means transfer of meaning and is defined as the lifeblood of organisations and relationships why is it so frequently blocked by the clots of obfuscation? Communication breakdown is perhaps the greatest destroyer of human relationships at all levels from interpersonal to international. Someone once said “The limits of my language are the limits of my world” (An e‐mail addict?). Acceptance of this is to confess inadequacy. Michelangelo's motto “Ancora Imparo” – Always I am learning – suggests that by asking, listening and responding with words and feelings one can remove misunderstandings, and no one is diminished. Are we in serious danger of losing the human interactions?
Sales training bags the results for Cleanaway
Authors: Landale Anthony
Published: August 2004

A new sales training initiative has helped waste management company, Cleanaway UK, to boost its profits significantly. The focus of the company has been to generate more business in higher margin sectors and underpinning this initiative has been the requirement for the sales team to take a new approach to planning and prospecting. Training delivered by STC has helped to motivate the sales team as well as teaching them how to maintain a regular pipeline of new prospects. Additionally STC has helped participants to develop key skills in the areas of managing their territory and their relationships. One to one executive coaching has run alongside the training to provide support and skills tuition to Cleanaway's sales managers. The results for the company have been stunning with sales consultants more than doubling the number of visits they are making to clients and achieving substantial increases in written contracts.
Examining the link between human resource management orientation and firm performance
Authors: Panayotopoulou Leda , Papalexandris Nancy
Published: August 2004

This paper examines the relationship between HRM (in terms of the orientation of the function) and firm performance in Greek firms, using the universalistic approach. In order to acquire a better view of this much‐researched issue, measures for various aspects of firm performance have been used, controlling for external environment, competitive strategy, and organizational size. The research findings show that HRM has a more significant influence on growth/innovation indices, as opposed to financial performance. Also, high orientation in all HRM models does not lead to improved firm performance, as was initially expected.
Selection criteria and the impact of personality on getting hired
Authors: Moy Jane W. , Lam Kim F.
Published: August 2004

Based on an earlier policy‐capturing study of the Big Five personality traits and general mental ability, this paper explores and analyzes the hiring preference of Hong Kong employers across five important personal attributes, including not only personality but also practical skill dimensions. The preferences and trade‐offs of 300 experienced recruiters were obtained via conjoint analysis, a theoretically grounded statistical tool that is used to discompose and analyze decisions, for assessing the hiring decisions for entry‐level professional positions. Among knowledge, skills, abilities, and personality, the personality of a candidate has a relatively greater impact on the hiring decision. Three of the Big Five personality traits were elected from among five major hiring attributes for effective performance, with conscientiousness being the most dominant attribute across all eight major industries. The other attributes, in order of importance, include English communication skills, openness to new experiences, academic performance, and agreeableness. Discrepancies between intended and actual decisions were also addressed by comparing the results with self‐reported ratings.
Managing employee commitment in the not‐for‐profit sector
Authors: Alatrista José , Arrowsmith James
Published: August 2004

The voluntary and not‐for‐profit sector accounts for an important and growing proportion of employment in the UK though it remains highly under‐researched. Rates of pay are often relatively low, necessitating forms of human resource management that emphasise non‐financial means of eliciting employee motivation and commitment. This paper examines HRM in a major charity that provides services to adults with learning disabilities. It finds that the intrinsic commitment to the job held by employees – which the organisation is trying to tap – can form a competing commitment towards different entities of the organisation. This competing commitment is difficult to reconcile to organizational objectives because it reflects ambivalences in existing power structures and group dynamics. The results have wider relevance to the management of employee commitment in other service sectors.
Labour flexibility in Greek SMEs
Authors: Mihail Dimitrios M.
Published: August 2004

The issue of labour flexibility has sparked controversy in Greece. This empirical study sheds light on workplace flexibility in small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) that employ the vast majority of workers in Greece. The study tries to assess the extent to which Greek SMEs resort to external and internal labour flexibility arrangements to cope with increasing competition and the way they react to recent flexibility‐oriented legislation. The survey is based on case studies and draws heavily on face‐to‐face interviews with 16 small proprietors. It is found that SMEs make little use of external flexibility. Rather they rely on internal flexibility, which stems from extensive Webs of informal employee relations. However, the nature of “informality” varies in small enterprises leading them to adopt different modes of absorbing institutional change.
Directors' remuneration
Authors: Kakabadse Nada K. , Kakabadse Andrew , Kouzmin Alexander
Published: August 2004

There are many ways to construct an incentive program. However, most compensation plans tend to be focused on profitability and profitability‐related accomplishments with little or no incentive for corporate social responsibility. Director's compensation continues to climb with the United States leading and Britain following modestly behind. The question as to where fair pay ends and over‐compensation begins – and what that means for the community – is rarely raised. In order to understand the impact of fair and over‐compensated director's pay on other stakeholders, a geo‐political perspective is proposed that builds on knowledge of existing theories of the firm.
Understanding the new Investors in People standard – lessons from experience
Authors: Collins Lorna A. , Smith Alison J.
Published: August 2004

Investors in People (IIP), the government initiative designed to enhance organisation training and development practices, adopted a new standard in 1999, which focuses on the development of a “training culture” within an organisation. Previous studies of IIP have been conducted on firms accredited using the old standard, and most of these have focused on large firms. Few studies have examined the process of implementing IIP through the eyes of people within the firm and from the point of view of all organisation members. Likewise few studies have examined the process by which accreditation for IIP is achieved under the new standard in small firms where various pressures to adopt the standard may result in significant and wide‐ranging effects on existing organisation culture. This paper discusses the differences between the old and the new standard from a cultural perspective and explores the challenges and impact of implementing the new standard in one small printing firm, Checkprint Ltd, through the eyes of those in the firm. The paper considers possible changes required in the way IIP is implemented and evaluates the applicability of methods used by IIP to determine qualification for accreditation. The paper concludes with implications and recommendations concerning the implementation of IIP.
Digital, Internet‐enabled assembly line and factory modeling
Authors: Ranky Paul G.
Published: August 2004

Digital, Internet‐enabled assembly line and factory modeling is essential for creating hardware and software independent, model‐driven system designs that can be implemented in a variety of different ways on a global‐basis in different countries and industries based on constraints such as cost, quality, productivity, real time responsiveness, technological support, culture, climate, risk factors, and others. In order to make our model‐driven approach practical, we follow an analytical, quantitative and open‐source computational method and use IBM's Rational Rose, UML (unified modeling language). This is an industry‐standard, platform‐independent, object‐oriented software and system analysis/design and documentation method, as well as a language for specifying, constructing, visualizing and documenting complex systems. To illustrate our Internet‐enabled factory design and modeling approach we demonstrate in‐depth examples of our own Internet‐enabled factory system designs, including class diagrams, use case and activity diagrams, and even some automatically generated Java code.
Handling production changes online: example using a robotic palletizing system for the automobile glass industry
Authors: Norberto Pires J.
Published: August 2004

In this industrial case study paper the problem of handling production variations online, i.e. during actual production, is addressed. These variations may occur when it is not possible to exactly guarantee working conditions during a production cycle or between two consecutive cycles. These variations are common in some types of industries, like the glass and ceramic industry, where the products may change slightly during the production cycle. Since it is common to have two or more different model campaigns during a working day, it should be possible to easily parameterize the production system when a new campaign is started. This paper uses a highly‐efficient robotic palletizing system, developed for the partner company Sekurit Saint Gobain (Portugal), to introduce and explain how these problems may be addressed. The paper includes details about practical implementation, along with discussion of options and obtained operational results, showing it to be a good example of human‐machine co‐operation.
Controlling an Internet‐enabled arm robot in an open control laboratory
Authors: Yang S.H. , Zuo X. , Yang L.
Published: August 2004

Internet‐based robotic systems have received much attention in recent years. A number of design issues are essential for designing this new type of robotic systems. This paper addresses the Internet time delay, the user interface design and concurrent user access for an Internet‐enabled arm robot. The implementation and application of the Internet‐enabled arm robot in an open control laboratory has been illustrated as a case study.
Internet‐based remote assembly of micro‐electro‐mechanical systems (MEMS)
Authors: Shen Yantao , Xi Ning , Lai King W.C. , Li Wen J.
Published: August 2004

This paper presents our development of a novel Internet‐based E‐manufacturing system to advance applications in micromanipulation and microassembly using anin situpolyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) piezoelectric sensor. In this system, to allow close monitoring of magnitude and direction of microforces (adhesion, surface tension, friction, and assembly forces) acting on microdevices during assembly, the PVDF polymer films are used to fabricate the highly sensitive 1D and 2D sensors, which can detect the real‐time microforce and force rate information during assembly processes. This technology has been successfully used to perform a tele‐assembly of the surface MEMS structures with force/visual feedback via Internet between USA and Hong Kong. Ultimately, this E‐manufacture system will provide a critical and major step towards the development of automated micromanufacturing processes for batch assembly of microdevices.
An automated system for the assembly of octree models
Authors: Medellín H. , Corney J. , Davies J.B.C. , Lim T. , Ritchie J.M.
Published: August 2004

This paper presents a novel approach for rapid prototyping based on the octree decomposition of 3D geometric models. The proposed method, referred as OcBlox, integrates an octree modeller, an assembly planning system, and a robotic assembly cell into an integrated system that builds approximate prototypes directly from 3D model data. Given an exact 3D model this system generates an octree decomposition of it, which approximates the shape cubic units referred as “Blox”. These cuboid units are automatically assembled to obtain an approximate physical prototype. This paper details the algorithms used to generate the octree's assembly sequence and demonstrates the feasibility of the OcBlox approach by describing a single resolution example of a prototype built with this automated system. An analysis of the potential of the approach to decrease the manufacturing time of physical components is detailed. Finally, the potential of OcBlox to support complex overhanging geometry is discussed.
Coalition of Networked Information (CNI) Task Force Meeting
Authors: Riggs Colby
Published: August 2004

Provides a summary report of the Coalition of Networked Information (CNI) Task Force Meeting held in Alexandria, Virginia in April 2004. These twice‐yearly meeting explore new technologies, content, and applications and aim to further collaboration, to analyze technology policy issues, and to catalyze the development and deployment of new projects. Outlines the themes of the main sessions and briefings.
InfoEyes: A Virtual Reference Service for the Visually Impaired
Authors: Peters Tom , Bell Lori , Ruda Sharon , Brawley Sussman Diana
Published: August 2004

Outlines the introduction of a new service dubbed InfoEyes that was launched early in 2004 to provide online reference services and related information training specifically for print‐impaired individuals. InfoEyes is a multi‐state project involving libraries for the blind and print impaired in 11 states and the District of Columbia. Briefly reports on the genesis, planning, and the first few months of the pilot test phase.
Impact of Internet Use on Agricultural Research Outputs in Nigerian Universities of Agriculture
Authors: Oduwole A.A.
Published: August 2004

This study was carried out to examine the utilization of Internet facilities and its impact on the research outputs of agricultural scientist at the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria during the 2001/2002 academic session. To elicit the necessary information, 210 copies of questionnaire were administered to all academic and research staff of university. Out of the 210 copies administered, 147 copies were completed and were found useful for the study. This constitutes 70 per cent response. The results from the analysis of the responses showed that about half (54 per cent) of the agricultural researchers at the university use the yahoo search engine and that they spend an average one hour pay day browsing the Internet. The study also revealed that respondents use the Internet to find research materials such as journals and conference proceedings, followed by sending and receiving of electronic mails (e‐mail) The study concludes that the use of the Internet for academic research by Agricultural Scientist has improved their research output. The study recommends the training of scientist in information searching and retrieval skills.
A Successful Approach in College‐wide Web Sites Development
Authors: Lin James
Published: August 2004

Focuses on the development of an appropriate Web presence for the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (CHASS) at the University of California, Riverside (UCR), the largest college on the UCR campus, with nineteen academic departments, four formal research centers, offering 55 majors and more than 40 minors. Outlines the vision and the strategy, and summarises the benefits of the project.
Around the World to: The University of Dar es Salaam Library: Collection Development in the Electronic Information Environment
Authors: Kiondo Elizabeth
Published: August 2004

This paper discusses emerging issues in selection and acquisition of electronic information resources in academic libraries of developing countries paying particular attention to the situation at the University of Dar es Salaam Library (www.udsm.ac.tz/library/). First, it discusses in historical perspective the application of information technology in provision of information services and specifically the provision of electronic information services at this university. Then it identifies emerging and challenging issues related to selection and acquisition of electronic information resources. The emerging issues include the information technology skills of staff and users, technology infrastructure, financial resources and collection development and management policy. In conclusion, the paper strategizes the way forward to make selection and acquisition of e‐resources contribute towards promotion of research, scholarly communication, teaching and learning at African universities.
Those who serve drinks: a study of barstaff
Authors: Pratten John D.
Published: August 2004

The pub owning companies are placing a large and increasing emphasis on customer satisfaction, and are regularly modifying their training programmes to emphasise this requirement. All employees must be aware of their duty in this area. The independent sector is less well‐trained, and may place less emphasis on ensuring that staff are aware of customer needs. In an increasingly competitive market place, this seems a dangerous strategy. The amount of money that the independent licensee has invested in the business makes it appear even reckless. This study looks at the training and competence of bar staff, with a limited survey of the training provision offered by licensees in a small town and interviews with several key individuals in the sector. The article then makes recommendations to the industry.
What’s the board’s role in strategy development?: Why you need to redesign your board of directors – an interview with Jay Lorsch
Authors: Allio Robert J.
Published: August 2004

This noted authority on board practices believes that the root cause of board oversight failure lies in the inadequate attention given to the way each board is designed to handle its responsibilities. He outlines a reform agenda. A more active role means that directors will be challenged to understand increasingly complex business operations and finances. The first action needed is to get management and the board mutually to agree on what the financial and competitive goals of the company are. Second, the board needs to be clear on its role. Even though the spectrum of diligent oversight ranges from active participant to passive observer, the board needs to ask answer key questions: What decisions are the board going to make? What decisions need to be left to management? How much oversight is necessary or appropriate? What activities or programs is the board going to monitor?
The architecture and design of the knowledge organization
Authors: Augier Mie , Knudsen Thorbjørn
Published: August 2004

The purpose of this paper is to meet the challenge of modeling knowledge organization by introducing a new, unifying, way of thinking about the organization of knowledge. Building on ideas set forth in the behavioral theory of the firm we present a modeling framework in which the central idea is to represent the organization of knowledge as a structure that defines the flow of information among members with limited levels of cognitive skill. Such a structure is referred to as an architecture. The need to design architectures that help their members make less errors by rejecting bad alternatives and accepting good ones is an important but largely overlooked issue in knowledge management. The present article offers an approach to think about this issue in a systematic way. The use of the proposed modeling framework is illustrated through examples. The article omits a treatment of the technical details of the proposed modeling framework. A useful way of designing organizations that make less error is outlined. This paper advances a new way of thinking about knowledge organizations that may be relevant for both researchers and practitioners.
Enabling knowledge creation in far‐flung teams: best practices for IT support and knowledge sharing
Authors: Malhotra Arvind , Majchrzak Ann
Published: August 2004

This paper provides an insight into how companies faced with hypercompetitive environments are leveraging their globally dispersed knowledge resources through far‐flung teams. Far‐flung teams are virtual teams that are multi‐unit/multi‐organizational, multi‐functional, globally dispersed and conduct their interdependent activities mainly through electronic media with minimal or no face‐to‐face interactions. A multi‐phase multi‐method study of 55 successful far‐flung teams. The first phase followed a highly successful far‐flung team over a period of ten months. The second phase involved survey participation from members of several far‐flung teams in multiple companies across multiple industries. Distinct communication and knowledge sharing norms emerge in successfuly far‐flung teams. Four different types of IT support are required for task coordination, external connectivity, distributed cognition and interactivity. The communication and knowledge sharing norms that emerged can be used to test impact on failure/success of other far‐flung teams. The impact of each of the four disctinct types of IT support has to be taken into account when studying far‐flung teams. Teams have to achieve a strategic fit between task characteristics, team composition and information technology support to overcome the barriers to knowledge sharing and successful creation of new knowledge in extreme environments faced by far‐flung teams. This paper takes an extensive multi‐methodology empirical approach to exploring successful far‐flung teams. It provides a theoretical model for future research on far‐flung teams.
Quantum Theory and the Resurrection of Jesus
Authors: Tune Anders S.
Published: August 2004

Abstract:  Ever since the time of Hume it has been a truism that the worldview of empirical science, and Christian assertion of the resurrection of Jesus, are antithetical to each other. Yet post‐Newtonian science, and especially quantum theory, suggests the need for a reappraisal of this truism. This reappraisal will first examine the implications of the indeterminism of the quantum world, to consider the physical possibility of Jesus’ resurrection. Second, an appraisal of the historical evidence will suggest the likelihood of Jesus’ resurrection. Finally, I will consider some implications of all this for contemporary Christian thought.
Women's Rights, the European Court, and Supranational Constitutionalism
Authors: Cichowski Rachel A.
Published: August 2004

This analysis examines supranational constitutionalism in the European Union (EU). In particular, the study focuses on the role of the European Court of Justice in the creation of women's rights. I examine the interaction between the Court and member state governments in legal integration, and also the integral role that women's advocates—both individual activists and groups—have played in the development of EU social provisions. The findings suggest that this litigation dynamic can have the effect of fueling the integration process by creating new rights that may empower social actors and EU organizations, with the ultimate effect of diminishing member state government control over the scope and direction of EU law. This study focuses specifically on gender equality law yet provides a general framework for examining the case law in subsequent legal domains, with the purpose of providing a more nuanced understanding of supranational governance and constitutionalism.
Accuracy analysis, dem generation and validation using russian tk‐350 stereo‐images
Authors: Büyüksalih Gürcan , Koçak Güven , Oruç Murat , Akçin Hakan , Jacobsen Karsten
Published: August 2004

TK‐350 stereo‐scenes of the Zonguldak testfield in the north‐west of Turkey have been analysed. The imagery had a base‐to‐height ratio of 0·52 and covered an area of 200 km × 300 km, with each pixel representing 10 m on the ground. Control points digitised from 1:25 000 scale topographic maps were used in the test. A bundle orientation was executed using the University of Hanover program BLUH and PCI Geomatica OrthoEngine AE software packages. Tests revealed that TK‐350 stereo‐images can yield 3D geopositioning to an accuracy of about 10 m in planimetry and 17 m in height. A 40 m resolution digital elevation model (DEM) was generated by the PCI system and compared against a reference DEM, which was derived from digitised contour lines provided by 1:25 000 scale topographic maps. This comparison showed that accuracy depends mainly on the surface structure and the slope of the local terrain. Root mean square errors in height were found to be about 27 and 39 m outside and inside forested areas, respectively. The matched DEM demonstrated a systematic shift against the reference DEM visible as an asymmetric shift in the frequency distribution. This is perhaps caused by the presence of vegetation and buildings.