bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation, characterization, and antimicrobial activity of quaternized chitosan/organic montmorillonite nanocomposites
Authors: Wang Xiaoying , Du Yumin , Yang Jianhong , Tang Yufeng , Luo Jiwen
Published: July 2007

Quaternized chitosan/layered silicate nanocomposite was prepared by simple solution‐mixing in aqueous media. Montmorillonite (MMT) modified with cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide was used as an organically modified layered silicate. XRD and TEM analyses respectively confirmed that silicate layers of MMT were intercalated and nicely distributed in quaternized chitosan matrix in despite of the high content of MMT (25–50 wt %). The interactions between the quaternized chitosan macromolecules and MMT in aqueous media were analyzed using FTIR, XRD, and ζ‐potential measurements. Antimicrobial studies showed that the nanocomposites could strongly inhibit the growth of a wide variety of microorganisms, including Gram‐positive bacteria, Gram‐negative bacteria, and fungi; more importantly, they exhibited good antimicrobial capacity in whichever medium, in weak acid, water, or weak base. As the amount of MMT increased, the nanocomposites had better inhibitory effect on microorganisms, especially Gram‐positive bacteria. The lowest minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) value of the nanocomposites against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis were less than 0.00313% (w/v) under all the conditions. The adsorption action of MMT on bacteria was simply discussed via SEM images. The results revealed that the strong antimicrobial of the nanocomposites may be attributed to the fine dispersion and the interaction between quaternized chitosan and MMT. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008
Influence of energy and pulse repetition rate of Er:YAG laser on enamel ablation ability and morphological analysis of the laser‐irradiated surface
Authors: Corona Silmara Aparecida Milori , Souza‐Gabriel Aline Evangelista , Chinelatti Michelle Alexandra , Pécora Jesus Djalma , Borsatto Maria Cristina , Palma‐Dibb Regina Guenka
Published: July 2007

Objective: To assess the influence of energy and pulse repetition rate of Er:YAG laser on the enamel ablation ability and substrate morphology. Methods: Fifteen crowns of molars were sectioned in four fragments, providing 60 samples, which were ground to flatten the enamel surface. The initial mass was obtained by weighing the fragments. The specimens were hydrated for 1 h, fixed, and a 3‐mm‐diameter area was delimited. Twelve groups were randomly formed according to the combination of laser energies (200, 250, 300, or 350 mJ) and pulse repetition rates (2, 3, or 4 Hz). The final mass was obtained and mass loss was calculated by the difference between the initial and final mass. The specimens were prepared for SEM. Data were submitted to ANOVA and Scheffé test. Results: The 4 Hz frequency resulted in higher mass loss and was statistically different from 2 and 3 Hz (p < 0.05). The increase of frequency produced more melted areas, cracks, and unselective and deeper ablation. The 350 mJ energy promoted greater mass loss, similar to 300 mJ. Conclusions: The pulse repetition rate influenced more intensively the mass loss and morphological alteration. Among the tested parameters, 350 mJ/3 Hz improved the ability of enamel ablation with less surface morphological alterations. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008
Cell‐surface interactions of rat tooth germ cells on various biomaterials
Authors: Chen Rung‐Shu , Chen Yi‐Jane , Chen Min‐Huey , Young Tai‐Horng
Published: July 2007

This is the first study to explore the effect of biomaterial on tooth germ cell adhesion and proliferation in vitro. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of cell–surface interactions of tooth germ cells on biomaterials with various surface hydrophilicities. The biomaterials used in this study included polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA), poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl alcohol; EVAL), and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). Cell morphology was observed by photomicroscopy. Cell growth was assayed with 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) reduction activity and the characteristic expression of amelogenin and collagen type I in tooth germ cells was investigated using immunocytochemistry. The results indicated that adhesion and proliferation of tooth germ cells to biomaterials with moderate hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity was superior compared to most hydrophobic material PVDF or mosthydrophilic material PVA in this study. Cellular adhesion and proliferation was evident on all tested biomaterials except PVA. The cell spheroids on PVA appeared not to be proliferated and remained as well as reattachable to tissue culture plates. In conclusion, biomaterials with moderate hydrophilicity are suitable for adhesion and proliferation of tooth germ cells. The material PVA may be a good biomaterial for maintaining tooth germ cells in three‐dimensional biological restoration. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2007
Calcium sulfate acts on the miRNA of MG63E osteoblast‐like cells
Authors: Palmieri Annalisa , Pezzetti Furio , Brunelli Giorgio , Scapoli Luca , Muzio Lorenzo Lo , Scarano Antonio , Martinelli Marcella , Carinci Francesco
Published: July 2007

Calcium sulfate (CaS) is a highly biocompatible material and enhances bone formation in vivo. However, how CaS alters osteoblast activity to promote bone formation is incompletely understood. We therefore investigated the translation regulation in osteoblasts exposed to CaS by using microRNA microarray techniques. Transduction, transcription, and translation are the three levels of regulation of cell activity. Recently, a new type of translation regulation has been identified: RNA interference (RNAi). RNAi is a process in which microRNA, (miRNA), that is, noncoding RNAs of 19–23 nucleotides can induce sequence‐specific mRNA degradation and/or translational repression. The human genome encodes a few hundred miRNAs that can post‐transcriptionally repress thousands of genes. The miRNA oligonucleotide microarray provides a novel method of carrying out genome‐wide miRNA profiling in human samples. By using miRNA microarrays containing 329 probes designed from Human miRNA sequences, we identified in osteoblast‐like cells line (MG‐63) cultured with CaS (Surgiplaster, Classimplant, Roma, Italy) several miRNA whose expression is significantly modified. The data reported are, to our knowledge, the first study on translation regulation in osteoblasts exposed to CaS. They could be relevant to a better understanding of the molecular mechanism of bone regeneration and as a model for comparing other materials with similar clinical effects. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 2008
Essential role of PSM/SH2‐B variants in insulin receptor catalytic activation and the resulting cellular responses
Authors: Zhang Manchao , Deng Youping , Tandon Ruchi , Bai Cheng , Riedel Heimo
Published: July 2007

The positive regulatory role of PSM/SH2‐B downstream of various mitogenic receptor tyrosine kinases or gene disruption experiments in mice support a role of PSM in the regulation of insulin action. Here, four alternative PSM splice variants and individual functional domains were compared for their role in the regulation of specific metabolic insulin responses. We found that individual PSM variants in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes potentiated insulin‐mediated glucose and amino acid transport, glycogenesis, lipogenesis, and key components in the metabolic insulin response including p70 S6 kinase, glycogen synthase, glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3), Akt, Cbl, and IRS‐1. Highest activity was consistently observed for PSM alpha, followed by beta, delta, and gamma with decreasing activity. In contrast, dominant‐negative peptide mimetics of the PSM Pro‐rich, pleckstrin homology (PH), or src homology 2 (SH2) domains inhibited any tested insulin response. Potentiation of the insulin response originated at the insulin receptor (IR) kinase level by PSM variant‐specific regulation of the Km (ATP) whereas the Vmax remained unaffected. IR catalytic activation was inhibited by peptide mimetics of the PSM SH2 or dimerization domain (DD). Either peptide should disrupt the complex of a PSM dimer linked to IR via SH2 domains as proposed for PSM activation of tyrosine kinase JAK2. Either peptide abolished downstream insulin responses indistinguishable from PSM siRNA knockdown. Our results implicate an essential role of the PSM variants in the activation of the IR kinase and the resulting metabolic insulin response. PSM variants act as internal IR ligands that in addition to potentiating the insulin response stimulate IR catalytic activation even in the absence of insulin. J. Cell. Biochem. 103: 162–181, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inhibition of lipopolysaccharide‐induced inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase‐2 gene expression by 5‐aminoimidazole‐4‐carboxamide riboside is independent of AMP‐activated protein kinase
Authors: Kuo Chih‐Lin , Ho Feng‐Ming , Chang Mei Ying , Prakash Ekambaranellore , Lin Wan‐Wan
Published: July 2007

Recent studies suggest AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK), an enzyme involved in energy homeostasis, might be a novel signaling pathway in regulating inflammatory response, but the precise intracellular mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, we have demonstrated that 5‐aminoimidazole‐4‐carboxamide riboside (AICAR), an activator of AMPK, inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) in macrophages and microglial cells at the gene transcription level. Data obtained from electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and promoter activity assay have further confirmed the ability of AICAR to block LPS‐mediated NF‐κB, AP‐1, CREB, and C/EBPβ activation. However, AICAR did not affect LPS‐mediated IKK, ERK, and p38 activation. Regardless of the ability of AICAR to activate AMPK, the inhibitory effects of AICAR on iNOS and COX‐2 expression were not associated with AMPK. An adenosine kinase inhibitor 5′‐iodotubercidin, which effectively abolished AMPK activation caused by AICAR, did not reverse the anti‐inflammatory effect of AICAR. Moreover, another AMPK activator metformin was not able to mimic the effects of AICAR. Direct addition of AICAR in EMSA assay interrupted binding of NF‐κB, CREB, and C/EBPβ to specific DNA elements. Taken together, this study demonstrates that the anti‐inflammatory effects of AICAR against LPS‐induced iNOS and COX‐2 gene transcription are not associated with AMPK activation, but might be resulting from the direct interference with DNA binding to transcription factors. J. Cell. Biochem. 103: 931–940, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Adsorption of fulvic acids from aqueous solutions by carbon nanotubes
Authors: Wang Shu‐Guang , Liu Xian‐Wei , Gong Wen‐Xin , Nie Wei , Gao Bao‐Yu , Yue Qin‐Yan
Published: July 2007

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were used as adsorbent to remove fulvic acids (FA) from aqueous solutions. The adsorption capacity of CNTs for FA can reach 24 mg g−1 at 5 °C and equilibrium concentration of 18 mg dm−3. The kinetic and thermodynamic parameters, such as rate of adsorption, standard free energy changes (ΔG0), standard enthalpy change (ΔH0) and standard entropy change (ΔS0), have been obtained. Acidic conditions (pH = 2–5) favor FA removal. An increase in the ionic strength or the addition of divalent cations increase the adsorption of FA dramatically (FA = 60 mg dm−3). An increase in the maximum adsorbed amount of FA was observed when treating FA in synthetic seawater. Desorption studies reveal that FA can be easily and quickly removed from CNTs by altering the pH values of the solution. Good adsorption capacity and quick desorption indicate that CNTs are a promising adsorbent to remove FA from aqueous solutions. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of culture temperature on the production of bioactive polysaccharides by Agaricus blazei in batch cultures
Authors: Shu Chin‐Hang , Lin Ko‐Jung , Wen Bor‐Jiun
Published: July 2007

Effects of culture temperature ranging from 20 to 34 °C on cell growth, polysaccharide biosynthesis and the bioactivity of polysaccharides of Agaricus blazei were evaluated via eight batch cultures in steps of 2 °C in a stirred tank bioreactor. Results indicated that the optimal temperature for the biomass was 28 °C with a cell yield of 780 mg g−1, while that for polysaccharide formation was 30 °C with a product yield of 230 mg g−1. Both the β‐glucan content and average molecular weight of the polysaccharides from different temperature‐controlled cultures were closely correlated with their tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) release capability on macrophage cells. The polysaccharides from the low temperature range (20–24 °C) not only had higher relative content of β‐glucan and average molecular weight but also exhibited higher bioactivity compared with those from the high temperature range (30–34 °C). The optimal temperature for the production of bioactive polysaccharides of A. blazei was 24 °C, at which their relatively high molecular weight, β‐glucan content and TNF‐α release capability on macrophage cells were 1650 kDa, 188 mg g−1 and 1560 pg per 5 × 104 cells respectively. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of an emulsifying surfactant on diesel degradation by cultures exhibiting inducible cell surface hydrophobicity
Authors: Mohanty Gita , Mukherji Suparna
Published: July 2007

BACKGROUND: Accumulation of petroleum hydrocarbons in the environment is often attributed to inherently slow degradation rates. This study was conducted to determine if diesel biodegradation by cultures exhibiting inducible cell surface hydrophobicity could be enhanced by addition of a chemical surfactant promoting emulsification. Experiments were designed to determine quantitatively the enhancement in diesel degradation caused by Triton X‐100 for two bacterial cultures, Exiguobacterium aurantiacum and Burkholderia cepacia.

RESULTS: In the presence of Triton X‐100 at twice the critical micelle concentration (CMC) the extent of degradation in whole diesel in 5 days was 1.6–1.8 times that observed over 15 days with no surfactant. The enhancement in overall degradation of diesel range resolved peaks (DRRP, representing n‐alkanes and branched alkanes) was 1.76 and 1.26 times for E. aurantiacum and B. cepacia cultures respectively. Although an enhancement in decay rate was observed for all n‐alkane components, it was most significant for C19, C25 and pristane.

CONCLUSION: For cultures exhibiting direct interfacial uptake, the beneficial effect of an emulsifying surfactant found here is in contrast to earlier studies reporting a detrimental effect due to detachment of cells from the oil/water interface. Surfactant addition may have significant potential in enhancing degradation of the more recalcitrant components. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
A new procedure for the preparative separation and isolation of Z‐ligustilide from the roots of Angelica sinensis
Authors: Yi Tao , Zhang Hao , Xie Jing , Xue Dan
Published: July 2007

A new procedure for the separation and isolation of Z‐ligustilide from the roots of Angelica sinensis (AS) was developed, and the storage conditions for Z‐ligustilide were optimized. Using the present procedure, Z‐ligustilide was enriched by decomposing the Z‐ligustilide dimers yielding Z‐ligustilide and dissolving the polar impurities in hot water. Then, the crude Z‐ligustilide was further purified by a semipreparative HPLC system. The spiked and nonspiked samples were used for the evaluation of the proposed procedure. Recoveries obtained varied from 86.2 to 90.7% and RSDs from 4.0 to 6.6%. The yield and purity of the isolated Z‐ligustilide were found to be 4.57 mg/g and 99.6%, respectively. The results of stability tests have shown that the presence of oxidant contributes to Z‐ligustilide degradation, therefore argon was chosen as a shielding gas for storage. The overall procedure is efficient and convenient which is considered suitable for the preparative separation of Z‐ligustilide from AS.
Separation of pyridine derivatives from synthetic mixtures by pH‐zone‐refining counter‐current chromatography
Authors: Tong Shengqiang , Yan Jizhong , Li Jian , Lou Jianzhong
Published: July 2007

Three novel pyridine derivatives were successfully separated from their partially purified synthetic mixtures by pH‐zone‐refining counter‐current chromatography using a multilayer coil planet centrifuge designed in our laboratory. After equilibration of a two‐phase solvent system consisting of methyl tert‐butyl ether–tetrahydrofuran–water at an optimized volume ratio of 4:6:7, triethylamine (10 mM) was added to the organic phase as a retainer and hydrochloric acid (10 mM) to the aqueous phase as an eluter. Separation runs of 1.20, 1.16, and 1.15 g of three samples yielded three pyridine derivatives in weights of 306, 255, and 314 mg at a high purity of over 98.5, 99.0, and 98.2% (determined by HPLC), respectively. The structures were identified by electron impact mass spectrometry and 1H NMR.
Analysis of 4‐methyl‐piperazine‐1‐carbodithioic acid 3‐cyano‐3,3‐diphenyl‐propyl ester hydrochloride and its major metabolites in rat plasma and tissues by LC‐MS/MS
Authors: Jiang Xiaomei , Ling Xiaomei , Han Fangbin , Li Runtao , Cui Jingrong
Published: July 2007

4‐Methyl‐piperazine‐1‐carbodithioic acid 3‐cyano‐3,3‐diphenylpropyl ester hydrochloride (TM‐208) is a newly synthesized compound, which has shown excellent in vivo and in vitro anticancer activity and low toxicity. To investigate the metabolism of TM‐208 in rats, in the present study, we administered TM‐208 orally to rats and analyzed its metabolites existing in rat plasma and central tissues by LC‐MS/MS. Rat plasma and tissue samples were collected before or after a single oral dose (250 mg/kg) of TM‐208, then the analytes were extracted from samples by liquid–liquid extraction and analyzed using LC‐MS/MS. The structures of proposed metabolites were elucidated according to the rules of drug metabolism and disposition in vivo and the characteristic fragmentation behaviors of TM‐208 in ESI‐ITMSn. Five metabolites (M1–M5) were tentatively or assuredly identified: (2‐amino‐ethyl)‐dithiocarbamic acid 3‐cyano‐3,3‐diphenyl‐propyl ester (M1), (2‐methylamino‐ethyl)‐dithiocarbamic acid 3‐cyano‐3,3‐diphenyl‐propyl ester (M2), 4‐methyl‐piperazine‐1‐carbothioic acid S‐(3‐cyano‐3,3‐diphenyl‐propyl) ester (M3), piperazine‐1‐carbodithioic acid 3‐cyano‐3,3‐diphenylpropyl ester (M4), and sulfine of (4‐methyl‐piperazine‐1‐carbodithioic acid 3‐cyano‐3,3‐diphenylpropyl ester) (M5).
Entwicklung hochverschleißbeständiger wolframschmelzkarbidbasierter Schichten auf Aluminiumbauteilen durch Plasma‐Pulver‐Auftragschweißen
Authors: Kondapalli S. , Balashov B. , Geffers C. , Riedel F.
Published: July 2007

Durch den Einsatz von Wolframschmelzkarbid können Funktionsflächen von Bauteilen mit stark abrasiven Beanspruchungen wirkungsvoll geschützt werden. Bereits seit vielen Jahren wird Wolframschmelzkarbid eingesetzt, um die Verschleißeigenschaften von Stahl zu verbessern. In diesem Artikel werden Ergebnisse von Untersuchungen zum Verschleißschutz von Aluminiumoberflächen mithilfe des Plasma‐Pulver‐Auftragschweißens von wolframschmelzkarbidbasierten Schichten vorgestellt.

Die Wolframschmelzkarbid‐Schichten werden mit zwei Methoden entwickelt, zum einen durch Dispergieren von Wolframschmelzkarbidpartikeln, zum anderen durch eine Kombination aus Dispergieren und Legieren von Verbundpulvern auf Wolframschmelzkarbidbasis. Die Schweißbarkeit der Pulversysteme wird für variierende Auftragschweißparameter und Karbidpartikelanteile untersucht. Im Anschluss erfolgt die Analyse der spezifischen Eigenschaften und der Verschleißbeständigkeit der entwickelten Schichten. Abschließend wird das Anwendungspotenzial am Beispiel von Führungsrollen dargestellt.
Beanspruchungsgerechte Formgebung von Umformwerkzeugen durch formgebendes Plasma‐Pulver‐Auftragschweißen
Authors: Alaluss K. , Matthes K.‐J.
Published: July 2007

Zur Verbesserung der mechanisch‐technologischen Eigenschaften der Umformwerkzeuge (insbesondere mittelgroßer Bauteilgeometrien) hat sich das formgebende Plasma‐Pulver‐Auftragschweißen als Fertigungsmethode etabliert. Es konnte nachgewiesen werden, dass durch den Einsatz von Kobalt‐ und Nickelbasislegierungen die thermomechanischen Eigenschaften dieser Werkzeuge verbessert werden. Mit der Einlagerung von Karbiden in den Kobaltbasis‐Matrixwerkstoff wurden die stark gefährdeten Flächenbereiche der Werkzeugstrukturen besser geschützt und damit die Standzeiten gegenüber den bisher hergestellten Bauteilen aus konventionellen Werkstoffen deutlich erhöht. Mit hergestellten und erprobten Segmenten eines Querwalzwerkzeuges konnten die gewonnenen Kenntnisse überprüft werden, inwieweit sie in die Praxis umsetzbar sind.
Pallidal deep brain stimulation in patients with cranial–cervical dystonia (Meige syndrome)
Authors: Ostrem Jill L. , Marks William J. , Volz Monica M. , Heath Susan L. , Starr Philip A.
Published: July 2007

Idiopathic cranial–cervical dystonia (ICCD) is an adult‐onset dystonia syndrome affecting orbicularis oculi, facial, oromandibular, and cervical musculature. ICCD is frequently difficult to treat medically. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the globus pallidus internus (GPi) is a highly effective treatment for idiopathic generalized dystonia, however less is known about the effect of GPi DBS on ICCD. In this article, we present the results from a pilot study assessing the effect of GPi DBS in a series of patients with ICCD. Six patients underwent bilateral stereotactic implantation of DBS leads into the sensorimotor GPi. Patients were evaluated with the Burke–Fahn–Marsden dystonia rating scale (BFMDRS) and Toronto western spamodic torticollis rating scale (TWSTRS) before surgery and 6 months postoperatively. At 6 months, patients showed a 72% mean improvement in the BFMDRS total movement score (P < 0.028, Wilcoxin signed rank test). The mean BFMDRS disability score showed a trend toward improvement (P < 0.06). The total TWSTRS score improved 54% (P < 0.043). Despite improvement in dystonia, mild worsening of motor function was reported in previously nondystonic body regions with stimulation in 4 patients. Although GPi DBS was effective in these patients, the influence of GPi DBS on nondystonic body regions deserves further investigation. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Small scale socio‐cultural thematic maps for development and administrative planning
Authors: Kent Robert B.
Published: July 2007

Because of the domination of development and administrative planning by economists there has in the past been a concentration on variables that are mostly economic and measurable and a tendency to give insufficient attention to socio‐cultural and socio‐political variables. Now perspectives are changing and there is an awareness of the need to use more accurate and complete data on social and cultural phenomena. There is as a result a need to appreciate the contribution that geographers and cartographers can make. This article reviews the small scale socio‐cultural mapping of third world countries. It considers the available range of such maps and carto‐bibliographical guides, and proceeds to consider how socio‐cultural mapping could be extended in a way that would be useful for development planners and administrators.
From Nicaragua: Experiences with a model for assessing small scale rural development projects
Authors: Taylor Alan J.
Published: July 2007

Following the Managua earthquake, voluntary aid agencies sought a basis on which to allocate money collected for earthquake relief. They needed a method of rapid rural appraisal and this account complements therefore two previous articles on rapid rural appraisal, those by Belshaw (1981) and Chambers (1981). It describes a practical approach to rapid rural appraisal which in Chambers' terminology was intended to be sufficiently quick and clean. A model was developed for assessing projects on three bases—congruence of objectives, surety of achievement and cost vs. benefits. These were analysed into component parts, so producing a matrix according to which projects could be categorized. The aim was to minimize superficiality and error without being encumbered with cumbersome and costly enquiry.
Managing rural development in Botswana
Authors: Leach James
Published: July 2007

Rural development in Botswana has proceeded using a non‐directive approach. During the period 1973–1979 sectoral programmes for promoting development in rural areas have been administered by executive ministries, but, in addition, there has been non‐executive machinery devoted to achieving a co‐ordinated approach to development in rural areas. The emphasis in the work of the non‐executive rural development unit was to promote communication and co‐operation, and the success of the programme so far is partly attributed to this approach. The article points to additional lessons to be learnt from the experience of using this approach.
Local Government and political development in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Bonney Norman
Published: July 2007

The paper examines the history of local government in Papua New Guinea and prospects for it, and offers some comparisons with Commonwealth Africa, particularly East Africa.

The P.N.G. system of local government was influenced by that of Tanganyika but grew to greater proportional significance. Although challenged by the rise of nationalism, as in East Africa, local government has played a much greater role in political development. A significant anti‐council movement challenged the new system, but mirrored its forms. The regional nature of these protests accompanied by a weak nationalist movement, led to strong pressures for decentralization after independence. The 1976 constitutional settlement has established provincial governments with complete control over local government and has posed fundamental questions about the future shape of local government in P.N.G.
Swedish development aid policy: A discussion with reference to Ethiopia
Authors: Sisaye Seleshi
Published: July 2007

Formal Ethio‐Swedish development co‐operation began in 1945 with the signing of a technical assistance treaty in vocational and technical education. Since then Swedish aid has been extended to health, nutrition and agriculture, with agricultural aid constituting the largest share since 1967. Swedish agricultural aid could be classified broadly into the comprehensive and the minimum package programmes. This paper discusses the changes in Swedish rural development assistance from the project to the country programming approach as reflected in the comprehensive and minimum package programme.

This paper shows that the country programming approach to international development assistance is an important contribution to the strategies of delivering foreign assistance. Since the approach utilizes existing government programmes as the starting point for development assistance, and attempts to integrate aid into the national resource base, it can build confidence and mutual working relationships among donors and aid recipients. Moreover, the approach as utilized by Sweden has a three‐year time‐frame, allowing the transfer of funds within Swedish sponsored programmes. The overall strategy objective supports and broadens existing programmes directed to improving the welfare of the rural poor.
Local government innovation in Nigeria and Brazil: A comparative discussion of innovational transfers and intergovernmental relations
Authors: Olowu Dele
Published: July 2007

In planning the reform of local government in Nigeria in 1976, and deciding to give a status to local government in the Nigerian Constitution those involved drew on the experience of Brazil. This article explains how Brazilian arrangements influenced decisions in Nigeria and then compares the experience with the arrangements under the 1946 municipalist constitution in Brazil with what is happening in Nigeria following the 1976 reforms. The author points to similarities in the two countries.
The role of public administrators in public policy making: Practice and prospects in Nigeria
Authors: Koehn Peter
Published: July 2007

In Nigeria, as elsewhere, the role of the career bureaucracy in public policy making has constituted a subject of conflicting interpretation, practice, and prescription. Although higher public servants have always played a major part in shaping public policy, the extent of their involvement has ebbed and flowed in response to legal, structural, and political changes at the federal, state, and local government levels. In recent years, the exercise of policy making and implementing roles by public administrators has evoked mounting public criticism and top‐level career servants in Nigeria have faced unusually serious challenges to their authority. Moreover, confusion over the proper scope of administrative involvement in policy formulation and execution reached new heights both within and outside the public services following the adoption of elected executive forms of government in 1979.

The article traces the shifts in bureaucratic policy‐making roles and relationships which occurred in the First Republic period, under different military regimes, and immediately following the return to civilian rule. The prospect that more fundamental changes will be forthcoming in the nature and extent of administrative involvement in public policy formation and execution is then explored in the context of past and current practice and conventions, key provisions of the 1979 Constitution, and recent social, political, and economic developments. The author concludes that public administrators will continue to be centrally involved in the policy‐making process under present structural arrangements and that a reorientation of the public services away from their prevailing preoccupation with promoting vested interests requires the development of more broadly based political organizations.
The Egyptian public sector: The control structure and efficiency considerations
Authors: Wahba Mourad Magdi
Published: July 2007

The Egyptian public sector is labouring under a mass of legal controls which are proving an obstacle to its efficient running. A variety of government agencies, as well as the Board of Directors and the General Assembly, are burdening each company with regulations and demands for information. The little latitude thus allowed company managers in deciding upon such essential problems as finance, the size of the labour force and the price of output has had severe effects in decreasing the efficiency of each company and of the sector as a whole. Some dynamic company managers are trying to find a way around the system, but this is having negative efficiency and welfare effects. Examples of the negative effects of the mass of controls on problems such as finance and pricing are given in the article. Attempts at forming joint ventures, in order to escape the oppression of belonging to the state, have been made by some companies, but these have met with union opposition in some cases although the state seems to encourage the reduction in investment outlay which this policy might have. The article develops the analysis of the politico administrative framework of economic activity presented by Ayubi (1982).
Planning and budgeting in Pakistan
Authors: Gable Richard W. , Laporte Robert
Published: July 2007

Twenty years ago a pioneering study of planning and budgeting in Pakistan pointed to significant weaknesses. This article reviews the changes made subsequently to the formal processes and assesses how these are currently working. The planning agency is now a permanent organization. Planning and budgeting have been combined and these processes have moved closer to the centre of political power. On the other hand there are difficulties over linking planning and budgeting to the management of economic and fiscal policy; planning is geared to securing foreign aid funds; the planning processes favour large expensive projects which emerge from the more developed areas of the country and discriminate against the smaller projects with a shorter time horizon needed in less developed provinces–thus accentuating economic imbalances. Finally, although the importance of evaluation is recognized, in practice reporting and evaluation are not adequately practised.
Developing St. Helena
Authors: Gillett Simon
Published: July 2007

Isolated in the south Atlantic, St Helena is now one of Britain's more intractable colonial responsibilities. In this paper a senior official with recent experience of the island describes three aspects of its situation which need to be handled in parallel; political advancement, the revival of economic enterprise and formulating an assured British aid policy together with clarification of links with Ascension Island and Britain. The analysis extends understanding of the difficulties of a remote microstate.
The World Bank's perspective on how to improve administration
Authors: Murray David J.
Published: July 2007

The editor assesses the World Bank'sWorld Development Report 1983in which the World Bank reviews how to improve administration and management. In particular he questions the assumptions underlying the case made in the report for the market as a versatile instrument of administration.
Putting ‘projectized’ development in perspective
Authors: Honadle George H. , Rosengard Jay K.
Published: July 2007

The project approach to development assistance has been attacked for its inability to make results self‐sustaining. This has been attributed to a short time horizon, an inability to pick up recurrent costs, and a tendency to either by‐pass or fragment local institutions and therefore to neglect the need for local capacity building. At the same time, claims have been made that projects are politically advantageous due to quick high visibility results and they are useful instruments for experimentation, social learning and capacity building. This article examines both arguments and concludes that there is a need for radical changes in project development processes, but that there should not be a rush to abandon the project as an instrument for development.
Administrative responsibility in a developing country: Theoretical considerations and the case of Zambia
Authors: Lungu Gatian F.
Published: July 2007

Administrative weaknesses in post colonial Africa have not commonly been assessed against notions of responsibility. Regarded as involving both institutionalized controls and moral obligations, responsibility provides a useful means of assessing the limitations and weaknesses of administration. Having elucidated the ideal of responsibility, the article takes Zambia as illustrating a situation present in different third world countries where administration is unsatisfactory judged against the ideal. Weaknesses are elaborated and the reasons for failures discussed. Emphasis is placed on the overcentralization of control in the person of the President and the failure in staff development and training to recognize the importance of encouraging a sense of moral obligation and the undue emphasis on management techniques.
Strengthening administrative capabilities in India
Authors: Maheshwari S. R.
Published: July 2007

Reform in public administration has been pursued in India since 1947 and received particular attention since the 1960s. The approach in the 1940s and 1950s was to hold inquiries into different facets of administration, then in the 1960s the strategy was adopted of having an administrative reforms commission with terms of reference which gave it uniquely wide powers and an opportunity to recommend an overhaul in the country's administration. Its recommendations were, indeed, far reaching, but the failure of its report to result in significant reforms being implemented has contributed to a change in emphasis in the 1970s. Attention has come to be directed once more to administrative improvements at the microlevel, and there are a number of significant criticisms to be made of these currently continuing approaches to improvement and reform.
Public financial administration of microstates: South Pacific Forum
Authors: Hardman D. J.
Published: July 2007

The broad pattern of public financial administration in the eleven microstates of the South Pacific Forum consists of three contrasted but related strands: the government accounting and budgeting system, public sector audit function and parliamentary financial surveillance. The three have their origins in an imported model which has evolved and crystallized in the context of big business, industrial society and metropolitan government. Effective public financial administration of the microstates is impeded by over‐reliance on this expatriate model which implicitly assumes that administrative prescriptions can be effectively applied in states irrespective of their size. The attainment of the developmental and related objectives of the South Pacific microstates would be facilitated by revision of the present model of financial administration to broaden the scope for improvization, experimentation and innovation in deference to the particular problems of very small scale.
The political economy of an African public enterprise: A longitudinal case study of the administrative and economic operations of the Sierra Leone Port Organization
Authors: Luke David Fashole
Published: July 2007

In most of the post‐colonial states of sub‐Saharan Africa, both the size of the state bureaucracy has grown and its functions proliferated. Whatever the economic rationale of public sector organizations, they do not exist and operate in a social and political vacuum. This paper argues that they are typically an integral part of a patron clientelist political and economic system on which the foundations of government sometimes depend. The consequences for the economic performance of public sector organizations arising out of this socio‐political context is now widely recognized in the growing literature on African public enterprise. Contributions to this discussion, however, have tended to be dominated by economists and public administration specialists who have generally adopted a technocratic problem solution approach. In isolating their analyses of the performance of African parastatals from an appraisal of the role of the state, this approach fails to situate adequately the problem of performance in its proper context. This paper provides a case study which examines the administrative and economic operations of the Sierra Leone Port Organization in the colonial and post‐colonial states. In arguing that problems of performance of African public sector organizations also require political solutions this discussion extends the discussion beyond a technocratic focus.
Vanuatu: The evolution of the administrative and political context of decentralization
Authors: Premdas Ralph R. , Steeves Jeffrey S.
Published: July 2007

Local government came late to Vanuatu (formerly the New Hebrides) and even then was more a response to external events than a reflection of community interests. The first local council experiment, from 1957 to 1958, failed because of rivalry between the colonial powers, Britain and France. Subsequently national political developments set up additional obstacles to the successful functioning of local government. Political conflicts at the national level, reflecting the divisions created by the Anglo‐French condominium, delayed implementation and undermined the administrative viability and democratic quality of local councils. Popular support for and trust in local government has not developed. A system created in haste and altered to serve the interests of competing national elites has not been able to adapt to the needs of local communities. A viable system of decentralization requires a degree of national consensus to be combined with local involvement in planning and implementation.
Green revolution as a planned intervention strategy for agricultural development: A systems perspective
Authors: Sisaye Seleshi , Stommes Eileen
Published: July 2007

The green revolution was a planned intervention expected to raise cereal‐grain production in Third World countries. Use of high yield varieties (HYVs) was to reduce dependence on food imports and bring about food self‐sufficiency. Early results were increased overall cereal‐grain production, but unforseen and undesirable social and economic consequences. The use of organizational development (OD) analysis of early green revolution results indicates that the initial strategy relied on a “hard” systems analysis to bring about adoption of the high yield varieties. Early green revolution work attempted to induce attitude and behaviour change within existing local and regional institutions.

Recognizing the need to ensure distribution of green revolution inputs among subsistence farmers, later strategies used a “soft” systems analysis in developing structural intervention. Largely unable to reform existing government institutions and land‐holding patterns which restricted small farmer HYV programme participation, programme managers designed alternative structures to allow the small/subsistence farmer access to HYV inputs.
Training for development management: Reflections on social know‐how as a scientific and technological system
Authors: Nef J. , Dwivedi O. P.
Published: July 2007

This paper explores the linkages between development, “appropriate” administrative technology and the training of development managers. In so doing, it traces the intimate relationships between development administration, conceptual paradigms and administrative know‐how as a scientific and technological system. Orthodoxy, neo‐orthodoxy and critical paradigms are discussed and a number of elements to reformulate a development administration paradigm are considered. Based upon this discussion the paper concludes with a tentative outline identifying training needs for development managers and a number of observations about such training: its “appropriatness”, professionalisation and the issue of international cooperation.
Extending urban services in developing countries: Policy options and organizational choices
Authors: Rondinelli Dennis A.
Published: July 2007

Governments in developing countries will face serious problems in extending basic social services, public facilities and infrastructure for their rapidly growing urban populations during the next decade. The steadily increasing concentration of the poor in cities will exacerbate already severe strains on urban services. Innovative solutions will be needed to meet the growing demands for urban services. In addition to expanding national and municipal efforts, governments in developing countries must also explore alternative policies and organizational arrangements for meeting the basic needs of their urban population. Among the potential alternatives are: using market surrogates to improve service delivery; lowering the costs of service provision through changes in regulations and controls on urban development; actively supporting self‐help and service upgrading schemes by the poor; promoting public‐private co‐operation and private sector participation in service delivery; increasing effective demand for services by promoting employment and higher incomes; and enacting and implementing policies that attempt to redistribute migration to small and intermediate‐sized cities. Each alternative has advantages and limitations that planners and policy‐makers must take into consideration in forging effective urban development strategies.
The training and development of top executives in developing countries: A tanzanian approach
Authors: Mutahaba Gelase
Published: July 2007

The training and development of public service employees is now accepted to be a major contributor to organizational performance. In the Third World, however, much of the training effort has been directed at junior, supervisory and middle‐level personnel. Top personnel were, for a long time, presumed to be ‘above training’. There is now, however, an awakening to the need for training all categories of personnel. The major constraint in most countries remains the lack of facilities and trainers able to handle senior personnel. Tanzania has recently embarked on a concerted effort to train its top public service personnel through the mobilization of all management/administrative training capabilities in a joint, concerted endeavour, under the aegis of the Ministry of Manpower Development and a body known as the National Standing Training Team on Top Executive Development (NSTT). More than 20 6‐week courses have been run and a recent evaluation of the programme suggests that they are popular and have reactivated an interest in training among top executives. There is, however, no evidence to suggest that the training has resulted in improved performance in public organizations although some executives have introduced some innovations in their organizations which they derived from the training programme.
The co‐ordination of developmental activities at the local level
Authors: Osuji Emman. E.
Published: July 2007

Local developmental activities involve the participation of a multiplicity of functionaries, bodies and agencies. This demands both intra‐authority and inter‐authority co‐ordination if programme formulation and implementation are to be effective. This paper reviews the performance of the Divisional Administration system operationalized in the former East Central State of Nigeria up to 1976, from the viewpoint of interjurisdictional co‐ordination. The paper identifies factors like lack of specific local development programmes, poor information flow and a de‐emphasis of the human factor in the organizational setting as being responsible for the ineffectiveness of the Divisional Administration system to co‐ordinate the activities of the different participating actors in local development. It is suggested that, in addition to the setting up of structures for decision‐making networks like committees, attention should equally be paid to the process that would energize and sustain the structures if problems of co‐ordination are to be obviated.
Life at the apex: The functions of permanent secretaries in nine Southern African countries
Authors: Montgomery John D.
Published: July 2007

The political role of senior civil servants in Africa cannot be differentiated from their administrative roles. An analysis of specially commissioned ‘diaries’ kept by 40 permanent secretaries or their deputies reveals that their roles include all the organizational functions described by Mintzberg. Their functions in order of priority as measured by time spent are ‘resource handling’, liaison, analysis/planning, monitoring, acting as spokesmen, entrepreneurship and dissemination. The political neutrality of permanent secretaries appears to survive in the sense of escaping party discipline. However, politicians and bureaucrats in. the countries surveyed both act as conservators and innovators. Environmental circumstances other than politics have the greatest influences on the activities of top civil servants. The similarities in functions performed are striking, given the different ideologies, colonial heritages and traditions of the countries studied.