bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanisms for tolerance to diatomaceous earth between strains of Tribolium castaneum
Authors: Rigaux Marilyn , Haubruge Eric , Fields Paul G.
Published: October 2003

Fourteen strains of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) had mortalities ranging from 5 to 100% when exposed to diatomaceous earth at 600 ppm for seven days. The most tolerant strain had a lethal dose for 50% of the population (LD50) of 413 ppm and the most susceptible strain had a LD50 of 238 ppm. Adults of the tolerant strain were lighter (2.0 mg) than the susceptible strain (2.6 mg). Tolerant adults lost water at lower rate (6 μg h−1 than susceptible adults (12 μg h−1), when held in wheat treated with 600 ppm diatomaceous earth for 24 h, than held at 5% r.h. with no food. Tolerant adults that were not exposed to diatomaceous earth lost water at a lower rate (3 μg h−1) than susceptible adults (5 μg h−1). Both strains, exposed and not exposed to diatomaceous earth died when their water content was between 33 and 37% of their total weight. Insects taken directly from the cultures had 52% (tolerant) and 53% (susceptible) of their total weight as water. Tolerant adults moved slower through grain and across filter paper than susceptible adults. Tolerant adults avoided wheat treated with diatomaceous earth at concentrations as low as 75 ppm, whereas the adults from the susceptible strain did not avoid diatomaceous earth, even at 600 ppm. The consequences of a strain tolerant to diatomaceous earth is discussed with respect to the use of diatomaceous earth to control stored‐product insect infestations.
Lack of specificity in the interaction between two maize stunting pathogens and field collected Dalbulus leafhoppers
Authors: Ebbert Mercedes A. , Jeffers Daniel P. , Harrison Nigel A. , Nault Lowell R.
Published: October 2003

We tested hypotheses concerning the specificity of interactions between insect vectors and mollicute plant pathogens in a 22‐month study of leafhoppers collected at three agricultural field sites in Mexico. The common species collected, Dalbulus maidis, D. elimatus, D. gelbus, and D. guevari were equally likely to test positive for corn stunt spiroplasma (CSS) in ELISA, and to transmit maize bushy stunt phytoplasma (MBSP) to test maize seedlings. We documented intraspecific variation in the ability of D. maidis to transmit confirmed CSS infections. Dalbulus guevari and D. gelbus were less successful in transmitting CSS than D. maidis from the same population. Our results suggest this vector‐plant pathogen interaction is not specific to a single Dalbulus‐mollicute combination, and that both the range of potential vectors in agricultural fields, and intraspecific variation across populations of these vectors, should be the focus of future work.
Electrical penetration graphs from Cicadulina mbila on maize, the fine structure of its stylet pathways and consequences for virus transmission efficiency
Authors: Lett Jean‐Michel , Granier Martine , Grondin Martial , Turpin Patrick , Molinaro Franck , Chiroleu Frédéric , Peterschmitt Michel , Reynaud Bernard
Published: October 2003

Five distinct electrical penetration graph waveforms characterising the feeding behaviour of the leafhopper Cicadulina mbila Naudé (Homoptera: Cicadellidae) on maize (Zea mays L.) were obtained using a DC based system. The waveforms were distinguished by spectral features and by statistical analysis of their median voltages, durations and time to first waveform recording. By changing the polarity of the system voltage and the level of the input resistor it was shown that the waveforms are mainly determined by the electromotive force (emf) component. Based on the correlation between waveforms and the fine structure of the stylet pathways observed by transmission electron microscopy, insect's activities have been associated with five waveforms: stylet pathway formation (waveform 1), active ingestion (waveform 2), putative stylet work (waveform 3), salivation (waveform 4) and passive ingestion (waveform 5). Like waveform E1 and E2 of aphids, waveforms 4 and 5 of C. mbila correspond to feeding activities in sieve tubes. However, unlike aphids which probe briefly in non‐vascular cells, waveform 2 corresponds to active ingestion in cells, where the cell content is partially ingested and hence the organelles' integrity severely affected. These observations suggest that this specific feeding feature, typical of leafhoppers, determines their ability to acquire geminivirus virions located in the plant cell nucleus.
Oviposition in Culicoides impunctatus under laboratory conditions
Authors: Carpenter S. , Mordue (Luntz) A.J. , Mordue W.
Published: October 2003

We present a laboratory‐based examination of oviposition preference in the Scottish biting midge, Culicoides impunctatus (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae). A variety of oviposition substrates were screened in no‐choice and choice bioassays for efficacy in eliciting an egg‐laying response. Both upper‐layer photosynthetic Sphagnum spp. moss and Juncus articulatus infusions were identified as producing increased oviposition under no‐choice conditions. During choice trials against a control of damp cottonwool, upper‐layer Sphagnum spp. moss produced a significantly greater egg‐laying response. These conclusions are interpreted in terms of possible cues involved in oviposition site selection and assessed for future use in colonisation of this troublesome species.
In vitro enzymatic chlorophyll catabolism in wheat elicited by cereal aphid feeding
Authors: Ni Xinzhi , Quisenberry Sharron S. , Markwell John , Heng‐Moss Tiffany , Higley Leon , Baxendale Frederick , Sarath Gautam , Klucas Robert
Published: October 2003

Chlorophyll degradation is a complex phenomenon that often accompanies insect feeding damage to plants. Loss of chlorophyll can be initiated by several reactions, including oxidative bleaching, chlorophyllase activity, and Mg‐dechelatase activity. Extracts from the Russian wheat aphid [Diuraphis noxia (Mordvilko)], the bird cherry‐oat aphid [Rhopalosiphum padi (L.)], and aphid‐infested and uninfested wheat plants were assayed in vitro for activities involved in chlorophyll degradation. Although the initial infestation was the same (10 apterous adults) for both aphid species, D. noxia weight was significantly higher than R. padi after feeding for 12 days. Consequently, D. noxia feeding caused greater fresh leaf weight reduction than R. padi feeding. Chlorophyll degradation assays showed no activity from either D. noxia or R. padi extracts. Plant extract assays showed a significant difference in Mg‐dechelatase activity, while no difference was detected in either the chlorophyllase or oxidative bleaching pathways among the aphid‐infested or uninfested plant extracts. Diuraphis noxia‐infested leaf extracts showed a greater increase of Mg‐dechelatase activity than either R. padi‐infested or the uninfested plants. The findings suggest that leaf chlorosis elicited by D. noxia feeding is different from the chlorophyll degradation that occurs in natural plant senescence. Aphid‐elicited chlorosis might be the result of a Mg‐dechelatase‐driven catabolism of chlorophyll in challenged wheat seedlings, however, the factor(s) from D. noxia that elicited the increase of Mg‐dechelatase activity still remain to be determined.
Entomophily of the cloudberry (Rubus chamaemorus)
Authors: Pelletier Luc , Brown Adam , Otrysko Barbara , McNeil Jeremy N.
Published: October 2003

Cloudberry (Rubus chamaemorus L.), a dioecious perennial plant of boreal circumpolar distribution, is greatly prized for its berries. We crossed two treatments, pollinator exclusion and supplementary hand‐pollination, to determine i) the relative importance of insects as pollinators, ii) if pollinator activity was a limiting factor for the sexual reproduction of the plant, and iii) the relative contribution of diurnal vs. nocturnal visitors to pollination. The activity of natural pollinators resulted in 97.5 and 88.5% fruit set, along with 76.7 and 62.5% seed set in 1998 and 1999, respectively. When insects were excluded, fruit‐set dropped significantly to 18.4 (1998) and 12.8% (1999) and seed‐set to 5.4 (1998) and 5.0% (1999) showing the importance of mid‐ and large‐sized insects as pollinators. Natural levels of insect activity were sufficient to ensure complete pollination in both years as supplementary hand‐pollination did not significantly increase either parameter in plots where pollinators had free access. Nocturnal insects may serve as pollinators (fruit‐set = 41%), although they were less effective than diurnal pollinators (fruit‐set = 93%).
Attraction of the predatory mites Typhlodromalus manihoti and Typhlodromalus aripo to cassava plants infested by cassava green mite
Authors: Gnanvossou Désiré , Hanna Rachid , Dicke Marcel , Yaninek Steve J.
Published: October 2003

The attraction of the predatory mites, Typhlodromalus manihoti and Typhlodromalus aripo, to the host plant‐spider mite complex, Manihot esculenta–Mononychellus tanajoa, was investigated with a Y‐tube olfactometer. Factors examined included predator starvation period, several combinations of cassava leaf biomass and initial M. tanajoa infestations, M. tanajoa‐damaged leaves with mites and/or their residues removed, M. tanajoa alone, and mechanically damaged cassava leaves. We found that females of T. manihoti and T. aripo were significantly attracted to M. tanajoa‐infested cassava leaves when the predators were starved for 2, 6, or 10 h. Satiated T. aripo was significantly attracted to infested cassava leaves whereas satiated T. manihoti did not discriminate between infested and non‐infested leaves. When a choice was given between either two or four leaves infested with 200 female M. tanajoa and an equivalent number of non‐infested leaves, 2 h‐starved T. manihoti and T. aripo were significantly attracted to each of the infested groups of cassava leaves. At a density of 12 female M. tanajoa per leaf on four leaves, 2 h‐starved T. manihoti was still attracted to M. tanajoa‐infested leaves whereas 2 h‐starved T. aripo was not attracted. When a choice was given between non‐infested cassava leaves and either infested leaves from which only M. tanajoa females had been removed, or infested leaves from which all M. tanajoa and their visible products (web, feces) had been wiped off, T. aripo preferred odors from both types of previously infested leaves. Typhlodromalus manihoti was only attracted to infested leaves from which the M. tanajoa females only had been removed. Finally, the two predators were not attracted to 400 female M. tanajoa on clean cotton wool or to mechanically wounded leaves. This supports the hypothesis that M. tanajoa damage induces volatile cues in cassava leaves that attract T. manihoti and T. aripo to M. tanajoa‐infested leaves.
The functional logic of cortico–pulvinar connections
Authors: Shipp S.
Published: October 2003

The pulvinar is an ‘associative’ thalamic nucleus, meaning that most of its input and output relationships are formed with the cerebral cortex. The function of this circuitry is little understood and its anatomy, though much investigated, is notably recondite. This is because pulvinar connection patterns disrespect the architectural subunits (anterior, medial, lateral and inferior pulvinar nuclei) that have been the traditional reference system. This article presents a simplified, global model of the organization of cortico–pulvinar connections so as to pursue their structure–function relationships.

Connections between the cortex and pulvinar are topographically organized, and as a result the pulvinar contains a ‘map’ of the cortical sheet. However, the topography is very blurred. Hence the pulvinar connection zones of nearby cortical areas overlap, allowing indirect transcortical communication via the pulvinar. A general observation is that indirect cortico–pulvino–cortical circuits tend to mimic direct cortico–cortical pathways: this is termed ‘the replication principle’. It is equally apt for certain pairs (or groups) of nearby cortical areas that happen not to connect with each other. The ‘replication’ of this non–connection is achieved by discontinuities and dislocations of the cortical topography within the pulvinar, such that the associated pair of connection zones do not overlap. Certain of these deformations can be used to divide the global cortical topography into specific sub–domains, which form the natural units of a connectional subdivision of the pulvinar. A substantial part of the pulvinar also expresses visual topography, reflecting visual maps in occipital cortex. There are just two well–ordered visual maps in the pulvinar, that both receive projections from area V1, and several other occipital areas; the resulting duplication of cortical topography means that each visual map also acts as a separate connection domain. In summary, the model identifies four topographically ordered connection domains, and reconciles the coexistence of visual and cortical maps in two of them. The replication principle operates at and below the level of domain structure.

It is argued that cortico–pulvinar circuitry replicates the pattern of cortical circuitry but not its function, playing a more regulatory role instead. Thalamic neurons differ from cortical neurons in their inherent rhythmicity, and the pattern of cortico–thalamic connections must govern the formation of specific resonant circuits. The broad implication is that the pulvinar acts to coordinate cortical information processing by facilitating and sustaining the formation of synchronized trans–areal assemblies; a more pointed suggestion is that, owing to the considerable blurring of cortical topography in the pulvinar, rival cortical assemblies may be in competition to recruit thalamic elements in order to outlast each other in activity.
Evolution of photosensory pineal organs in new light: the fate of neuroendocrine photoreceptors
Authors: Ekström Peter , Meissl Hilmar
Published: October 2003

Pineal evolution is envisaged as a gradual transformation of pinealocytes (a gradual regression of pinealocyte sensory capacity within a particular cell line), the so-called sensory cell line of the pineal organ. In most non-mammals the pineal organ is a directly photosensory organ, while the pineal organ of mammals (epiphysis cerebri) is a non-sensory neuroendocrine organ under photoperiod control. The phylogenetic transformation of the pineal organ is reflected in the morphology and physiology of the main parenchymal cell type, the pinealocyte. In anamniotes, pinealocytes with retinal cone photoreceptor-like characteristics predominate, whereas in sauropsids so-called rudimentary photoreceptors predominate. These have well-developed secretory characteristics, and have been interpreted as intermediaries between the anamniote pineal photoreceptors and the mammalian non-sensory pinealocytes. We have re-examined the original studies on which the gradual transformation hypothesis of pineal evolution is based, and found that the evidence for this model of pineal evolution is ambiguous. In the light of recent advances in the understanding of neural development mechanisms, we propose a new hypothesis of pineal evolution, in which the old notion ‘gradual regression within the sensory cell line’ should be replaced with ‘changes in fate restriction within the neural lineage of the pineal field’.
Weeds in fields with contrasting conventional and genetically modified herbicide–tolerant crops. II. Effects on individual species
Authors:   The American Association for Research into Nervous and Mental Diseases, Heard M. S. , Hawes C. , Champion G. T. , Clark S. J. , Firbank L. G. , Haughton A. J. , Parish A. M. , Perry J. N. , Rothery P. , Roy D. B. , Scott R. J. , Skellern M. P. , Squire G. R. , Hill M. O.
Published: October 2003

We compared the effects of the management of genetically modified herbicide–tolerant (GMHT) and conventional beet, maize and spring oilseed rape on 12 weed species. We sampled the seedbank before and after cropping. During the season we counted plants and measured seed rain and biomass. Ratios of densities were used to calculate emergence, survival, reproduction and seedbank change. Treatments significantly affected the biomass of six species in beet, eight in maize and five in spring oilseed rape. The effects were generally consistent, with biomass lower in GMHT beet and spring oilseed rape and higher in GMHT maize. With few exceptions, emergence was higher in GMHT crops. Subsequent survival was significantly lowered for eight species in beet and six in spring oilseed rape in the GMHT treatments. It was increased for five species in maize and one in spring oilseed rape. Significant effects on seedbank change were found for four species. However, for many species in beet and spring oilseed rape (19 out of 24 cases), seed densities were lower in the seedbank after GMHT cropping. These differences compounded over time would result in large decreases in population densities of arable weeds. In maize, populations may increase.
Weeds in fields with contrasting conventional and genetically modified herbicide–tolerant crops. I. Effects on abundance and diversity
Authors:   The American Association for Research into Nervous and Mental Diseases, Heard M. S. , Hawes C. , Champion G. T. , Clark S. J. , Firbank L. G. , Haughton A. J. , Parish A. M. , Perry J. N. , Rothery P. , Scott R. J. , Skellern M. P. , Squire G. R. , Hill M. O.
Published: October 2003

We compared the seedbanks, seed rains, plant densities and biomasses of weeds under two contrasting systems of management in beet, maize and spring oilseed rape. Weed seedbank and plant density were measured at the same locations in two subsequent seasons. About 60 fields were sown with each crop. Each field was split, one half being sown with a conventional variety managed according to the farmer's normal practice, the other half being sown with a genetically modified herbicide–tolerant (GMHT) variety, with weeds controlled by a broad–spectrum herbicide. In beet and rape, plant densities shortly after sowing were higher in the GMHT treatment. Following weed control in conventional beet, plant densities were approximately one–fifth of those in GMHT beet. In both beet and rape, this effect was reversed after the first application of broad–spectrum herbicide, so that late–season plant densities were lower in the GMHT treatments. Biomass and seed rain in GMHT crops were between one–third and one–sixth of those in conventional treatments. The effects of differing weed–seed returns in these two crops persisted in the seedbank: densities following the GMHT treatment were about 20% lower than those following the conventional treatment. The effect of growing maize was quite different. Weed density was higher throughout the season in the GMHT treatment. Late–season biomass was 82% higher and seed rain was 87% higher than in the conventional treatment. The difference was not subsequently detectable in the seedbank because the total seed return was low after both treatments. In all three crops, weed diversity was little affected by the treatment, except for transient effects immediately following herbicide application.
Crop management and agronomic context of the Farm Scale Evaluations of genetically modified herbicide–tolerant crops
Authors:   The American Association for Research into Nervous and Mental Diseases, Champion G. T. , May M. J. , Bennett S. , Brooks D. R. , Clark S. J. , Daniels R. E. , Firbank L. G. , Haughton A. J. , Hawes C. , Heard M. S. , Perry J. N. , Randle Z. , Rossall M. J. , Rothery P. , Skellern M. P. , Scott R. J. , Squire G. R. , Thomas M. R.
Published: October 2003

The Farm Scale Evaluations of genetically modified herbicide–tolerant crops (GMHT) were conducted in the UK from 2000 to 2002 on beet (sugar and fodder), spring oilseed rape and forage maize. The management of the crops studied is described and compared with current conventional commercial practice. The distribution of field sites adequately represented the areas currently growing these crops, and the sample contained sites operated at a range of management intensities, including low intensity. Herbicide inputs were audited, and the active ingredients used and the rates and the timings of applications compared well with current practice for both GMHT and conventional crops. Inputs on sugar beet were lower than, and inputs on spring oilseed rape and forage maize were consistent with, national averages. Regression analysis of herbicide–application strategies and weed emergence showed that inputs applied by farmers increased with weed densities in beet and forage maize. GMHT crops generally received only one herbicide active ingredient per crop, later and fewer herbicide sprays and less active ingredient (for beet and maize) than the conventional treatments. The audit of inputs found no evidence of bias.
Model of the Brain Tumor–Pumilio translation repressor complex
Authors: Edwards Thomas A. , Wilkinson Brian D. , Wharton Robin P. , Aggarwal Aneel K.
Published: October 2003

The Brain Tumor (Brat) protein is recruited to the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of hunchback mRNA to regulate its translation. Recruitment is mediated by interactions between the Pumilio RNA-binding Puf repeats and the NHL domain of Brat, a conserved structural motif present in a large family of growth regulators. In this report, we describe the crystal structure of the Brat NHL domain and present a model of the Pumilio–Brat complex derived from in silico docking experiments and supported by mutational analysis of the protein–protein interface. A key feature of the model is recognition of the outer, convex surface of the Pumilio Puf domain by the top, electropositive face of the six-bladed Brat β-propeller. In particular, an extended loop in Puf repeat 8 fits in the entrance to the central channel of the Brat β-propeller. Together, these interactions are likely to be prototypic of the recruitment strategies of other NHL-containing proteins in development.
Regulation of the transcriptional activator NtrC1: structural studies of the regulatory and AAA+ ATPase domains
Authors: Lee Seok-Yong , De La Torre Armando , Yan Dalai , Kustu Sydney , Nixon B. Tracy , Wemmer David E.
Published: October 2003

Transcription by σ54 RNA polymerase depends on activators that contain ATPase domains of the AAA+ class. These activators, which are often response regulators of two-component signal transduction systems, remodel the polymerase so that it can form open complexes at promoters. Here, we report the first crystal structures of the ATPase domain of an activator, the NtrC1 protein from the extreme thermophile Aquifex aeolicus. This domain alone, which is active, crystallized as a ring-shaped heptamer. The protein carrying both the ATPase and adjacent receiver domains, which is inactive, crystallized as a dimer. In the inactive dimer, one residue needed for catalysis is far from the active site, and extensive contacts among the domains prevent oligomerization of the ATPase domain. Oligomerization, which completes the active site, depends on surfaces that are buried in the dimer, and hence, on a rearrangement of the receiver domains upon phosphorylation. A motif in the ATPase domain known to be critical for coupling energy to remodeling of polymerase forms a novel loop that projects from the middle of an α helix. The extended, structured loops from the subunits of the heptamer localize to a pore in the center of the ring and form a surface that could contact σ54.
Opposing actions of Arx and Pax4 in endocrine pancreas development
Authors: Collombat Patrick , Mansouri Ahmed , Hecksher-Sørensen Jacob , Serup Palle , Krull Jens , Gradwohl Gerard , Gruss Peter
Published: October 2003

Genes encoding homeodomain-containing proteins potentially involved in endocrine pancreas development were isolated by combined in silico and nested-PCR approaches. One such transcription factor, Arx, exhibits Ngn3-dependent expression throughout endocrine pancreas development in α, β-precursor, and δ cells. We have used gene targeting in mouse embryonic stem cells to generate Arx loss-of-function mice. Arx-deficient animals are born at the expected Mendelian frequency, but develop early-onset hypoglycemia, dehydration, and weakness, and die 2 d after birth. Immunohistological analysis of pancreas from Arx mutants reveals an early-onset loss of mature endocrine α cells with a concomitant increase in β-and δ-cell numbers, whereas islet morphology remains intact. Our study indicates a requirement of Arx for α-cell fate acquisition and a repressive action on β-and δ-cell destiny, which is exactly the opposite of the action of Pax4 in endocrine commitment. Using multiplex reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR), we demonstrate an accumulation of Pax4 and Arx transcripts in Arx and Pax4 mutant mice, respectively. We propose that the antagonistic functions of Arx and Pax4 for proper islet cell specification are related to the pancreatic levels of the respective transcripts.
Achieving a customer orientation using “people‐power,” the “5th P”
Authors: Judd Vaughan C.
Published: October 2003

There have been scant references in the marketing literature to conceptualizing an organization's employees as an element of the organization's marketing mix. Extending previous conceptualizations of employees in a business marketing and a nonprofit marketing context, it is proposed that all organizations have the ability to move beyond their traditional view of employees in order to capitalize on “people‐power” as a distinctive element of their marketing mixes; an element that can help them become customer‐oriented to gain a competitive advantage through differentiation and to deliver customer value. To do so presents a real managerial challenge for any organization. It is a challenge worth undertaking, however, because successful implementation will help an organization achieve a customer‐orientation and more effectively meet the needs of its customers.
Towards a typology of consumer survey research
Authors: Greig Ian D.
Published: October 2003

The consumer input to corporate marketing decisions is provided by relatively few types of consumer survey. These survey types, however, are given comparatively little attention in research and teaching in marketing. Courses are concerned mainly with data collection and analysis and not the links, via these consumer surveys, to management. decision. To provide a focus for academic research and teaching, this paper makes a classification of the main types of consumer survey in three main dimensions – corporate project management phase, consumer product use stage and consumer decision level allied to level of marketing strategy, This typology provides an exhaustive and mutually exclusive classification that highlights the connections between studies as well as the links to marketing theory such as segmentation. It suggests a more systematic approach to the design of corporate consumer research programmes as well as to research skills training and a metrics of marketing.
Brand equity and brand vulnerability
Authors: Eagle Lynne , Kitchen Philip J. , Rose Lawrence , Moyle Brendan
Published: October 2003

Brand equity has received significant academic attention since the mid‐1990s. This has been driven partly by changes in international accounting standards as they relate to the reporting of the financial value of intangible assets. A more prominent driver concerns the impact of marketing, and of marketing communication activity in particular, on brand performance. Much of the academic debate, however, has centered on conflicting definitions of brand equity and on seeking ways of measuring or quantifying the value of equity. Attention is now turning to examining the nature of equity and of factors that may threaten it. This paper examines the potential impact of parallel importing on brand equity and provides a substantive theoretical background. The paper then reports the findings from an exploratory study involving depth interviews with New Zealand brand managers whose brands have been affected by this activity.
The strategic role of investment banks in the retailer internationalisation process
Authors: Palmer Mark , Quinn Barry
Published: October 2003

In recent years the scale and scope of retailer internationalisation activity has grown markedly, mainly through increasing levels of cross‐border merger and acquisition activity. This has been particularly prevalent among companies operating in the food retail sector. During this time, and within the context of increased merger and acquisition activity in international markets, the financial institutions have taken an increasingly prominent role in the retail internationalisation process. Explores the nature of the financial institutions’ role in the retailer internationalisation process and, specifically, the extent to which the financial institutions actually inhibit and/or promote retail international activity. A key purpose of this study is to examine some of the drivers and inhibitors of the retailer internationalisation process. Reports the findings from 30 in‐depth interviews with food retail analysts of the leading investment banks in the City of London. The findings from this study should help to provide further insights into the nature of the retailer internationalisation process.
Approaches to relationship development processes in inter‐firm networks
Authors: Batonda Gerry , Perry Chad
Published: October 2003

This paper examines the dynamics of business networks, that is, how these inter‐organisational networks grow and decline. Three rival theories are investigated: predetermined sequence of stages, evolution of unpredictable states and joinings theory which focus on positioning, repositioning and exit. A case study methodology was used for data collection and analysis. Data were collected from in‐depth interviews with network managers/owners of firms networking with other overseas firms entering into Australian and Asian markets. The findings revealed that inter‐firm network development is an evolution of unpredictable states rather than a predetermined sequence of irreversible stages. In turn, a six “states” model of inter‐firm network development was formulated from data. Implications for managerial practices and further research are advanced.
A combined segmentation and demand model for store brands
Authors: Baltas George
Published: October 2003

This paper presents an empirical study on store brand demand and its determinants. A two‐stage model is considered, in which the consumer decides whether to buy store brands, as well as how to allocate category expenditure between retail and manufacturer brands. The first stage identifies the segment of store brand customers and the second level determines customer demand. The model incorporates consumer characteristics and examines their effects in the light of behavioural data. Discrete and continuous outcomes flow from the same preference structure and are determined by consumer characteristics. The results provide insights into explanatory factors and useful implications for brand management. Extensions of the present work are also discussed.
A hybrid architecture design for security monitoring via the Internet
Authors: Fong A.C.M. , Hui S.C.
Published: October 2003

We present the development of a Web‐based remote‐monitoring system as an attractive alternative to the manual task of security surveillance. The system has built‐in human motion analysis that can alert the security personnel when suspicious activities are detected at the monitored sites. In this paper, our focus is on the architectural design of such a system. We discuss the relative strengths and weaknesses of three different architectural approaches: centralized, distributed and hybrid, and conclude that a hybrid approach is most appropriate. Our Web‐based system has been implemented for monitoring elevators (lifts) within a university environment. Objective and subjective tests have validated the effectiveness of our system. The Web‐based implementation enhances ease of operation and allows users to connect to the system via a Web browser.
Design of an incentive system for application in a creative organization
Authors: Matsumura Ryohei , Kijima Kyoichi , Nakano Bumpei , Inohara Takehiro
Published: October 2003

The present paper investigates an incentive problem (the method of providing incentives to members) in creative organizations, such as research and development departments, using a cybernetic model called the agency model. In such organizations, members appear to have their own individual objectives which are different from those defined by the organization, and so significant conflicts can exist. Therefore, the proposed model considers the objective of the individual, which is given no consideration in conventional models, and conflict between the objective of the individual and that of the organization. The principles of incentive system design (the effectiveness of the performance‐based wage system) are entirely different depending on whether the conflict exists.
Adaptive passivation with time‐varying gains of mimo nonlinear systems
Authors: Duarte‐Mermoud M.A. , Mendez‐Miquel J.M. , Castro‐Linares R. , Castillo‐Facuse A.
Published: October 2003

This paper addresses the adaptive passivation of multi‐input multi‐output (MIMO) non‐linear systems,with unknown parameters. The class of MIMO non‐linear systems considered here has an explicit linear parametric uncertainty and it is made equivalent to a passive system by means of an adaptive controller with adaptive laws specially designed, which include suitable time‐varying gains. The solution presented here is an extension of that obtained by the authors for single‐input single‐output (SISO) systems. The proposed algorithm was applied, at simulation level, to models of dynamical MIMO systems, to exemplify the controller design methodology and to observe the adaptive system behavior.
On choosing a goodness‐of‐fit test for discrete multivariate data
Authors: Pérez T. , Pardo J.A.
Published: October 2003

Goodness‐of‐fit test based on Kϕ‐divergence between observed and theoretical frequencies are considered. The asymptotic chi‐square null distribution and three alternative approximations to the exact distribution function of this family are compared in small samples. Numerical results are presented for the symmetric null hypothesis for different multinomial sample sizes with various cell numbers. Exact power under specific alternatives to the symmetric null hypothesis are calculated and a comparison with the family of power divergence statistics is made.
Global optimization‐preserving operators
Authors: Mora G. , Cherruault Y. , Benabidallah A.
Published: October 2003

In this paper, some kinds of operators, defined on a class of real functions depending on a single real variable, preserving some fundamental properties for solving global optimization problems are introduced. These operators allow the transfer of the search of the global extremum of a determined objective function, f into those of its transformed function, Tf, for which a global extremum is easy to obtain.
Abstract neural automata on compact Riemannian manifold
Authors: Xi‐Guangcheng
Published: October 2003

By means of topological conjugate transformation, the previous theory of abstract neural automata (ANA) on d‐dimensional (d≥1) integer lattice is extended to compact Riemannian manifold. This paper points out emphatically that intelligence of ANA is related to the geometrical features. The greater the volume of relative plane, the stronger the intelligence; curved Riemannian manifold X˜ configuration space of ANA are locally flat such that the cognitive process of NAN limits the Gibbs' probability measure for a sufficiently small time i.e. the cognitive process of ANA can determine the solution in a sufficiently small time the problem. This hypothesis was supported by studying the human brain, in particular by studying Einstein's brain.
The influence of mass communication and time on satisfaction and loyalty
Authors: Bendall‐Lyon Dawn , Powers Thomas L.
Published: October 2003

This paper reports research on the impact of mass communication and the passage of time on consumer satisfaction and loyalty in a high‐involvement service setting. The study was based on a survey of two groups of individuals. A short‐time lag group consisted of individuals who were surveyed immediately after receiving a service and one year later. A long‐time lag group consisted of individuals who were surveyed immediately after they received a service and two years later. Satisfaction and loyalty decreased from the initial time of the service encounter for both the short‐time and long‐time groups. While satisfaction and loyalty declined over time for both groups, the results revealed no difference in the change in satisfaction between the two groups. In addition, exposure to mass communication did not influence the change in satisfaction and intention to return over time.
Mapping “Romeic” and “Hellenic” Same–Sex Desire: Articulating Heteropatriarchy and Male Homosexuality in Contemporary Greece
Authors: Papadopoulos Alex G
Published: October 2003

This study of the articulation of heteropatriarchy and male homosexuality in contemporary Greece questions the widely accepted paradigm that male same–sex desire in modernity is both ontologically and ritually divorced from ancient Greek practices. Drawing on Herzfeld’s (1982) ethnographic model of the dual construction of modern Greek identity as “Romeic” (qua actual, vernacular, rural–rooted, and “oriental”), and “Hellenic” (qua constructed, idealized, cosmopolitan, and occidental), the study explores the similarly dual sociosexual construction of male homosexuality following the creation of the modern Greek state in 1830. The study concludes that the Greek national project required desexing the ancient Greek past in the process of crafting a sanitized, heteronormative, and patriarchal polity in line with its Victorian–era counterparts in Western Europe. Furthermore, modernity reordered the extensive diasporic Greek communities in the Europe, the Middle East, and the Black Sea region in ways that promoted the fertilization of metropolitan Greece with a variety of rural and immigrant sexual imaginaries.
A Transnational Feminist Critique of Queer Tourism
Authors: Puar Jasbir
Published: October 2003

This article frames queer tourism through two lenses. First, I explore how queer tourism and queer spatiality occlude questions of gender and efface the varied modalities of travel, tourism, mobility, and space/place–making activities of women, especially with respect to queer women and lesbians. Second, I point out the neocolonial impulses of all queer travel by highlighting the colonial history of travel and tourism and the production of mobility through modernity, and vice versa. Following M Jacqui Alexander’s (1997) claim that white gay capital follows the path of white heterosexual capital, how are queer women, queers of color, and postcolonial lesbian and gays also implicated in this process? Through these questions I propose to think about queer tourism and space through theories of intersectionality. In other words, how do we acknowledge and theorize “difference” in queer spaces? How do multiple identities, intersectionality, and social differences make the construction of queer space impossible?
Remember Bonaventure? (Onto)Theology and Ecstasy
Authors: Hughes Kevin L.
Published: October 2003

Taking note of the tendency of some authors in contemporary philosophy and theology to assume that medieval Christian theology as such is ontotheology, the essay first reviews several current uses of ontotheology and its correlates. It then tests these uses against the theology of Bonaventure, who is often included but often unexamined in these current critiques of medieval ontotheology. It concludes that Bonaventure is not ontotheological, but perhaps surprisingly, he offers a critique of his fellow scholastics that has striking resonance with Heideggerian and other postmodern worries about the uses of ontology in particular and scholastic reasoning more generally.
Educational Policy: Egalitarian or Elitist?
Authors: Grossman Herschel I. , Kim Minseong
Published: October 2003

This paper uses a general‐equilibrium model of production and predation to explain observed differences across countries in educational policies. This model predicts, in accord with the facts, that countries in which the government is willing and able to enforce a collective choice to allocate resources to guarding against predators choose to have egalitarian educational policies, which serve to decrease the amount of guarding required to deter predation. In contrast, countries in which individual producers, or small subsets of producers, choose the amount of resources to allocate to guarding against predators, taking the ratio of predators to producers as given, choose to have elitist educational policies, which can serve to decrease the number of potential predators.
Campaign Contributions with Swing Voters
Authors: Dix Manfred , Santore Rudy
Published: October 2003

We analyze contributor behavior when there are two types of voters: positioned voters, who care about the ideological positions of candidates, and swing voters, who care about only the leadership abilities of candidates. Campaign expenditures, which are funded by contributions, are assumed to influence voters' perceptions of a candidate's ability. We find that the number of swing voters may have unexpected consequences on equilibrium campaign contributions. In particular, total contributions may increase as the number of swing voters decreases.

Elections are won by doing two things: mobilizing your base and winning the independent swing voters.

(Karl Rove, campaign strategist for George W. Bush)
Minority representation, election method, and policy influence
Authors: Sass Tim R. , Mehay Stephen L.
Published: October 2003

Recently a number of legal scholars have advocated jurisdiction‐wide cumulative voting as a mechanism to promote minority representation. Among other benefits, they claim minority representatives will have greater policy influence if they are elected in at‐large contests rather than from single‐member districts. We test this proposition by estimating the deter‐minants of minority hiring practices. We find increases in the proportion of black representatives on a city council are positively correlated with the percentage of black police recruits. However, holding constant black representation, the impact of black councilors on municipal hiring is enhanced when councilors are elected at‐large rather than by district.
Healthcare Financing in the African Countries of the Eastern Mediterranean
Authors: Sabri Belgacem
Published: October 2003

Healthcare financing is in crisis in most African countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region of WHO. In low‐income countries, spending on health is very low and populations are not protected against financial risks. Middle‐ and high‐ income countries are suffering from inappropriate use of resources devoted to health and lack of use of economic tools in priority setting. As coverage by insurance is not well developed, concerns over equity in access are voiced in most countries. Planned policy changes or health sector reforms are designed to address these challenges. The approaches used are based on capacity building, institutional development and provision of needed expertise. International agencies are providing technical support to help in setting the reform agenda, in managing the planned changes and in monitoring the impact. Efforts are being made to strengthen national capabilities in developing national health account functions and in promoting the use of economic tools such as cost‐effective analysis, costing and cost analysis in health system management. A particular interest is paid to the development and strengthening of health insurance, and particularly microinsurance for uncovered populations. Countries of the subregion are encouraged to make better use of their training and research institutions and to facilitate the development of networks of health professionals dealing with health system development, supported by international agencies and development banks.
Social Security Pensions in the Maghreb: A Study of Morocco and Tunisia
Authors: Boudahrain Abdellah
Published: October 2003

Long‐term pension schemes in Morocco and Tunisia, taking all elements together, are very much in decline and for the moment there is no serious option available to make up for the limited scope of the contributory model of social insurance. Furthermore, efforts to coordinate and harmonize these schemes are only just getting going. Eligibility conditions are very strict and the benefits paid — to people with disabilities, to retirees or their surviving dependants — are frugal. Privatization of pensions helps only those able to take out private insurance, benefiting a tiny proportion of the target population. Tunisia, however, has provided its people with better safeguards than Morocco, a more populous country whose rulers are less inclined to be generous in this respect. Whatever the case, those in charge of social insurance in both countries have a long way to go before their rapidly ageing populations can aspire to a relatively decent quality of life.
Between Technology and Literacy
Authors: Stankiewicz Mary Ann
Published: October 2003

Art education exists between technology and literacy, that is, between the methods social groups use to equip themselves with material objects, to shape and control their environment, and the mastery of specific technologies used to communicate ideas and values. Technology and literacy also function as metaphors, implied comparisons between the visual arts and realms of contemporary education generally seen as possessing higher status in Western cultures. My intent in this historical essay is to examine both terms in historical contexts grounded in North American art education in order to reveal elements of political and social control in these metaphors. While art‐making is a means to technical literacy, responding to visual images has been used as a means to maintain social groups and continue particular cultural traditions. Art education itself can be considered one of many technologies useful in managing a complex society, at the same time as it is perceived as a means of human liberation.