bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrated nutrition
Authors: Allison S. P.
Published: July 2005

There is no branch of medicine in which nutritional considerations do not play some part. Overnutrition, undernutrition or unbalanced nutrition are the major causes of ill health in the world. Conversely, illness causes important nutritional and metabolic problems. The spectrum from lack to excess of nutrients is seamless as a clinical and scientific discipline, the two extremes being linked by the Barker effect by which intrauterine malnutrition and low birth weight predispose to obesity, diabetes and CVD in later life. However, the teaching of nutrition in medical and nursing schools remains sparse. Nutritional care cannot be practised satisfactorily in isolation from other aspects of management, since factors such as drugs, surgery and fluid and electrolyte balance affect nutritional status. Nutritional treatment may also have adverse or beneficial effects according to the composition, amount and mode of delivery of the diet and the clinical context in which it is given. Any benefits of nutritional support may also be negated by shortcomings in other aspects of treatment and must therefore be fully integrated into overall care. One example of this approach is the enhanced recovery after a surgery protocol incorporating immediate pre-operative carbohydrate and early post-operative oral intake with strict attention to zero fluid balance, epidural analgesia and early mobilisation. Other examples include the deleterious effect on surgical outcome of salt and water overload or hyperglycaemia, either of which may negate the benefits of nutritional support. There is a need, therefore, to integrate clinical nutrition more closely, not just into medical and surgical practice, but also into the organisation of health services in the hospital and the community, and into the training of doctors and nurses. Societies originally devoted to parenteral and enteral nutrition need to widen their scope to embrace wider aspects of clinical nutrition.
Should food or supplements be used in the community for the treatment of disease-related malnutrition?
Authors: Stratton Rebecca J.
Published: July 2005

Strategies are needed for community-based treatment of disease-related malnutrition (DRM), which is a common debilitating condition that in the UK is estimated to cost >£7×109annually. Whilst dietary fortification and counselling are often used as a first-line treatment for malnutrition, the numbers of dietitians available to undertake and oversee such practices are currently insufficient to address the extent of DRM in primary care. Although dietary fortification and counselling can improve nutritional (primarily energy) intake, the evidence base for this practice is weak and it needs addressing with well-designed trials that assess clinically-relevant outcome measures and costs. Liquid oral nutritional supplements (ONS) are increasingly used in the community, often in combination with dietary counselling. The larger evidence base of trials that have assessed ONS suggests that nutritional intake and some functional outcomes can be improved in some patient groups in the community. Although meta-analysis indicates significant reductions in mortality (odds ratio 0.59 (95% CI 0.48, 0.72),n3258) and complication rates (odds ratio 0.41 (95% CI 0.31, 0.53),n1710) with ONSv. routine care, few of these studies are community based. Thus, the impact of ONS on clinical outcome, healthcare use and costs requires further assessment. Similarly, the clinical and cost efficacy of other strategies (e.g. sensory enhancement, music, behavioural therapy), alone or in combination with other treatments, requires greater investigation in order to meet the challenge of treating DRM more effectively and cheaply in the future.
Psychological underpinnings of metabolic syndrome
Authors: Stewart-Knox Barbara J.
Published: July 2005

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is more common among socio-economically disadvantaged individuals and is associated with certain risky lifestyle practices. MS also appears to be triggered by adverse social circumstances and chronic stress. The present paper reviews accumulating evidence to imply that individuals who have certain personality and behaviour traits are particularly predisposed to develop MS, and brings together theories that relate to possible psychological mechanisms underlying MS. It considers how such factors might interact causally to encourage the development of MS. As part of the EU-funded LIPGENE Integrated Project, multi-level modelling will be undertaken to explore potential pathways to MS, taking into consideration the interplay between a range of psycho-social, demographic, cultural and lifestyle factors thought to contribute to the development of MS. Data will be gathered for this purpose from a representative sample of >50-year-olds living in Britain (n 1000) and Portugal (n 500). It is anticipated that this information will assist in the development and targetting of future intervention to prevent and treat MS in the normal population.
Modern fat technology: what is the potential for heart health?
Authors: Upritchard J. E. , Zeelenberg M. J. , Huizinga H. , Verschuren P. M. , Trautwein E. A.
Published: July 2005

Saturated andtrans-fatty acids raise total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol and are known to increase the risk of CHD, while dietary unsaturated fatty acids play important roles in maintaining cardiovascular health. Replacing saturated fats with unsaturated fats in the diet often involves many complex dietary changes. Modifying the composition of foods high in saturated fat, particularly those foods that are consumed daily, can help individuals to meet the nutritional targets for reducing the risk of CHD. In the 1960s the Dutch medical community approached Unilever about the technical feasibility of producing margarine with a high-PUFA and low-saturated fatty acid composition. Margarine is an emulsion of water in liquid oil that is stabilised by a network of fat crystals. In-depth expertise of fat crystallisation processes allowed Unilever scientists to use a minimum of solid fat (saturated fatty acids) to structure a maximum level of PUFA-rich liquid oil, thus developing the first blood-cholesterol-lowering product, Becel. Over the years the composition of this spread has been modified to reflect new scientific findings and recommendations. The present paper will briefly review the developments in fat technology that have made these improvements possible. Unilever produces spreads that are low in total fat and saturated fat, virtually free oftrans-fatty acids and with levels ofn-3 andn-6 PUFA that are in line with the latest dietary recommendations for the prevention of CHD. Individuals with the metabolic syndrome have a 2–4-fold increased risk of developing CHD; therefore, these spreads could make a contribution to CHD prevention in this group. In addition, for individuals with the metabolic syndrome the spreads could be further modified to address their unique dyslipidaemia, i.e. elevated blood triacylglycerols and low HDL-cholesterol. Research conducted in the LIPGENE study and other dietary intervention studies will deliver the scientific evidence to justify further modifications in the composition of spreads that are healthy for the heart disease risk factors associated with the metabolic syndrome.
Identification of FIP200 interaction with the TSC1–TSC2 complex and its role in regulation of cell size control
Authors: Gan Boyi , Melkoumian Zara K. , Wu Xiaoyang , Guan Kun-Liang , Guan Jun-Lin
Published: July 2005

FIP200 (focal adhesion kinase [FAK] family interacting protein of 200 kD) is a newly identified protein that binds to the kinase domain of FAK and inhibits its kinase activity and associated cellular functions. Here, we identify an interaction between FIP200 and the TSC1–TSC2 complex through FIP200 binding to TSC1. We found that association of FIP200 with the TSC1–TSC2 complex correlated with its ability to increase cell size and up-regulate S6 kinase phosphorylation but was not involved in the regulation of cell cycle progression. Conversely, knockdown of endogenous FIP200 by RNA interference reduced S6 kinase phosphorylation and cell size, which required TSC1 but was independent of FAK. Furthermore, overexpression of FIP200 reduced TSC1–TSC2 complex formation, although knockdown of endogenous FIP200 by RNA interference did not affect TSC1–TSC2 complex formation. Lastly, we showed that FIP200 is important in nutrient stimulation-induced, but not energy- or serum-induced, S6 kinase activation. Together, these results suggest a cellular function of FIP200 in the regulation of cell size by interaction with the TSC1–TSC2 complex.
The Rho kinases I and II regulate different aspects of myosin II activity
Authors: Yoneda Atsuko , Multhaupt Hinke A.B. , Couchman John R.
Published: July 2005

The homologous mammalian rho kinases (ROCK I and II) are assumed to be functionally redundant, based largely on kinase construct overexpression. As downstream effectors of Rho GTPases, their major substrates are myosin light chain and myosin phosphatase. Both kinases are implicated in microfilament bundle assembly and smooth muscle contractility. Here, analysis of fibroblast adhesion to fibronectin revealed that although ROCK II was more abundant, its activity was always lower than ROCK I. Specific reduction of ROCK I by siRNA resulted in loss of stress fibers and focal adhesions, despite persistent ROCK II and guanine triphosphate–bound RhoA. In contrast, the microfilament cytoskeleton was enhanced by ROCK II down-regulation. Phagocytic uptake of fibronectin-coated beads was strongly down-regulated in ROCK II–depleted cells but not those lacking ROCK I. These effects originated in part from distinct lipid-binding preferences of ROCK pleckstrin homology domains. ROCK II bound phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5P3 and was sensitive to its levels, properties not shared by ROCK I. Therefore, endogenous ROCKs are distinctly regulated and in turn are involved with different myosin compartments.
Mammalian WDR12 is a novel member of the Pes1–Bop1 complex and is required for ribosome biogenesis and cell proliferation
Authors: Hölzel Michael , Rohrmoser Michaela , Schlee Martin , Grimm Thomas , Harasim Thomas , Malamoussi Anastassia , Gruber-Eber Anita , Kremmer Elisabeth , Hiddemann Wolfgang , Bornkamm Georg W. , Eick Dirk
Published: July 2005

Target genes of the protooncogene c-myc are implicated in cell cycle and growth control, yet the linkage of both is still unexplored. Here, we show that the products of the nucleolar target genes Pes1 and Bop1 form a stable complex with a novel member, WDR12 (PeBoW complex). Endogenous WDR12, a WD40 repeat protein, is crucial for processing of the 32S precursor ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and cell proliferation. Further, a conditionally expressed dominant-negative mutant of WDR12 also blocks rRNA processing and induces a reversible cell cycle arrest. Mutant WDR12 triggers accumulation of p53 in a p19ARF-independent manner in proliferating cells but not in quiescent cells. Interestingly, a potential homologous complex of Pes1–Bop1–WDR12 in yeast (Nop7p–Erb1p–Ytm1p) is involved in the control of ribosome biogenesis and S phase entry. In conclusion, the integrity of the PeBoW complex is required for ribosome biogenesis and cell proliferation in mammalian cells.
A local mechanism mediates NAD-dependent protection of axon degeneration
Authors: Wang Jing , Zhai Qiwei , Chen Ying , Lin Estelle , Gu Wei , McBurney Michael W. , He Zhigang
Published: July 2005

Axon degeneration occurs frequently in neurodegenerative diseases and peripheral neuropathies. Important insight into the mechanisms of axon degeneration arose from findings that the degeneration of transected axons is delayed in Wallerian degeneration slow (Wlds) mice with the overexpression of a fusion protein with the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) synthetic enzyme, nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferase (Nmnat1). Although both Wlds and Nmnat1 themselves are functional in preventing axon degeneration in neuronal cultures, the underlying mechanism for Nmnat1- and NAD-mediated axon protection remains largely unclear. We demonstrate that NAD levels decrease in degenerating axons and that preventing this axonal NAD decline efficiently protects axons from degeneration. In support of a local protective mechanism, we show that the degeneration of axonal segments that have been separated from their soma could be prevented by the exogenous application of NAD or its precursor nicotinamide. Furthermore, we provide evidence that such Nmnat1/NAD-mediated protection is primarily mediated by their effects on local bioenergetics. Together, our results suggest a novel molecular pathway for axon degeneration.
An essential role for c-FLIP in the efficient development of mature T lymphocytes
Authors: Zhang Nu , He You-Wen
Published: July 2005

Apoptosis-related genes play important roles in thymocyte maturation. We show that cellular FLICE-like inhibitory protein (c-FLIP), a procaspase-8–like apoptotic regulator, plays an essential role in the efficient development of mature T lymphocytes. Mice conditionally lacking c-FLIP in T lymphocytes display severe defects in the development of mature T cells, as indicated by a dramatically reduced number of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in the spleen and lymph nodes of mutant mice. The impaired T lymphocyte maturation in c-FLIP conditional knockout mice occurs at the single-positive thymocyte stage and may be caused by enhanced apoptosis in vivo. Moreover, although c-FLIP has been implicated in T cell receptor signaling through nuclear factor (NF)-κB and Erk pathways, activation of NF-κB and Erk in c-FLIP–deficient thymocytes appears largely intact. Collectively, our data suggest that the primary role of c-FLIP in thymocyte maturation is to protect cells from apoptosis.
Cellular FLICE-inhibitory protein is required for T cell survival and cycling
Authors: Chau Hien , Wong Veronica , Chen Nien-Jung , Huang Huey-Lan , Lin Wen-Jye , Mirtsos Christine , Elford Alisha R. , Bonnard Madeleine , Wakeham Andrew , You-Ten Annick Itie , Lemmers Bénédicte , Salmena Leonardo , Pellegrini Marc , Hakem Razq , Mak Tak W. , Ohashi Pamela , Yeh Wen-Chen
Published: July 2005

Fas-associated death domain (FADD) and caspase-8 are key signal transducers for death receptor–induced apoptosis, whereas cellular FLICE-inhibitory protein (cFLIP) antagonizes this process. Interestingly, FADD and caspase-8 also play a role in T cell development and T cell receptor (TCR)–mediated proliferative responses. To investigate the underlying mechanism, we generated cFLIP-deficient T cells by reconstituting Rag−/− blastocysts with cFLIP-deficient embryonic stem cells. These Rag chimeric mutant mice (rcFLIP−/−) had severely reduced numbers of T cells in the thymus, lymph nodes, and spleen, although mature T lymphocytes did develop. Similar to FADD- or caspase-8–deficient cells, rcFLIP−/− T cells were impaired in proliferation in response to TCR stimulation. Further investigation revealed that cFLIP is required for T cell survival, as well as T cell cycling in response to TCR stimulation. Interestingly, some signaling pathways from the TCR complex appeared competent, as CD3 plus CD28 cross-linking was capable of activating the ERK pathway in rcFLIP−/− T cells. We demonstrate an essential role for cFLIP in T cell function.
Tim-2 regulates T helper type 2 responses and autoimmunity
Authors: Chakravarti Sumone , Sabatos Catherine A. , Xiao Sheng , Illes Zsolt , Cha Eugene K. , Sobel Raymond A. , Zheng Xin X. , Strom Terry B. , Kuchroo Vijay K.
Published: July 2005

Identification of the T cell immunoglobulin mucin-domain containing (Tim) gene family introduced a new family of cell surface molecules that is involved in the regulation of immune responses. We previously demonstrated that Tim-3 is expressed on terminally differentiated T helper (Th)1 cells, and serves to regulate Th1 immune responses. Here, we describe the identification and function of Tim-2, a novel member of the Tim gene family. In contrast with Tim-3, we demonstrate that Tim-2 is expressed preferentially in differentiated Th2 cells. Blockade of the Tim-2/Tim-2 ligand interaction, by administration of soluble Tim-2 fusion protein (Tim-2 immunoglobulin [Ig]), results in T cell hyperproliferation and the production of Th2 cytokines. Administration of Tim-2 Ig during the induction phase reduces the severity of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, a Th1-mediated autoimmune disease model of multiple sclerosis. We propose that Tim-2, an orthologue of human Tim-1, is critical for the regulation of Th2 responses during autoimmune inflammation.
Multiple organ infection and the pathogenesis of SARS
Authors: Gu Jiang , Gong Encong , Zhang Bo , Zheng Jie , Gao Zifen , Zhong Yanfeng , Zou Wanzhong , Zhan Jun , Wang Shenglan , Xie Zhigang , Zhuang Hui , Wu Bingquan , Zhong Haohao , Shao Hongquan , Fang Weigang , Gao Dongshia , Pei Fei , Li Xingwang , He Zhongpin , Xu Danzhen , Shi Xeying , Anderson Virginia M. , Leong Anthony S.-Y.
Published: July 2005

After >8,000 infections and >700 deaths worldwide, the pathogenesis of the new infectious disease, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), remains poorly understood. We investigated 18 autopsies of patients who had suspected SARS; 8 cases were confirmed as SARS. We evaluated white blood cells from 22 confirmed SARS patients at various stages of the disease. T lymphocyte counts in 65 confirmed and 35 misdiagnosed SARS cases also were analyzed retrospectively. SARS viral particles and genomic sequence were detected in a large number of circulating lymphocytes, monocytes, and lymphoid tissues, as well as in the epithelial cells of the respiratory tract, the mucosa of the intestine, the epithelium of the renal distal tubules, the neurons of the brain, and macrophages in different organs. SARS virus seemed to be capable of infecting multiple cell types in several organs; immune cells and pulmonary epithelium were identified as the main sites of injury. A comprehensive theory of pathogenesis is proposed for SARS with immune and lung damage as key features.
The association between the fraternal birth order effect in male homosexuality and other markers of human sexual orientation
Authors: Rahman Qazi
Published: July 2005

Later fraternal birth order (FBO) is a well-established correlate of homosexuality in human males and may implicate a maternal immunization response in the feminization of male sexuality. This has led to the suggestion that FBO may relate to other markers of male sexual orientation which are robustly sexually dimorphic. If so, among homosexual males the number of older brothers should strongly correlate with traits such as spatial ability and psychological gender, indicative of greater behavioural feminization, compared to heterosexual males. The present study failed to find significant associations between number of older brothers and these traits.
Punishment and partner switching cause cooperative behaviour in a cleaning mutualism
Authors: Bshary Redouan , Grutter Alexandra S
Published: July 2005

What are the mechanisms that prevent partners from cheating in potentially cooperative interactions between unrelated individuals? The cleaner fishLabroides dimidiatusand client reef fish both benefit from an interaction as long as the cleaner eats ectoparasites. However, the cleaner fish prefers some client mucus, which constitutes cheating. Field observations suggested that clients control such cheating by using punishment (chasing the cleaner) or by switching partners (fleeing from the cleaner). Here, we tested experimentally whether such client behaviours result in cooperative cleaner fish. Cleaners were allowed to feed from Plexiglas plates containing prawn items and fish flake items. A lever attached to the plates allowed us to mimic the behaviours of clients. As cleaners showed a strong preference for prawn over flakes, we taught them that eating their preferred food would cause the plate to either chase them or to flee, while feeding on flakes had no negative consequences. We found a significant shift in cleaner fish foraging behaviour towards flake feeding after six learning trials. As punishment and terminating an interaction resulted in the cleaners feeding against their preferences in our experiment, we propose that the same behaviours in clients improve the service quality of cleaners under natural conditions.
Killer whales and whaling: the scavenging hypothesis
Authors: Whitehead Hal , Reeves Randall
Published: July 2005

Killer whales (Orcinus orca) frequently scavenged from the carcasses produced by whalers. This practice became especially prominent with large-scale mechanical whaling in the twentieth century, which provided temporally and spatially clustered floating carcasses associated with loud acoustic signals. The carcasses were often of species of large whale preferred by killer whales but that normally sink beyond their diving range. In the middle years of the twentieth century floating whaled carcasses were much more abundant than those resulting from natural mortality of whales, and we propose that scavenging killer whales multiplied through diet shifts and reproduction. During the 1970s the numbers of available carcasses fell dramatically with the cessation of most whaling (in contrast to a reasonably stable abundance of living whales), and the scavenging killer whales needed an alternative source of nutrition. Diet shifts may have triggered declines in other prey species, potentially affecting ecosystems, as well as increasing direct predation on living whales.
Leptin regulates energetic tradeoffs between body fat and humoural immunity
Authors: Demas Gregory E , Sakaria Sangeeta
Published: July 2005

Mounting an immune response requires a relatively substantial investment of energy and marked reductions in energy availability can suppress immune function and presumably increase disease susceptibility. We have previously demonstrated that a moderate reduction in energy stores via partial surgical lipectomy (LIPx) impairs humoural immunity of Siberian hamsters (
Phodopus sungorus
). Here we tested the hypothesis that LIPx-induced decreases in immunity are mediated by changes in the adipose tissue hormone leptin. Hamsters received bilateral surgical removal of inguinal white adipose tissue (IWATx) or sham surgeries (Sham). Half the animals in each group received osmotic minipumps containing murine leptin (0.5 μl h
−1
for 10 days) whereas the remaining animals received minipumps containing vehicle alone; all animals were subsequently challenged with the novel antigen keyhole limpet haemocyanin (KLH). In general, serum leptin and anti-KLH antibodies were significantly correlated with one another with higher levels generally indicating enhanced immunity. In addition, IWATx hamsters had significantly lower serum anti-KLH IgG compared with sham animals. Exogenous leptin, however, attenuated LIPx-induced immune suppression but did not affect humoural immunity in sham animals. These results suggest that reductions in energy availability lead to impairments in humoural immunity and that leptin can serve as a neuroendocrine signal between body fat and immunity regulating humoural immune responses.
Trans-oceanic and endemic origins of the small minnow mayflies (Ephemeroptera, Baetidae) of Madagascar
Authors: Monaghan Michael T , Gattolliat Jean-Luc , Sartori Michel , Elouard Jean-Marc , James Helen , Derleth Pascale , Glaizot Olivier , de Moor Ferdy , Vogler Alfried P
Published: July 2005

We investigated the relative importance of dispersal and vicariance in forming the Madagascar insect fauna, sequencing approximately 2300 bp from three rRNA gene regions to investigate the phylogeny of Afrotropical small minnow mayflies (Ephemeroptera: Baetidae). Six lineages contained trans-oceanic sister taxa, and variation in genetic divergence between sister taxa revealed relationships that range from very recent dispersal to ancient vicariance. Dispersal was most recent and frequent in species that spend the larval stage in standing water, adding to evidence that these evolutionarily unstable habitats may select for ecological traits that increase dispersal in insects. Ancestral state likelihood analysis suggested at least one Afrotropical lineage had its origin in Madagascar, demonstrating that unidirectional dispersal from a continental source may be too simplistic. We conclude that the Malagasy mayfly fauna should be considered in a biogeographical context that extends beyond Madagascar itself, encompassing trans-oceanic dispersal within multiple lineages.
Poignancy in the US political blogsphere
Authors: Rogers Richard
Published: July 2005

Purpose

To suggest methods and approaches to the study of relationships between the blogsphere and news, and to show, through a preliminary study, how the blogsphere makes particular political contributions through the manner in which social issues are discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

The article provides a set of research questions as well as general methodological approaches to undertake empirical, comparative analysis of the blogsphere and news. It reports on a preliminary study of the contribution of the blogsphere to politics using semantic analysis. Hyperlink analysis of the right‐of‐center US political blogsphere is also provided in a figure.

Findings

It was found that the contribution of the blogsphere to political issue formation is distinctive from that of the news, for the blogsphere provides to issues a poignancy not found in the news.

Research limitations/implications

The reported study is suggestive of a particular contribution the blogsphere may make to issue formation.

Practical implications

The article outlines a research agenda.

Originality/value

The article seeks to reorient the study of the blogsphere.
EDM in the Danish public sector: the FESD project
Authors: Steinmark Charlotte
Published: July 2005

Purpose

To confirm that the purpose of the FESD project has been to provide a framework contract for the whole public sector covering the purchase of an EDM system, technical and organisational consulting for implementation and organisational change.

Design/methodology/approach

The project took the approach of working closely together with 11 partnering organisations on developing the functional requirements for the system and participating in the tender negotiations with the bidding consortia. This has proved valuable, since the project has gained a profound legitimacy for its demands and a strong basis for the roll‐out in the rest of the public sector.

Findings

The results of the project are manifold: for the first time in the Danish public sector a mutual framework contract has made it possible to put the same requirements forward to the bidding vendors. It has made it possible to develop mutual technical standards and to develop standardised work processes supported by the systems. Furthermore, a number of long‐term findings will become evident over the next two years when the implementation projects begin to show results.

Practical implications

Originally it was one of the major tasks of the FESD project to show efficiency gains and return of investment within the project's life span. This has not been possible due to the fact that the implementation projects in the partnering organisations are far from finished. Also, efficiency gains are not always part of the success criteria and it may turn out that efficiency gains weigh more in the minds of planners than in the real implementation projects.

Originality/value

The article is a report from a country highly esteemed for its efforts in pushing public digital administration in order to create better service and higher efficiency.
On the mechanical surface enhancement techniques in aerospace industry – a review of technology
Authors: Tolga Bozdana A.
Published: July 2005

Purpose

To review the most commonly used mechanical surface enhancement (MSE) techniques and their applications available in aerospace industry.

Design/methodology/approach

A brief description of each technique, as well as advantages and disadvantages over other techniques are given. The effects of those techniques on the surface characteristics and service properties of treated components are summarised. Finally, the applications of such techniques in the aerospace industry are presented with descriptive illustrations.

Findings

Provides a know‐how information and also comparison of techniques. Guides researchers and engineers to proper and appropriate use of each technique for relevant case or application.

Research limitations/implications

The list of techniques can be extended to a wider range which may perhaps include specific and special purpose surface enhancement methods. The applications given in the paper are mainly industrial examples of such techniques which may reduce its usefulness in academia.

Practical implications

A very useful source of information and reference for companies and engineers working in repair and production technologies of aerospace components, and also a valuable guidance for researchers and academia or for those who are intending to make a research on surface enhancement technologies.

Originality/value

This paper introduces the most commonly used MSE techniques and their effects on the service properties of aerospace components, and provides a practical help and information for people in the industry and academia.
Hierarchical model‐based diagnosis applied to spacecraft
Authors: Ruoming An , Xingwei Jiang , Zhengji Song
Published: July 2005

Purpose

To improve accuracy and efficiency of multi‐fault recognition and localization for large‐scale system such as satellite.

Design/methodology/approach

First, fault propagations of a system are modeled by a digraph, which composes of nodes and arcs. Each arc is associated with information about propagation probability and propagation strength. Then, based on consistency‐based theory and semantic theory of abstractions, hierarchical diagnosis model of a system is built. Finally, according to a two‐way hierarchical diagnosis strategy, two incorporated algorithms are adopted which are the Lagrangian relaxation algorithm and the “method of propagation strength”.

Findings

Hierarchical model can greatly improve efficiency of diagnosis compared with un‐hierarchical one. The combined qualitative and quantitative knowledge can improve fault resolution.

Research limitations/implications

The propagation probability and propagation strength must been known.

Practical implications

The method shows its superiority when it is applied to complex system such as spacecraft.

Originality/value

A novel hierarchical framework for large‐scale system multi‐fault diagnosis, which include some new ideas and algorithm is put forward.
Approximate controller design for singularly perturbed aircraft systems
Authors: Shim Kyu‐Hong , Sawan M.E.
Published: July 2005

Purpose

To design a reduced‐order controller with loosing little accuracy.

Design/methodology/approach

Singular perturbation approach by quasi‐steady state approximation and by Matrix block diagonalization technique is used.

Findings

It is shown that few errors occur between the uncorrected and corrected solutions for the fast subsystems while a few errors occur between the two kinds of solutions for the slow subsystems. The uncorrected solution is admissible for most dynamics. If not, it is recommended that the corrected solution be used.

Research limitations

Proportional feedback control gain is obtained by Pole placement method, which may produce an unwanted overshoot in the response.

Originality/value

This paper shows that the corrected controller is successfully applied in the aircraft dynamics and control.
Peer mentoring: one institution's approach to mentoring academic librarians
Authors: Level Allison V. , Mach Michelle
Published: July 2005

Purpose

Aims to describe a peer‐mentoring program in one academic library and to provide suggestions and recommendations for setting up a similar program in other libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

Formal one‐on‐one mentoring for tenure‐track librarians is a standard component of many professional development programs. This qualitative article describes the development of a newer method, the peer‐mentoring group.

Findings

Information about several peer‐mentoring programs and the importance of mentoring as a component of professional development in libraries is provided.

Originality/value

A list of recent articles on peer‐mentoring programs is provided along with selected articles about mentoring in libraries and higher education. The focus is for academic libraries, but public libraries may still be interested in this newer model of mentoring.
Strategic human resource development in public libraries in Botswana
Authors: Jain Priti
Published: July 2005

Purpose

The broad objective of this study was to present a model for strategic human resource management through an effective staff performance appraisal system in Botswana Public Libraries in order to enhance the provision of delivery of information services.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents and discusses the partial findings of the study, which were revealed in an attempt to provide a strategic human resource management model for public libraries in Botswana. Public libraries aid the public as a whole, and they often lack funds and human resources. It is because of these constraints that the study was embarked on by the author.

Findings

From an empirical investigation the main critical qualities required to provide efficient public library services were revealed as: enthusiasm, positive attitude, innovative thinking, commitment. The other staff related and motivational issues were identified as: a sense of achievement, a feeling of self‐worth, job‐security, staff recognition, status, career development, good salary, effective communication, job satisfaction, delegation of authority, clear job description, performance feedback, conducive working environment. Some other strategic management issues were acclaimed as: organisational culture, transformational leadership, employee recognition and reward systems, performance measurement system, productivity improvement, and customer orientation.

Originality/value

This paper recommends a strategic human resource management model for the public libraries in Botswana, which may assist in enhancing the provision of library services to fulfil the aims of the Botswana National Library Service (BNLS) more efficiently and facilitate the strategic plan process of BNLS which is currently working on its strategic plan and human resource strategy.
Public libraries in Belfast and the Troubles, 1969‐1994
Authors: Topping Darren , Evans Geraint
Published: July 2005

Purpose

Seeks to investigate the extent to which public libraries in Belfast were affected by the Northern Ireland Troubles between 1969 and 1994.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a literature review and interviews with key members of staff, it gives a brief history of the growth of public libraries in the city and outlines the impact of the Troubles on the buildings, staff and finances of Belfast libraries. It further details the effect on the Falls Road branch, a library in the centre of the turmoil.

Findings

Examines the literature generated by the Troubles and discusses how the Northern Ireland Political Collection at the Linen Hall Library Belfast has harnessed these materials.

Originality/value

Investigates the extent to which public libraries in Belfast were affected by the Northern Ireland Troubles between 1969 and 1994.
Achieving readiness for organisational change
Authors: Smith Ian
Published: July 2005

Purpose

Seeks to ontinue discussion of the critical role of people in organisational change.

Design/methodology/approach

Focuses on the importance of achieving change readiness, ways in which this may be achieved and means to assess organisational readiness for change.

Findings

Achieving and sustaining effective organisational change and renewal are an imperative. The people in organisations can be either the key to achieving effective change, or the biggest obstacles to success.

Originality/value

Highlights how managers attempting to achieve organisational change will be well served by paying attention to the need to create readiness for change – this at both the individual employee and whole‐of‐organisation level – and the ways in which this may be achieved.
Culture as a determinant of the importance level business students place on ten teaching/learning techniques
Authors: Rodrigues Carl A.
Published: July 2005

Purpose

Seeks to examine the impact of national culture on the importance level students place on ten teaching techniques commonly used by US business instructors.

Design/methodology/approach

Undergraduate and MBA business students, including students born in the USA and students born in a foreign country, rated the techniques.

Findings

Ratings by students from cultures preferring techniques where the instructor provides high structure differ slightly from the ratings by students from cultures preferring techniques where the instructor provides lower structure.

Research limitations/implications

The respondents are from one US university. Therefore, the results cannot be generalized.

Practical implications

The framework is useful in that it reminds instructors/trainers that, if a group of learners is from the same culture, a customized technique may be effective but, if the group is from diverse cultures, it reminds them that they may have to provide more structure to those students and trainees from cultures which learn best through directive techniques than to those which learn best through less directive techniques.

Originality/value

Some researchers have examined how culture influences learning‐style preference. However, much of the existing literature has been contributed by educational psychologists, whose major concern has been the academic performance of Blacks, Hispanics, and American Indians being lower than that of whites in the USA. This study addresses the impact of national culture on students’ teaching/learning technique preference.
Managers’ perceptions of the strategic role of management development
Authors: Luoma Mikko
Published: July 2005

Purpose

Companies are increasingly using management development (MD) initiatives as a means of enhancing their capability to realise their business goals. Therefore, the linkage between MD and strategic management should be better understood. Aims to examine this situation.

Design/methodology/approach

By utilising quantitative statistical methods, the paper studies the linkage from the perspective of individual managers, and analyses how the various forms of the linkage relate to managers’ strategic awareness and perceived value of MD.

Findings

Empirical evidence from Finnish managers implies that the perceived effectiveness of MD and the level of strategic awareness of managers are highly inter‐related.

Originality/value

The paper helps researchers and practitioners to better understand the dynamic and holistic nature of MD and highlights the need to study strategic management and organisational learning increasingly from the perspective of individuals rather than from that of the whole organisation.
Critical success factors from IT outsourcing theories: an empirical study
Authors: Gottschalk Petter , Solli‐Sæther Hans
Published: July 2005

Purpose

This research paper aims to identify and rank critical issues in IT outsourcing relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 11 management theories were applied in this research: theory of core competencies, resource‐based theory, neo‐classical economic theory, transaction cost theory, contractual theory, agency theory, partnership and alliance theory, relational exchange theory, stakeholder theory, social exchange theory and theory of firm boundaries. The main method used is case studies and survey. Case studies were conducted in three IT outsourcing relationships: ABB‐IBM, SAS‐CSC, and RR‐EDS.

Findings

Core competence management and stakeholder management were found to be the most critical success factors. Future research should focus on one or two theories, explicitly laying out expectations with respect to the theories, and organizing rich data to test expectations.

Originality/value

This paper demonstrates that a holistic approach to IT outsourcing is needed that recognizes and emphasizes the combination of several critical success factors. The theory‐based factors have both divergent and convergent implications for management.
Is revamping your web site worthwhile?
Authors: Huang Eugenia Y.
Published: July 2005

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study how web site quality affects traffic performance.

Design/methodology/approach

An experimental design is employed to study how web quality affects traffic performance. A revamping of the experimental web site was used as the treatment, targeting visitors' perceived quality of the web site. Four traffic performance measures, page: views, visitor count, daily registrations, and average duration are tracked, and t‐tests are performed on pre‐treatment and post‐treatment data.

Findings

The analysis shows very positive responses among members; visitor count, page views and average duration increased for opt‐in and opt‐out members. For visitor count, even non‐members showed increases. However, daily registration, which measures how many non‐members become members each day, did not change. Non‐members visited more, but neither viewed more pages, nor stayed longer. Average duration is identified as the key factor for discerning visitor groups.

Research limitations/implications

The experimental web site belongs to one web site category. The generalization is subject to reasoning by practitioners.

Practical implications

It was found that: to increase membership, alternative schemes must be employed, perhaps along the lines of a non‐technical approach; to acquire more members, do not focus on converting known non‐members. Those with the same demographic profile as existing members should be targeted; and the question must be asked whether the fact that opt‐in members are stickier than opt‐out members is a trait or a consequence of opt‐in members receiving e‐mails periodically, while opt‐out members chose not to receive e‐mails.

Originality/value

With few existing traffic experiments in the literature, this study is unique, as are its implications.
Incorporating voice of the consumer: does it really work?
Authors: Hsieh Lung‐Far , Chen Shaw K.
Published: July 2005

Purpose

This study attempts to address the question of whether and how new product development (NPD) performance can be enhanced by interacting with users at specific stages in the process and whether performance can be affected by user knowledge management.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, data were collected from firms in the software industry in Taiwan and a model of knowledge management capabilities was adopted to analyze the effectiveness of a firm's user knowledge.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that user interaction during NPD stages significantly promotes new product performance in the early stages and that user knowledge management competence has a positive effect on NPD performance – especially through the process capability dimension.

Originality/value

Drawing from the findings of this paper, further research directions and theoretical and managerial implications are projected.
An iterative approach for distribution chain design in agile virtual environment
Authors: Ma Hongze , Davidrajuh Reggie
Published: July 2005

Purpose – The study sets out to explore the use of an iterative approach for designing distribution chain in an agile virtual environment; in an agile virtual environment, quick adaptation to changing market situation and automation of supply chain management processes are essential. Design/methodology/approach – The iterative approach consists of two parts: the strategic model and the tactical model. First, the strategic model (including number of distributors, location of distributors) is determined. Then, based on the output of the strategic model, the tactical model (i.e. the inventory planning at each node, and vehicle routeing between different nodes of the chain) is determined. After determining the tactical model, the operation‐related parameters from the tactical model are input into the strategic model again, and the configuration of distribution chain is re‐optimized. Such iterations proceed until the design result converges. Findings – The proposed iterative design process provides many advantages such as reuse of knowledge, adaptive to changing market conditions, modular design, and optimal results guaranteed by mixed mathematical usage. The proposed approach is also realizable as a supply chain management software tool. Originality/value – An important contribution of this study is the iterative process that uses three different types of mathematics. For determination of the strategic model mixed integer programming is used. Determination of the tactical model is effected using genetic algorithm and probability theory.
Towards a usability framework for memory institutions
Authors: Glosiene Audrone , Manzhukh Zinaida
Published: July 2005

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to define the main directions and emerging challenges in adoption of general usability principles by the memory institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

Theoretical analysis of usability concepts, usability management processes, methods and evaluation criteria found in the Human‐Computer Interaction professional literature and ISO standards is performed.

Findings

Usability should become a part of quality management activities in memory institutions and will change and expand traditional practices in this sphere. ISO standards and theoretical models may be applied to create a framework for usability management in memory institutions both on strategic and operational levels. However, further research in the scope of joint cultural heritage services, audiences, contexts of use and applied technology in the sector of memory institutions should be performed. The main challenges on the way towards the usability framework are cultivation of partnership culture and multidisciplinary teamwork in development and provision of ICT‐based services and application of complex and overlapping recommendations provided by volumnious ISO standards.

Originality/value

The main value of the paper is the comprehensive analysis of state‐of‐the‐art in usability and provision of the main directions and challenges of usability adoption in memory institutions. This analysis maps the future research and practical activities necessary for successful adoption of usability management in libraries, museums and archives.
Testing the barriers to digital libraries
Authors: George Carole A.
Published: July 2005

Purpose

The aim was to explore the issues related to acquiring copyright permission with the goal of determining effectiveness and efficiency using the least complex process.

Design/methodology/approach

A random sample of books was chosen, relevant information was recorded, request letters were sent and tracked, and results (permission received or denied) were analyzed with respect to publisher, publication data, time required, and issues related to the process.

Findings

About 52 percent responded with a yes or no with 24 percent yes responses. Nearly 25 percent never responded, addresses were not found for about 16 percent, approximately 7 percent were too complicated to pursue and response time averaged about three months.

Research limitations/implications

Results were affected by the limited staff time available to work on the project, the many changes in staff, and the sometimes lengthy time between follow‐ups.

Practical implications

The low rate of positive responses indicates the need to focus on publications and publishers most likely to provide permission: older and out‐of‐print materials, non‐commercial publishers, special collections, while using designated staff and personal contact to improve effectiveness.

Originality/value

Few previous studies exist in this area. This study might benefit other libraries with respect to planning, defining procedures, and improving results.