bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A role for BiP as an adjustor for the endoplasmic reticulum stress-sensing protein Ire1
Authors: Kimata Yukio , Oikawa Daisuke , Shimizu Yusuke , Ishiwata-Kimata Yuki , Kohno Kenji
Published: November 2004

In the unfolded protein response, the type I transmembrane protein Ire1 transmits an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress signal to the cytoplasm. We previously reported that under nonstressed conditions, the ER chaperone BiP binds and represses Ire1. It is still unclear how this event contributes to the overall regulation of Ire1. The present Ire1 mutation study shows that the luminal domain possesses two subregions that seem indispensable for activity. The BiP-binding site was assigned not to these subregions, but to a region neighboring the transmembrane domain. Phenotypic comparison of several Ire1 mutants carrying deletions in the indispensable subregions suggests these subregions are responsible for multiple events that are prerequisites for activation of the overall Ire1 proteins. Unexpectedly, deletion of the BiP-binding site rendered Ire1 unaltered in ER stress inducibility, but hypersensitive to ethanol and high temperature. We conclude that in the ER stress-sensory system BiP is not the principal determinant of Ire1 activity, but an adjustor for sensitivity to various stresses.
Formation of Membrane-bound Ring Complexes by Prohibitins in Mitochondria
Authors: Tatsuta Takashi , Model Kirstin , Langer Thomas
Published: November 2004

Prohibitins comprise a remarkably conserved protein family in eukaryotic cells with proposed functions in cell cycle progression, senescence, apoptosis, and the regulation of mitochondrial activities. Two prohibitin homologues, Phb1 and Phb2, assemble into a high molecular weight complex of ∼1.2 MDa in the mitochondrial inner membrane, but a nuclear localization of Phb1 and Phb2 also has been reported. Here, we have analyzed the biogenesis and structure of the prohibitin complex in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Both Phb1 and Phb2 subunits are targeted to mitochondria by unconventional noncleavable targeting sequences at their amino terminal end. Membrane insertion involves binding of newly imported Phb1 to Tim8/13 complexes in the intermembrane space and is mediated by the TIM23-translocase. Assembly occurs via intermediate-sized complexes of ∼120 kDa containing both Phb1 and Phb2. Conserved carboxy-terminal coiled-coil regions in both subunits mediate the formation of large assemblies in the inner membrane. Single particle electron microscopy of purified prohibitin complexes identifies diverse ring-shaped structures with outer dimensions of ∼270 × 200 Å. Implications of these findings for proposed cellular activities of prohibitins are discussed.
An evaluation of elastic properties and coefficients of thermal expansion of graphite fibres from macroscopic composite input data
Authors: Rupnowski P. , Gentz M. , Sutter J. K. , Kumosa M.
Published: November 2004

In this work, a methodology has been presented for the evaluation of stiffness properties and temperature–dependent coefficients of thermal expansion of continuous fibres from the macroscopic properties of either unidirectional or woven composites. The methodology was used to determine the stiffness and thermal properties of T650–35 graphite fibres from the macroscopic input data of unidirectional and woven composites based on the same fibres embedded in a PMR–15 polyimide matrix. In the first part of the analysis, the fibre properties were determined directly from the unidirectional composite macro data using the inversed Eshelby–Mori–Tanaka approach. Subsequently, certain fibre properties were additionally evaluated indirectly from the woven composite, using the finite–element method and the concept of a representative unit cell.

It has been shown that the temperature–dependent coefficients of thermal expansion of the fibres can be estimated from the unidirectional composite macro data with significantly smaller errors than in the case of the elastic properties. It has also been shown that the errors in the evaluation of the elastic properties of the fibres from the macro unidirectional composite data could be significantly reduced if the fibres were placed in a stiff matrix material: much stiffer than the polyimide resin. The longitudinal and transverse coefficients of thermal expansions and the shear modulus of the T650–35 fibres determined from the unidirectional composite analysis were successfully verified by investigating the woven composite.
Osmosis in small pores: a molecular dynamics study of the mechanism of solvent transport
Authors: Kim K. S. , Davis I. S. , Macpherson P. A. , Pedley T. J. , Hill A. E.
Published: November 2004

Osmosis through semi–permeable pores is a complex process by which solvent is driven by its free energy gradient towards a solute–rich reservoir. We have studied osmotic flow across a semi–permeable cylindrical pore using hard–sphere molecular dynamics which simulates osmosis in the absence of attractive forces between solute and solvent. In addition, we recorded the rates of pressure–driven solvent flow and the diffusive flow of labelled solvent under concentration gradients. It is apparent that there are differences, which are radius dependent, between viscous and diffusive solvent permeabilities in small pores.

The osmotic flow rate is decreased by allowing solute entry into part of the pore, an effect which is not due to solute obstruction. The flow rate is dependent on the structure of the pore, which for asymmetric pores leads, surprisingly, to flow asymmetry or osmotic rectification. In the absence of any possible viscous rectification at these very low flow rates the effect correlates with changes between diffusive and pressure flows created by the presence of solute, an effect which has been predicted from thermodynamic arguments. The geometry of a semi–permeable pore in relation to the solute size is therefore required to predict the osmotic flow rate, a departure from the classical picture.

Finally, by extracting transport parameters from simulations with pure solvent, we examine the departure of observed flow rate from that predicted by continuum mechanics, obtaining drag coefficients which we compare with those derived from hydrodynamics alone.
Rainfall variability in East Africa: implications for natural resources management and livelihoods
Authors: Conway Declan , Allison Edward , Felstead Richard , Goulden Marisa
Published: November 2004

This note examines the effects of climate variability on natural–resources management in East Africa. The bimodal rainfall regime in much of East Africa brings rainy seasons from March to May and October to December with greater interannual variability from October to December. We discuss the impacts of rainfall extremes in 1961 and 1997 and explore three examples of natural–resources management in the context of rainfall variability: inland fisheries in East and southern Africa; fluctuations in the level of Lake Victoria; and lake–shore communities around Lake Kyoga in Uganda. The discussion reflects the complexity of linkages between climate, environment and society in the region and highlights implications for natural–resources management. These range from benefits due to improved seasonal rainfall forecasting to reduce the damage of extremes, to improved understanding of existing climate–society interactions to provide insights into the region's vulnerability and adaptive capacity in relation to future climate change.
Climate change impacts and vegetation response on the island of Madagascar
Authors: Ingram J. Carter , Dawson Terence P.
Published: November 2004

The island of Madagascar has been labelled the world's number one conservation ‘hot spot’ because of increasing anthropogenic degradation of its natural habitats, which support a high level of species endemism. However, climatic phenomena may also have a significant impact upon the island's flora and fauna. An analysis of 18 years of monthly satellite images from the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) have demonstrated that there is a dynamic pattern in Madagascar's vegetative cover both annually and seasonally throughout 1982–1999. Over interannual time–scales, we show that this vegetation response, calculated using the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), has a strong negative correlation with the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), which can be attributable to drought events and associated wildfires. Global climate change is predicted to increase the frequency of the ENSO phenomenon, resulting in further decline of Madagascar's natural environment.
Non–ENSO control on southern Africa precipitation variability
Authors: Lizcano Gil , Todd Martin
Published: November 2004

The objective of this study is to quantify the nature of the mechanisms of southern Africa rainfall variability, unrelated to the El Niño Southern Oscillation, by means of a simple empirical composite analysis, as a baseline for a more detailed study.
Epipelagic mesozooplankton dynamics around the Mascarene Plateau and Basin, Southwestern Indian Ocean
Authors: Gallienne Christopher P. , Smythe-Wright Denise
Published: November 2004

It has been suggested that the obstruction of the South Equatorial Current by the Mascarene Plateau might cause upwelling, nutrient enrichment and enhanced chlorophyll and secondary production levels downstream. A study conducted in April and May 2001 showed variability in biomass and community structure which appeared to support this hypothesis but, in the absence of supporting physical and biochemical measurements, we were unable to confirm it. In June and July 2002 the sampling was repeated with the supporting environmental measurements available from a large research vessel. In this paper we present the results from this sampling programme, compare them with the 2001 results, and examine both datasets in the light of physical and other environmental data gathered during the 2002 programme in order to evaluate the evidence for significant upwelling around the Mascarene Plateau. The evidence is inconclusive: the 2002 dataset shows only a little evidence of topographic upwelling. However, the mesozooplankton and other physical and biochemical data from the 2002 sampling programme indicate support for the theory of an open–ocean upwelling between 5 and 10○ S across the central and western Indian Ocean from 50 to 90° E, due to Ekman divergence along the northern edge of the South Equatorial Current. It is possible that these two separate sources of upwelling may coexist and combine at times, producing the very high levels of biomass found during 2001.
Information disparity: research and measurement challenges in an interconnected world
Authors: Boyd Andrew
Published: November 2004

With the proliferation of new information channels such as the Web, e‐mail and wireless, it is becoming increasingly important to understand the impact of these technologies within information‐seeking and retrieval contexts. This issue of Aslib Proceedings presents research that begins to address the notion of “information disparity”. It aims to weave a common thread between the challenges of reconciling disparate information needs in an environment complicated by fragmented or disparate data sources. This article lists several emerging trends that should begin to challenge traditional notions of our research field.
A goal‐based approach to the evaluation and documentation of business process re‐engineering
Authors: Boyd Andrew
Published: November 2004

The technical support team at a small European software firm was in virtual revolt. The product that they supported was error‐prone and after three rounds of redundancies morale was at an all time low. With the arrival of a new management team, the support manager was given the remit to drastically improve productivity and increase the revenue potential of the department. Through a case‐based approach, both qualitative and quantitative methods are used to evaluate the applicability of the goals, questions, indicators, measures (GQIM) approach in a field environment, illustrating the practical application of the conceptual work on goal‐based methodologies that was previously presented in this journal (2002).
Discussion of performance measures in public service broadcasting
Authors: Hastings Cristina
Published: November 2004

Measuring the value of a public service broadcaster (such as the BBC) is particularly pertinent today given the growing pressures on public service broadcasting. The opportunities offered by digital technologies, increasing demands for accountability, and the upcoming UK Charter Review have all brought public service broadcasting into scrutiny. However, the complexities of measuring the service delivered to the public are immense. First, there are the challenges in defining and meeting the expectations of the public as consumers, and as citizens. These challenges are then multiplied when considering the full range of expectations and requirements imposed on a public service broadcaster by their diverse set of other stakeholders (ranging from regulators to independent producers). This article discusses some of these challenges and provides suggestions as to the measures and approaches to be considered.
The immediacy effect – then and now
Authors: Meadows Jack
Published: November 2004

The 1960s saw the birth of what is now called “scientometrics”. One of the queries that arose then related to citations of previous literature. Was recent literature cited proportionately more than older literature? Studies by Price, along with that reprinted here, seemed to indicate that the answer was “yes”. This “immediacy effect”, as it was labelled, could be measured in quantitative terms, but how to do so required some thought. For example, what was the best form of index for representing immediacy, and what errors were involved in estimating the effect? Discussions of the usage of past literature could have practical implications for libraries. One question, therefore, was what implications, if any, citation studies had for the provision of journals to library users. On the scientometrics side, there were such questions as why an immediacy effect occurred and to what extent it could be discerned in different subject areas. This article surveys attempts to examine questions like these over the period from the 1960s to the present day, updating an article published in Journal of Documentation in 1967.
Quantitative deconstruction of citation impact indicators
Authors: Nederhof A.J. , Visser M.S.
Published: November 2004

In two case studies of research units, reference values used to benchmark research performance appeared to show contradictory results: the average citation level in the subfields (FCSm) increased world‐wide, while the citation level of the journals (JCSm) decreased, where concomitant changes were expected. Explanations were sought in: a shift in preference of document types; a change in publication preference for subfields; and changes in journal coverage. Publishing in newly covered journals with a low impact had a negative effect on impact ratios. However, the main factor behind the increase in FCSm was the distribution of articles across the five‐year block periods that were studied. Publication in lower impact journals produced a lagging JCSm. Actual values of JCSm, FCSm, and citations per publication (CPP) values are not very informative either about research performance, or about the development of impact over time in a certain subfield with block indicators. Normalized citation impact indicators are free from such effects and should be consulted primarily in research performance assessments.
Subject knowledge improves interactive query expansion assisted by a thesaurus
Authors: Sihvonen Anne , Vakkari Pertti
Published: November 2004

This study explores how experts and novices in pedagogics expanded queries supported by the ERIC thesaurus, and how this was connected to the search effectiveness in an easy and a difficult search task. The expert group consisted of 15 undergraduates in pedagogy and the novice group of 15 students with no previous studies in this field. Their search logs were recorded and a pre‐ and post‐search interview was conducted. The results show that the number and type of terms selected from the thesaurus for expansion by experts improved search effectiveness, whereas there were no connections between the use of thesaurus and improvement of effectiveness among novices. The effectiveness of expansions varied between the facets of the queries. Thus, a vital condition for benefiting from a thesaurus in query expansion to improve search results is sufficient familiarity with the search topic. The results suggest also that it is not in the first place the number of terms used in expansion, but their type and quality that are crucial for search success.
The role of ideas in the manager's workplace: theory and practice
Authors: Rothberg Glenn
Published: November 2004

Ideas contribute to the achievement of high performance, excellence, and competitive advantage in management and organisation. To intervene to facilitate these favourable outcomes, managers need to be aware of how ideas are affected by mindsets they use and what is actually happening to ideas in their workplaces. This paper reports on a pilot survey among managers from diverse organisations. Respondents provide their views about what happens to ideas in their organisations, with comments about the responsiveness of colleagues. It is presumed that how managers engage with ideas in the workplace will reflect the mindsets that they bring from the theory and practice of management. These mindsets are discussed. The study suggests that these mainstream management approaches as applied in our enterprises might not be adequate, and foreshadows the need for their improvement.
Open source development: a hybrid in innovation and management theory
Authors: Ulhøi John P.
Published: November 2004

This paper addresses innovations based on open source or non‐proprietary knowledge. Viewed through the lens of private property theory, such agency appears to be a true anomaly. However, by a further turn of the theoretical kaleidoscope, we will show that there may be perfectly justifiable reasons for not regarding open source innovations as anomalies. The paper is based on three sectorial and generic cases of open source innovation, which is an offspring of contemporary theory made possible by combining elements of the model of private agency with those of the model of collective agency. In closing, the paper addresses implications for further research, practitioners and other policy‐makers.
A pressure‐assisted approach for laser‐beam weld‐bonding Al alloy structure for automobiles
Authors: Messler Robert W. , Bohnenstiehl Scot , Levene John , Johnson Erika , Chen Luo
Published: November 2004

Being inherently a non‐pressure fusion process, laser‐beam welding (LBW) has been shown to have difficulty compared to resistance spot welding for weld‐bonding Al alloy structures, despite the many structural and manufacturing productivity advantages. Study of laser‐beam weld‐bonding of Al‐alloy structure for automobile assembly has led to a technique that appears to have both technical feasibility and production utility. The use of LBW through a hole in a pressure‐applying probe has proven to allow the production of contamination‐free spot welds through pre‐applied pre‐cured structural adhesive. The general approach, along with some details to still be overcome, is presented for both information and solution.
Rapid fabrication of a non‐assembly robotic hand with embedded components
Authors: De Laurentis Kathryn J. , Mavroidis Constantinos
Published: November 2004

The application of rapid prototyping in fabricating a non‐assembly, multi‐articulated robotic hand with inserts is presented in this paper. The development of robotic systems that have all necessary components inserted, with no assembly required, and ready to function when the manufacturing process is complete is quite attractive. Layered manufacturing, in particular stereolithography, can provide a means to do this. Stereolithography produces a solid plastic prototype via a manufacturing procedure where three‐dimensional solid models are constructed layer upon layer by the fusion of material under computer control. An important aspect of the rapid prototype method used in this research is that multi‐jointed systems can be fabricated in one step, without requiring assembly, while maintaining the desired joint mobility. This document presents the design and techniques for part insertion into a non‐assembly, multi‐articulated, dexterous finger prototype built with stereolithography.
Infrastructure resources: forging alignments between supply and demand
Authors: Nutt Bev
Published: November 2004

This paper aims to help establish a more coherent and credible FM platform to support future developments and their alignment to business. A critical review is undertaken of current claims and assumptions concerning the importance of FM, particularly in relation to its scope and strategic impact. The paper finds that there is an urgent need to reposition and rebrand FM as an integral part of infrastructure and services management, within the business resource management process alongside finance, HR, IT and Intangibles. Only a summary account is included, but full references to some 30 sources are given. The paper provides the basis for a consolidated and coherent alignment of property and facility management to business strategy and operations. This paper will be of interest to academics, consultants and those in advanced FM practice who recognise the need for a secure theoretical base from which to market FM to business.
Positioning facility management
Authors: Chotipanich Sarich
Published: November 2004

This paper seeks to uncover major differences in current opinion concerning the purpose, scope and priorities of facility management (FM), and to indicate which key areas and factors of FM practice should be considered for inclusion in any theoretical framework for positioning FM. A literature review examines the available knowledge, theories and publications concerning linking FM to organisation and its environments from a range of published literatures. The paper identifies gaps in the existing knowledge base, and clarifies the issues for consideration and development framework for positioning FM. This paper is a part of research being undertaken for PhD study at the Bartlett School of Graduate Studies, University College London. It has produced a theoretical framework for positioning FM which will be further developed in the next stage of the study. The theoretical framework for positioning FM provides useful ground for developing decision method and tools for positioning FM practice. This paper offers a starting point in aligning FM practice to the particular organisation systematically.
Effective partnerships: building a sub‐regional network of reflective practitioners
Authors: Armistead Colin , Pettigrew Paul
Published: November 2004

This paper reports on a year‐long engagement in a sub‐region of South West England with public sector managers, who frequently work in partnership contexts. The purpose of the initiative was to increase the effectiveness of partnership working by exploring common issues and building a shared understanding of how they might be resolved. This was undertaken by holding a series of seminars and forums facilitated by the authors. The findings show that managers who are involved in numerous partnerships value stepping outside of their formal roles to reflect together on their experiences. Participants were able to identify many pertinent issues that affect their practice in partnership contexts and generate important insights. The findings are being used to develop approaches to support partnerships and collaboration in the sub‐region and further afield.
Identification of seniors at risk: process evaluation of a screening and referral program for patients aged ≥75 in a community hospital emergency department
Authors: Warburton Rebecca N. , Parke Belinda , Church Wynona , McCusker Jane
Published: November 2004

Reports on the authors' experience with a patient safety quality improvement program, intended to reduce the incidence and severity of adverse outcomes for emergency department (ED) patients aged ≥75. The Identification of Seniors at Risk scale was used for screening, and those at high risk were referred for appropriate intervention. The plan‐do‐study‐act improvement cycle was followed, conducting process evaluation to diagnose and correct implementation difficulties. Reports that: implementing an ED screening and referral program is deceptively difficult; process evaluation multidisciplinary working group meetings are an essential improvement tool; screening inclusion criteria had to be adapted to the subject population in order to make efficient use of staff time; the screening questions and process required ongoing assessment, revision, and local adaptation in order to be useful; and high‐risk screening in the ED is critical to a hospital system's ability to anticipate clinical problems; the plan‐do‐study‐act improvement cycle is a practical and useful tool for improving quality and systems in a real care setting.
Developing service quality in mental health services
Authors: Bell Louise
Published: November 2004

Through a literature review, this paper demonstrates that there is a lack of knowledge about quality management within the mental health services. Ideas about quality from the wider services sector are then discussed, and a case study of a mental health scenario is provided. It is argued that health services generally, and mental health services in particular, have much to gain from becoming more closely aligned with the wider field of knowledge of quality management. Concludes that the wider techniques of managing service quality may prove useful, particularly in mental health services, due to the nature of such services and their inherent variability.
Conversion stories as shifting narratives of organizational change
Authors: Bryant Melanie , Wolfram Cox Julie
Published: November 2004

This paper is concerned with how employees talk about their experiences of organizational change and focuses specifically on the construction of conversion stories. These are particularly positive narratives that consider change as a turning point in which individuals depart from an old way of life pre‐change to embrace a post‐change organization. In this study, employees seek conversion into management groups and report the values and philosophies of management in their narratives, thus highlighting the benefits of change while suppressing any negative aspects. This paper draws attention to the dramatic nature of the conversion story and explores the sharp distinction between the reporting of experiences prior to and after change. We also investigate the relationship between constructing conversion stories and gaining personal and career advancement at work and suggest that beneath the positive exterior of the conversion narratives lies a theme of silence, which may be related to career advancement. Our findings suggest that such stories of silence complicate the conversion story as an example of positive organizational change and discuss implications for both the theory and practice of narrative change research.
Trumpeting the voluntary in the United Kingdom
Authors: Newton Carl
Published: November 2004

Examines the archives held by the voluntary sector and the role the sector could play in future provision for English archives in general in light of the new fund from the Government enabling the voluntary sector to expand its operations in the delivery of public services. Concludes that a new methodology will be needed and that it must be based on an inclusive and even‐handed approach to the workers in all the different sectors.
Rethinking consumer disadvantage: the importance of qualitative research
Authors: Woodliffe Lucy
Published: November 2004

This paper provides insight into the behaviour and attitudes of an under‐researched group of consumers, and identifies some useful pointers for future research on consumer disadvantage. More specifically, the paper explores the relationships between the potential causes of consumer disadvantage, forms of consumer disadvantage and accessibility. The exploratory study consisted of a combination of quantitative (diary survey) and qualitative (semi‐structured interviews) methods. The diary survey data were used to measure grocery retailing accessibility for each participant, while the semi‐structured interviews captured participants’ attitudes, preferences and expectations with regard to grocery shopping, which were then used to construct a context for the accessibility findings. The findings suggest a way in which consumer disadvantage can be conceptualised, recommend the use of qualitative methods when researching this area, and highlight issues of interest (such as identifying whether an individual shops through choice or constraint) which could be considered by future research designs.
Key areas, causes and contingency planning of corporate vulnerability in supply chains
Authors: Svensson Göran
Published: November 2004

The article examines companies' perception of corporate vulnerability in supply chains. The areas, the causes and the contingency planning of corporate vulnerability in upstream and downstream supply chains are examined. The study is based on qualitative data, and it differs from other studies on the vulnerability construct in supply chains in that most have been quantitative. An insight of the research is that sub‐contractors in the automotive industry tend to be limited to myopic and vertical views of the key areas, and to the causes and contingency planning of corporate vulnerability in the upstream and downstream supply chains.
Fuzzy discrete‐event simulation for modeling uncertain activity duration
Authors: Zhang Hong , Li Heng , Tam C.M.
Published: November 2004

Construction‐oriented discrete‐event simulation often faces the problem of defining uncertain information input, such as subjectivity in selecting probability distributions that result from insufficient or lack of site productivity data. This paper proposes incorporation of fuzzy set theory with discrete‐event simulation to handle the vagueness, imprecision and subjectivity in the estimation of activity duration, especially when insufficient or no sample data are available. Based upon an improved activity scanning simulation algorithm, a fuzzy distance ranking measure is adopted in fuzzy simulation time advancement and event selection for simulation experimentation. The uses of the fuzzy activity duration and the probability distribution‐modeled duration are compared through a series of simulation experiments. It is observed that the fuzzy simulation outputs are arrived at through only one cycle of fuzzy discrete‐event simulation, still they contain all the statistical information that are produced through multiple cycles of simulation experiments when the probability distribution approach is adopted.
Efficient resource discovery in grids and P2P networks
Authors: Antonopoulos Nick , Salter James
Published: November 2004

Presents a new model for resource discovery in grids and peer‐to‐peer networks designed to utilise efficiently small numbers of messages for query processing and building of the network. Outlines and evaluates the model through a theoretical comparison with other resource discovery systems and a mathematical analysis of the number of messages utilised in contrast with Chord, a distributed hash table. Shows that through careful setting of parameter values the model is able to provide responses to queries and node addition in fewer messages than Chord. The model is shown to have significant benefits over other peer‐to‐peer networks reviewed. Uses a case study to show the applicability of the model as a methodology for building resource discovery systems in peer‐to‐peer networks using different underlying structures. Shows a promising new method of creating a resource discovery system by building a timeline structure on demand, which will be of interest to both researchers and system implementers in the fields of grid computing, peer‐to‐peer networks and distributed resource discovery in general.
Mechanisms for controlling access in the global grid environment
Authors: Angelis George , Gritzalis Stefanos , Lambrinoudakis Costas
Published: November 2004

The Grid is widely seen as the next generation Internet. Aims to share dynamic collections of individuals, institutions and resources by providing consistent, easy and inexpensive access to high‐end computational capabilities. Studies Grid security and specifically users' access control. It has been proved that the viability of these heterogeneous environments is highly dependent on their security design. Solutions trying to address all aspects of security were proposed by most existing Grid projects and collaborations; however the results were not always satisfactory. Reviews some of the most widely‐accepted security solutions, and collects the most efficient. Emphasizes access control procedures and the solutions addressing authentication and authorization issues. Identifies the most successful security schemes implemented and illustrates their effectiveness. Collects these mechanisms to form the backbone of a security mechanism, addressing authentication and authorization Grid‐specific problems. The proposed schemes can constitute the backbone of an effective Grid security architecture.
PIDS: a privacy intrusion detection system
Authors: Venter Hein S. , Olivier Martin S. , Eloff Jan H.P.
Published: November 2004

It is well‐known that the primary threat against misuse of private data about individuals is present within the organisation; proposes a system that uses intrusion detection system (IDS) technologies to help safeguard such private information. Current IDSs attempt to detect intrusions on a low level whereas the proposed privacy IDS (PIDS) attempts to detect intrusions on a higher level. Contains information about information privacy and privacy‐enhancing technologies, the role that a current IDS could play in a privacy system, and a framework for a privacy IDS. The system works by identifying anomalous behaviour and reacts by throttling access to the data and/or issuing reports. It is assumed that the private information is stored in a central networked repository. Uses the proposed PIDS on the border between this repository and the rest of the organisation to identify attempts to misuse such information. A practical prototype of the system needs to be implemented in order to determine and test the practical feasibility of the system. Provides a source of information and guidelines on how to implement a privacy IDS based on existing IDSs.
Web services: measuring practitioner attitude
Authors: Joshi P. , Singh H. , Phippen A.D.
Published: November 2004

Distributed computing architecture has been around for a while, but not all of its benefits could be leveraged due to issues such as inter‐operability, industry standards and cost efficiency that could provide agility and transparency to the business process integration. Web services offer a cross platform solution that provides a wrapper around any business object and exposes it over the Internet as service. Web services typically work outside of private networks, offering developers a non‐proprietary route to their solutions. The growth of this technology is imminent; however, there are various factors that could impact its adoption rate. This paper provides an in‐depth analysis of various factors that could affect adoption rate of this new technology by the industry. Various advantages, pitfalls and future implications of this technology are considered with reference to a practitioner survey conducted to establish the main concerns effecting adoption rate of Web services.
Multi‐dimensional‐personalisation for location and interest‐based recommendation
Authors: Schilke Steffen W. , Bleimann Udo , Furnell Steven M. , Phippen Andrew D.
Published: November 2004

During the dot com era the word “personalisation” was a hot buzzword. With the fall of the dot com companies the topic has lost momentum. As the killer application for UMTS has yet to be identified, the concept of multi‐dimensional‐personalisation (MDP) could be a candidate. Using this approach, a recommendation of online content, as well as offline events, can be offered to the user based on their known interests and current location. Instead of having to request this information, the new service concept would proactively provide the information and services – with the consequence that the right information or service could therefore be offered at the right place, at the right time. Following an overview of the literature, the paper proposes a new approach for MDP, and shows how it extends the existing implementations.
The development and validation of the organisational innovativeness construct using confirmatory factor analysis
Authors: Wang Catherine L. , Ahmed Pervaiz K.
Published: November 2004

The role of organisational innovativeness, or innovative capability, in attaining competitive advantage has been widely discussed. Most research examines innovation activities and their associations with organisational characteristics, or investigates certain perspectives of innovative capability, such as product innovation. Much less attention, however, has been paid to develop and validate measurement constructs of organisational innovativeness. Through an extensive literature review, five dimensions of an organisation's overall innovativeness are identified. These five dimensions form the component factors of the organisational innovativeness construct. Following a three‐step approach, a final 20‐item measurement construct is validated. Theoretical and methodological issues in relation to application of the organisational innovativeness construct are discussed in light of these findings.
Basic propositions for the study of the technological innovation process in the firm
Authors: Nieto Mariano
Published: November 2004

This paper deals with the characteristics of two basic elements for the study of innovation in the firm: the concept of technological innovation, which is defined as a flow magnitude; and the concept of technology, which is defined as a stock magnitude. The technological innovation process is characterized by: being of a continuous nature; being path dependent; being irreversible and being affected by uncertainty. Technology, as the main product of this innovation, has the properties of knowledge and is characterized by: having a large tacit component; being difficult to transfer; being assimilated by accumulation; and being partially appropriable. These characteristics are articulated in a series of propositions that could contribute to the establishment of a consistent ground for the study of the technological innovation management.
Virtual nonviolence? Civil disobedience and political violence in the information age
Authors: Calabrese Andrew
Published: November 2004

Nonviolent civil disobedience is a vital and protected form of political communication in modern constitutional democracies. Reviews the idea of both demonstrating its continued relevance, and providing a basis for considering its uses as an information‐age strategy of radical activism. The novelty of the forms of speech and action possible in cyberspace make it difficult to compare these new methods of expression easily. Whether in cyberspace or the real world, civil disobedience has historically specific connotations that should be sustained because the concept has special relevance to the political theory and practice of constitutional democracy. Civil disobedience is a unique means of political expression that is used to provoke democratic deliberation about important questions of just law and policy. Among the significant problems that new forms of radical political practice in cyberspace introduce is that their practitioners and advocates neglect the need to distinguish between violence and nonviolence. Examines that problem and others that are central to considering theoretical and political implications of radical activism in general, and civil disobedience in particular, in cyberspace.
An overview of ecological footprinting and other tools and their application to the development of sustainability process
Authors: Dawe Gerald F.M. , Vetter Arnie , Martin Stephen
Published: November 2004

A sustainability audit of Holme Lacy College is described. The approach adopted a “triple bottom line” assessment, comprising a number of key steps: a scoping review utilising a revised Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors project appraisal tool; an environmental impact assessment based on ecological footprinting and a social and economic impact assessment. The college has a number of unsustainable features. Its ecological footprint is equivalent to 296 ha and some 866 tonnes of CO2were emitted from the site over a one‐year period. The social impact of the college and its staff is significant over a wide range of stakeholders and the region. The economic impact indicates that the college contributes up to £5.3 million to the local and regional economy.
Intellectual capital, social policy, economic development and the world evolution
Authors: Tomé Eduardo
Published: November 2004

The aim of this paper is to study the relation between intellectual capital (IC) and economic development (ED). The analysis presented aims to have both theoretical and practical relevance. The main hypothesis assumed is that IC, although fundamental, is not sufficient to assure the existence of ED. Instead, argues that, for a developing country to become a modern economy some facts have to happen. Those facts are: a process of stable political democratisation; a process of economic stabilization; a process of economic and political integration; a process of investment in development tools, like physical capital and intellectual capital. Furthermore, it is shown that the process of investment in IC implies the development of active social policies, but it is difficult for a developing county to make those social policies by itself. In consequence, in the future, due to the need of economic and political stability, the growing globalisation and the lack of development resources (IC, infrastructures, etc.) in developing countries, some Economic and Political Unions (EPUs) may emerge, or consolidate. Those EPUs are the European Union, the American Union (around Canada and the USA), the Asian Union (centred in Japan), the African Union (based in South Africa), the Oceanic Union (beginning with Australia and New Zealand), and the Arab Union (mainly constituted by Middle East oil producers).
Foreign Investment, Vertical Integration and Local Equity Requirements
Authors: Chakrabarti Avik , Heywood John S.
Published: November 2004

The paper presents a spatial model in which a foreign firm and local government behave strategically in setting a local equity requirement (LER). Contrary to simple intuition, larger equity requirements may increase economic efficiency, but this conclusion is highly sensitive to the vertical structure of the foreign firm. When the foreign firm has monopoly power in both foreign (upstream) and domestic (downstream) markets, the optimal equity requirement is zero. Surprisingly, the introduction of domestic competition upstream causes the government to adopt a LER which lowers economic efficiency.
Profitable Horizontal Mergers without Cost Advantages: The Role of Internal Organization, Information and Market Structure
Authors: Huck Steffen , Konrad Kai A. , Müller Wieland
Published: November 2004

Merged firms are typically rather complex organizations. Accordingly, merger has a more profound effect on the structure of a market than simply reducing the number of competitors. We show that this may render horizontal mergers profitable and welfare‐improving even if costs are linear. The driving force behind these results, which help to reconcile theory with various empirical findings, is the assumption that information about output decisions flows more freely within a merged firm. This induces a commitment advantage for the merged firm.
Dynamics of Individual Wealth Accumulation: A Use of Simulation Methods for Estimating Limited Dependent‐Variables Models
Authors: Lollivier Stéfan
Published: November 2004

This paper presents an estimation of the behaviour of wealth accumulation, carried out on panel data. One of the aims of the study is to test some of the predictions resulting from the buffer‐stock model of saving, especially the unit permanent income elasticity of wealth accumulation and the shape of the age profile.

However, in the data available the wealth variable is not continuous. It is known only through a system of eleven intervals. Therefore, methods based on the use of the simulator by Geweke, Hajivassiliou and Keane have been implemented estimators.
Implications of Incomplete Performance for Optimal Insurance
Authors: Mahul Olivier , Wright Brian D.
Published: November 2004

We investigate the demand for insurance when contracts are subject, with positive probability, to two distinct types of incomplete performance. When partial performance means payment of some fraction of the indemnity under full performance, the latter exhibits a disappearing deductible. When partial performance is due to insufficient financial capacity, optimal insurance contracts, for any given level of financial capacity, offer full marginal coverage above a deductible. For either type of non‐performance, the optimal deductible under full performance is positive when insurance is offered at an actuarially fair price.
International Migration and the Role of Remittances in Eastern Europe
Authors: León‐Ledesma Miguel , Piracha Matloob
Published: November 2004

In this paper we analyse the effect of remittances on employment performance for Central and East European (CEE) economies. We show that the impact of remittances on unemployment depends on its effect on productivity growth and investment. In order to empirically analyse the impact of remittances we estimate a productivity equation using a set of 11 transition countries during the 1990 to 1999 period. Our results show support for the view that remittances have a positive impact on productivity and employment both directly and indirectly through its effect on investment.
Coho salmon haematological, metabolic and acid‐base changes during exercise and recovery in sea water
Authors: Cech J. J. , McEnroe M. , Randall D. J.
Published: November 2004

Cannulated, seawater‐acclimated coho salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch were swum to exhaustion in a seawater tunnel (10° C, mean Ucrit 50 cm s−1), resulting in metabolic acidosis and increased plasma electrolyte and cortisol concentrations, which were corrected during a 4 h recovery. Because the swimming and physiological performance data were similar to those of other salmonids, it was concluded that life‐history limitations, besides their exercise capabilities in upwelling zones, probably explain declining coho salmon populations.