bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Chloride and Bromide Ions on Sequential Oscillations in the Uncatalyzed Bromate Oscillator
Authors: Farbulová Zuzana , Ševčík Peter , Adamčíková Ľubica
Published: October 2003

The uncatalyzed system BrO3--phenol-H2SO4 exhibits an astonishing variety of dynamic behaviour, including sequential oscillations in a closed, stirred batch reactor. The effect of initial addition of chloride and bromide ions on a sequential oscillating system has been studied. Various results were obtained, depending on the initial chloride and bromide concentrations. Increasing the concentration of chloride ions (from 5 × 10-5 to 6 × 10-4 mol dm-3), the parameters of sequential oscillations changed. The number of first oscillations increased from 4 to 21 and their amplitude decreased. The duration of the non-oscillatory period and the number of second oscillations decreased from 96 to 26 min and from 8 to 1, respectively. In the concentration range 3.5 mmol dm-3 < [Br-]o < 8.0 mmol dm-3, the system displays a dual-frequency, dual-amplitude and aperiodic oscillations with a transition period between high- and low-frequency oscillations. The induced oscillations were also observed when the system was perturbed by chloride or bromide ions. The oxidation of pyrocatechol with bromate is an autocatalytic reaction; the rate constants corresponding to the uncatalyzed and catalyzed reactions were evaluated and used in numerical simulations.
Structure and Spectroscopic Studies of Cd(II) Complexes of Tris(2-pyridyl)amine: 1D and 2D Supramolecular Assemblies
Authors: Xie Yong-Shu , Liu Xue-Ting , Yang Jia-Xiang , Jiang Hui , Liu Qing-Liang , Du Chen-Xia , Zhu Yu
Published: October 2003

Cd(II) halide complexes [Cd2X4(tpa)2] (1: X = Cl, 2: X = Br, 3: X = I; tpa = tris(2-pyridyl)amine) have been synthesized. X-Ray diffraction analyses of 2 and 3 reveal their asymmetrical dinuclear structures: one Cd(II) atom is octahedrally coordinated to four N atoms of two tpa ligands and two bridging halides; the other Cd(II) is tetrahedrally coordinated to two terminal (X(t)) and two bridging (X(b)) halides. By multiple intra- and intermolecular π-π interactions between the tpa pyridine rings, the ligands of 2 and 3 are linked to form a 2D network and 1D linear structures, respectively. In the Raman and far-infrared spectra, the absorption bands due to Cd-X(b) stretching modes lie at lower wavenumbers compared to the Cd-X(t) stretches. It can be inferred from the spectroscopic data that 1 has a dinuclear structure similar to those of 2 and 3.
Structural Study of Dopamine Agonist Lisuride
Authors: Čejka Jan , Kratochvíl Bohumil , Böhm Stanislav , Císařová Ivana , Cvak Ladislav , Jegorov Alexandr
Published: October 2003

One monoclinic and three orthorhombic structures of natural ergot alkaloid lisuride were solved by X-ray diffraction techniques. The conformation analysis has revealed that side chain orientations of lisuride differ significantly from those observed in related terguride (trans-dihydrolisuride). The conformation found in individual lisuride molecules corresponds to another minimum of total energy calculated by ab initio quantum-mechanical calculations for a simplified model of 3-(cyclohex-2-en-1-yl)-1,1-diethylurea.
Bifunctional Ion Exchange Resin with Thiol and Quaternary Ammonium Groups for the Sorption of Arsenate
Authors: Hrubý Martin , Korostyatynets Viktorya , Beneš Milan J. , Matějka Zdeněk
Published: October 2003

A bifunctional resin with thiol and quaternary ammonium groups was prepared from a macroporous strongly basic anion exchange resin of the styrene-divinylbenzene type. The key step of the synthesis is the reaction of the quaternary benzyltrimethylammonium group of the ion exchange resin with suitable sulfur-containing nucleophiles. Three synthetic routes are described: direct conversion to thiol with sodium sulfide, reaction with potassium O-ethyl dithiocarbonate followed by decomposition of the dithiocarbonate with ammonia or acid and conversion to polymeric isothiuronium salt by the reaction with thiourea and subsequent alkaline hydrolysis to thiol. Sorption of arsenate on thiol resin and its Fe(III) complex was studied.
Synthesis and Biological Activity of 7a-Homo- and 7a,7b-Dihomo-5α-cholestane Analogues of Brassinolide
Authors: Šíša Miroslav , Buděšínský Miloš , Kohout Ladislav
Published: October 2003

New analogues of castasterone, (20R)-2α,3α-dihydroxy-7a-homo-5α-cholestan-7-one (12) and (20R)-3α,4α-dihydroxy-7a-homo-5α-cholestan-7-one (14), and brassinolide, (20R)-2α,3α-dihydroxy-7a,7b-dihomo-7a-oxa-5α-cholestan-7-one (15), (20R)-3α,4α-dihydroxy-7a,7b-dihomo-7a-oxa-5α-cholestan-7-one (16) and (20R)-7-oxa-7a-homo-5α-cholestan-2α,3α-diol (24), were synthesized and their biological and spectral properties studied.
24-Epibrassinolide at Subnanomolar Concentrations Modulates Growth and Production Characteristics of a Mouse Hybridoma
Authors: Franěk František , Eckschlager Tomáš , Kohout Ladislav
Published: October 2003

Brassinosteroids are known to stimulate plant growth and to possess antistress activities in plants. This work was aimed at exploring possible beneficial effects of 24-epibrassinolide on cultured mammalian cells. A mouse hybridoma was cultured either in standard serum-free medium, or in medium diluted to 30%, in which the cells underwent nutritional stress. Steady-state parameters of semicontinuous cultures conducted at 24-epibrassinolide concentrations from 10-16 to 10-9 mol l-1 were evaluated. Typical effects of the agent found both in standard and in diluted media were (i) increase in the value of mitochondrial membrane potential, (ii), drop of intracellular antibody level, (iii) increase in the fraction of the cells in the G0/G1 phase, and (iv) decrease in the fraction of the cells in the S phase. Alleviation of nutritional stress manifested itself in cultures conducted in diluted media. Viable cell density was significantly higher (relative to control) at 24-epibrassinolide concentrations 10-13 and 10-12 mol l-1. The results of this exploratory study show that the plant hormone 24-epibrassinolide may induce perturbations in the cell division mechanism, in mitochondria performance, and in secreted protein synthesis in a mammalian cell line. At the lowest brassinosteroid concentrations, the number of steroid molecules in the culture was of the same order of magnitude as the number of viable cells in the culture. This implies involvement of a complex cascade mechanism, through which the steroid molecule induces alterations in gene expression leading finally to significant changes in cell culture parameters.
Photocatalytic Degradation of 4-Chlorophenol by •OH Radicals Generated by Thiophene Oligomers Incorporated in ZSM-5 Zeolite Channels
Authors: Čík Gabriel , Hubinová Milada , Šeršeň František , Krištín Jozef , Antošová Monika
Published: October 2003

Degradation of 4-chlorophenol by reactive oxygen species was studied, the latter being generated by photo-assisted reactions of thiophene oligomers, synthesized in channels of the Na-ZSM-5 zeolite. The photoreaction was carried out in an aqueous suspension of photocatalyst, irradiated with visible light (λ > 400 nm). The spin-trapping method was used to detect the generated •OH radicals. The main products of the photodecomposition of 4-chlorophenol were found to be phenol, hydroquinone and maleic acid.
DSS-Supported Knowledge Acquisition and Transfer: An Exploration
Authors: Bloodgood James M. , McHaney Roger
Published: October 2003

A decision support system (DSS) is an interactive computer-based information system designed to aid managers in their decision-making processes. This article investigates how knowledge obtained with a DSS can be transferred from a computer to an actual implementation situation. The exploration is guided through the use of Sprague's DSS development framework and Simon's phases of decision-making. These ideas are supported with the results of an exploratory, empirical study. This study focuses on an instance of representational DSS, discrete event computer simulation, being used to support systems development efforts, to illustrate various methods of transferring knowledge into real-world situations. Several methods for accomplishing knowledge transfer together with correlations between use of these methods and self-reported project success are discussed in this preliminary investigation of this area. Additional knowledge transfer methods suggested by survey respondents are also reported.
Intelligent Fax Management System
Authors: Sriskanthan N. , Ng Geok See , Wong Kin Keong , Lee Keok Kee
Published: October 2003

Fax machines have become a ubiquitous equipment in today's office environment due to its ability to send information around with speed and convenience. Increasingly many personal computers nowadays are able to play the role of a fax machine by adding in a fax card and the relevant software. This paper proposes a Fax Management System employing character recognition technique to enhance the basic capability of a PC-based fax system. The proposed enhancement includes Personal Fax Handling, Automatic Information Retrieval and Order Processing. This enhancement is envisaged to be of significant commercial potential as it addresses certain unfulfilled needs in current PC-based fax systems.
Competencies Sought by Information and Knowledge Employers: An Analysis of Job Advertisements
Authors: Majid Shaheen , Bee Wong Waa
Published: October 2003

The aim of this study was to determine the type of information professionals sought by the employment market. Job advertisements provide an effective source for identifying core qualifications, competencies and experience required by employers. These also help to discover any gaps that may exist between education and training provision and employers' expectations. A total of 150 job advertisements were collected and analysed from different newspapers, periodicals and job websites. For the knowledge management professionals, qualification in business was the most frequently sought requirement. In addition to management skills and knowledge of the business sector, experience in information and knowledge management and research know-how were also perceived as important. Online searching abilities, communication and interpersonal skills, presentation and facilitation skills were also high on the employers' list of preferences. For library professionals, library and information science qualification was a prerequisite for employment, with emphasis on information handling skills, management and leadership skills, communication and interpersonal skills. Experience in collection development and management, reference services and cataloguing were also frequently sought requirements.
Achieving Organizational Flexibility and Competitive Advantage Through Information Systems Flexibility: A Path Analytic Study
Authors: Palanisamy Ramaraj
Published: October 2003

This paper presents an empirical study to examine the relationship between IS flexibility, organizational flexibility, and competitive advantage. The study presumes IS usage and organizational learning as the intermediate variables. The study used a questionnaire survey to obtain responses from IS users. The survey was carried out with 296 user-respondents from 42 organizations across eight industrial sectors. For the purpose of gaining more insight into a variable, its dimensions were considered. These dimensions were evolved from the literature. The qualitative scales for the dimensions were explained with a scale table. The scale table was constructed using fuzzy possibility values. Each respondent used this table as a guideline before responding to each item in the questionnaire. The data analysis validates the relationship between IS flexibility, organizational flexibility, and competitive advantage. The results of path analysis confirmed that organizational flexibility and competitive advantage could be achieved through IS flexibility.
An Integrated Framework of Knowledge Management
Authors: Handzic Meliha
Published: October 2003

One of the most interesting aspects of knowledge management (KM) is the striking diversity of the field. A wide variety of frameworks of KM have recently appeared in the literature reflecting different emphases and meanings of the term to different people. While all different views are acknowledged, there is a need to integrate and reconcile the demands of each view. An integrated framework proposed here brings together different perspectives on knowledge management and provides a unifying view based on descriptive and inductive inquiry. The core of the framework is a two-by-two matrix with 'explicit' and 'tacit' 'know-that' and 'know-how' dimensions of working knowledge. Working knowledge is affected by processes that generate, transfer and apply knowledge. Technological and organisational factors act as enablers that influence knowledge processes. By providing a holistic view, common ground, consistent terminology and units of analysis, it is hoped that the proposed framework may be useful in enhancing understanding and in providing guidance for the future research and practice of knowledge management.
Supporting Business Decisions Through Standard Forecasting Practices: A Case Study in a Greek Tobacco Distribution Company
Authors: Nikolopoulos Konstantinos , Maris Konstantinos , Tavanidou Eleni , Metaxiotis Konstantinos , Assimakopoulos Vassilios
Published: October 2003

Sudden market changes have made traditional approaches on forecasting obsolete. Usually, managers put a great deal of trust into their own forecasting expertise, bypassing standard practices of forecasting. A leading company in Greek tobacco distribution market adopted successfully a new forecasting model that can produce accurate forecasts for a wide range of industrial processes, by simply including in the forecasting process a set of standard, well known but usually overlooked practices. The purpose of this paper is to introduce this simple forecasting model and to demonstrate the potential benefit from the adoption of some classic practices in the business forecasting process. The SLR model, which was initially used in the tobacco distribution company, was used as a benchmark in order to test the validity of our approach. The development of such models can provide a useful input to both marketing and operations planning in future.
Making Organisational Memory Perform
Authors: Wang Catherine L. , Ahmed Pervaiz K.
Published: October 2003

The literature on the impact of organisational memory on performance in terms of innovation is ambiguous. For example, on one hand organisational memory is recognised as a source of organisational inertia and restricts the range of innovative options. On the other hand, it is argued that innovation can be greatly facilitated by an organisation's ability to retain, evaluate and utilise existing knowledge. These contradictory findings are partly due to the lack of conceptualisation and effective measurement of organisational memory. This paper identifies the underlying factors that affect organisational memory, namely organisational memory (OM) storage, OM flow, OM context, and OM creative combination, which are the integral parts of the organisational memory performance model. The practical implication is that building a large knowledge repository is not a simple task. Companies need to promote a culture of knowledge sharing and learning in order to operate effective organisational memory systems.
A Scorecard for Supporting Enterprise Knowledge Management
Authors: Cormican Kathryn , O'Sullivan David
Published: October 2003

Enterprise knowledge management is becoming a critical component of competitive success. Managers must ensure that they can successfully generate, leverage and reuse knowledge assets in their organisations. In this view, they must seek to develop an environment that promotes effective knowledge management initiatives. Self-assessment scorecards can help managers and decision-makers ascertain whether they are incorporating best practices in terms of knowledge management initiatives. This paper presents findings from an exploratory case study analysis. Specifically, it presents a knowledge management scorecard expressly designed to help managers measure their performance in terms of knowledge management against best practice. It helps to provide an overview of a company's strengths and areas for improvement with regard to knowledge management, highlighting those areas that require attention. In this view, it serves as a checklist for effective knowledge management.
Maritime Security in a Multilateral Context: IMO Activities to Enhance Maritime Security
Authors: Hesse Hartmut
Published: October 2003

IMO has, as an integral part of its mandate, the duty to make travel and transport by sea as safe as possible. In the wake of the tragic events of 11 September 2001 in the United States of America, the 22nd Session of the Assembly of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which met at the Organization's London headquarters in November 2001, adopted Resolution A.924(22) on the "Review of Measures and Procedures to Prevent Acts of Terrorism which Threaten the Security of Passengers and Crews and the Safety of Ships". Since then a number of meetings of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) and its Working Group on maritime security were held and new maritime security regulations were developed. These mandatory provisions are detailed in the new Chapter XI-2 of the SOLAS Convention and the new International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, which was subsequently adopted by a Diplomatic Conference on Maritime Security, held at the IMO headquarters in London from 9-13 December 2002, for formal entry into force on 1 July 2004 (if deemed accepted on 1 January 2004). In addition, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the IMO in July 2001 to ensure closer co-operation. In addition to the work that the International Labour Organization (ILO) is undertaking regarding the development of a new seafarers' Identity Document, further co-operation is also anticipated in a Joint ILO/IMO Working Group to develop a comprehensive regulatory framework for the security of all port areas.
Container and Port Security: A Bilateral Perspective
Authors: Roach Ashley
Published: October 2003

As a follow-up to the terrorist attack of 11 September 2001 and due to the threat that such attacks may be reiterated in different forms, the United States has taken several measures with the view to forestall terrorist attacks from the sea. The measures include the Container Security Initiative and measures to enhance port security. This presentation describes the content of such measures and the reaction of states and international organisations thereto. The question is raised whether such measures may be taken unilaterally or rather through international force.
Protection of Foreign Ships against Piracy and Terrorism at Sea: Legal Aspects
Authors: Jesus H.E. Joséluis
Published: October 2003

This presentation gives a factual assessment of the phenomenon of piracy and other forms of terrorism at sea as well as a legal analysis of the respective international provisions to suppress such forms of violence. The points of difference between the international rules against piracy and terrorism are noted and the author calls for a more coherent approach and a more intensified cooperation in that respect. Otherwise, he argues, the freedom of navigation will be jeopardised.
The Protection of Navigation in Case of Armed Conflict
Authors: von Heinegg Wolff Heintschel
Published: October 2003

This presentation gives a reassessment of the rules on naval warfare on the background of the fact that most armed conflicts in the post-World War II period have been internal or mixed armed conflicts. In this context the questions concerning the applicability of the traditional rules on naval warfare and the potential area for naval warfare are raised. The paper deals predominantly with the protection of navigation of neutrals.
Post September 11 Security Challenges to the Legal Regime of the Maritime Carriage of Nuclear and Radioactive Materials
Authors: Suarez A. Suzette
Published: October 2003

Radioactive material which is transported over sea has, so far, not resulted in any pollution of the sea. This paper reviews the legal regime of the maritime carriage of nuclear and radioactive materials and assesses its sufficiency in general and in the context of the risks of nuclear terrorism. It is noted that the respective provisions have been elaborated under the auspices of two different international organisations, namely IMO and IAEA, and that their reaction to possible nuclear threats is slow.
Islamic Law, Practice, and Legal Doctrine: Exempting the Poor from the Jizya Under the Ayyubids (1171-1250)
Authors: Alshech Eli
Published: October 2003

Most Sunnī scholars unequivocally exempt poor dhimmīs (mostly Christians and Jews under Muslim rule) from the duty to pay the Qur ān-imposed poll tax. Shāfi ī scholars, however, hold two conflicting opinions, one that exempts the poor and another that does not. This article examines the reality of destitute Jews living in Egypt and Syria under the Ayyubid regime in order to determine which of the two conflicting Shāfi ī rulings was applied in practice. Drawing on Geniza documents and literary sources, I argue that in the Ayyubid period no exemptions were offered to the poor whatsoever. This taxation policy, in my view, may reflect not an arbitrary choice made by local Ayyubid tax officials, but a conscious decision made by the Ayyubid rulers and the leading contemporary Shāfi ī scholars. The Ayyubids most likely appealed to the Shāfi ī religious authorities, pressing them to adopt the more stringent opinion, which would allow authorities to refrain from exempting the poor.
A Post-qur'ānic Religion Between Apostasy and Public Order: Egyptian Muftis and Courts on the Legal Status of the Bahā'ī Faith
Authors: Pink Johanna
Published: October 2003

The more than 100-year presence of Bahā'īs in Egypt has caused a number of legal problems for Muslim jurists and Egyptian courts. Both have dealt with the status of Bahā'īs in personal status, criminal and administrative law. In this essay, I describe the solutions put forward by muftis and courts for novel problems generated by the presence of a post-Qur ānic religious minority in Egypt, and I analyze the interaction between shari a and state jurisdiction. Special attention is given to methods of dealing with issues that have no precedent in classical Islamic law, like the status of Bahā īs of non-Muslim descent and the consequences of apostasy for matters of administrative law or employment in public service.
Elite workers and the colony-level pattern of labor division in the yellowjacket wasp, Vespula germanica
Authors: Nordheim Erik , Hurd Christine , Jeanne Robert
Published: October 2003

Measurements of carbohydrate foraging behavior of Vespula germanica yellowjackets show that the distribution of the number of foragers over the number of trips is highly skewed with a few foragers making a disproportionate number of trips. We tested several empirical models based on different biological assumptions to see which model best described the distribution. For all periods of observation, the data are well fitted by a straight line on a log-log plot. This fit indicates that the distribution of labor is non-increasing monotonic; i.e. continually decreasing, and follows a power law. Stochasticity and self-organization are two possible explanations for the power law distribution. As an alternative approach, cluster analysis of various foraging characteristics of individual foragers clearly separated foragers into two groups and is consistent with a bimodal model for the division of foraging labor. Based on these cluster results, we operationally defined workers as either 'elite' or 'non-elite'. We found that elite foragers are not more likely than non-elites to be task specialists. The data show that workers develop into elites but do not support the hypothesis of self-reinforcement as the mechanism.
Substitution of silk stabilimenta for egg sacs by Allocyclosa bifurca (Araneae: Araneidae) suggests that silk stabilimenta function as camouflage devices
Authors: Eberhard William
Published: October 2003

The matching form and orientation of egg sacs and spiders, the match between egg sac color and that of the spider, ontogenetic changes in spider coloration that occur when egg sacs begin to be produced, differences in the positions of the spiders' legs during the day and at night, and coordinated changes in spider and egg sac colors in different populations all indicated that the egg sac and detritus stabilimenta near the hub function as camouflage in Allocyclosa bifurca. Silk stabilimentum construction was induced by experimental removal of egg sac stabilimenta, and was inhibited by addition of egg sacs. This implies that silk stabilimenta also function as camouflage devices.
Social and spatial aspects of male subgrouping in a community of wild chimpanzees
Authors: Mitani John , Amsler Sylvia
Published: October 2003

Strong social bonds typically develop between dyadic pairs of male chimpanzees. These bonds are manifest in several contexts, including association, grooming, and proximity. Here we demonstrate that social bonds exist at a higher level of organization among males living in an extremely large community at Ngogo, Kibale National Park, Uganda. An analysis of over 2,500 hours of observation of 35 individuals revealed two distinct subgroups of male chimpanzees. Males that composed each subgroup can be identified on the basis of their tendency to associate in temporary parties. Matrix permutation tests indicated that subgroup members tended to maintain spatial proximity to each other and participate together in territorial boundary patrols. Subgroups formed along the lines of age and rank; members of a small subgroup were younger and lower ranking than individuals in a larger subgroup. Despite this social clustering of males, community integrity remained intact with low levels of aggression between individuals of different subgroups. After controlling for the effect of association, significantly more aggression occurred within compared to between subgroups. In addition, males of the different subgroups displayed significant overlap in their use of the community territory and thus showed no tendency to divide spatially. We compare our findings with those from other animal species and chimpanzee populations and discuss them in the context of the unusual demography of the Ngogo community.
Influence of advertisement calls on reproductive success in the male midwife toad Alytes obstetricans
Authors: Le Jacques Dominique , Lodé Thierry
Published: October 2003

Considering the advertisement call in anuran as a sexually selected trait, we investigated the effects of male call parameters on reproductive success in midwife toad Alytes obstetricans. The pattern of advertisement call was studied in 81 males. The mean fundamental frequency varied among males. Fundamental frequency, call duration and male size correlated with the male mating success. From the stepwise regression analysis, the low call frequency was found to influence significantly the number of carried eggs and the hatching success. The fact that a single male may fertilise the eggs of several females and a single female may mate with several males constitutes an original sexual system. Large males obtained more matings and showed a higher hatching success. Female choice for dominant frequency may be regarded as a related-fitness trait being correlated with male size. Anyway, the male size and the female choice for low calls result in a same evolutionary trend favouring a best fitness.
Individual differences in response to sibling birth among free-ranging yearling rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) on Cayo Santiago
Authors: Rasmussen  , Berman  , Devinney
Published: October 2003

The birth of a younger sibling is a normal event in the life of a nonhuman primate, yet commonly it is thought to be a stressful transition for the older sibling. In our previous research, we found that yearling rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) experienced increases in one mild form of distress but no significant increases in overt forms of distress, in spite of significant reductions in mother-yearling interaction. Nevertheless, some individual yearlings were distressed by this transition and here we examine variables that may structure individual differences in distress. We observed 31 yearling rhesus monkeys on Cayo Santiago, Puerto Rico, during the month before and month after their siblings' births using focal animal sampling methods. Attachment theory (Bowlby, 1969), parent-offspring conflict theory (Trivers, 1974), and dynamic assessment models (Bateson, 1994) all predict a relationship between reduction in maternal care and increase in offspring distress, yet no previous study of sibling birth in primates has examined this relationship. We found that the reduction in the proportion of time on the nipple from the month before sibling birth to the month after was related to the rate of geckering (a distress vocalization) after sibling birth, and that the increase in time out of sight of the mother was related to the proportion of time yearlings spent in a tense state after sibling birth. Maternal aggression after sibling birth also was related to the yearlings' rate of geckering. Yearling distress was related to qualities of the mother-yearling relationship, in that yearlings that had relatively greater responsibility for maintaining proximity with their mothers before sibling birth were relatively more tense afterwards. Yearlings displayed increases in play, grooming, and contact with group members other than the mother after sibling birth, suggesting a marked shift toward greater maturity in their social relationships.
Self-odour recognition in European storm-petrel chicks
Authors: Belliure Belén , Mínguez Eduardo , De León Ana
Published: October 2003

In common with many other species of Procellariform, the European storm-petrel (Hydrobates pelagicus) has a well-developed olfactory anatomy, and chicks are able to recognize their own nests by smell. However, it is not known which olfactory cues these birds use to locate their burrows. To find out if body scent is one of these olfactory cues we used a T-maze device to perform three different preference tests. Chicks were allowed to choose between their own odour plus their nest, and a neutral odour; between their own odour and a neutral odour (far from any nest); and finally between their own odour and the body scent of a conspecific chick. Storm-petrel chicks can apparently recognize their own body odour, even when tested against the body scent of a conspecific. Individually distinctive odours may play an important role in facilitating nest recognition. The results indicate self-odour recognition, and suggest that individual odour recognition could play an important role in social relationships of storm-petrels.
Increased per-capita investment in egg production by female apple snails in the presence of predatory common carp
Authors: Ichinose Katsuya , Tochihara Masahisa
Published: October 2003

We hypothesized that apple snails would change life-history traits in the presence of common carp to reduce or avoid predation risk. Carp of about 150 mm body length were released in small plots set in a rice field in southern Japan at 0, 0.2, or 0.6 carp/m2. Egg-mass size, proportion of hatched eggs, and duration of hatching of the snail were measured once or twice a week from July to September. Snails collected in traps were used to estimate both snail density by the Jolly-Seber mark-recapture method and distribution of shell lengths in each plot. The weight of the snail was regressed on a size-weight equation, and the snail biomass was determined by multiplying the estimated density and the regressed weight. The reproductive effort of the snails was calculated as the number of eggs divided by the biomass of adult females. The egg mass size and reproductive effort were significantly increased in the presence of carp. These increases were considered as life-history changes of apple snails in the presence of a predator.
Microgeographic song variation in island populations of the white-crowned sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys nutalli): innovation through recombination
Authors: Bell Douglas , Slabbekoorn Hans , Jesse Andrea
Published: October 2003

Current geographic variation in bird song dialects may be used to infer historical processes involved in dialect formation. Discrete island populations, separated by water or unsuitable habitat, may be particularly useful as they allow for unequivocal subdivision of populations. We analyzed song recordings of nine populations of the white-crowned sparrow within the San Francisco Bay area, both on 'true' islands separated by water and in habitat islands along the Bay shore. We found one or two unique songtypes in each population with little variation within songtypes among individuals. Differences in songtypes concerned variation in syntax, syllable shapes, and spectral and temporal features. While each songtype exhibited unique features, there were often parts of the song that showed high similarity with songtypes of neighboring populations. We think that successfully dispersing males may learn from multiple tutors and produce songtype hybrids which could explain the variation in songtypes among populations. We found rare acoustic features on the 'true' islands, but also an apparent lack of impact by water barriers on the relationship between song similarity and geographic distance. A possible explanation may be that male dispersal, or just spread of song characteristics, is predominantly from island to mainland. Such a unidirectional pattern could result in rare song characteristics on islands, while general acoustic characteristics are still shared with the nearest mainland populations. Variation in similarity-based clustering of songtypes suggested that new songtypes emerge through recombination of components from existing songtypes.
Creating Virtual Exhibitions from an XML-Based Digital Archive
Authors: Lim Johanna Chua , Foo Schubert
Published: October 2003

A virtual exhibition system was designed and implemented to interface with the National Archives of Singapore digital archive to support the creation of online virtual exhibitions. The XML-based digital archive provides different artefact types that form the contents in the exhibition through the reference and reuse model. Artefacts and exhibitions are endowed with rich metadata that include the Dublin Core elements to support enhanced search support for field and free text searches. An authoring tool using a grid-layout approach is used to define and lay out the exhibition contents. XML's Cascading Style Sheet and Extended Style Sheets are then selected and applied to the XML documents from the digital archive to yield the final exhibition in HTML format. By supporting the use of information layering in the descriptors of the artefacts and the application of different style sheets, it becomes possible to create multiple versions of the same exhibition that vary in content, layout and interface so that it can be used to meet the diverse information needs of a range of different user communities.
Studies on Information as an Asset I: Definitions
Authors: Oppenheim Charles , Stenson Joan , Wilson Richard M. S.
Published: October 2003

This paper describes the development of a definition information assets within the information science accounting field. Information assets are included those assets which promise future economic benefits organizations. The desirability of achieving a valuation for information assets is questioned. A of information as an asset is proposed and situated the information resources management (IRM) and asset tradition.
Quantifying `ba': An Investigation of the Variables that are Pertinent to Knowledge Creation
Authors: Chou Shih-Wei , Wang Su-Ju
Published: October 2003

A comprehensive and feasible model that delineates the interrelationships among diversified learning mechanisms, information management and knowledge creation is absent. This study aims to fill this void. Unlike previous research, this study investigates the causality of knowledge creation from two different perspectives: information management strategy, i.e. distributed data application and administration (DDAA), and organizational learning mechanisms (OLM). A term has been defined, OIM (organizational information mechanism), to represent the composite effect of both DDAA and OLM. In this framework, it is argued that the composite effect of information management and organizational learning mechanisms influence the result of knowledge creation. In order to test the feasibility of this framework, an empirical study was conducted. This study employed a survey instrument which contained data collected from 500 organizations in manufacturing, trade, transportation and service industries, and academic institutions. In all, 232 usable responses were analysed. The study identified three causal relationships: (1) the composite effect of DDAA is positively related to knowledge creation; (2) the composite effect of OLM is positively related to knowledge creation; and (3) the composite effect of OIM (organizational information mechanism) is positively related to knowledge creation. The implications of the study are discussed, and further research directions are proposed.
An Evaluation of the Health Applications (and Implications) of Digital Interactive Television: Case Study of the Livinghealth Channel
Authors: Nicholas David , Huntington Paul , Williams Peter , Gunter Barrie
Published: October 2003

A large-scale and pioneering evaluation of the use of digital interactive television for the provision of health information and advice has been carried out. As part of a Department of Health (DoH) funded pilot, researchers at City University are evaluating the attempts of four media consortia to deliver health information and advice to the general public. Reported here are the initial results of one of the first pilots to complete, Flextech's LivingHealth Channel, distributed by the cable company Telewest to 38,000 of its Birmingham subscribers. Data on subscribers' use or non-use, ease of use, service satisfaction and health outcomes were analysed using a combination of log analysis and questionnaire survey methods. Over 1100 people were questioned and logs were monitored for a period of four months.
Bibliometric Navigation Tools for Users of Subject Portals
Authors: Wormell Irene
Published: October 2003

This study aimed to test the usefulness of bibliometric methods for the evaluation of subject portals at the Nordic research libraries, and to generate ideas for the creative use of portal resources in the new learning environment of the universities. The subject portals for social sciences were chosen as objects for the study. Sam Webb at Gothenburg University Library in Sweden was selected as the main portal for this study. Bisigate at the Aarhus Business School Library, Denmark, was the other partner included in the analysis. In order to capture the local users' views and requirements of the portals, the analyses targeted two selected institutions in both countries with visibility in the international research arena: Gothenburg University, Department of Political Sciences and Aarhus School of Business, Department of Organization and Management. Through bibliometric analysis a list of `candidate journals' was compiled for the institution(s) and matched with the available portal resources. The methodology was used to see how well the portals are supporting the current, local research activities at the institution(s), and if the new, emerging research areas are covered by the resources pooled at the subject portals. The article provides a set of examples which illustrate the type of information and visualization material which could be used to explore the resources of the portals (and the library), and to facilitate the individual searching and navigation among students and researchers in the electronic information landscape.
Information Searches: A Two-Dimensional Approach for ERP Acquisition Decision
Authors: Verville Jacques , Halingten Alannah
Published: October 2003

Based on an extensive study that involved the cases of four different organizations, this paper presents a discussion of the information search which affected the acquisition process for an enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution.
Role of Technical Literature in Science and Technology Development and Exploitation
Authors: Kostoff Ronald N.
Published: October 2003

Utilization of the technical literature in the complete science and technology (S&T) development cycle is examined. Ready access to the results of all global research performed is required in order to: (1) track research impacts, to help identify benefits arising from sponsored research; (2) evaluate science and technology programs; (3) avoid research duplication; (4) identify promising research directions and opportunities; (5) perform myriad oversight tasks; and, in general, (6) support every step of a strategic research planning/selection/management/evaluation process that makes optimal use of S&T investment resources. In addition, recent counter-terrorism concerns have highlighted the need for ready access to, and analysis of, databases that could link people with institutions and activities. In the S&T arena, this requires linking research performers with organizations, countries and technical areas. There are five necessary conditions for ready access to, and exploitation of, the global technical literature: (1)content - the research results need to be documented comprehensively; (2) dissemination - the research results need to be easily available to a wide audience; (3) extraction - high-quality information extraction methods are required; (4) utilization - the research results need to be integrated into the strategic S&T management process; and (5) motivation. The technical community needs to be motivated to use the global technical literature for planning, selection, management, review and transition. All five conditions have severe limitations today. These limitations are described, and recommendations for overcoming them are presented.
Approaches to User-Based Studies in Information Seeking and Retrieval: A Sheffield Perspective
Authors: Beaulieu Micheline
Published: October 2003

The paper traces the development of user-based research in the Department of Information Studies at the University of Sheffield over the past 40 years, and highlights and assesses the different research questions addressed and main characteristics of projects undertaken. Four phases of user-based studies relating to information seeking and retrieval are identified including: preliminary studies on library users; empirical studies on information user groups by the Centre for research on User Studies; the development of a theoretical framework for user studies; and the integration of information seeking and retrieval research. The review concludes that user-based studies have evolved linking together studies on information use and provision, information seeking behaviour and the design and evaluation of actual retrieval systems. The unifying element has been the emphasis placed on methodological issues. More recent work is transcending user-orientated and system perspectives giving way to a more integrated approach and emergent interaction paradigm for user studies.
Chemoinformatics Research at the University of Sheffield: A History and Citation Analysis
Authors: Bishop Neal , Gillet Valerie J. , Holliday John D. , Willett Peter
Published: October 2003

This paper reviews the work of the Chemoinformatics Research Group in the Department of Information Studies at the University of Sheffield, focusing particularly on the work carried out in the period 1985-2002. Four major research areas are discussed, these involving the development of methods for: substructure searching in databases of three-dimensional structures, including both rigid and flexible molecules; the representation and searching of the Markush structures that occur in chemical patents; similarity searching in databases of both two-dimensional and three-dimensional structures; and compound selection and the design of combinatorial libraries. An analysis of citations to 321 publications from the Group shows that it attracted a total of 3725 residual citations during the period 1980-2002. These citations appeared in 411 different journals, and involved 910 different citing organizations from 54 different countries, thus demonstrating the widespread impact of the Group's work.
Intention and Effect of IS Solutions: Does Risk Management Stifle Creativity?
Authors: Eaglestone Barry , Lin Angela , Nunes Miguel Baptista , Annansingh Fenio
Published: October 2003

This paper considers the impact of information systems (IS) solutions on creativity and innovation within organizations and the associated role of risk assessment. It does this through an analysis of the results of two diverse studies. The studies are, respectively, an investigation of the relationship between the intention behind the initiation of an IS project and the post-implementation effect of the system on the organization; and an analysis of tensions that appear to exist between creativity and the norm of software systems. Both studies are empirically based, but take data from very distinct and diverse areas, i.e. large financial and manufacturing organizations, and composers of electroacoustic music, respectively. The final part of the paper argues that better IS project management and risk management in particular has the potential for reducing divergence between intended and actual IS project outcomes evident in the first study, but this may also have adverse effects. Organizations in all walks of life rely on the creativity and innovation of their employees, but risk management is concerned with applying constraints on the nature and implementation of IS solutions. Specifically, results from the second study suggest that conservative IS solutions that may result from rigorous risk management may impede creative activities. Thus, the paper identifies a need for further research into creativity and its implications for IS solutions and their management.
Development and Application of a Tool Designed to Evaluate Web Sites Providing Information on Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Bath P. A. , Bouchier H.
Published: October 2003

Informal carers of people with Alzheimer's disease require access to high-quality information, which may be available through the Internet. Tools that have been developed to evaluate the contents of health-related web sites tend to be generic and not specific for diseases or patient groups. The aim of this study was to develop a tool that was specifically designed to evaluate web sites that provide information about Alzheimer's disease for informal carers of people with the disease. The tool was used to evaluate a sample of 15 web sites. The results were compared with those obtained using four generic tools in an earlier study. Several web sites attained high scores using the specific tool, although almost half of the 15 web sites achieved scores of less than 50%. There was a poor correlation between the rankings obtained using the specific tool compared with the generic tool. Web sites generally scored lower using the specific tool compared with one of the generic tools. Further work is required to develop and evaluate the Alzheimer's disease web site evaluation tool to help improve the quality of information available to carers through the Internet.