bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TiO2 nanotubes functionalized with regions of bone morphogenetic protein‐2 increases osteoblast adhesion
Authors: Balasundaram Ganesan , Yao Chang , Webster Thomas J.
Published: July 2007

Titanium (Ti) and its alloys are widely used in orthopedic and dental applications. However, the native TiO2 layer is not bioactive enough to form a direct bond with bone, which sometimes translates into a lack of osseointegration into juxtaposed bone that might lead to long term implant failure. In this study, the 20 amino acid peptide sequence (the so‐called “knuckle epitope”) of bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2) was immobilized onto Ti nanotubes created by electrochemical anodization. Further, human osteoblast (bone‐forming cell) responses to such anodic Ti oxides functionalized with the BMP‐2 knuckle epitope was examined in vitro. Materials were characterized by scanning electron and atomic force microscopy. Results of this in vitro study continued to provide evidence of increased osteoblast adhesion on Ti anodized to possess nanotubes compared to unanodized Ti. However, for the first time, results also showed that the immobilization of the BMP‐2 knuckle epitope onto Ti anodized to possess nanotubes increased osteoblast adhesion compared to non‐functionalized anodized Ti, anodized Ti functionalized with amine (NH2) groups, and unanodized Ti after 4 h. Results also showed increased osteoblast adhesion on amine terminated anodized Ti compared to respective non‐functionalized anodized Ti and unanodized Ti. In summary, results of this in vitro study provided evidence that Ti anodized to possess nanotubes and then further functionalized with the BMP‐2 knuckle epitope should be further studied for improved orthopedic applications. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008
Contact guidance enhances the quality of a tissue engineered corneal stroma
Authors: Vrana E. , Builles N. , Hindie M. , Damour O. , Aydinli A. , Hasirci V.
Published: July 2007

Corneal stroma is a very complex structure, composed of 200 lamellae of oriented collagen fibers. This highly complex nature of cornea is known to be important for its transparency and mechanical integrity. Thus, an artificial cornea design has to take into account this complex structure. In this study, behavior of human corneal keratocytes on collagen films patterned with parallel channels was investigated. Keratocytes proliferated well on films and reached confluency after 7 days in the incubation medium. Nearly all of the cells responded to the patterns and were aligned in contrast to the cells on unpatterned surfaces. Collagen type I and keratan sulfate secreted by keratocytes on patterned films appeared to be aligned in the direction of the patterns. The films showed an intermediate degradation over the course of a month. On the whole, transparency of the films increased with degradation and decreased by the presence of the cells. The decrease was, however, low and transparency level was maintained on the patterned films while on the unpatterned films a sharp decrease in transparency was followed by an improvement. This was due to the more organized distribution of cells and the oriented secretion of extracellular matrix molecules on patterned collagen films. Thus, these results suggest that application of contact guidance in cornea tissue engineering may facilitate the remodeling process, hence decrease the rehabilitation period. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008
Human macrophage response to UHMWPE, TiAlV, CoCr, and alumina particles: Analysis of multiple cytokines using protein arrays
Authors: Kaufman Adam M. , Alabre Claude I. , Rubash Harry E. , Shanbhag Arun S.
Published: July 2007

Aseptic loosening of total joint replacements is believed to be initiated by a macrophage response to prosthetic wear debris. To better characterize the early response to clinically relevant wear debris, we challenged primary human macrophages from four donors with ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), TiAlV, CoCr, and alumina particles. After a 24‐h culture, protein arrays were used to quantify the secretion of 30 different cytokines and chemokines. Macrophages secreted detectable levels of nine mediators in culture: Interleukin‐1α (IL‐1α), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), IL‐1β, MCP‐1, IL‐8, IL‐6, GM‐CSF, IL‐10, and IL‐12p40. TiAlV particles were the most stimulatory, causing 5‐ to 900‐fold higher cytokine expression compared with nonstimulated cells and uniquely eliciting high levels of IL‐1α, IL‐6, IL‐10, and GM‐CSF. CoCr and alumina were mildly stimulatory and typically elicited two‐ to fivefold greater levels than nonstimulated cells. Surprisingly, UHMWPE did not elicit a significant increase in cytokine release. Our data suggests that IL‐1α, TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and MCP‐1 are the primary initiators of osteolysis and implicates metallic debris as an important trigger for their release. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008
Spectroscopic analysis of titanium surface functional groups under various surface modification and their behaviors in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Lu Xiong , Wang Yingbo , Yang Xiudong , Zhang Qiyi , Zhao Zhanfeng , Weng Lu‐Tao , Leng Yang
Published: July 2007

In the present study, surface functional groups of titanium surfaces gone through different treatments, including acid etched treatment (AE), nitric acid treatment (NT), heat treatment (HT), and alkali treatment (AT), and their behaviors in vitro and in vivo was thoroughly studied by spectroscopic analysis. In vitro and in vivo results revealed that the rank of bioactivity of various surfaces was AE < NT < HT < AT. XPS analysis indicated that AT greatly increased the OH group concentration on the titanium surface whereas HT reduced the OH group concentration. Thus, OH group difference could not be a good explanation of bioactivity difference. On the other hand, ToF‐SIMS analysis demonstrated the TiOH+/Ti+ ratios of various surfaces correlated well with the bioactivity and the surface energies, which implied that Ti–OH could play an important role in the bioactivity. This detail investigation of the relationship between surface functional groups and surface bioactivity could help us to broaden the knowledge about the mechanism of bioactivity and to design next generation bioactive materials. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008
Polyvinyl alcohol‐poly(caprolactone) Semi IPN scaffold with implication for cartilage tissue engineering
Authors: Mohan Neethu , Nair Prabha D.
Published: July 2007

Polycaprolactone is an FDA approved aliphatic polyester that is widely used as a scaffold for tissue engineering. It is hydrophobic and doesn't have any reactive functional groups on the polymer for further modification. Blending with other hydrophilic polymers like polyvinyl alcohol helps to generate a hybrid polymer with better properties. In this study we have been able to fabricate a novel porous 3D scaffold of Semi‐IPN Poly (caprolactone)—Poly (vinyl alcohol). The Semi IPN is phase mixed and has synergistic properties of its constituent polymers. The hybrid scaffold is nontoxic and highly hydrophilic with greater percentage of swelling and is also amenable for further modification with bioactive peptides. Although porous with an open interconnected porous structure, the scaffold has adequate mechanical strength to withstand the load imparted by the cells during in vitro culture. Porcine chondrocytes seeded within the unmodified scaffolds secrete extra cellular matrix components revealing that the hybrid scaffold has immense potential for tissue engineering applications. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2008
Effects of a peripheral enamel bond on the long‐term effectiveness of dentin bonding agents exposed to water in vitro
Authors: Reis Andre F. , Giannini Marcelo , Pereira Patricia N. R.
Published: July 2007

This study evaluated the effects of water exposure on the in vitro microtensile bond strength (μTBS) of etch‐and‐rinse and self‐etching adhesives to human dentin over a 1‐year storage period. Five adhesive systems used were as follows: a one‐step self‐etching adhesive (One‐up Bond F‐OB), two two‐step self‐etching primers (Clearfil SE Bond‐SE and Clearfil Protect Bond‐CP), and two etch‐and‐rinse adhesives (Single Bond‐SB and Prime&Bond NT‐PB). Dentin surfaces were bonded, restored, and assigned to four subgroups, according to the degree of water exposure: 24 h of peripheral water exposure (24 h‐PE) (having circumferential enamel); and 1 year of peripheral exposure (1 yr‐PE), direct exposure (1 yr‐DE) (dentin directly water‐exposed), or directly exposed to oil only (no water exposure) (1 yr‐DOE). A composite‐enamel bond adjacent to the restoration is determined if the water exposure was peripheral or direct. After storage periods, specimens were serially sectioned, trimmed to an hourglass shape with a cross‐sectional area of 1 mm2 at the interface, and tested in tension. Results were analyzed by two‐way ANOVA and Tukey test (α = 0.05). No difference was found between 24 h‐PE and 1 yr‐PE for OB, CP, SB, and PB. However, μTBS values significantly dropped after 1 yr‐DE for SE, CP, SB, and PB. A decreased μTBS was seen in SE after 1 yr‐PE, but no differences existed between 1 yr‐PE and 1 yr‐DE. Similar or increased μTBS values were noted in 1 yr‐DOE for all adhesives. Water‐storage for 1 year significantly decreased μTBS for all adhesives. However, except for SE, the presence of a peripheral composite‐enamel bond seemed to reduce the degradation rate in resin‐dentin interfaces for all materials. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2008
The inhibition of the expression of the small Rho GTPase Rac1 induces differentiation with no effect on cell proliferation in growing human adult keratinocytes
Authors: Nikolova Ekaterina , Mitev Vanio , Minner Frédéric , Deroanne Christophe F. , Poumay Yves
Published: July 2007

Rac1 is a Rho subfamily small GTPase which is highly expressed in epidermal keratinocytes. In mice the significance of Rac1 for the maintenance of the epidermis has been controversial. In keratinocytes from human origin, the role of Rac1 in the control of growth/differentiation is still obscure. In this study we used RNA interference to induce specific inhibition of Rac1 expression in cultured human keratinocytes and analyzed the consequences on proliferation and differentiation. We found that the autocrine proliferation of keratinocytes is unaltered by Rac1 silencing. However, the suppression of Rac1 induced premature differentiation as revealed by the expression of markers (keratin 10, involucrin), but the involved mechanism is independent of the activity of p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase. Rather, we found that the effects of Rac1 silencing on keratinocytes differentiation are concomitant with negative regulation of the Ser62/Thr58 phosphorylation on the transcription factor c‐myc, a mechanism known to control post‐translational stability of the c‐myc protein. Thus, in growing human keratinocytes, Rac1 could impede the expression of premature differentiation markers, probably by exerting positive control on c‐myc activity and its binding to specific promoters. J. Cell. Biochem. 103: 857–864, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
STI571 (Glivec®) affects histamine release and intracellular pH after alkalinisation in HMC‐1560, 816
Authors: Löber Kristin , Alfonso Amparo , Escribano Luis , Botana Luis M.
Published: July 2007

The human mast cell line (HMC‐1560, 816) was used to study the effect of the tyrosine kinase inhibitor STI571 (Glivec®) on exocytosis, intracellular Ca2+ and pH changes, because STI571 inhibits the proliferation of HMC‐1560 and induces its apoptosis. This drug does not have these effects on HMC‐1560, 816. Exocytosis in HMC‐1560, 816 cells can be stimulated by alkalinisation with NH4Cl as well as with ionomycin. Surprisingly 24‐h pre‐incubation with STI571 decreases spontaneous histamine release of HMC‐1560, 816 cells, but increases the histamine response after alkalinisation and not after ionomycin‐stimulation. After addition of NH4Cl, pHi has a higher increase in STI571 pre‐incubated cells, without changing intracellular Ca2+ concentration. Activation of PKC in combination with tyrosine kinase inhibition increases also histamine release in HMC‐1560, 816 cells. Strangely, STI571 pre‐incubated cells with PKC inhibited by rottlerin show the same effects. In these cells, cytosolic pH increases more than in control cells. This is the first report of STI571 effect in HMC‐1560, 816 cells. It seems that different pathways modulate signals for proliferation and exocytosis. STI571 does not only inhibit KIT TyrK, but may also influence cytosolic pH after alkalinisation in both cell lines, HMC‐1560 and HMC‐1560, 816, and this ends in induced histamine release. This work is important since HMC‐1560, 816 cells are reported in 80% of aggressive systemic mastocytosis cases and the understanding of some signalling pathways involved in mast cell response could facilitate drug targeting. J. Cell. Biochem. 103: 865–876, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
gp‐41 protein production by E. coli in unconventional bioreactor coupled with magnetic field generator
Authors: Justo Oselys Rodriguez , Pérez Victor Haber , Alvarez David Chacon
Published: July 2007

BACKGROUND: In this work recombinant gp‐41 protein production by E. coli in an unconventional bioreactor coupled with a magnetic field generator was studied. The submerged fermentation process was carried out by fed‐batch operation, recycling the culture medium externally through a stainless steel spiral U‐shape tube inserted on the inside of a magnetic field generator. The exposure time and magnetic field induction were varied in a range from 1 to 12 h and 10 to 100 mT, respectively, according to a central composite design with centered face.

RESULTS: It was found that the inhibitory or stimulatory effect of magnetic field on cell growth and protein production depended on exposure time and magnetic field strength. The production of recombinant gp41 protein was 20% higher than the control.

CONCLUSION The procedure here presented could be an easy‐to‐use approach to improve the efficiency of recombinant protein production by E. coli. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Anaerobic digestion of liquid dairy manure using a sequential continuous‐stirred tank reactor system
Authors: Wen Zhiyou , Frear Craig , Chen Shulin
Published: July 2007

BACKGROUND: Anaerobic digestion of liquid manure from flush dairy operations is an alternative to manure management practices with environmental benefits and producing biogas. A unique sequential reactor system was used to study the anaerobic digestion (AD) of flush dairy manure with the aim of determining (1) the effects of organic strength of the influent on AD performance; (2) whether phase separation is beneficial to treatment and AD design; and (3) whether there is any difference between completely mixed and plug‐flow approaches to implementing the AD process.

RESULTS: The influent with high organic strength resulted in higher levels of biogas production and chemical oxygen demand (COD)/solids removal. When the manure stream is used as influent for the anaerobic digestion, the phenomenon of two‐stage anaerobic digestion process does not exist because the stream contained high levels of alkalinity and volatile fatty acids. The biogas production and COD/solids destruction achieved by plug‐flow and completely mixed reactor were very similar when treating the liquid manure stream.

CONCLUSION: The organic strength of the influent significantly influenced AD performance. The plug‐flow reactor and the completely mixed reactor had a similar AD performance. For the type of manure and organic loading rate investigated, the results give indications for designing an AD process in flush dairy operations. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Collision‐induced dissociation of sulfur‐containing imidazolium ionic liquids
Authors: Lesimple Alain , He Xun , Chan Tak‐Hang , Mamer Orval
Published: July 2007

A number of 1,2‐dimethylimidazole ionic liquids substituted on NII with alkyl chains of varying lengths terminated with sulfur‐containing groups were investigated by electrospray high‐resolution tandem Fourier‐transform mass spectrometry. Fragmentation pathways are strongly dependent on the oxidation state of the sulfur and the alkyl chain length. The dissociations detected are rationalized by deuterium labeling, comparisons between homologous compounds and accurate mass data. Several homolytic processes are reported, leading to distonic ions and loss of hydrogen, methyl and other free radicals. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Validated chiral separation of M9, a Mannich ketone compound, by chiral ligand‐exchange chromatography
Authors: Bi Yujin , Yang Jing , Lu Xiumei , Shao Taili , Dong Jinhua , Li Famei
Published: July 2007

Enantioseparation of the Mannich ketone M9, a potential antifungal compound, was examined using chiral ligand‐exchange chromatography. The chiral mobile phase contained complexes of Cu(II) with the optically active selector L‐aspartame (APM) and the organic modifier methanol. The separation was optimized with respect to the concentration of the Cu(II)‐(L‐APM) complexes, pH of mobile phase, methanol content, and column temperature. A baseline separation (Rs = 3.08) was achieved for enantiomers of M9 under optimal conditions, and the analysis was accomplished in eleven minutes. The developed method was extensively validated. The sample stability, linearity, precision (method repeatability and intermediate precision) and accuracy, and the limits of detection and quantification of the developed method were studied. The proposed method was shown to be accurate and suitable for the quantitative determination of each enantiomer of M9.
Experimental plotting of metal corrosion diagrams
Authors: Kurov O.V.
Published: July 2007

The general technique for experimental plotting of corrosion diagrams of metals and alloys, based on pH measurement in the solution near‐electrode (buffer) layer, is described. Corrosion diagrams are plotted for certain metals and alloys.
Zum Einfluss des Schweißens auf das Kriechverhalten moderner Stähle für die thermische Energieerzeugung
Authors: Cerjak H. , Mayr P.
Published: July 2007

Un‐ und niedriglegierte ferritisch/bainitische Chrom‐Stähle, sowie hochlegierte ferritisch/martensitische 9–12 % Chrom‐Stähle werden weltweit für Hochtemperatur‐Komponenten in der thermischen Energieerzeugung eingesetzt. Schweißen, in seiner gesamten Vielfalt, stellt nach wie vor die wichtigste Reparatur‐ und Fügetechnologie im Kraftwerksbau dar. Die Wärmeeinflusszone von Schweißverbindungen erweist sich oft als das schwächste Glied im Hochtemperaturbetrieb. Während un‐ und niedriglegierte Stähle eine gewisse Empfindlichkeit zur Bildung von Relaxationsrissen aufweisen können, versagen Schweißverbindungen hochlegierter ferritischer Chrom‐Stähle unter Kriechbelastung meist in der Feinkornzone aufgrund Type IV Crackings. Dieser Beitrag liefert eine Übersicht über den Einfluss des Schweißtemperaturzyklus auf die Mikrostruktur des Grundwerkstoffes. Das Langzeit‐Kriechverhalten von Schweißverbindungen wird direkt den häufigsten Fehlermechanismen gegenübergestellt und Auswirkungen für die Industrie bei der Verwendung hochwarmfester ferritischer Stähle werden erläutert.
Elektronenstrahlschweißen von Weichenherzen für den Gleisbau
Authors: von Dobeneck D. , Prikhodovsky A. , Ploshikhin V.
Published: July 2007

Zum Elektronenstrahlschweißen von hochkohlenstoffhaltigem Schienenstahl wurde mit Hilfe von Computersimulationen eine Prozesskette Schweißen – Wärmebehandlung entwickelt, die die Martensitbildung und damit die schnelle Aufhärtung verhindert.
Innovatives Elektronenstrahlschweißen hochschmelzender Metalle
Authors: Behr W. , Reisgen U.
Published: July 2007

Das Forschungszentrum Jülich (FZJ) beschäftigt sich seit seiner Gründung als Kernforschungsanlage Jülich im Jahr 1956 mit der Materialbearbeitung von Sondermetallen. Hierzu zählen vor allem die hochschmelzenden Refraktärmetalle Niob, Molybdän und Wolfram. Das Elektronenstrahlschweißen gilt schon immer als innovatives Sonderschweißverfahren; im FZJ wurde es darüber hinaus stets an die wachsenden Anforderungen seitens der Forschungspartner sowie der beteiligten Fertigungs‐ und Konstruktionsbereiche angepasst. Von manueller Anlagentechnik bis zu modernster Mehrstrahltechnik wurde so immer das technisch Machbare für die Grundlagenforschung realisiert.
Einfluss der Beschichtungen beim stoffschlüssigen Lichtbogenfügen von Stahl mit Aluminium
Authors: Steiners M. , Höcker F.
Published: July 2007

Die stoffschlüssige und anwendungsgerechte Verbindung zwischen Stahl und Aluminium ist ein bis heute nicht zufrieden stellend gelöstes Problem in der Fügetechnik. Die Probleme, diese Metalle miteinander thermisch zu fügen, liegen in der geringen bis nicht vorhandenen gegenseitigen Löslichkeit der Metalle im festen Zustand und der Ausbildung von spröden intermetallischen Phasen. Die Qualität der Fügeverbindung hängt von vielen Einflussfaktoren ab, die teilweise in Wechselwirkung zueinander stehen. Einer dieser Einflussfaktoren ist die Beschichtung der Stahlbleche. Am Beispiel von im Automobilbau gängiger und unüblicher Beschichtungen soll der Einfluss der Beschichtung und eines Flussmittels auf die Benetzungslänge und den Benetzungswinkel, bei ansonsten konstanten Randparametern, dargestellt werden. Die Ergebnisse sind Teil einer Untersuchungsreihe, die aktuell am Institut für Schweißtechnik und Fügetechnik in Aachen durchgeführt wird.
Three‐dimensional analytical magnetic resonance imaging phantom in the Fourier domain
Authors: Koay Cheng Guan , Sarlls Joelle E. , Özarslan Evren
Published: July 2007

This work presents a basic framework for constructing a 3D analytical MRI phantom in the Fourier domain. In the image domain the phantom is modeled after the work of Kak and Roberts on a 3D version of the famous Shepp‐Logan head phantom. This phantom consists of several ellipsoids of different sizes, orientations, locations, and signal intensities (or gray levels). It will be shown that the k‐space signal derived from the phantom can be analytically expressed. As a consequence, it enables one to bypass the need for interpolation in the Fourier domain when testing image‐reconstruction algorithms. More importantly, the proposed framework can serve as a benchmark for contrasting and comparing different image‐reconstruction techniques in 3D MRI with a non‐Cartesian k‐space trajectory. The proposed framework can also be adapted for 3D MRI simulation studies in which the MRI parameters of interest may be introduced to the signal intensity from the ellipsoid. Magn Reson Med, 2007. Published 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Postoperative splinting after open carpal tunnel release does not improve functional and neurological outcome
Authors: Huemer Georg M. , Koller Matthias , Pachinger Thomas , Dunst Karin M. , Schwarz Barbara , Hintringer Thomas
Published: July 2007

Although surgical division of the transverse carpal ligament is the operative treatment of choice for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), controversy exists about the immediate postoperative treatment regimen. Splinting for up to 6 weeks after surgery is recommended by some investigators. We therefore evaluated effectiveness of splinting after open carpal tunnel surgery by a randomized, controlled trial. Fifty consecutive patients with clinically and electrophysiologically confirmed idiopathic CTS were assigned to open carpal tunnel release and randomized to receiving a light bandage (25 patients) or a bulky dressing with a volar splint (25 patients) for 2 days each. All patients were followed up at 3 months. Parameters retrieved were pain as measured using a visual analog scale, two‐point discrimination, and grip strength, and nerve conduction studies. At follow‐up, all patients reported definite improvement of symptoms, but there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups for any of our outcome measures. Thus, postoperative splinting after open carpal tunnel release does not yield any benefit to eventual outcome. In fact, it adds to the overall operating time and can safely be abandoned. Muscle Nerve, 2007
Village viability assessment procedures in Tanzania: Decision‐making with curtailed information requirements
Authors: Belshaw D. G. R.
Published: July 2007

This article explains the methods developed for gathering necessary data to make assessments of village viability in Tanzania during the period 1975‐78. The need for methods arose out of the consolidation into villages of dispersed rural settlements and the problem encountered by an unknown number of new villages of deficiencies in the available and accessible physical environment. What was required was a means of identifying those villages where priority should be given to population resettlement and the identification of new village sites. The initial attempt at establishing a standard village viability assessment procedure involved devising a procedure which assumed the need for a high level of environmental data. This presupposed the use of staff with considerable expertise, and, given the scale of the problem, this expertise was not available. A revised procedure was therefore developed which was based on more realistic assumptions about what was available. This involved making fresh estimates about the level of expertise, the amount of assessment time available and the degree of data accuracy required. On the basis of field testing a revised approach was developed. The main features of this approach are outlined, and the merits of the approach discussed.
The former Western Nigeria Development Corporation: A framework for performance evaluation
Authors: Akinsanya A.
Published: July 2007

The performance of the Western Nigeria Development Corporation and its separate projects shows the limitations of profit and profitability as a basis for evaluation. Judged on the basis of profit most projects have been failures. The objectives stated for the corporation specify the fostering of economic development, but these are expressed in the law in such general terms that they do not provide alternative criteria on the basis of which the Corporation can be measured, and the Economic Plan of Western Nigeria in 1955 was similarly unspecific. The article argues that objectives should be specified in more precise terms, and that Corporations should be required to operate, thereafter, on business principles with unprofitable services paid for by government if provided at government's behest.
Rapid rural appraisal: Rationale and repertoire
Authors: Chambers Robert
Published: July 2007

Decision makers need the right information at the right time but in rural development much information generated is too costly and inappropriate. Rapid rural appraisal forms part of the attempt to learn about rural conditions in a cost effective way. Such appraisal involves avoiding the traps of quick and dirty or long and dirty methods and using instead methods that are more cost effective. To do this means ignoring inappropriate professional standards and instead applying a new rigour based on the two principles of optimal ignorance—knowing what it is not worth knowing—and proportionate accuracy—recognising the degree of accuracy required. The article reviews a range of approaches and techniques for rapid rural appraisal that are less rigid and exhaustive than many traditional methods and yet more rigorous in relation to cost and use. Time is emphasized as a critical factor in effective appraisal and rapid rural appraisal methods increase the chance of reducing the bias against the poorer rural people in the promotion of rural development.
An appraisal of agro‐based cooperatives in Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Wells R. J. G.
Published: July 2007

This appraisal of agro‐based cooperatives in Peninsular Malaysia assesses performance in relation to savings mobilization, rural credit, land development and the provision of marketing facilities. The article points to the limited extent of their achievement and argues that while the cooperatives have achieved less measurable goals, without improving their performance in relation to economic goals, they will be unable to achieve their social purpose.
In search of an anatomy of African administrators
Authors: Kirk‐Greene A. H. M.
Published: July 2007

By way of welcoming one of the first—and still too few—accounts by African administrators of what it was like to have served under two masters, one British and one African, the article first reviews the chronology of the literature on and by Africa's administrators. Starting from a survey of the history of the British Colonial Administrative Service and some of the recent memoirs of its members, a milestone in the literature is signalled by the shift in emphasis of public service commissions of enquiry away from primary concern with salaries and conditions of service to concerns with the positive Africanization of the civil services. The gradual responsibility of Africans themselves for such reports is then noted, often culminating in a recommendation for the establishment of an Institute of Public Administration.

While the quantity and quality of insiders' literature by Africa's civil servants still falls short of that which has characterized the writing by Indian members of the former Indian Civil Service, the position has improved since the publication of the proceedings of the Inter‐African Public Administration seminars and by the noticeably less constrained comments by the bureaucracy during a period of military rule. The article concludes with a look at the Ife University project and calls for an extension of such primary research into African administration while the first, and historically unique, generation of African bureaucrats are still alive to record their memories and interpret their significance against subsequent analysis.
The Commonwealth programme for applied studies in government: The commonwealth secretariat's division for the development of public management
Authors: Gomez Raja G.
Published: July 2007

The Programme of Applied Studies in Government in the Commonwealth Secretariat has been in operation for five years, and in this article the Assistant Director reports on the major features of the Programme. The staff of the Programme have arranged conferences and seminars, facilitated training and published bibliographies on topics and in a form that make them useful to civil service practitioners and institutions with small libraries. Matters to which attention has been given include the use in government of advances in science and technology, the functioning and role of public enterprise and among more specialized topics administration in microstates. The article emphasizes the way attention is given to application in the work of the Programme.
Administrative aspects of the Uganda election—December 1980: A comparison with Zimbabwe
Authors: Hardwick Simon
Published: July 2007

Since international observers were used to give legitimacy both to the Uganda and Zimbabwe elections in 1980 there is an obvious point of comparison between them. Despite this initial similarity comparing the administration of the elections in the two emphasizes the differences and draws attention to the administrative problems in Uganda resulting from the use of a law and procedures which derived from different circumstances in the country and which assumed an experience in operating elections which was largely lacking. This article explains problems encountered and points to lessons to be learnt.
The place of local social realities in developmental work
Authors: Willson‐Pepper C. R.
Published: July 2007

There have long been attempts to humanize the conduct of development by taking into account the mental and cultural constitution of those amongst whom it is to occur. Very largely, these have been unsuccessful owing in part to the conception that has been used of the things of which account has to be taken. In consequence, developmental thought has remained mechanistic and impersonal generally and corresponding problems afflict development practice. Seeing this approach exemplified in the two articles by Rondinelli and Mandel (1981a, 1981b) the author takes issue with it. He argues in the light of experience with health planning and medical practice that fresh attention should be given both to understanding local social realities and to the way in which development work could be related to such realities. In the process the author suggests that the value of the approaches characteristic of social anthropology should be more widely recognized.
The Solomon Islands: The experiment in decentralization
Authors: Premdas Ralph R.
Published: July 2007

The Solomon Islands became independent in 1978. Influenced by developments in neighbouring Papua New Guinea, a plan for provincial government has been introduced in order ostensibly to achieve more effective decentralization than operated through local government councils. This article describes the successive attempts at establishing local government councils and discusses the present plan for provincial government in the context of experience with local councils. The plan is seen as an attempt at returning power to the people and avoiding the development of a centralized authority serving the interests of those associated with Central government.
Local Government and decentralization in the Sudan
Authors: Norris M. W.
Published: July 2007

The establishment of an effective local government system has been imperative in the Sudan both on account of the vast scale of the country and the decentralization policies of successive governments. District councils were initially established in 1951 following the Marshall Report, but were by stages superseded as budgetary authorities, and reduced to unimportance by the People's Local Government System in 1971, which vested responsibility in Councils at the Provincial level. The subsequent difficulties experienced by this system indicate the value of the District, now renamed Area, as a level for a multipurpose local authority in the Sudan, and explain the reemphasis of this level in the 1981 Local Government Act.

This article summarizes the experience leading up to the 1981 Act, and examines the extent to which the new legislation offers an effective structure. The finance of local government, a recurrent problem in the Sudan, emerges as a critical issue, together with the future role of the Provincial Commissioner.
Management of forest resources in India
Authors: Bowonder B.
Published: July 2007

Management of forest resources is a major problem area in developing countries. Basing discussion of the problem on the situation in India this article recognizes the importance of a rational pricing policy but also argues that forest administration has to be strengthened. Regeneration of forest resources has to be stimulated by price improvements and encouraging investment but regeneration and rural development involving social and agro forestry are also required. Forest administration has to be developed to cope with these different requirements. The article questions the argument concerning institution building for development forestry advanced by Guess (1982).
Organizational structures and the development project planning sequence
Authors: Johnson Keith
Published: July 2007

Variants of the project planning sequence or cycle are widely employed to provide the conceptual framework for investment in developing countries. However, the current models attempt to generalize activity sequences across a range of projects with differing objectives. They also tend to abstract project planning from its institutional context, and to make little allowance for the possibility that alternative approaches to organizational and managerial problems may be available. The article outlines a technique that facilitates the analysis of active‐organization patterns. Commencing with the classical tripartite system, a number of standard forms are identified and described. A series of observations are then offered on the organizational choices and control procedures that are available for public sector projects. The paper concludes with some remarks on the relationship between project planning and strategies for the development of indigenous institutional capacity in developing countries.
The government versus management controversy: Ascribing responsibility for the failure of a public corporation in Nigeria
Authors: McHenry Dean E.
Published: July 2007

Efforts to employ public corporations in African countries to promote development have had limited success. A major controversy has developed over who is responsible for such failure. On the one hand are those who accuse management; on the other hand are those who accuse government. This study seeks to assess the merits of the contending arguments through an analysis of Nigeria'S Cross River State Agricultural Development Corporation (ADC). There is a strong prima‐facie case against management. It failed to sustain the enterprise; it failed to produce any profits; it failed to give employees satisfaction in their work; it failed to give strong direction to the corporation; it failed significantly to advance the technology of the ADC; and it made little contribution to the community. But, on close examination, it is apparent that management'S failure was a consequence of structural and financial constraints imposed on it by government. Thus, real responsibility for the failure of the ADC belongs with the government. The reasons for government ‘killing’ its own public corporation are partly constraints imposed on it and partly the opposition of its supporters to public enterprise.
Quality assessment and assurance in hospitals of developing countries
Authors: Eldar R.
Published: July 2007

Quality assessment and assurance programmes ‐ although widespread in many industrialized countries, particularly in the United States, and achieving their objectives of improving the quality of care ‐ have not been introduced into hospitals of developing countries. The paper discusses the factors that might have impeded the introduction of such programmes into these hospitals. The structure, process and outcomes of health care in developing countries are compared with those of developed countries. The attitudes of government agencies are analysed. The difficulties in the applicability of the criteria, standards and techniques ‐ designed in developed countries ‐ to the conditions existing in the hospitals of developing areas, and the reluctance of governing agencies of these hospitals to provide initiative because of anticipation of consequently increased expenditure, are considered to be the two main impeding factors. The paper further argues the need to promote such programmes in these hospitals and suggests guidelines for their development and implementation in terms of general principles, criteria for the assessment of hospital care, and standards appropriate to local conditions.
A planning‐centred approach to project evaluation: Women in mainstream development projects
Authors: Staudt Kathleen
Published: July 2007

This article describes the process and outcomes of a “planning‐centred” approach to three development projects in the Caribbean. A planning‐centred approach to research involves the collaboration of planners and researchers in evaluation research, special attention to the dissemination and use of information and the promotion of contact between planners, sector specialists and recipients of development plans. The planning‐centred approach to research is also conducive to understanding the role of gender in distributive processes. The paper describes the methodology of this form of project evaluation, alternative evaluation procedures and selected evaluation guidelines used by the agencies involved in the three Caribbean projects. The outcomes of a planning‐centred approach are assessed. In the Caribbean projects the approach resulted in the better use of research information, better communication among planners, officials and project participants, greater sensitivity to women's participation in development and improved consciousness of the significance of gender for redistribute development programmes.
Decentralization and local public finance in Tunisia
Authors: Nellis John R.
Published: July 2007

The Tunisian government has long admitted that its excessively centralized administrative and political systems have generated heavy costs in terms of inefficiency and citizen alienation. A major decentralizing reform effort was launched in the mid‐1970s, the most important parts of which dealt with changes in local taxation powers, and in the sources and size of grants and loans which Tunisian communes receive from national sources. The result to date has been a modest increase in communal revenues from the new or increased taxes, and a more significant increase in central government grants to local governments. Smaller and more rural communes are heavily dependent on grants to undertake development actions, their tax base being negligible. The revised systefn generates more revenue, and distributes resources more equitably, than the previous arrangements. In theory, it gives a greatly increased latitude to elected communal councils. Nonetheless, the local governments‐and the communes in particular‐remain severely constrained by central government authorities. The conclusion is that the decentralization reform has been partial and halting, and will in all probability continue in the same manner.
Administrative conflict and decentralization: The case of Sri Lanka
Authors: Oberst Robert
Published: July 2007

Decentralization involves changes in administrative structures which induce conflict as vested interests are affected. Such problems have occurred in Sri Lanka. The responses of the different interests involved in development administration to decentralization are examined. A number of propositions concerning group conflict are applied to the implementation of decentralized development policies in Sri Lanka. Decentralization has restructured power among the Kachcheri officials, Members of Parliament and departmental officers. Consequent conflicts within the administration have led to increased problems in the completion of projects. Power struggles could have been avoided by synchronizing political and administrative decentralization and by making the division of power within the bureaucracy explicit.
Nigeria's bureaucratized ombudsman system: An insight into the problem of bureaucratization in a developing country
Authors: Ayeni Victor
Published: July 2007

This paper is a case study of the bureaucratization process in Nigeria's ombudsman institution, otherwise known as the Public Complaints Commission. Proceeding from the premise that the efficacy of modern bureaucratic organizations is predicated on the ability to control bureau—pathologies, an attempt is made to determine success in keeping the bureaucracy in the Public Complaints Commission at an optimum level and thereby mitigating possible negative consequences. The paper argues that, contrary to the situation in most other places, Nigeria's ombudsman institution has developed into an enormous, wasteful and inefficient bureaucracy. The reasons for this situation are largely sociocultural. The Public Complaints Commission has a long history of close, intimate association with the civil service. This has transformed the Commission, more or less, into an arm of the civil service and virtually eliminated its unique ombudsman features. The situation of the Public Complaints Commission is, of course, not peculiar. It is true of most other non‐civil service institutions, such as public enterprises and educational institutions, in Nigeria and most other developing countries. The paper concludes with a number of policy suggestions.
Politics of administrative reform and reorganization in Bangladesh
Authors: Khan Mohammad Mohabbat
Published: July 2007

The present military government in Bangladesh has implemented a number of major administrative reform and reorganization measures. The government claims that effectuation of such measures has led to the decentralization of power and authority to the grass‐root level ensuring increasing popular participation in administration; the achievement of cost‐effectiveness by reducing the number of ministries, divisions and personnel from the public pay roll and by quickening of the pace of decision‐making due to elimination of redundant bureaucratic layers. But the implementation, in reality, has contributed among other things to the legitimization and strengthening of the military government, and a weakening of the democratically organized political opposition. It also enables generalist civil servants to preserve, and to some extent strengthen, their position within the civil service system.
Organizational implications of information technology in third world countries
Authors: Adkins Roger
Published: July 2007

The effective implementation of IT initiatives within organizations depends on its degree of acceptance at the national level and its rate of absorption within the focal organization. This paper focuses on the latter by addressing the key issues influencing the capacity of organizations to successfully implement IT initiatives. The various issues are investigated based on a case study approach using examples from Tanzania, and organized into a systems framework by considering the role of the psycho‐social, the technical, the structural, the goal and the managerial systems in turn. The conclusion highlights the need of appropriate education if the full benefits of IT are to be harvested.
‘Trainingism’ revisited in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Turner Mark M.
Published: July 2007

Despite much training in public administration over the past 20 years there has been little improvement in public service management in the Third World. This was anticipated in Schaffer's critical notion of ‘trainingism’. This concept, when applied to Papua New Guinea, helps us to understand why training has been unable to produce dramatic changes in public service performance. Training has been used to perform latent functions and has not been evaluated. The situation is currently under review as new initiatives are taking place to improve training's contribution to public service efficiency and effectiveness.
Developing economics expertise for the evaluation of primary health care
Authors: Drummond Michael , Mills Anne
Published: July 2007

Given that government budgets are increasingly stretched in the face of competing demands, there is a pressing need for evidence on the costs and benefits of public sector investments. Nowhere is this need greater than in the health field, where the benefits of programmes are typically difficult to measure. Within the health sector a key area of interest is primary health care, which is generally regarded as a central function and the most important means by which the health of the population can be improved. This paper reports the results of a recent survey of Commonwealth countries which sought to establish the extent of economic evaluation of PHC programmes, the impact on decision‐making and the level of health economics expertise available in Third World countries. Based on the results of the survey, suggestions are made for improving the commissioning and conduct of economic evaluations, for interpreting and implementing evaluation results, and for developing government expertise in economic evaluation.