bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Terahertz-wave surface-emitted difference frequency generation in slant-stripe-type periodically poled LiNbO3 crystal
Authors: Sasaki Yuzo , Yuri Avetisyan , Kawase Kodo , Ito Hiromasa
Published: October 2002

We demonstrate terahertz-wave (THz-wave) surface-emitted difference frequency generation with nanosecond pulse duration. A slant-stripe-type periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN) crystal was used to realize the quasi-phase-matching in two mutually perpendicular directions of optical and THz-wave propagation. A THz-wave with a wavelength near 200 μm was generated by mixing the radiation of a dual-signal-wave optical parametric oscillator based on a periodically phase-reversed PPLN crystal.
As-mediated stacking fault in wurtzite GaN epilayers
Authors: Kim Hyonju , Andersson T. G. , Chauveau J.-M. , Trampert A.
Published: October 2002

Growth of a thin GaAs layer embedded in wurtzite GaN was performed on sapphire (0001) by rf-plasma assisted molecular-beam epitaxy. A well-confined As-rich layer with a tail in the cap layer was measured by secondary ion mass spectrometry. Transmission electron microscopy studies demonstrated the formation of basal plane stacking faults, which were correlated with the presence of As in the layer. High-resolution microscopy revealed the stacking fault as a thin platelike cubic inclusion in the hexagonal GaN.
Self-similarity in abrasion of metals by nanosharp asperities of hard carbon containing films
Authors: Borodich Feodor M. , Harris Stephen J. , Keer Leon M.
Published: October 2002

We discuss a remarkably simple power-law relationship observed between the abrasion rate of an initially spherical slider by hard carbon-containing films and the number of sliding cycles n to which the film has been subjected. The power-law relationship is valid up to 4 orders of magnitude in n. We model this phenomenon by connecting it with nanocharacteristics of the coatings. It is proposed to explain the phenomenon by a statistically self-similar variation of the pattern of relatively sharp nanometer-scale asperities of the films.
All-optical switching and logic gating with spatial solitons in liquid crystals
Authors: Peccianti Marco , Conti Claudio , Assanto Gaetano , De Luca Antonio , Umeton Cesare
Published: October 2002

Using mW light beams to generate spatial solitons in nematic liquid crystals, all-optical switching/logic can be performed on a signal launched in the soliton-induced waveguides. Through the collisional behavior of solitons in a nonlocal medium, the signal can be steered in angle and output position. A power-dependent X junction, AND, and NOR gates are demonstrated.
Raman spectroscopy for a micrometric and tensorial analysis of stress in silicon
Authors: Bonera Emiliano , Fanciulli Marco , Batchelder David N.
Published: October 2002

This letter presents a method to measure stress by a Raman spectroscopic technique that combines high spatial resolution with tensorial analysis. The experiment is based on separating the contributions to the Raman spectrum from the marginal and paraxial rays of the collection cone of the objective. The stress tensor was measured over a 20 μm line scan with a resolution of 1 μm on a highly strained (001) silicon surface in proximity to a micrometric scratch by observing the different frequency shifts of three orthogonal crystal vibrations.
Mechanism of H2 metabolism on Fe-only hydrogenases
Authors: Liu Zhi-Pan , Hu P.
Published: October 2002

The metabolism of hydrogen (H2↔2H++2e−) constitutes a central process in the global biological energy cycle. Among all the enzymes that can mediate this process, Fe-only hydrogenases are unique in their particular high reactivity. Recently, some important progresses have been achieved. Following our previous paper [Z.-P. Liu and P. Hu, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 124, 5175 (2002)] that characterizes the individual redox state of the active site of Fe-only hydrogenase, in this work we have determined the feasible reaction pathways and energetics for the H2 metabolism on the active site of Fe-only hydrogenases, using density functional theory. We show that H2 metabolism possesses very low reaction barriers and a proximal base from a nearby protein plays an important role in H2 metabolism.
Numerical Simulations of Fractionated Electrograms and Pathological Cardiac Action Potential
Authors: Sanfelici Simona
Published: October 2002

The aim of this work is twofold. First we focus on the complex phenomenon of electrogram fractionation, due to the presence of discontinuities in the conduction properties of the cardiac tissue in a bidomain model. Numerical simulations of paced activation may help to understand the role of the membrane ionic currents and of the changes in cellular coupling in the formation of conduction blocks and fractionation of the electrogram waveform. In particular, we show that fractionation is independent of INA alterations and that it can be described by the bidomain model of cardiac tissue. Moreover, some deflections in fractionated electrograms may give nonlocal information about the shape of damaged areas, also revealing the presence of inhomogeneities in the intracellular conductivity of the medium at a distance.

The second point of interest is the analysis of the effects of space–time discretization on numerical results, especially during slow conduction in damaged cardiac tissue. Indeed, large discretization steps can induce numerical artifacts such as slowing down of conduction velocity, alteration in extracellular and transmembrane potential waveforms or conduction blocks, which are not predicted by the continuous bidomain model. Several possible numerical and physiological explanations of these effects are given. Essentially, the discrete system obtained at the end of the approximation process may be interpreted as a discrete model of the cardiac tissue made up of isopotential cells where the effective intracellular conductivity tensor depends on the space discretization steps; the increase of these steps results in an increase of the effective intracellular resistance and can induce conduction blocks if a certain critical value is exceeded.
Application of the Monte Carlo Method for the Assessment of Long‐term Success in Keratoprosthesis Surgery
Authors: Hitzl W. , Grabner G.
Published: October 2002

The comparison of different methods of keratoprosthesis (KP) regarding their long‐term success, as far as visual acuity is concerned, is difficult: this is the case both as a standardized reporting method agreed upon by all research groups has not been reported and far less accepted, and as the quality of life for the
patient not only depends on the level of visual acuity, but also quite significantly on the “survival time” of the implant. Therefore, an analysis of a single series of patients with Osteo–Odonto–Keratoprosthesis (OOKP) was performed. Statistical analysis methods used by others in similar groups of surgical procedures have included descriptive statistics, survival analysis and ANOVA. These methods comprised comparisons of empirical densities or distribution functions and empirical survival curves. It is the objective of this paper to provide an inductive statistical method to avoid the problems with descriptive techniques and survival analysis. This statistical model meets four important standards: (1) the efficiency of a surgical technique can be assessed within an arbitrary time interval by a new index (VAT‐index), (2) possible autocorrelations of the data are taken into consideration and (3) the efficiency is not only stated by a point estimator, but also 95% point‐wise confidence limits are computed based on the Monte Carlo method, and finally, (4) the efficiency of a specific method is illustrated by line and range plots for quick illustration and can also be used for the comparison of different other surgical techniques such as refractive techniques, glaucoma and retinal surgery.
Affinity Hemodialysis for Antiviral Therapy with Specific Application to HIV
Authors: Tullis Richard H. , Scamurra David O. , Ambrus Julian L.
Published: October 2002

We propose an artificial lymph node to improve immune function in fighting viral diseases. The device is based on hemodialysis using a cartridge containing a solid phase affinity resin. Virus capture is mediated by a collection of broad specificity antibodies covalently coupled to agarose. Viral proteins, which can directly damage uninfected cells, are also efficiently removed. Immobilized antisense DNA provides a mechanism to remove infectious viral nucleic acids. Theoretical calculations suggest that the device could effectively remove virus, toxic viral proteins and infectious viral nucleic acids from the blood thereby limiting disease by preventing reinfection of new cells. In the absence of newly infected cells, previously infected cells are cleared by the immune system. For a typical immobilized antibody, calculations predict a pseudo‐first order rate of capture (t1/2 ∼ 10 min) with viral load reduction ∼ 660‐fold at equilibrium. Theoretical calculations of a diffusion limited process predict t1/2 ∼ 2.8 h. Measured transport rates for latex particles in a prototype device are significantly faster than the theoretical diffusion limit suggesting that transport is primarily convective and sufficient to allow rapid virus clearance. Since the device is highly selective it can be used in conjunction with drug therapy and other treatments.
Application of a New Processing Method to Post‐LDL‐apheresis Data
Authors: Corsini Franco , Cicero Arrigo F. G. , Giannuzzi Antonia , Gaddi Antonio
Published: October 2002

Our aim was to elaborate a method to optimise treatment intervals for the individual low‐density lipoprotein (LDL)‐apheresis treated patients. After each treatment, plasma LDL concentrations show a time‐related increase with a decreasing speed until a maximum level.We searched to interpret the post‐LDL‐apheresis experimental data trend as the physical process that produces the observed curve, so that the fitting presupposed theoretical function is a direct consequence of the physic process, because to establish the better time. Applying the proposed fitting method to a succession of 15 samples obtained from the mean of six plasmapheresis executed on five different subjects, small estimate standard error (5 mg/dl) and relative error (1.7%) with a dispersion evidently related to the experimental error were observed. Obviously, applying the same method to a single case, the dispersion is more marked (relative error <5%), with a SE of 10‐13 mg/dl, even though the aspect of a casual phenomenon is conserved. Our physical interpretation appears to be a practical model to predict the LDL‐rebound kinetic of the single patient.
New Ideas in Experimental Political Science
Authors: Lupia Arthur
Published: October 2002

For many observers, experiments symbolize science. Young and old alike are drawn to science by visions of women and men (often in white coats) experimenting on new ideas. In sciences such as chemistry and psychology, the image is real. Although both disciplines contain theorists and nonexperimental researchers, most of their professional norms and great accomplishments are indescribable without reference to experimental methods. In such disciplines, experiments are the leading vehicle of knowledge creation.
Experimental Methodology in Political Science
Authors: McDermott Rose
Published: October 2002

Experiments offer a useful methodological tool to examine issues of importance to political scientists. The historical and cultural differences between experiments in behavioral economics and social psychology are discussed. Issues of central concern to experimentalists are covered, including impact versus control, mundane versus experimental realism, internal versus external validity, deception, and laboratory versus field experiments. Advantages and disadvantages of experimentation are summarized.
Explicating the Black Box Through Experimentation: Studies of Authoritarianism and Threat
Authors: Lavine Howard , Lodge Milton , Polichak James , Taber Charles
Published: October 2002

We advocate for an experimental approach to the study of personality and politics. In particular, we propose an “interactionist” model of political behavior in which the cognitive and behavioral effects of dispositional variables are qualified by experimentally induced contexts. Our operating assumption is that the political effects of personality do not occur in a contextual vacuum, but instead are magnified by the presence of key precipitating or “activating” features of the political environment. We illustrate the approach with four experimental studies of authoritarianism. Results indicate that the effects of authoritarianism depend critically on the presence of situationally induced threat. More generally, we argue that interactions between personality variables and experimental treatments can lead to valuable insights about when and why personality makes a meaningful contribution to public opinion and political behavior. Finally, we close with a critique of the traditional skepticism toward experimentation in political science, and suggest that external validity is an overrated virtue when the research goal is the development of theory rather than the description of “real-world” phenomena.
The Role of Theory in Experimental Design: Experiments Without Randomization
Authors: Gibson James L. , Caldeira Gregory A. , Spence Lester Kenyatta
Published: October 2002

Some who have written about the logic of experimentation argue that random assignment of subjects to treatment conditions is an essential attribute of an experiment. Others disagree. Rather than treating this as a matter of dueling definitions, we consider experiments without randomization from a theoretical perspective. Our central contention here is that, for some research questions, theory dictatessystematic(not random) assignment of respondents to experimental conditions. Two such areas of inquiry are research on political tolerance and on institutional legitimacy. This article gives cursory attention to the former body of work and detailed attention to the latter, based on an experiment conducted in a survey in 2001 on the consequences of the American presidential election for institutional legitimacy. Because in both instances theory requires nonrandom assignment, the problem becomes one of identifying the costs of nonrandomization (threats to internal validity) and specifying analytical techniques that might ameliorate those costs. Consequently, we present results from a statistical approach that addresses the problem of nonrandomization. The most important claim of this article is that theory ought to specify research design, including experimental designs, and that dogmatic attachment to one definition ofexperimentwill not serve the discipline of political science.
Fairness and Rejection in the Ultimatum Bargaining Game
Authors: Eckel Catherine , Johnson Martin , Wilson Rick K.
Published: October 2002

The ultimatum game is a standard instrument for laboratory experimentalists. It has been replicated in a large number of environments and points to special considerations for fairness. Although it has been popular in the experimental community, researchers have not harnessed all the statistical power they should to evaluate the dynamics at work in this type of a bargaining game. This research uses two planned treatments, the first involving a signaling condition concerning a subject's “type”, and the second a price effect built into the structure of the game. We find that there are no significant main effects as a result of the signaling condition of a subject's type, but that there are strong effects as a result of the different payoff parameters. Using a variety of multivariate models we find important, nonobvious interactions with the gender of the subjects. The lesson that we take away from this research is that experimentalists can learn more from data collected in the tightly controlled laboratory environment by using statistical techniques that complement their research designs.
The Downstream Benefits of Experimentation
Authors: Green Donald P. , Gerber Alan S.
Published: October 2002

The debate about the cost-effectiveness of randomized field experimentation ignores one of the most important potential uses of experimental data. This article defines and illustrates “downstream” experimental analysis—that is, analysis of the indirect effects of experimental interventions. We argue that downstream analysis may be as valuable as conventional analysis, perhaps even more so in the case of laboratory experimentation.
Discussion's Impact on Political Allocations: An Experimental Approach
Authors: Simon Adam F. , Sulkin Tracy
Published: October 2002

In this study, we unite two experimental traditions to examine the impact of discursive processes on political decision making. We directly manipulate the presence and timing of discussion in the “divide-the-dollar” game to assess the effects of discussion on participants' allocations and perceptions of the game's legitimacy. To investigate the influence of structure, we also manipulate the presence of a majority/minority cleavage among participants. The dependent measures in all instances are the players' allocations, the outcome of the game, and psychometric indicators of legitimacy perceptions. Results indicate that the presence of discussion can generate outcomes that are perceived as more equitable and fair in some circumstances—namely, when a cleavage is present. These findings establish the utility of this paradigm, as well as an important baseline for assessing the probable impacts of proposals to integrate deliberation into political decision making.
The SUPERFAMILY database in structural genomics
Authors: Gough Julian
Published: October 2002

The SUPERFAMILY hidden Markov model library representing all proteins of known structure predicts the domain architecture of protein sequences and classifies them at the SCOP superfamily level. This analysis has been carried out on all completely sequenced genomes. The ways in which the database can be useful to crystallographers is discussed, in particular with a view to high-throughput structure determination. The application of the SUPERFAMILY database to different target-selection strategies is suggested: novel folds, novel domain combinations and targeted attacks on genomes. Use of the database for more general inquiry in the context of structural studies is also explained. The database provides evolutionary relationships between target proteins and other proteins of known structure through the SCOP database, genome assignments and multiple sequence alignments.
The CCP4 molecular-graphics project
Authors: Potterton Elizabeth , McNicholas Stuart , Krissinel Eugene , Cowtan Kevin , Noble Martin
Published: October 2002

This new package will provide easy-to-use access to crystallographic structure solution, model building and structure analysis. It will be possible for any developer to integrate scientific software into the system.
Ongoing developments in CCP4 for high-throughput structure determination
Authors: Winn M. D. , Ashton A. W. , Briggs P. J. , Ballard C. C. , Patel P.
Published: October 2002

Collaborative Computational Project Number 4 (CCP4) was established in 1979 to promote collaboration between UK groups writing software for protein crystallography. From these beginnings, CCP4 now distributes a large software suite and is active in developing new software. In this article, an overview is given of recent and ongoing developments in the CCP4 software suite, in particular as they pertain to high-throughput studies. Developments in individual programs are discussed first, although these are covered in more detail elsewhere. The bulk of the article focusses on the infrastructure of the software suite which allows the user to move effortlessly between different programs or to create automated schemas. Major changes to the software library at the heart of the CCP4 suite, developments in the CCP4 graphical user interface, and data management within CCP4 are discussed. The latter is crucial to high-throughput studies, where a large number of data are imported, created and finally archived.
Automated structure solution, density modification and model building
Authors: Terwilliger Thomas C.
Published: October 2002

The approaches that form the basis of automated structure solution in SOLVE and RESOLVE are described. The use of a scoring scheme to convert decision making in macromolecular structure solution to an optimization problem has proven very useful and in many cases a single clear heavy-atom solution can be obtained and used for phasing. Statistical density modification is well suited to an automated approach to structure solution because the method is relatively insensitive to choices of numbers of cycles and solvent content. The detection of non-crystallographic symmetry (NCS) in heavy-atom sites and checking of potential NCS operations against the electron-density map has proven to be a reliable method for identification of NCS in most cases. Automated model building beginning with an FFT-based search for helices and sheets has been successful in automated model building for maps with resolutions as low as 3 Å. The entire process can be carried out in a fully automatic fashion in many cases.
The prospects of protein nanocrystallography
Authors: Bodenstaff E. Rene , Hoedemaeker Flip J. , Kuil Maxim E. , de Vrind Hans P. M. , Abrahams Jan Pieter
Published: October 2002

The miniaturization of protein crystallography's experimental method has several advantages. Firstly, it reduces the amount of protein required for identifying crystallization conditions, allowing crystallographic studies of rare natural proteins and complexes. Secondly, higher levels of supersaturation can be obtained in very small volumes, allowing the exploration of additional crystallization conditions. Thirdly, there are indications that protein crystals grown in very small volumes may be better ordered. Fourthly, miniaturization and automation go hand in hand, opening the prospects of easier and more reproducible experimentation. Progress in the development of nanocrystallography is discussed and the remaining bottlenecks are highlighted.
ACORN in CCP4 and its applications
Authors: Yao Jia-xing
Published: October 2002

ACORN is a comprehensive and efficient phasing procedure for the determination of protein structures when atomic resolution data are available. Reliable phases can be developed from a fragment composed of a small percentage (less than 5%) of the scattering matter of the unit cell. For example, ACORN has been used to solve a structure of 1093 atoms from only one S atom. The map from ACORN typically reveals the 90% of whole structure. The initial model can be automatically built using ARP/wARP or QUANTA. ACORN can also be used to determine substructures of heavy atoms or anomalously scattering atoms from SAD or MAD data at much lower resolutions such as 3.5 Å. Some test results of using ACORN on known structures are presented here. ACORN has solved four new protein structures by users in the UK and France, and some results kindly provided by them are described in this paper.
Towards the automated evaluation of crystallization trials
Authors: Wilson Julie
Published: October 2002

A method to evaluate images from crystallization experiments is described. Image discontinuities are used to determine boundaries of artifacts in the images and these are then considered as individual objects. This allows the edge of the drop to be identified and any objects outside this ignored. Each object is evaluated in terms of a number of attributes related to its size and shape, the curvature of the boundary and the variance in intensity, as well as obvious crystal-like characteristics such as straight sections of the boundary and straight lines of constant intensity within the object. With each object in the image assigned to one of a number of different classes, an overall report can be given. The objects to be considered have no predefined shape or size and, although one may expect to see straight edges and angles in a crystal, this is not a prerequisite for diffraction. This means there is much overlap in the values of the variables expected for the different classes. However, each attribute gives some information about the object in question and, although no single attribute can be expected to correctly classify an image, it has been found that a combination of classifiers gives very good results.
One-and-a-half wavelength approach
Authors: Dauter Zbigniew
Published: October 2002

In many cases single-wavelength anomalous diffraction (SAD) phasing leads to a successful structure solution, but it is impossible to predict beforehand if single-wavelength data with a certain amount of anomalous signal resulting will be sufficient. It is therefore safer to continue collecting data at different wavelengths according to a MAD protocol, but to simultaneously attempt to phase the first data set by the SAD method. If this is successful, then further data collection can be abandoned. This `1.5-wavelength' approach may save a substantial amount of time and effort and diminishes the effects of crystal radiation damage. The principles of SAD phasing are illustrated using vector diagrams in the Argand plane.
PHENIX: building new software for automated crystallographic structure determination
Authors: Adams Paul D. , Grosse-Kunstleve Ralf W. , Hung Li-Wei , Ioerger Thomas R. , McCoy Airlie J. , Moriarty Nigel W. , Read Randy J. , Sacchettini James C. , Sauter Nicholas K. , Terwilliger Thomas C.
Published: October 2002

Structural genomics seeks to expand rapidly the number of protein structures in order to extract the maximum amount of information from genomic sequence databases. The advent of several large-scale projects worldwide leads to many new challenges in the field of crystallographic macromolecular structure determination. A novel software package called PHENIX (Python-based Hierarchical ENvironment for Integrated Xtallography) is therefore being developed. This new software will provide the necessary algorithms to proceed from reduced intensity data to a refined molecular model and to facilitate structure solution for both the novice and expert crystallographer.
Computational analysis of crystallization trials
Authors: Spraggon Glen , Lesley Scott A. , Kreusch Andreas , Priestle John P.
Published: October 2002

A system for the automatic categorization of the results of crystallization experiments generated by robotic screening is presented. Images from robotically generated crystallization screens are taken at preset time intervals and analyzed by the computer program Crystal Experiment Evaluation Program (CEEP). This program attempts to automatically categorize the individual crystal experiments into a number of simple classes ranging from clear drop to mountable crystal. The algorithm first selects features from the images via edge detection and texture analysis. Classification is achieved via a self-organizing neural net generated from a set of hand-classified images used as a training set. New images are then classified according to this neural net. It is demonstrated that incorporation of time-series information may enhance the accuracy of classification. Preliminary results from the screening of the proteome of Thermotoga maritima are presented showing the utility of the system.
From information management to protein annotation: preparing protein structures for drug discovery
Authors: Peat Tom , de La Fortelle Eric , Culpepper Janice , Newman Janet
Published: October 2002

In contrast to academic pursuits of structural genomics, Structural GenomiX (SGX) solves protein structures at high throughput for the main purpose of enhancing drug-discovery projects, either internally or in partnership with pharmaceutical/biotechnology companies. This involves a radical redesign of the pipeline of methods that turn a gene sequence into a three-dimensional protein structure. The various processes all report electronically to a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) to make sure all the parameters of the experiment are recorded in an accessible and `mineable' form, helping guarantee reproducibility of results. Quality control at several key points keeps the process from branching out on a wrong hypothesis. Protein annotation, in a broad sense, takes care of the interpretation of a protein crystal structure or the crystal structure of one or several protein–ligand complexes. This interpretation both gathers all necessary biological information (protein function, mechanism, specific features within a protein family etc.) and hands over this information in a form accessible to medicinal chemistry teams designing specific small-molecule agonists or antagonists.
Automation of the collection and processing of X-ray diffraction data – a generic approach
Authors: Leslie A. G. W. , Powell H. R. , Winter G. , Svensson O. , Spruce D. , McSweeney S. , Love D. , Kinder S. , Duke E. , Nave C.
Published: October 2002

With modern detectors and synchrotron sources, it is now routine to collect complete data sets in 10–30 min. To make the most efficient use of these resources, it is desirable to automate the collection and processing of the diffraction data, ideally to a level at which multiple data sets can be acquired without any intervention. A scheme is described to allow fully automated data collection and processing. The design is modular, so that it can easily be interfaced with different beamline-control programs and different data-processing programs. An expert system provides a communication path between the data-processing software and the beamline-control software and takes decisions about the data collection based on project information provided by the user and experimental data provided by the data-processing program.
A comparison of buffer management systems and associated equipment utilizations
Authors: Taylor Lloyd J.
Published: October 2002

Compares alternative buffer control systems used in a flow process, assembly line manufacturing system. Follows a literature analysis with the use of computer simulation to assess and measure the effects of each system on overall production performance, and individual workstation utilization.
Document management: is the time now right?
Authors: Raynes Michael
Published: October 2002

Outlines the questions to be asked before and during a project to implement an electronic document management system (EDMS). Points out that a complete document management system is more than the hardware and software of the EDMS – the wider system requires effective management, and perhaps even culture change, if it is to be successful.
Labour‐market policies in Shanghai and Hong Kong
Authors: Lee Grace O.M. , Warner Malcolm
Published: October 2002

This article focuses on and provides an updated version of our analysis of labour‐market policies in Greater China over the last decade, specifically in Shanghai and the Hong Kong SAR. The role of the “one country, two systems” model is re‐evaluated vis‐à‐visboth their labour‐market policies. We present a statistical comparison of employment and unemployment in the two settings using the latest data at hand in 2002. Then, we suggest a labour‐market schema to take into account likenesses and dissimilarities. Taking into account the divergent histories, the distinct role of the state as well as the evolving economic structures, we may hypothesize that although there will be different labour markets emerging in the two city contexts, a degree of relative convergence may now be envisaged.
Private sector postgraduate training and graduate overeducation
Authors: McGuinness Seamus
Published: October 2002

This paper reports the results of an evaluation examining the effectiveness of a private sector graduate training initiative in reducing the incidence of overeducation among its participants. It was found that the initiative reduced job‐search frictions within the graduate labour market through the effective screening of potential placements/employers. However, a statistically significant impact vis‐à‐vis participants’ labour market outcomes was derived only from the placement element of the programme, with little evidence of any direct gains deriving from the training component. The results appear to suggest that the effective role of such initiatives may lie in their expertise as specialist recruitment agencies as opposed to training providers. However, there was evidence to support the view that real benefits from training are achievable provided more careful consideration is given to the appropriateness of the subject area of the conversion programme.
Employee resistance against innovations
Authors: Zwick Thomas
Published: October 2002

This paper shows that employee resistance against innovations can be explained by the sunk costs nature of human capital investments induced by innovations. Therefore, internal resistance against innovations is more likely if it is uncertain that the employees can reap the benefits of these investments. This is, for example, the case if employment in the firm is bound to decrease or if further innovations are planned. These theoretical predictions are confirmed empirically in a multi‐variate analysis. A representative German firm data set for the service sector is used for the estimation.
Labor market transition in Poland
Authors: Socha Mieczyslaw W. , Weisberg Jacob
Published: October 2002

The economic reforms and privatization in the wake of political changes in Poland after 1989 have led to rapid growth in the private sector. Although many new companies have been established, there has been a sharp increase in unemployment. Compared to the public sector, employees in the private sector tended to be less educated, younger and predominantly male. The private sector is also more dynamic, with higher rates of labor turnover, recruitment and separation, and average monthly wages were lower but, in recent years, have become close to those in the public sector. The Gini coefficient is higher in the private than in the public sector, showing that earnings are less equally distributed in this sector.
E‐business success at Intel: an organization ecology and resource dependence perspective
Authors: Phan Dien D.
Published: October 2002

Electronic business (e‐business) today plays a major role in the world economic growth, thanks to the rapid advance in information technology. Recent estimates from Forester Research show that by 2003 the value of e‐commerce of US and Europe will reach US$3 trillion, the number of households in the USA that have PCs will reach 64 million, those that have access to the Internet will reach 60 million, and the number of mobile phones will reach 69 million. There are many spectacular successful e‐businesses but there are also numerous failures. Presents a study of e‐business success at Intel Corp. Intel reached $1 billion value in e‐business in its first month of deployment in July 1998. For the year of 2000, Intel’s profits climbed to $10.5 billion to become the fifth most profitable company in the USA, up from the eighth rank last year. Concludes with lessons learned and success factors.
A Delphi study of the drivers and inhibitors of Internet banking
Authors: Bradley Laura , Stewart Kate
Published: October 2002

Although Internet banking is a growing phenomenon, the underlying factors driving and inhibiting its diffusion are not well understood. This paper presents empirical research that investigated the factors driving and inhibiting Internet banking. The main component of the research was a Delphi study of expert opinion. This paper gives a brief overview of the academic literature on the diffusion of innovation and Internet banking. The conduct and findings of the Delphi study are then reported. The paper concludes that Internet banking will become an extremely important distribution channel in the future, with the drivers overcoming the inhibitors in influencing the rate. Further to this, the paper indicates that the existing diffusion of innovation literature identifies some of the factors instrumental in the diffusion of Internet banking. However, this study identifies additional issues.
Factors underlying attitude formation towards online banking in Finland
Authors: Karjaluoto Heikki , Mattila Minna , Pento Tapio
Published: October 2002

The study explored the effect of different factors affecting attitude formation towards Internet banking (online banking) in Finland. The purpose of this paper is to determine those factors that influence the formation of attitude towards Internet banking on the one hand, and their relation to the use of online banking services, on the other. To attain these, a large survey (1,167 responses) was carried out during the summer of 2000 in Finland. Attitude formation was studied by the use of a structural equation model. The results are expected to provide both theoretical and practical contributions in the area of electronic retail banking and understanding of consumer behaviour in the turbulent financial services industry.
Corporate banking in the UK: personal vs remote interaction
Authors: O’Donnell Aodheen , Durkin Mark G. , McCartan‐Quinn Danielle
Published: October 2002

Technological advances have made a significant impact on the banking sector in recent years, with a key development being the introduction of technological and remote channels of interaction. While some research has been undertaken to establish the level of acceptance by customers of these channels, most of this research has examined retail banking customers’ attitudes to, and adoption of, remote interaction channels. This paper reports the findings of a study which has investigated channel preferences amongst corporate customers of a leading retail and corporate bank in the UK. Specifically, it seeks to differentiate between smaller business customers and larger customers. The key findings are that all customers prefer personalised interaction and that smaller customers, who are generally less profitable for banks than large clients, show relatively less willingness to embrace technological means of communication and to insist on personal interaction with their bank.
Narrowing the transfer gap: the advantages of “as if” situations in training
Authors: Vermeulen Rita C.M.
Published: October 2002

For training in a corporate setting transfer of training is essential. Yet time and again research shows transfer is a problem. Reflection on theory and years of practice as a trainer is the basis for this article. It aims to contribute to analysis and if possible to the solution of the persistent problem of transfer. First the concept of “frame” is illustrated; then the transfer problem is described in the form of challenges for trainer, trainee and organisation. The transfer frame is introduced, presenting transfer as a two‐way process. How can this view contribute to benefit transfer? Transfer may improve by closely connect the two contexts in which the trainee/employee functions. In the context of training there should be performance and the in context of work there should be learning. Training techniques creating “as if” situations are applicable in both contexts. An instruction like “evoke” may help the trainee/employee to operate successfully in the role of manager of his/her own transfer process. Further research is required to establish empirical evidence for or against the transfer effects of evocation strategies and “as if” techniques.
Critical reflective working behaviour: a survey research
Authors: van Woerkom Marianne , Nijhof Wim J. , Nieuwenhuis Loek F.M.
Published: October 2002

In this paper critical reflective working behaviour will be operationalized. Second, the question will be raised which factors have impact on critical reflective working behaviour. The following dimensions of critical reflective working emerge: reflection, vision sharing, challenging group‐think, asking for feedback, experimentation and awareness of employability. In a survey amongst 742 respondents these dimensions are validated. Important influencing factors seem to be self‐efficacy and participation.
The impact of the institutional context on the politics of flexibility: comparison Belgium‐The Netherlands
Authors: Vander Steene Tom , Sels Luc , Van Hootegem Geert , De Witte Hans , Forrier Anneleen
Published: October 2002

In this paper we evaluate the impact of the institutional context on the politics of flexibility. We examine whether differences in institutional embedding lead to differences in the way in which companies seek to achieve flexibility. Belgium and The Netherlands were selected for comparison on the reasons for their different flexibility mix. The conclusions are based on both a macro‐economic analysis of national statistics and a micro‐economic analysis of organisations in both countries. The main conclusion is that the institutional frameworks of Belgium and The Netherlands have been built up along different lines. Dutch legislation encourages contractual flexibility. The Belgian institutional context focuses more on temporal flexibility. A competition for the greatest flexibility has little point given these observations. It is not a question of more or less, but of different flexibility. A wider significance of the comparison is that it clearly demonstrates that evaluations fail if the different components of the institutional framework and flexibility are not studied in their close mutual interrelationship.
Service management practice‐performance model: a focus on training and listening practices
Authors: Brannick Teresa , de Búrca Séan , Fynes Brian , Roche Evelyn , Ennis Séan
Published: October 2002

Examines the complex relationship between listening and training practices and service performance by deconstructing an earlier model of service management developed by the London Business School and Warwick Business School in the UK. This research hypothesizes that the nature of the practice‐performance relationship is far too complex to be represented by a total aggregated index of practice. Hence the composite practice index is decomposed into a listening and a training index. The concept of the “listening” organisation is employed as one facet, and training climate measured by employee training activities is a second facet. These two facets are related to service performance. Reports on empirical research, which investigated the link between listening, and training practices and service performance. The data obtained from a survey of 143 service organisations in the Republic of Ireland show a clear pattern. By taking listening practices, including information technology, as a holistic view of a constellation of information‐related practice type factors, demonstrates that there is a close relationship with service performance. Extensive training activities enhance this relationship.
Application of associative thickeners to water‐borne coatings
Authors: Kalenda Petr
Published: October 2002

The paper followed the effect of associative thickeners on the viscosity profiles of two water‐borne binders. The acrylic dispersion and the alkyd emulsion were selected as representative binders for water‐borne coatings. The effect of associative thickeners based on the hydrophobically modified ethylene oxide‐urethane block copolymer on the binder system of water‐borne coatings. The synergic mechanism was confirmed by using the combined types of thickeners and the effect on the rheology of coatings at the phases of their production, storing, and applications.
Modified titanium white covered by Al2O3 and SiO2 – characteristics and application in acrylic paints
Authors: Jesionowski Teofil , Krysztafkiewicz Andrzej , Dec Aleksandra
Published: October 2002

In this study, titanium white was investigated, covered with aluminium oxide and silica. The titanium white was produced by Chemical Works Police S.A. under the catalogue symbol of R‐210. Surface of titanium white was modified with silane coupling agents, such as 3‐methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (A‐174), vinyltrimethoxysilane (U‐611) and N‐2‐(aminoethyl)‐3‐aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (U‐15D). The unmodified and the modified titanium white was subjected to physicochemical analysis. Moreover, tests were performed aiming at defining morphology, surface structure, and dispersion of the particles as related to, first of all, the type of applied modifier. Product evaluation took advantage of modern investigative techniques, including SEM and DLS. Modified and unmodified titanium whites were applied as pigments in acrylic paints. The modified Titanium dioxide in particular improved strength and utility properties of studied paints.
Preparation and characterization of novel methylsulfanylpyrazolopyrimidine and methylsulfanylpyrazolotriazine azo dyes
Authors: Elgemeie Galal H. , Zahran Magdy K. , Abbas Emam M. , Abdel Mowla Ebtissam A.
Published: October 2002

Several new methylsulfanylpyrazolopyrimidines and methylsulfanylpyrazolotriazine derivatives containing an arylazo function were obtained. The application and characteristics for the synthesised dyes are demonstrated.
Polyesteramide resins from dehydrated castor oil and various dibasic acids
Authors: Shende Pradeep G. , Jadhav Abhijit B. , Dabhade Shrikant B.
Published: October 2002

Attempt has been made in this study, to utilize castor oil in the preparation of polyesteramide resins. Castor oil was first converted into dehydrated castor oils (DCO) to improve drying characteristics. DCO was then converted into diethanolamide {(N, N‐ bis hydroxethyl) castor oil amide} of mixed fatty acids using 0.5 per cent sodium methoxide as a catalyst and converted to polyesteramide resins after reacting with various dibasic acids such as phthalic anhydride, sebacic, succinic and adipic acids in presence of xylene as azeotropic solvent. The resins obtained were then analysed for its physico‐chemical, film performance properties and resistance to various chemicals.
Misplaced marketing The social harm of public service advertising
Authors: Rotfeld Herbert Jack
Published: October 2002

The power of advertising is presumed and people behind most public service advertising campaigns see advertising itself as the solution. An advertising campaign that aims to serve a social goal faces many pragmatic obstacles. Advertising professionals contribute to this problem. Just because advertising sometimes can help generate consumer interest in specific brand names does not also mean that every advertised effort will get people to make significant changes in their behavior. The Advertising Council, “dedicated to using the great resources of the advertising industry” to serve the public interest is the largest producer of public service mass communications, campaigns in the USA. Free public service work from anyone is admirable and the Advertising Council’s dedication to public service is a wonderful credit to business groups supporting it. In other countries that lack the traditions of the US Advertising Council, the advertising‐based campaigns draw on government tax funds or limited resources of a public group.
Infomercials and advertising effectiveness: an empirical study
Authors: Martin Brett A.S. , Bhimy Andrew C. , Agee Tom
Published: October 2002

Despite their increasing use by advertisers, little research has examined the effectiveness of infomercials. This study explores the influence of infomercial advertisement design elements, such as the use of customer testimonials or expert comments, and consumer characteristics, such as level of prior interest in the advertised product, upon perceptions of advertising effectiveness. With the assistance of the New Zealand division of an international infomercial marketer, we conducted a survey of consumers who had bought products in response to viewing an infomercial. Based on 878 respondents, our findings indicate that infomercial advertising is more effective when employing expert comments, testimonials, product demonstrations, the use of target market models, celebrity endorsers, product comparisons, and bonus offers. Age also impacted how consumers view infomercials, as did the type of product purchased.