bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fluorescent indicators of cAMP and Epac activation reveal differential dynamics of cAMP signaling within discrete subcellular compartments
Authors: DiPilato Lisa M. , Cheng Xiaodong , Zhang Jin
Published: November 2004

Second messenger cAMP regulates many cellular functions through its effectors, such as cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) and Epac (exchange proteins directly activated by cAMP). Spatial and temporal control of cAMP signaling is crucial to differential regulation of cellular targets involved in various signaling cascades. To investigate the compartmentalized cAMP signaling, we constructed fluorescent indicators that report intracellular cAMP dynamics and Epac activation by sandwiching the full-length Epac1 between cyan and yellow mutants of GFP. Elevations of cAMP decreased FRET and increased the ratio of cyan-to-yellow emissions by 10–30% in living mammalian cells. This response can be reversed by removing cAMP-elevating agents and abolished by mutating the critical residue responsible for cAMP binding. Targeting of the reporter to the plasma membrane, where cAMP is produced in response to the activation of β-adrenergic receptor, revealed a faster cAMP response at the membrane than in the cytoplasm and mitochondria. Simultaneous imaging with targeted cAMP indicator and PKA activity reporter allowed the detection of a much delayed PKA response in the nucleus after the rapid accumulation of cAMP at the plasma membrane of the same cell, despite the immediate presence of a pool of cAMP in the nucleus. Thus, cAMP dynamics and the activation of its effectors are precisely controlled spatiotemporally
in vivo
.
Activation of RasGRP3 by phosphorylation of Thr-133 is required for B cell receptor-mediated Ras activation
Authors: Aiba Yuichi , Oh-hora Masatsugu , Kiyonaka Shigeki , Kimura Yayoi , Hijikata Atsushi , Mori Yasuo , Kurosaki Tomohiro
Published: November 2004

The Ras signaling pathway plays a critical role in B lymphocyte development and activation, but its activation mechanism has not been well understood. At least one mode of Ras regulation in B cells involves a Ras-guanyl nucleotide exchange factor, RasGRP3. We demonstrate here that RasGRP3 undergoes phosphorylation at Thr-133 upon B cell receptor cross-linking, thereby resulting in its activation. Deletion of phospholipase C-γ2 or pharmacological interference with conventional PKCs resulted in marked reduction in both Thr-133 phosphorylation and Ras activation. Moreover, mutation of Thr-133 in RasGRP3 alone severely impaired its ability to activate Ras in B cell receptor signaling. Hence, our data suggest that PKC, after being activated by diacylglycerol, phosphorylates RasGRP3, thereby contributing to its full activation.
On the evolutionary history of
Ephedra:
Cretaceous fossils and extant molecules
Authors: Rydin Catarina , Pedersen Kaj Raunsgaard , Friis Else Marie
Published: November 2004

Gnetales comprise three unusual genera of seed plants,
Ephedra
,
Gnetum
, and
Welwitschia
. Their extraordinary morphological diversity suggests that they are survivors of an ancient, more diverse group. Gnetalean antiquity is also supported by fossil data. Dispersed “ephedroid” (polyplicate) pollen first appeared in the Permian >250 million years ago (Myr), and a few megafossils document the presence of gnetalean features in the early Cretaceous. The Cretaceous welwitschioid seedling
Cratonia cotyledon
dates the split between
Gnetum
and
Welwitschia
to before 110 Myr. Ages and character evolution of modern diversity are, however, controversial, and, based on molecular data, it has recently been suggested that
Ephedra
is very young, only 8–32 Myr. Here, we present data on the evolutionary history of
Ephedra
. Fossil seeds from Buarcos, Portugal, unequivocally link one type of Cretaceous polyplicate pollen to
Ephedra
and document that plants with unique characters, including the peculiar naked male gametophyte, were established already in the Early Cretaceous. Clades in our molecular phylogeny of extant species correspond to geographical regions, with African species in a basal grade/clade. The study demonstrates extremely low divergence in both molecular and morphological characters in
Ephedra
. Features observed in the fossils are present in all major extant clades, showing that modern species have retained unique reproductive characters for >110 million years. A recent origin of modern species of
Ephedra
would imply that the Cretaceous
Ephedra
fossils discussed here were members of widespread, now extinct sister lineage(s), and that no morphological innovations characterized the second diversification.
Correlates of diet quality in the Quebec population
Authors: Huot Isabelle , Paradis Gilles , Receveur Olivier , Ledoux Marielle
Published: November 2004

Objective:

To determine the correlates of a high-fat diet in urban, suburban and rural areas of Quebec, Canada.

Design:

A secondary analysis of data collected as part of a 5-year multi-factorial, multi-setting, community-intervention project.

Setting:

Urban, suburban and rural settings of the province of Quebec, 1997.

Subjects:

Data were analysed from a sample of 5214 participants (2227 males, 2987 females). A food-frequency questionnaire was completed and a global index of food quality was calculated. Logistic regression was used to identify correlates of a diet high in total fats, saturated fat and cholesterol.

Results:

In both genders, lower level of education, smoking status, French and English languages compared with other languages spoken at home, and a rural environment were associated with poor diet quality. Having no intention to eat low-fat dairy products more often was associated with a high-fat diet. In men, obesity (body mass index >30 kg m−2) and absence of reported health problems were correlates of a high-fat diet, while, in women, lower physical activity was a correlate.

Conclusions:

Future health interventions in Quebec should target people with low education, smokers and those living in a rural environment. Obese men and sedentary women should have access to specific dietetic resources.
Differences in food habits and cardiovascular disease risk factors among Native Americans with and without diabetes: the Inter-Tribal Heart Project
Authors: Archer SL , Greenlund KJ , Valdez R , Casper ML , Rith-Najarian S , Croft JB
Published: November 2004

Objective:

To examine differences in food habits among Native Americans with and without diabetes.

Design:

A cross-sectional epidemiological study in which participants underwent a physical examination and answered an extensive interviewer-administered questionnaire to assess differences in food servings, preparation and eating habits.

Setting/participants:

Participants aged ≥25 years were randomly selected from three reservations in Minnesota and Wisconsin. There were 990 persons without diabetes, 294 with a prior diagnosis of diabetes, and 80 with fasting glucose >125 mg dl−1but no prior diabetes diagnosis.

Results:

Persons with prior diabetes diagnosis were less likely than those without diabetes to report eating fast-food meals two or more times per week, eat visible fat on meat or the skin on poultry, eat fried chicken or fried fish, to add fat to cooked vegetables and drink whole milk. Persons with previously undiagnosed diabetes were more likely than previously diagnosed persons to report eating fast-food meals two or more times per week, eat visible fat on meat and the skin on poultry, drink whole milk and eat fried fish, but were less likely to drink low-fat milk. Previously undiagnosed persons were more likely than either diagnosed persons or persons without diabetes to consume lard from cooked foods and use it when cooking.

Conclusion:

Persons with diagnosed diabetes showed healthier eating patterns than those without diabetes, while undiagnosed persons showed some less favourable patterns. Because virtually all persons with diabetes in these communities receive nutrition education, the results suggest that nutrition education programmes for diabetics may be associated with healthier eating patterns.
Motherhood meets epidemiology: measuring risk factors for breast–feeding cessation
Authors: Peat Jennifer K , Allen Jane , Nguyen Nguyen , Hayen Andrew , Oddy Wendy H , Mihrshahi Seema
Published: November 2004

Objective:

To examine statistical models that have been used to predict the cessation of breast–feeding.

Setting:

In nutritional epidemiology, a knowledge of risk factors that lead to breast-feeding cessation is essential to promote optimal infant health by increasing or sustaining breast–feeding rates. However, a number of methodological issues complicate the measurement of such risk factors. It is important when building multivariate models that variables entered into the model are not intervening variables, factors on the causal pathway or surrogate outcomes. Inclusion of these types of variable can lead to inaccurate models and biased results. A factor often cited to predict breast–feeding is ‘intention to breast–feed’ prior to the birth of the infant, although this factor is directly on the causal decision–making pathway. Another factor often cited is the age of introduction of formula feeding, which is actually part of the outcome variable because formula feeding defines the difference between full, complementary and no breast-feeding. Rather than include these as risk factors in multivariate models, factors removed from the causal pathway such as influences of educational practices, including advice to complementary feed, and beliefs and attitudes of families and health-care practitioners should be measured.

Conclusions:

The accurate quantification of modifiable risk factors is essential for designing public health education campaigns that are effective in sustaining or increasing breast–feeding duration.
The first observation of carbon nanotubes by spherical aberration corrected high-resolution transmission electron microscopy
Authors: Tanaka Nobuo , Yamasaki Jun , Kawai Tomoyuki , Pan Huayong
Published: November 2004

High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) of multi-wall carbon nanotubes using a spherical aberration correction of the objective lens has shown a new possibility for the observation of nanometre-sized tubular materials. Improvement of the image resolution along a direction parallel to that of electron incidence enables one to obtain some information on the local height of the tubes, and in lateral directions better than 0.14 nm at 200 kV accelerating voltage, the possibility of direct determination of the chirality of the tubes and the observation of finer atomic structures of carbon atoms such as ‘hexagon’ ones is suggested. Spherical aberration corrected HRTEM begins a new stage of the structural study of nano-tubular materials.
Phosphatidylethanol in Human Organs and Blood: A Study on Autopsy Material and Influences by Storage Conditions
Authors: Aradóttir Steina , Seidl Stephan , Wurst Friedrich M. , Jönsson Bo A.G. , Alling Christer
Published: November 2004

Objective: Phosphatidylethanol (PEth) is an abnormal phospholipid that is formed and accumulated in mammalian cells that have been exposed to ethanol. PEth has been proposed as a marker of ethanol abuse. This study was conducted to investigate the concentration of PEth in blood and organs obtained during the autopsy of alcoholics. In addition, we performed experiments on rat tissues and human blood to evaluate the effect of various storage conditions on PEth concentrations.

Methods: Human tissues and blood from alcoholics and controls were obtained at autopsy and frozen at −20°C until extraction. Blood from healthy donors was incubated with ethanol for 24 hr and thereafter either extracted directly or stored at room temperature, stored at 4°C, frozen at −20°C, or frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored at −80°C before extraction. Rats were given intraperitoneal injections of ethanol and then killed, either while still intoxicated or when sober. Rat organs were homogenized and extracted directly, after a period of storage, and/or after freezing at −20°C. PEth concentration was analyzed using HPLC and verified by mass spectrometry.

Results: In all rat organs studied, PEth was formed during freezing at −20°C with ethanol present. PEth concentrations of 9 to 205 μmol/liter were observed in the blood obtained at autopsy. The highest value was found in the case with the highest blood alcohol concentration (114 mmol/liter) at the time of death. In the experiments on human blood stored with ethanol present, PEth concentrations were not affected after 72 hr at 4°C or after freezing in liquid nitrogen and storage at −80°C for up to 144 hr but were slightly elevated after 24 hr at room temperature and at −20°C. PEth was found in all organs obtained from the cadavers of alcoholics. Storage of organs at 4°C for 24 hr with ethanol present had no effect on the PEth concentration. The PEth concentration was unaffected when no ethanol was present at the time of freezing.

Conclusions: The rat experiments indicated that the very high PEth concentrations found in the organs of the alcoholics were probably largely formed while the organs were frozen at −20°C. Our data suggest that tissue material from bodies that were exposed to ethanol must be stored properly to obtain reliable results from subsequent analysis for PEth. Tissue should not be frozen at −20°C but instead stored refrigerated until extraction, preferably within hours of autopsy, or frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored at −80°C. Blood samples that contain ethanol can be stored refrigerated for up to 72 hr or frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored at −80°C without affecting PEth levels.
Confirmation and Genetic Dissection of a Major Quantitative Trait Locus for Alcohol Preference Drinking
Authors: Ruf Cathy , Carosone‐Link Phyllis , Springett Justin , Bennett Beth
Published: November 2004

Objective: In previous work, we created congenic strains that carry the DBA/2IBG (D2) region for alcohol preference on chromosome 2, on an otherwise C57BL/6IBG (B6) background. Here, we report construction and testing of interval‐specific congenic recombinant strains (ISCRSs) for the purpose of narrowing the quantitative trait loci (QTL) interval.

Methods: ISCRSs were derived by identifying mice that carry recombination events in the D2 interval, during the backcrossing for congenics. Recombinant mice were backcrossed to B6, and progeny that carry the reduced chromosome 2 region were tested for its effect on the alcohol preference phenotype.

Results: We developed multiple ISCR strains, which spanned the QTL interval. Three of these showed the D2 phenotype of reduced alcohol consumption. The overlap of two of these strains reduced the QTL interval from 66.8 to 3.5 Mb. A third positive ISCRS suggests the possibility of a second, linked QTL.

Conclusions: Use of ISCRSs can narrow a QTL region to a few Mb. This reduced interval size will facilitate identification of candidate genes, through bioinformatics, gene expression, and DNA sequencing strategies. Potential difficulties, including reduced power as a result of variable phenotypes or small effect size, are discussed.
Octanol Modulation of Neuronal Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Single Channels
Authors: Zuo Yi , Yeh Jay Z. , Narahashi Toshio
Published: November 2004

Background: We have previously shown that alcohols exert a dual action on neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (AChRs), with short‐chain alcohols potentiating and long‐chain alcohols inhibiting acetylcholine (ACh)‐induced whole‐cell currents. At the single‐channel level, ethanol increased the channel open probability and prolonged the channel open time and burst duration. In this study, we examined the detailed mechanism of the inhibitory action of the long‐chain alcohol n‐octanol on the neuronal nicotinic AChR.

Methods: Single‐channel currents induced by application of 30 nm ACh were recorded with the patch‐clamp technique from human embryonic kidney cells stably expressing the human α4β2 AChR.

Results: Several single‐channel parameters were markedly changed by octanol. At least two conductance‐state currents were induced by low concentrations of ACh, and octanol increased the proportion of the low‐conductance‐state current relative to the high‐conductance‐state current without changing the current amplitude. Major analyses of temporal properties of single‐channel currents were performed on the high‐conductance‐state currents. Octanol decreased the burst duration and duration of openings within burst and prolonged the mean closed time. All of these changes contributed to the decrease in the open probability in a concentration‐dependent manner.

Conclusions: Several aspects of octanol action on neuronal AChRs at the single‐channel level are compatible with an atypical open channel block model reported with muscle nicotinic AChRs. The potentiating action of short‐chain alcohols and the inhibitory action of long‐chain alcohols on the neuronal nicotinic AChR are mediated through different mechanisms.
The Dopamine D1 Antagonist Reduces Ethanol Reward for C57BL/6 Mice
Authors: Price Kimber L. , Middaugh Lawrence D.
Published: November 2004

Background: Dopamine D1 antagonist effects on behaviors related to obtaining and consuming ethanol remain unclear. The highly selective D1 antagonist ecopipam (SCH 39166), which has no effect on the serotonin system, was used to evaluate the role of D1 receptors in ethanol reward and its potential for treating alcohol abuse by determining its effect on several measures of ethanol reward in C57BL/6 (B6) mice.

Methods: Ecopipam (0.025–0.2 mg/kg) effects on instrumental and contingent consummatory responses and on noncontingent consummatory responses for ethanol and water reward were determined in food‐restricted male mice trained to lever‐respond for 12% ethanol delivered on a fixed ratio‐4 reinforcement schedule. The mice were tested for 15‐min sessions under preprandial (high‐hunger and low‐thirst) and postprandial (low‐hunger and high‐thirst) test conditions.

Results: Ecopipam dose‐dependently reduced instrumental and consummatory responses for ethanol and ethanol intake when tested under hunger‐ or thirst‐motivated conditions with free access to water. Under thirst motivation with no access to an alternate fluid source, lever responses for ethanol and water were similar; however, ecopipam reduced responding for ethanol more than responding for water reward. When given concurrent free access to the same fluid delivered for lever pressing, animals made more contacts for ethanol than for water; ecopipam reduced free ethanol but not water contacts.

Conclusions: Ecopipam attenuated ethanol reward at doses that did not affect water reward, indicating an effect independent of reductions in motor system function or general motivation and arousal. Ecopipam also reduced ethanol reward to the same degree under hunger, thirst, or sated conditions, again indicating that it affected ethanol reward at doses that did not grossly affect general motivational states. These data suggest that ecopipam may reduce ethanol reward with few side effects and that it warrants further investigation as a pharmacological tool for treating alcohol abuse.
Transfer of Phosphatidylethanol Between Lipoproteins
Authors: Liisanantti Marja K. , Huhta Kimmo , Savolainen Markku J.
Published: November 2004

Background: Phosphatidylethanol (PEth) is an abnormal phospholipid formed only in the presence of ethanol. It has been recently shown that lipoprotein‐associated PEth may mediate the effects of ethanol on endothelial cells, and this may explain, at least in part, the beneficial effect of ethanol on atherosclerosis. This study was performed to investigate the transfer of PEth between lipoproteins and the effects of PEth on cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) activity in plasma.

Methods: Lipoproteins were isolated from the plasma of healthy male volunteers (n= 16) and male alcoholics (n= 13). The transfer of cholesteryl esters and PEth was determined between labeled low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) and unlabeled high‐density lipoprotein particles in vitro. The electrophoretic mobility of PEth‐modified LDL particles was determined by agarose gel electrophoresis.

Results: PEth was transferred from PEth‐modified LDL to high‐density lipoprotein at an initial rate of 25.9 nmol/ml/hr. Monoclonal antibody (TP2) against the putative lipid‐binding domain of CETP inhibited the transfer rate of PEth by approximately 64%, whereas the cholesteryl ester transfer was inhibited by 86%. This indicates that most of PEth was transferred by transfer proteins other than CETP.

Conclusions: The transfer of PEth between lipoproteins enables the redistribution of PEth from lipoprotein fractions with a slow turnover to those with a rapid clearance. Moreover, the PEth‐induced change in the electrical charge of lipoproteins may affect the binding of lipoproteins to their receptors and binding proteins. This in turn may alter the metabolism of lipoproteins and lipid‐mediated signaling pathways in the cells delineating the vascular wall.
Blockade of the Leptin‐Sensitive Pathway Markedly Reduces Alcohol Consumption in Mice
Authors: Blednov Yuri A. , Walker Danielle , Harris R Adron
Published: November 2004

Background: The neuropeptide leptin links adipose stores with hypothalamic centers and serves as an endocrine signal involved in the regulation of appetite (and possibly in the endorphinergic modulation of the drug reward system). Increased plasma leptin has been observed at the onset of alcohol withdrawal in humans, and ethanol consumption after withdrawal was increased by injection of leptin in mice. We addressed the role of leptin in alcohol‐related behaviors by studying ethanol consumption in two strains of spontaneously mutant mice that lack leptin (ob/ob) or the leptin receptor (db/db).

Methods: Two strains of mutant leptin‐deficient (ob/ob) or leptin‐resistant (db/db) mice were tested in a two‐bottle‐choice paradigm and were compared with wild‐type (C57BL/6 inbred strain) mice. The effects of leptin injection on voluntary ethanol intake have been investigated in ob/ob and C57BL/6 mice.

Results: Males and females of both mutant strains showed a significantly lower preference for alcohol in a two‐bottle‐choice paradigm compared with wild‐type mice. Male ob/ob mice demonstrated slightly higher avoidance of bitter taste, and females of the both mutant strains showed a reduced preference for saccharin solutions. Administration of leptin (1 mg/kg intraperitoneally, daily for 8 days) altered body weight but failed to increase the preference for ethanol in ob/ob mice; i.e., we could not correct the effects of leptin deficiency on alcohol consumption by the injection of leptin. Also, there were no differences between the effects of leptin (1 mg/kg intraperitoneally, daily for 8 days) and saline injections on alcohol consumption in C57BL/6 mice.

Conclusions: These data show that blockade of the leptin pathway markedly decreases the preference for alcohol intake, but this decrease may be the result of compensatory or developmental changes in other systems rather than a more direct effect of leptin on alcohol consumption.
The flutter analysis of an infinitely long orthotropic panel in a rectangular duct
Authors: Körbahti Banu , Uzal Erol
Published: November 2004

The aeroelastic stability of an orthotropic panel in a duct with rectangular cross section is examined. The panel extends along the flow direction in the duct which is infinite in length. The panel vibration is modeled by linear plate theory and the flow in the duct is modeled by the compressible linearized potential theory. The panel is placed in the mid‐section of the duct and is simply supported at the sides. The material of the panel is assumed to be orthotropic. This would model, for example, unidirectional fibers placed in an isotropic plate, either along or perpendicular to the flow direction. An analytical solution is given for the eigenvalues of the panel vibration and results are presented for a range of parameters in the problem.
What is the problem with sauvignon blanc?
Authors: Charters Steve
Published: November 2004

There is substantial anecdotal evidence that, whilst popular in current international consumer markets, the grape variety sauvignon blanc is viewed ambivalently by some wine industry professionals. This study examines evidence for that anecdotal perspective. It reports first the findings from a qualitative research project that provided some support for the proposition that wine industry attitudes to the grape variety are ambivalent. Further qualitative research, involving semi‐structured interviews, was then carried out to examine precisely why that ambivalence exists, and to explore in depth the perspectives of Australian wine industry professionals towards sauvignon blanc. The findings suggested both physiological and social reasons for this dislike. The study has relevance in two areas. The first is in the development of a theoretical understanding of how those who are responsible for the production of aesthetic products may approach working with material that they may dislike, or have little regard for. The second is more practical, and informs how those marketing sauvignon blanc should view the product.
Using value‐stream maps to improve leadership
Authors: Emiliani M.L. , Stec D.J.
Published: November 2004

Presents for the first time how value‐stream maps can be used to determine leadership beliefs, behaviors, and competencies. Current‐state value‐stream maps represent “conventional” management thinking and practices – what most business schools teach – while future‐state maps represent progressive “lean” management thinking and practices rooted in the Toyota management system. Current‐ and future‐state value‐stream maps for manufacturing and service business processes are used to illustrate the progression from belief to behavior to competency. The beliefs, behaviors, and competencies of leaders skilled in these two modes of management thinking and practice are shown to be remarkably different, and constitute an alternative and simpler route for identifying leadership problems and improving leadership effectiveness.
Internet‐enabled technology in knowledge‐intensive business services
Authors: McCole Patrick , Ramsey Elaine
Published: November 2004

This article reports a study of e‐business adoption among SMEs in the knowledge‐intensive service sector in three countries, the results of which contain a number of practical lessons and some much needed encouragement to laggards. The new spatial possibilities of internet‐based technologies provide a powerful route to innovative marketing strategies. Consequently, organisations of all sizes are finding it necessary to establish a web presence to increase their ability to survive in an increasingly dynamic and competitive business environment. Strategically, firms need to be creative and innovative in order to deal effectively with the e‐marketing opportunities the internet can deliver. The findings of a comparative study conducted in Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and New Zealand provide evidence of primitive and localised exploitation of the technology, a general lack of enthusiasm about its possibilities, and a perception that there are many barriers to successfully adding value at the customer interface. It is hoped that the somewhat pessimistic tone of the analysis will be taken as an opportunity to win competitive advantage in the knowledge‐intensive service sector, rather than a reason to postpone adoption of internet‐enabled technology.
University strategic marketing activities and business school performance
Authors: Hammond Kevin , Harmon Harry , Webster Robert , Rayburn Mike
Published: November 2004

This article reports the application of marketing planning in an unusual context. It reports the results of a national survey of business school deans in the USA, and examines the possible effects on university business school performance of the use or non‐use of selected marketing planning activities and of selected faculty awards (proxy indicators of the level of importance that business schools might place on certain areas of faculty effort). The relationships that these activities and awards have with one another are measured. Best practices are identified. The number of respondents who employ the various marketing practices is reported, conclusions drawn, limitations identified, and suggestions made for future research.
A multi‐view approach for requirements analysis using goal and scenario
Authors: Kim Jeongwook , Kim Jintae , Park Sooyong , Sugumaran Vijayan
Published: November 2004

As systems get complex, requirements elicitation and analysis are becoming increasingly difficult and important in software development. Even though various analysis methods have been proposed, including scenario‐based analysis, goal‐based analysis, combining goal with scenario and use case‐driven analysis – each method has its own strengths and weaknesses and do not support requirements elicitation and analysis efficiently. This paper proposes a multi‐view approach to analyze the requirements of complex software systems. The multi‐view approach comprises four views, which incorporate many factors that are part of existing methods. This paper discusses the need for these four views, the activities that are part of each view and how they are carried out. As a proof of concept, we apply the multi‐view approach to an automatic teller machine system development.
Evaluation research of information and supporting interface in electronic commerce web sites
Authors: Kuo Hui‐Ming , Hwang Sheue‐Ling , Min‐Yang Wang Eric
Published: November 2004

The purpose of this paper is to find a better B2C environment through collecting what information and supporting interfaces are provided on current B2C web sites. We build a checklist based on the framework of B2C consumer behavior model and used it to evaluate current B2C web sites among three categories: purchasing process, types of products, and the source of web sites. The results indicated that poor information or supporting interface design was provided on web sites during the “evaluating and comparing” process. More information or supporting interface design was provided on the internet bookstore, less information or supporting interface design was provided on web sites that sell tickets and flowers. The local web sites provided more information or supporting interface design than international web sites. The results also showed that the difference is highly significant.
Analyzing convergence alternatives across existing SAP solutions
Authors: Gulledge Thomas , Sommer Rainer , Simon Georg
Published: November 2004

Further data are presented on the efficacy of our SAP process‐oriented research methodology, which focuses on analyzing collaboration across multiple overlapping SAP solutions. Looks at three SAP projects currently being implemented in the US Navy. The projects focus on aviation weapon system program management, aviation supply and maintenance, and naval maritime maintenance. Collaboration was complex and difficult to achieve, given the scope of the project but desirable if it was cost‐effective. The research hypothesis was that development and execution of a methodology for analyzing the gaps and overlaps across multiple SAP software instances to assess collaboration or convergence potential were possible. It was concluded that collaboration was not cost‐effective, and that the three projects should be merged into two SAP solutions (both solutions were version 4.6c of the R/3 software). Results did not provide a general approach for merging SAP projects, but an analytical approach that could be used to analyze convergence possibilities for stand‐alone SAP solutions is provided. It is not believed that a general approach is achievable. There are millions of configuration possibilities and many unique project characteristics. Hence the analytical approach is somewhat general but general convergence principles are beyond the scope of this research.
Expert systems applications for productivity analysis
Authors: Rao Mohan P. , Miller David M.
Published: November 2004

The purpose of this paper is to describe the process of productivity management and potential expert systems applications at each stage of productivity analysis. Based on literature reviews it discusses the strengths and limitations of these technologies. Describes several tasks in the measurement, interpretation and evaluation phases and examines the appropriateness of an expert systems application. Finds that expert systems applications could be useful in interpretation and evaluation. Focuses on productivity analysis at the organizational‐level only. Opines that business managers with limited or no knowledge of productivity models may want to have expert systems applications developed to diagnose problems and take corrective actions in a timely manner. The paper could be useful to business practitioners as well as researchers. Contributions include a detailed description of productivity analysis and how and where expert systems applications could make a difference. Productivity management is critical for long‐term business survival.
Weblogs – are you serious?
Authors: Clyde Laurel A.
Published: November 2004

Weblogs are a relatively recent Internet phenomenon, dating from the late 1990s. However, while Weblogs may be a natural for librarians (or for some librarians, at least), they are not yet a natural for libraries. This paper examines Weblog history and usage, particularly where libraries and librarians are concerned, and highlights some areas where Weblogs may be put to better use.
From relationships to experiences in retail financial services
Authors: O'Loughlin Deirdre , Szmigin Isabelle , Turnbull Peter
Published: November 2004

This study investigates the nature of customer‐supplier interaction that currently exists within Irish retail financial services. Specifically, issues relating to the role, meaning and importance of financial service interaction within the context of current demand‐ and supply‐side relationship marketing issues are explored. Although the literature proposes that the relationship marketing (RM) approach is particularly applicable to the financial services sector, the research findings raise questions as to the appropriateness of general RM theory to the current nature of interaction between consumers and their financial services providers. In an age of increased depersonalisation and automation impacting upon financial service quality and delivery, the paper questions the relevance of the “relationship” concept and proposes the notion of an “experience” as a far more relevant and meaningful construct. The nature and importance of this experience to consumers is explored and three levels of customer experience are conceptualised which are identified as brand, transactional and relationship experience.
Innovation or customer orientation? An empirical investigation
Authors: Berthon Pierre , Mac Hulbert James , Pitt Leyland
Published: November 2004

This paper explores the contrast between marketing and innovation orientations and develops a model that provides an inclusive paradigm. The resulting archetypes and their inter‐relationships are discussed. A measurement scale, ICON, is developed to assess the extent to which a firm or a business corresponds to the resulting archetypes. An empirical test of reliability and validity resulted in four clearly defined factors that correspond to the archetypes in the model. A refined version of the scale is then used to examine the relationship between the strategic archetypes and firm performance.
Management education and management development
Authors: Kellie Jean
Published: November 2004

The domains of management education and management development have remained relatively distinct. Recent trends suggest a blurring of the boundaries of these worlds. There is a growing corporate confidence that in‐company provision has equivalent, even superior, claims to relevant knowledge and warrant academic recognition. This paper looks at the significance and implications of these developments. Research is based on two local authority case study organisations. The methodology is qualitative in orientation and based on in‐depth interviews and discussions with human resource practitioners and university delivery teams. In both case studies programme participants as well as project leaders articulated different reasons for the importance of “work place relevance” and usefulness of the programme. This paper seeks to address the findings.
Web site accessibility of German and UK tourism information sites
Authors: Williams Russell , Rattray Rulzion , Stork Alexandra
Published: November 2004

Information exchange is important in any transaction but is perhaps particularly important for transactions in the travel and tourism industry where information gratification plays such a crucial role. Internet‐based technologies allow organisations to exchange information with an often geographically dispersed and wider marketplace without a loss of quality. However, merely being online, publishing a Web site is not enough. Organisations need to ensure their Web sites obtain “traffic” or “hits” and, importantly, that the content of their sites is accessible. Accessible Web sites mean access for all, accommodating different user capabilities and needs. This research examines the emerging competitive and legal imperatives to consider the issue of Web content accessibility as well as what makes for an accessible Web site. In spite of the strong competitive and legal imperatives for accessibility, a survey of 100 UK and German‐based travel and tourism Web sites conducted here revealed disappointingly low levels of accessibility. As the Internet and Web come to play a more important part in individual lives, this finding suggests that many organisations need to work harder to ensure that their often considerable investments achieve what they set out to do – communicate effectively with what they hope is a larger marketplace.
Children are fit and active – fact or fiction?
Authors: Armstrong Neil
Published: November 2004

This paper focuses on the importance of appropriate physical activity during childhood and adolescence. It notes that the effect of regular physical activity in improving blood lipid profile, reducing high blood pressure, facilitating blood glucose control, countering obesity, retarding osteoporosis and promoting psychological well‐being is evidence‐based and has been extensively documented. It also asserts that the successful promotion of physical activity requires a contribution from environmental, behavioural, social, cultural, legislative and financial factors, and notes that health care professionals have a high credibility among children and adolescents, and that they are well placed to help meet this challenge.
Believability of messages about cannabis, cocaine and heroin among never‐triers, trier‐rejecters and current users of cannabis
Authors: Jones Sandra C. , Rossiter John R.
Published: November 2004

This paper examines the believability of strong warnings about the negative consequences of drug use among young adults in Australia who have never tried, currently use, or have tried and rejected cannabis. It finds that the strong warnings about cannabis are generally believed by never‐triers. The same warnings are perceived by current users as only slightly believable. Surprisingly, but also consistent with cognitive dissonance, trier‐rejecters of cannabis are the most likely, more so even than never‐triers, to believe the warnings about cannabis. The paper also examines warnings about cocaine and heroin by cannabis usage status. Current users of cannabis, compared with non‐users, perceive the warnings about the harmful effects of cocaine as less believable, suggesting possible “gateway” susceptibility to trial of this drug. But for heroin, all groups perceive the warnings very believable. The beliefs about particular negative consequences that are most likely to lead to discontinuation of use of cannabis, and those that should discourage uptake of cocaine and heroin, are identified.
Managing a virtual team of newspaper journalists: a case study
Authors: Lahenius Katja , Järvenpää Eila
Published: November 2004

This paper deals with managing of the joint editorial office of three regional newspapers in Finland. Competition with new media has forced newspaper editorial offices to reorganize their activities to get new competitive assets to survive. Mergers and coalitions of media houses have become common in newspaper industry in Europe. For newspaper editorials, networking with other newspaper editorials is one way to meet challenges of media markets. This study was conducted in a joint editorial office that produces material for three newspapers. Results show that, in editorial work, a virtual team is a beneficial way of co‐operation. Journalists are used to work autonomously and independently, and therefore they adjusted to work in a virtual team, whose members worked de‐located. They found face‐to‐face meetings important, because in that way they could identify themselves as members of a specific team and bond relationship with other members.
Corporate governance and measuring performance
Authors: Wilkes John
Published: November 2004

Discusses corporate governance, which is increasingly being seen as the hallmark of a well run company, and how this should be demonstrated. Questions how governance should be measured and communicated. Concludes that performance measures need to be supplemented by contextual information on the business and its situation, and that measures should be unique to the organization and its competitive strategy.
Business excellence of industrial groups in Oman
Authors: Ramanathan Ramakrishnan
Published: November 2004

The manufacturing industry sector is one of the dynamic and important productive sectors of the economy. Hence, efforts have been made in the literature to assess the performance of this sector in many countries. In this paper, the business excellence of 19 industrial groups in the manufacturing industrial sector of the Sultanate of Oman is evaluated using data envelopment analysis. Using data for the year 2001, three of the 19 industrial groups, namely refined petro‐products (ISIC code 23), office, accounting/computer machinery (ISIC code 30) and medical precision/optical instruments (ISIC code 33), have been assessed to be operating at the highest level of business excellence. Patterns of efficiency changes in these industrial groups over the time period 1997‐2001 are studied using the Malmquist productivity index (MPI) approach. The average MPI over this period has declined for the entire manufacturing industry, and technology change contributed significantly to this decline in spite of a slight improvement in the technical efficiency change. The industrial group chemicals/chemical products (ISIC code 24) have shown poor performance in terms of technical efficiency and technology change during this period. Hence, it is important to study the technology management practices of this industrial group further, and if necessary to provide further investment to improve technologies.
The impact of employment regulation on the employment relationship in SMEs
Authors: Atkinson Carol , Curtis Susan
Published: November 2004

Reports findings from an empirical investigation into the nature of the employment relationship in small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) and how this is affected by the Employment Relations Act (1999). A two‐stage methodology was used, with a postal questionnaire of 69 companies and telephone interviews with a further 33 SMEs. The informal, paternalistic approach to employee relations in many small companies was found to be largely still intact. The government's intention of developing partnerships in the employment relationship in order to promote greater fairness in the workplace has, to a significant extent, failed. Small companies may not be granting their employees all their statutory rights. Whether this is ignorance or a deliberate strategy is unclear, but the incidence of employment tribunal cases may continue to increase for small and medium‐sized companies if they ignore the current employment legislation.
Organization and technology in knowledge transfer
Authors: Albino V. , Garavelli A.C. , Gorgoglione M.
Published: November 2004

Knowledge transfer is recognized as a fundamental issue for organizations. This research aims at investigating the knowledge transfer process, and finding out the most efficient and effective strategies to support it. Particularly, the research is focused on studying support strategies based on the use of technology. The paper proposes a model that describes both knowledge acquisition and practice. The model components are the actors’ cognitive systems, the processes of codification and interpretation, and the object transferred. The model predicts that a better understanding of knowledge transfer can be achieved by distinguishing organizational similarity from dissimilarity, training from fertilization, and autonomous from interactive practice. This is particularly helpful to discuss what the role and value of technology are in supporting knowledge transfer in organizations effectively.
Impact and performance measurement in library services
Authors: Curtis David , Dean Helen
Published: November 2004

For libraries, best value began by making judgements about the quality of services and the processes that underpin their delivery to local people. The inspections and value‐added work identified much that was good about libraries and much that needed to improve. Subsequently, the research report “Building better libraries” aroused national interest and offered a number of challenges to the profession on its present and future position in relation to changing national, regional and local contexts. Performance measurement and social impact have emerged as major factors in the Audit Commission's work on improvement in public services, and the paper focuses on the need to engage with the impact and outcomes of library services rather than its procedures, processes, aims and policies.
Impact and performance measurement in public library services in the UK
Authors: Macnaught Bill
Published: November 2004

The paper was presented as a response to Curtis's keynote address published immediately preceding. Bill Macnaught is Head of Cultural Development at Gateshead Council, UK, with responsibility for public libraries. He contextualised Curtis's statements, with reference to the Gateshead experience.