bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The specificity of the interaction with intestinal bacterial fermentation by prebiotics determines their physiological efficacy
Authors: Van Loo Jan
Published: June 2004

The concept of prebiotic food ingredients is an important recent development in nutrition. The concept has attracted a great deal of attention, and many food ingredients (mainly dietary carbohydrates) have been claimed to be ‘prebiotic’. It is emphasised that in order to be called prebiotic, a compound should be: (1) non-digestible; (2) fermentable; (3) fermentable in a selective way. These properties should be demonstrated in human volunteers in at least two independent dietary intervention trials. On the basis of published and unpublished results, it is shown in the present paper that the way in which a prebiotic influences intestinal fermentation is the key to its physiological properties. This statement is illustrated mainly by considering an established group of prebiotics, the β(2–1) fructans. These linear molecules show a strong discontinuity in physicochemical properties as the chains become longer. The β(2–1) fructans with a chain length of up to ten monomer units are very soluble and are particularly ‘bifidogenic’. Longer chains (ten to sixty-five monomer units) are poorly soluble in water, they have less pronounced bifidogenic properties, and they are fermented more slowly. It was observed that a combination of short-chain and long-chain fructans (Synergy1) is physiologically (for example, increasing mineral absorption, suppressing carcinogenesis, modulating lipid metabolism, etc) more active than the individual fractions. A possible mechanism is described in the present review. From an in-depth overview of the literature it is confirmed that for prebiotic action, the ‘selectivity principle’ for intestinal fermentation is determinative for the type and for the efficiency of physiological activity. It is confirmed that prebiotics act through their influence on intestinal fermentation.
Age-associated B vitamin deficiency as a determinant of chronic diseases
Authors: Brachet Patrick , Chanson Aurélie , Demigné Christian , Batifoulier Frédérique , Alexandre-Gouabau Marie-Cécile , Tyssandier Viviane , Rock Edmond
Published: June 2004

The number of elderly individuals is growing rapidly worldwide and degenerative diseases constitute an increasing problem in terms of both public health and cost. Nutrition plays a role in the ageing process and there has been intensive research during the last decade on B vitamin-related risk factors in vascular and neurological diseases and cancers. Data from epidemiological studies indicate that subclinical deficiency in most water-soluble B vitamins may occur gradually during ageing, possibly due to environmental, metabolic, genetic, nutritional and pathological determinants, as well as to lifestyle, gender and drug consumption. Older adults have distinct absorption, cell transport and metabolism characteristics that may alter B vitamin bioavailability. Case–control and longitudinal studies have shown that, concurrent with an insufficient status of certain B vitamins, hyperhomocysteinaemia and impaired methylation reactions may be some of the mechanisms involved before a degenerative pathology becomes evident. The question that arises is whether B vitamin inadequacies contribute to the development of degenerative diseases or result from ageing and disease. The present paper aims to give an overview of these issues at the epidemiological, clinical and molecular levels and to discuss possible strategies to prevent B vitamin deficiency during ageing.
Wine polyphenols and promotion of cardiac health
Authors: Cooper Karen A. , Chopra Mridula , Thurnham David I.
Published: June 2004

Wine polyphenols are considered to have beneficial effects on CHD and atherosclerosis. The consumption of red wine is high in Italy and France, approximately four times greater than that in the UK. This disparity in red wine consumption is thought to be the reason for the ‘French paradox’, where France was shown to have a coronary mortality rate close to that of China or Japan despite saturated fat intakes and cholesterol levels similar to the UK and USA. In the present review, we discuss the effects of wine and some of its polyphenol constituents on early pathological indicators of CHD such as plasma lipids, the endothelium and vasculature, platelets and serum antioxidant activity. The review also examines whether the polyphenols or the alcohol in wine is responsible for the effects on markers of heart disease. The present review concludes that red wine polyphenols have little effect on plasma lipid concentrations but wine consumption appears to reduce the susceptibility of LDL to oxidation and increase serum antioxidant capacity. However, these effects do depend on the amount of wine and period of supplementation. Authors who have examined specific polyphenols suggest that some phenolics appear to have endothelium-dependent vaso-relaxing abilities and some a positive effect on NO concentrations. Red wine phenolics also have an inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation, and individual phenolics also have a similar effectin vitro, although it should be noted that there are often discrepancies as large as ten-fold between the concentrations of polyphenolics testedin vitroand their measured levelsin vivo. Evidence suggests that alcohol has a positive synergistic effect with wine polyphenols on some atherosclerotic risk factors. Thus evidence that wine drinking is beneficial for cardiac health continues to accumulate but more research is required to understand fully and exactly the functions of red wine polyphenols.
Oligodendroglial modulation of fast axonal transport in a mouse model of hereditary spastic paraplegia
Authors: Edgar Julia M. , McLaughlin Mark , Yool Donald , Zhang Su-Chun , Fowler Jill H. , Montague Paul , Barrie Jennifer A. , McCulloch Mailis C. , Duncan Ian D. , Garbern James , Nave Klaus A. , Griffiths Ian R.
Published: June 2004

Oligodendrocytes are critical for the development of the plasma membrane and cytoskeleton of the axon. In this paper, we show that fast axonal transport is also dependent on the oligodendrocyte. Using a mouse model of hereditary spastic paraplegia type 2 due to a null mutation of the myelin Plp gene, we find a progressive impairment in fast retrograde and anterograde transport. Increased levels of retrograde motor protein subunits are associated with accumulation of membranous organelles distal to nodal complexes. Using cell transplantation, we show categorically that the axonal phenotype is related to the presence of the overlying Plp null myelin. Our data demonstrate a novel role for oligodendrocytes in the local regulation of axonal function and have implications for the axonal loss associated with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis.
DNA damage stabilizes interaction of CSB with the transcription elongation machinery
Authors: van den Boom Vincent , Citterio Elisabetta , Hoogstraten Deborah , Zotter Angelika , Egly Jean-Marc , van Cappellen Wiggert A. , Hoeijmakers Jan H.J. , Houtsmuller Adriaan B. , Vermeulen Wim
Published: June 2004

The Cockayne syndrome B (CSB) protein is essential for transcription-coupled DNA repair (TCR), which is dependent on RNA polymerase II elongation. TCR is required to quickly remove the cytotoxic transcription-blocking DNA lesions. Functional GFP-tagged CSB, expressed at physiological levels, was homogeneously dispersed throughout the nucleoplasm in addition to bright nuclear foci and nucleolar accumulation. Photobleaching studies showed that GFP-CSB, as part of a high molecular weight complex, transiently interacts with the transcription machinery. Upon (DNA damage-induced) transcription arrest CSB binding these interactions are prolonged, most likely reflecting actual engagement of CSB in TCR. These findings are consistent with a model in which CSB monitors progression of transcription by regularly probing elongation complexes and becomes more tightly associated to these complexes when TCR is active.
Runx2 induces osteoblast and chondrocyte differentiation and enhances their migration by coupling with PI3K-Akt signaling
Authors: Fujita Takashi , Azuma Yasutaka , Fukuyama Ryo , Hattori Yuji , Yoshida Carolina , Koida Masao , Ogita Kiyokazu , Komori Toshihisa
Published: June 2004

Runx2 and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)–Akt signaling play important roles in osteoblast and chondrocyte differentiation. We investigated the relationship between Runx2 and PI3K-Akt signaling. Forced expression of Runx2 enhanced osteoblastic differentiation of C3H10T1/2 and MC3T3-E1 cells and enhanced chondrogenic differentiation of ATDC5 cells, whereas these effects were blocked by treatment with IGF-I antibody or LY294002 or adenoviral introduction of dominant-negative (dn)–Akt. Forced expression of Runx2 or dn-Runx2 enhanced or inhibited cell migration, respectively, whereas the enhancement by Runx2 was abolished by treatment with LY294002 or adenoviral introduction of dn-Akt. Runx2 up-regulated PI3K subunits (p85 and p110β) and Akt, and their expression patterns were similar to that of Runx2 in growth plates. Treatment with LY294002 or introduction of dn-Akt severely diminished DNA binding of Runx2 and Runx2-dependent transcription, whereas forced expression of myrAkt enhanced them. These findings demonstrate that Runx2 and PI3K-Akt signaling are mutually dependent on each other in the regulation of osteoblast and chondrocyte differentiation and their migration.
Organization of mammary epithelial cells into 3D acinar structures requires glucocorticoid and JNK signaling
Authors: Murtagh Janice , McArdle Emmett , Gilligan Emer , Thornton Laura , Furlong Fiona , Martin Finian
Published: June 2004

Mammary epithelial cells cultured on a concentrated laminin-rich extracellular matrix formed 3D acinar structures that matured to polarized monolayers surrounding a lumen. In the absence of glucocorticoids mature acinus formation failed and the expression of an acinus-associated, activator protein 1 (AP1) and nuclear factor κB transcription factor DNA-binding profile was lost. Treatment with the JNK inhibitor, SP600125, caused similar effects, whereas normal organization of the mammary epithelial cells as acini caused JNK activation in a glucocorticoid-dependent manner. The forming acini expressed BRCA1, GADD45β, MEKK4, and the JNK activating complex GADD 45β−MEKK4 in a glucocorticoid-dependent fashion. JNK catalyzed phosphorylation of c-Jun was also detected in the acini. In addition, expression of β4 integrin and in situ occupation of its promoter by AP1 components, c-Jun and Fos, was glucocorticoid dependent. These results suggest that glucocortocoid signaling regulates acinar integrity through a pathway involving JNK regulation of AP1 transcription factors and β4 integrin expression.
Activation and Tolerance in CD4+ T Cells Reactive to an Immunoglobulin Variable Region
Authors: Snyder Christopher M. , Aviszus Katja , Heiser Ryan A. , Tonkin Daniel R. , Guth Amanda M. , Wysocki Lawrence J.
Published: June 2004

Antibody diversity creates an immunoregulatory challenge for T cells that must cooperate with B cells, yet discriminate between self and nonself. To examine the consequences of T cell reactions to the B cell receptor (BCR), we generated a transgenic (Tg) line of mice expressing a T cell receptor (TCR) specific for a κ variable region peptide in monoclonal antibody (mAb) 36-71. The κ epitope was originally generated by a pair of somatic mutations that arose naturally during an immune response. By crossing this TCR Tg mouse with mice expressing the κ chain of mAb 36-71, we found that κ-specific T cells were centrally deleted in thymi of progeny that inherited the κTg. Maternally derived κTg antibody also induced central deletion. In marked contrast, adoptive transfer of TCR Tg T cells into κTg recipients resulted in T and B cell activation, lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, and the production of IgG antichromatin antibodies by day 14. In most recipients, autoantibody levels increased with time, Tg T cells persisted for months, and a state of lupus nephritis developed. Despite this, Tg T cells appeared to be tolerant as assessed by severely diminished proliferative responses to the Vκ peptide. These results reveal the importance of attaining central and peripheral T cell tolerance to BCR V regions. They suggest that nondeletional forms of T tolerance in BCR-reactive T cells may be insufficient to preclude helper activity for chromatin-reactive B cells.
Degradation of Promoter-bound p65/RelA Is Essential for the Prompt Termination of the Nuclear Factor κB Response
Authors: Saccani Simona , Marazzi Ivan , Beg Amer A. , Natoli Gioacchino
Published: June 2004

Transcription factors of the nuclear factor (NF)-κB/Rel family translocate into the nucleus upon degradation of the IκBs. Postinduction repression of NF-κB activity depends on NF-κB–regulated resynthesis of IκBα, which dissociates NF-κB from DNA and exports it to the cytosol. We found that after activation, p65/RelA is degraded by the proteasome in the nucleus and in a DNA binding–dependent manner. If proteasome activity is blocked, NF-κB is not promptly removed from some target genes in spite of IκBα resynthesis and sustained transcription occurs. These results indicate that proteasomal degradation of p65/RelA does not merely regulate its stability and abundance, but also actively promotes transcriptional termination.
A New Family of Potent AB5 Cytotoxins Produced by Shiga Toxigenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Paton Adrienne W. , Srimanote Potjanee , Talbot Ursula M. , Wang Hui , Paton James C.
Published: June 2004

The Shiga toxigenic Escherichia coli (STEC) O113:H21 strain 98NK2, which was responsible for an outbreak of hemolytic uremic syndrome, secretes a highly potent and lethal subtilase cytotoxin that is unrelated to any bacterial toxin described to date. It is the prototype of a new family of AB5 toxins, comprising a single 35-kilodalton (kD) A subunit and a pentamer of 13-kD B subunits. The A subunit is a subtilase-like serine protease distantly related to the BA_2875 gene product of Bacillus anthracis. The B subunit is related to a putative exported protein from Yersinia pestis, and binds to a mimic of the ganglioside GM2. Subtilase cytotoxin is encoded by two closely linked, cotranscribed genes (subA and subB), which, in strain 98NK2, are located on a large, conjugative virulence plasmid. Homologues of the genes are present in 32 out of 68 other STEC strains tested. Intraperitoneal injection of purified subtilase cytotoxin was fatal for mice and resulted in extensive microvascular thrombosis, as well as necrosis in the brain, kidneys, and liver. Oral challenge of mice with E. coli K-12–expressing cloned subA and subB resulted in dramatic weight loss. These findings suggest that the toxin may contribute to the pathogenesis of human disease.
The Alternative Library
Authors: Collinson Timothy , Williams Alison
Published: June 2004

Much time and effort has been devoted to designing and developing library Web sites that are easy to navigate by both new students and experienced researchers. In a review of the Southampton Institute Library it was decided that in addition to updating the existing homepage an alternative would be offered. Drawing on theory relating to user interface design, learning styles and creative thinking, an Alternative Library navigation system was added to the more traditional library homepage. The aim was to provide students with a different way to explore and discover the wide range of information resources available by taking a less formal approach to navigation based on the metaphor of physical space and playful exploration.
Designing a virtual exhibition using Scalable Vector Graphics
Authors: Hoe‐Lian Goh Dion , Chih‐Ee Wang Julie
Published: June 2004

Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) is an XML‐based vector graphics standard developed by the World Wide Web Consortium. The National Archives of Singapore recently launched an online virtual exhibition, Colours in the Wind, which was developed using Macromedia Flash, the most widely used format for animated and interactive vector‐based Web content. The current work reports on the experiences in developing an SVG‐based version of this exhibition as well as the exploration of SVG's potential for developing future virtual exhibitions as an alternative to Flash. Observations from the SVG effort are discussed together with descriptions of techniques used and the limitations and problems that SVG poses to developers. A comparative study involving the usability features of the Flash and SVG versions of the virtual exhibition is also described. Results indicate that users are positive towards SVG and suggest the viability of the technology as a development platform.
Consumer health information e‐mails: content, metrics and issues
Authors: Homewood Janet
Published: June 2004

Many consumer general health information Web sites now provide interactive services such as “e‐mail the doctor” and online discussion boards. There has been little research into how consumers are using these services, especially general health discussion boards. In this exploratory study, features of health e‐mails such as enquiry subjects were investigated using content analysis. The material studied was 100 unsolicited e‐mails and 100 discussion messages sent between 2000 and 2003 by users of the UK‐based Web site MedicDirect. Issues emerging from the analysis included the high proportion of unsuitable e‐mails (up to 62 per cent) and the failure of nearly one‐third of users to find the information they sought on the Web site. Over one‐third of e‐mail senders misspelled key search terms. Readability tools could not be applied to e‐mails to assess consumer literacy, despite a suspected mismatch between Web page readability and consumer comprehension. There is ample scope for further research on these topics.
Information‐seeking research in schools: opportunities and pitfalls
Authors: Shenton Andrew K.
Published: June 2004

Much of the research conducted into young people's information seeking has taken place in schools. These organisations afford access to hundreds of diverse youngsters. They are accessible, and pupils are effectively pre‐classified for the researcher. Factors within a school that may affect information‐seeking behaviour can be explored. Nevertheless, it can be difficult to secure all appropriate permissions for the work. The timing of data collection can be problematic and the pupil population may not include all groups of interest. The investigator must also decide on the method(s) used for collecting data from the youngsters. Several lend themselves to developing an understanding of how far the individuals under scrutiny use particular sources, systems or organisations. Others are more effective for exploring the strategies inquirers employ when exploiting materials. The investigator must select the method that appears best equipped to deliver a satisfactory answer to the research question.
Trends in South African Internet banking
Authors: Maniraj Singh Anesh
Published: June 2004

This study follows up a study examining the effectiveness of Internet marketing, which found that only 22.6 per cent of respondents banked online. This study aims to determine respondents' reasons for not banking online, and to develop strategies for banks to get people banking online. A sample of 369 consumers was drawn from two universities in Kwazulu‐Natal. Universities were chosen because they are an untapped e‐commerce market segment. Employees at universities fit the profile of typical Internet users. Data were collected using a Web‐based questionnaire. Statistical analysis revealed that more males used Internet banking than females. Automated telling machine usage was far greater than Internet banking usage. A large percentage of Internet bankers used the service for inter‐account transfers and checking balances/statements. Security was the prime issue for those not banking online. Potential customers wanted guaranteed safety and loyalty rewards to get them to bank online. Internet banking has the potential to grow amongst tertiary institution employees.
Coordinated attitude control for a tracking and data relay satellite with mobile antennas
Authors: Zhang Shijie , Cao Xibin
Published: June 2004

In this paper, a coordinated attitude control law for a tracking and data relay satellite (TDRS) with mobile antennas is proposed. To track or point the target spacecraft with median/law orbit, the large mobile antennas have to move in a wide range, the movement of such mobile antennas disturbing the satellite attitude. Conventionally, the main body of the satellite and the mobile antennas are controlled independently. The proposed controller first estimates the TDRS's angular momentum which the mobile antennas will produce, based on the momentum conservation equation, then adds the estimated angular momentum as a feedforward signal to the conventional control law. The proposed controller is demonstrated using mathematical simulation, the results of which coincide well with analytical results.
Reaching in
Authors: Rockman Ilene F.
Published: June 2004

Focuses on the importance of providing internal customer services to library staff and student assistants, by encouraging recommendations and suggestions for service improvements. By doing so, a positive impact can result and a clearer message can be delivered to external constituencies.
E‐mail and chat reference: assessing patron satisfaction
Authors: Stoffel Bruce , Tucker Toni
Published: June 2004

In fall 2002, Illinois State University librarians surveyed their e‐mail and chat reference patrons to determine how they feel about the services and how the services might be improved. The survey also attempted to identify the extent to which the services are used in conjunction with more traditional reference venues. While most electronic reference services utilize brief “pop‐up” forms to survey patrons, Illinois State patrons were invited via e‐mail to complete a more extensive online survey form. Approximately 400 patrons were surveyed, and a response rate of 17 percent was achieved. Results indicate a high level of satisfaction with electronic reference, the desirability of retaining both services despite the more immediate need of chat, and the need to cross‐market reference services. Survey participation suggests that use of e‐mail and online forms to survey electronic reference patrons may be effective in the case of e‐mail reference, but not chat.
Reading, writing, and research: added value to university first‐year experience programs
Authors: Samson Sue , Granath Kim
Published: June 2004

Retention rates, the development of quality first‐year experience programs, accreditation, learning outcomes, and the goal of creating life‐long learners place research instruction as an essential part of the academic curriculum. The ability to find information, evaluate information resources, and use quality resources to write and present research effectively is critical in this information‐rich society. This manuscript describes a research project based on a comparative analysis of randomly selected sections of English composition that include library research components integrated into their curriculum. The project implemented and analyzed pre‐ and post‐tests, the use of online instruction modules, literature cited analyses, grade comparisons, and varied instructional opportunities in an effort to identify and assess effective pedagogy for research instruction provided to entry‐level students. The results show that this collaborative model of working with teaching assistants and faculty coordinators to integrate research instruction into the writing curriculum is student‐centered and effective. This model can be readily implemented in a variety of core courses that include writing and research elements.
Student psychosocial and cognitive development: theory to practice in academic libraries
Authors: Gatten Jeffrey N.
Published: June 2004

Academic librarians have long been concerned with facilitating the teaching of information seeking and critical thinking skills among the undergraduate student population. In this sense, librarians are very much interested in facilitating student development. This article briefly describes the two major theories of student development, places these theories in the context of academic librarianship, and offers suggestions on how librarians can apply (map) these theories to practice when interacting with students. The goal is to enhance programmatic library interventions in order to further develop students’ information research skills.
Making tacit knowledge explicit: the Ready Reference Database as codified knowledge
Authors: Stover Mark
Published: June 2004

This article describes the process of knowledge transformation (from tacit to explicit to codified knowledge) in organizations. The article proposes that much of the knowledge held by reference librarians is tacit knowledge that needs to be made explicit and formalized. The Web‐based Ready Reference Database at San Diego State University is analyzed as an example of the process of knowledge conversion in library reference services.
Consensus without all the meetings: using the Delphi method to determine course content for library instruction
Authors: Howze Philip C. , Dalrymple Connie
Published: June 2004

Encourages the use of Delphi for librarians in search of a research methodology. Describes one of many applications of the method, as an example of how the method can be employed in a library‐related problem solving process. The Delphi method is an effective means of consensus building, without all the meetings. Includes a description of one such consensus building process, used at an academic library a number of years ago, to determine standardized course content for a formal course in library instruction, a component of the university's general education initiative. A 134‐item checklist of learning objectives was distributed to participants, with the aim of refining the list based on an environmental scan of faculty librarians as experts. High consensus learning objectives were included in the manual, and low consensus objectives were not used. Discusses the viability of applying the Delphi technique to library science and librarianship.
Leveraging collaboration for information literacy in psychology
Authors: Thaxton Lyn , Beth Faccioli Mary , Page Mosby Anne
Published: June 2004

A case study of the integration of information literacy into a psychology research course is presented. The process of integration began with developing learning outcomes, a four‐hour curriculum, exercises, and an assessment instrument, which were approved by the Psychology Department's undergraduate curriculum committee. Also emphasized is the ongoing exchange of expertise between liaison librarian and psychology faculty to enhance library‐related components in the design of the course. Difficulties in implementing the program are described, along with the use of outcome statistics to underscore the value of the partially implemented program. Librarians used data from student assessments to highlight the need for more intensive and extensive student training to meet learning objectives. The sometimes laborious process of academic negotiation is discussed, along with the resulting decision to develop a psychology literature tutorial through collaboration between a junior Psychology Department faculty member and a librarian.
A credit course assignment: the encyclopedia entry
Authors: Armstrong Jeanne , Fast Margaret
Published: June 2004

Teaching research as a cognitive process rather than a set of skills and thereby ensuring critical thinking has been a concern of instructions librarians for some time. This article explains the design, rationale, and use of an innovative assignment, the encyclopedia entry, in a 200 level library credit course that targets sophomores and transfer students. At Western Washington University this course, “Library 201: Introduction to Research Strategies”, has historically required students to produce a free‐standing annotated bibliography. The encyclopedia entry assignment integrates “point of need” relevance into the course because the students choose sources that provide information which will actually be used in writing an encyclopedia entry.
Resources for forensic psychology: a selective bibliography
Authors: Sexton Ellen
Published: June 2004

Libraries supporting a forensic psychology undergraduate and/or graduate level college program need to collect materials from a range of disciplines – psychology, law, psychiatry and criminal justice. This guide identifies the major reference works, journals, databases and other resources that should be in a good forensic psychology collection.
Organizational assessment in the midst of tumultuous change
Authors: Schraeder Mike
Published: June 2004

This article provides a pragmatic example of how a model‐based approach was utilized to conduct an organizational assessment in a company that had undergone a tremendous number of changes during the 12 months prior to the assessment. The assessment was designed to identify relationships between staff perceptions of communication within the organization, staff perceptions of change implementation, staff attitudes, and individual outcomes such as intent to turnover, absenteeism, job stress, and individual performance.
Transformational versus servant leadership: a difference in leader focus
Authors: Gregory Stone A. , Russell Robert F. , Patterson Kathleen
Published: June 2004

This article examines transformational leadership and servant leadership to determine what similarities and differences exist between the two leadership concepts. The authors posit that the primary difference between transformational leadership and servant leadership is the focus of the leader. The transformational leader's focus is directed toward the organization, and his or her behavior builds follower commitment toward organizational objectives, while the servant leader's focus is on the followers, and the achievement of organizational objectives is a subordinate outcome. The extent to which the leader is able to shift the primary focus of leadership from the organization to the follower is the distinguishing factor in classifying leaders as either transformational or servant leaders. This article also looks at the next stage of developmental issues in servant leadership, such as the challenges facing empirical investigation and measurement, and the changes that are occurring in current thinking about the servant leadership approach. Ultimately, the case is made that although different, both transformational leadership and servant leadership offer the conceptual framework for dynamic leadership.
Followership effectiveness: an extension of Fiedler's contingency model
Authors: Miller Richard L. , Butler Jeanne , Cosentino Charles J.
Published: June 2004

As a means of extending Fiedler's contingency model of leadership effectiveness to followership behavior, this study examined the relationship between followers' motivational disposition as measured by the least preferred co‐worker scale, modified to refer to leaders (LPL), situational favorability as reflected in leader‐member relations and follower experience, and followers' performance as measured by US Army enlisted efficiency report (EER). Participants were male, junior enlisted personnel serving with the US Army, Europe. The results indicated that in accordance with Fiedler, relations‐oriented followers performed better in moderately favorable situations while task oriented followers performed better in highly unfavorable situations. In contrast to Fiedler, relations‐oriented followers performed better in highly favorable conditions.
A new sciences outline for leadership development
Authors: Fairholm Matthew R.
Published: June 2004

The Newtonian physics that formed the foundation of physical and social science for centuries is unwinding in the face of the new sciences. The principles of the new sciences shed needed light on the technologies of leadership in modern organizations. This paper links specific leadership technologies to four general principles taken from the new sciences. Together, these technologies and principles provide a new metaphor for organizational life and the work of leadership. This metaphor offers an alternative explanation of the leadership phenomenon generally, helps organizational actors ground their leadership activity in terms of the new sciences theory, and points to better ways to prepare ourselves for the demands of leadership in organizations. This, in turn, provides a way for leaders to better understand their organizational environment and links that understanding to an outline of skills, behaviors, and attitudes that can be used in practical leadership development programs.
An evaluation of customer perception of FM service delivery
Authors: Shaw Derren , Haynes Barry
Published: June 2004

Applies service quality theory to facilities management (FM), resulting in a more customer‐orientated approach to FM. Uses a questionnaire as the main source of data collection. Uses factor analysis to establish basic underlying concepts or dimensions. Proposes a “gap” model which makes a comparison between service quality and the level of importance that customers place on each service dimension. The implications are that FM managers can use service dimensions to measure the qualitative elements of FM service provision. Segmentation analysis allows FM managers to determine whether different service levels are required for customer segmentation groups. Allows the concepts and theories that are currently applied in the service quality literature to be applied in an FM context. This moves the debate about FM performance metrics more towards measuring and understanding customer perceptions and ultimately to customer management strategies.
Customer satisfaction and organisational justice
Authors: Campbell Lisa , Finch Edward
Published: June 2004

Applies organisational justice theory to facilities management with the aim of increasing customer satisfaction with the service received. Provides an overview of organisational justice theory, and reviews the numerous different forms that this may take. Although there is strong theoretical support for participative decision making, in practice it often leads to conflict and delays. Two‐way communication appears to represent the most effective form. The conclusions are based upon theoretical support as well as semi‐structured interviews and observations in an organisational setting. The conclusions drawn do not have the benefits of more objective quantitative research methods. Contributes to practical understanding of how to maintain customer satisfaction in the facilities management industry and the theoretical reasons why the proposed methods will be effective. Argues that the impact of organisational justice on employee satisfaction can be applied to customer satisfaction with specific reference to facilities management.
The environmental significance of facilities in service sector companies
Authors: Junnila Seppo
Published: June 2004

The study described in this paper quantifies the environmental impact of service sector companies. It demonstrates the importance of facility activities in the environmental strategy of such companies. A multiple‐case study approach and a life‐cycle assessment framework were used to estimate the environmental impact of five service companies. The result showed that for only around 5 per cent of total expenses, facility activities caused over half of the environmental impact in all cases, supporting the original hypothesis that the role played by facilities is of the utmost significance. However, the results varied somewhat between the environmental impact categories studied. For example, the contribution of facility activities to the climate change category ranged from 47 to 84 per cent, but ranged from 28 to 56 per cent in the summer smog category.
Computer integrated facilities planning and design
Authors: Gopalakrishnan B. , Turuvekere R. , Gupta D.P.
Published: June 2004

Computer‐based models for the automatic generation of facility layouts have been shown to provide significant benefits to the industrial community for the planning and development of facilities. In a manufacturing environment, layouts are often needed for the manufacture, storage and shipment of specific product types within specific time periods. This is especially true in metal fabrication plants, as the dynamic nature of product storage and manufacture dictates the need for effective layout generation to achieve cost reductions. The system described in this paper integrates raw material storage, inventory management, scheduling and rack system design with facility layout development for the most satisfactory dynamic response. The research addressed in this paper has resulted in the development of a computer‐based model that focuses on the concept of integrating the domains of plant layout, material handling and warehousing in terms of raising overall effectiveness.
Healthcare facilities management: state of the art review
Authors: Shohet Igal M. , Lavy Sarel
Published: June 2004

Following increases in national demands on healthcare facilities and services, healthcare facilities management (FM) has gradually matured to become an established research and development topic. This paper reviews the state of the art in the main domains related to healthcare FM and defines the central themes in the development of a healthcare FM model. FM, maintenance management and performance management are reviewed in a wider context, and the main domains of healthcare FM are discussed. The five salient topics included in healthcare FM are maintenance management, performance management, risk management, supply services management, and development. These five core domains are interrelated, and can be integrated using information and communications technology, which provides the desired environment required for the challenging decision making and development prevalent in healthcare FM.
The role of format in digital preservation
Authors: Abrams Stephen L.
Published: June 2004

The concept of representation format permeates all technical aspects of digital repository architecture and is, therefore, the foundation of many, if not all, digital preservation activities. Digital formats need to be understood both as general classes of encodings and in the specific instances of digital objects. The Digital Library Foundation (DLF) has sponsored an initial investigation into the creation of a global digital format registry (GDRF) to maintain format representation information. Using such information, ancillary tools and services can be created for additional repository and preservation‐related functions such as format‐specific object identification, validation, and characterization. JSTOR and the Harvard University Library are cooperating on the development of an extensible format validation framework called JHOVE. This paper introduces both the GDFR and JHOVE projects.
Practical experiences of the Dutch digital preservation test‐bed
Authors: Verdegem Remco , Slats Jacqueline
Published: June 2004

Digital Preservation test‐bed is a three‐year practical research project with the overall goal of investigating options to secure sustained accessibility to authentic archival records over the long‐term, by carrying out experiments in a controlled and secure environment. This allows one to ascertain the effects of undertaken preservation action on archival records. Test‐bed is researching three different approaches to long‐term digital preservation: migration, XML and emulation. Not only will the effectiveness of each approach be evaluated, but also their limits, costs and application potential. Experiments take place on four different record types: text documents, spreadsheets, emails and databases of different size, complexity and nature. At the end of 2003 the digital preservation test‐bed project was to provide: advice on how to deal with current digital records, recommendations for an appropriate preservation approach or a combination of approaches per record type, functional requirements for a preservation function, cost models of the various preservation strategies, a decision model to select the right preservation strategy, and recommendations concerning archival guidelines and regulations.
ERPANET: a European platform for enabling digital preservation
Authors: Ross Seamus
Published: June 2004

Increasing amounts of Europe's cultural and scientific heritage is being created or represented in digital form. The preservation and reuse of these digital assets forms both the cornerstone of future economic growth and development, and the foundation for the future of memory. Addressing the challenges posed by digital preservation poses a major obstacle to the creation of Europe as a dynamic and economically successful knowledge‐based society. Electronic Resource Preservation and Network (ERPANET), the European Commission's major activity under the fifth framework programme of funding, aims to help public and private sector institutions across Europe to improve their knowledge about digital curation and preservation and to enhance their practices.
Digital preservation of audio, video and film
Authors: Wright Richard
Published: June 2004

Digitisation is used for preservation of audiovisual material. This preservation work is a major producer of digital collections – which then need digital preservation for sustainability. EC Project Presto surveyed the holdings and status of ten major broadcast archives – a significant portion of total European broadcast archives, including some of the largest individual collections. The main findings are that approximately 75 per cent of this material is at risk or inaccessible and that the collections are growing at roughly four times the rate of current progress in preservation work. This paper gives further results of the project, and gives practical guidance for preservation of audiovisual material. Presto demonstrated the effectiveness of the “preservation factory” concept for major broadcast archives – a way to reduce cost while still maintaining or even increasing quality. There is now a new EC project, Presto‐space, which will make the preservation factory available to small and medium‐sized collections.
The preservation of databases
Authors: Ashley Kevin
Published: June 2004

This article outlines past and present practice in the long‐term preservation of databases. It describes one typology of databases affecting preservation methods. It also covers some outstanding challenges to database preservation and gives pointers to further reading on database preservation activity around the world.
New advances in biocybernetics
Authors: Rudall Brian H.
Published: June 2004

This paper details advances in biocybernetics and gives reports and surveys of selected research and development in systems and cybernetics. They include supercomputers, biometric technology, formal methods, applications of nanotechnology, innovations, and cybercriminals.
The nature of belief and the contribution of mathematics
Authors: Andrew Alex M.
Published: June 2004

A recent discussion in the CYBCOM list is reviewed, with implications for epistemology, the nature of belief and explanation, and the contribution of mathematics. A useful item of free software is discussed, with its associated classification as make‐my‐day‐ware.
Weighing evidence in decision systems
Authors: Bell David
Published: June 2004

To combine items of evidence supporting a particular decision in a way which facilitates comparison between the cases supporting different conclusions, we advocate some improvements to a very simple method used in an experimental evidential reasoning system, relative evidential supports (RES). RES is very perspicacious in that decisions are made by trading off evidence items pro and con each contender. This makes the reasoning easy to follow by domain experts. The most important feature of this system is that it does not use numbers to indicate evidence strengths; simple comparisons of evidential supports for alternatives is the principle adopted. However, the de facto method of combining and comparing evidence is in a sense too stringent and in another sense too lax. We suggest some ways of improving the practical evidence comparison (or weighing) method of RES while retaining its conceptual characteristics and simplicity.
Productivity enhancement using safety and maintenance integration
Authors: Raouf Abdul
Published: June 2004

Ensuring equipment reliability, preventing human error and preventing accidents are necessary for improving predictable plant capacity. These subjects however, have so far been treated separately whereas an integrated approach is the need of the hour. A typical maintenance system focuses on equipment. However, its goals must include establishment of conditions that reflect an understanding of production plants as a combination of various man‐machine systems. Eliminating accidents and removing causes of production interruptions should be approached from the “man” as well as “machine” side. This paper outlines the relationship that exists between plant productivity, safety, and maintenance activities. An integrated system of activities, which is likely to help in eliminating accidents and maintenance related causes of production interruptions, is presented. This system divides plant operations into “man‐machine” system and management system activities. Activities that assist in eliminating accidents and removing potential causes of production interruptions are presented. Key performance indicators and a methodology for operating a continuous improvement program are outlined.
A visual analysis of learning rule effects and variable importance for neural networks in data mining operations
Authors: Fish Kelly E. , Segall Richard S.
Published: June 2004

This study demonstrates two visual methodologies to support analysts using artificial neural networks (ANNs) in data mining operations. The first part of the paper illustrates the differences and similarities between various learning rules that might be employed by ANN data miners. Since different learning rules lead to different connection weights and stability coefficients, a graphical representation of the data that provides a novel visual means of discerning these similarities and differences is demonstrated. The second part of this research demonstrates a methodology for ANN model variable interpretation that uses network connection weights. It uses empirical marketing data to optimize an ANN and response elasticity graphs are built for each ANN model variable by plotting the derivative of the network output with respect to each variable, while changing network input in equal increments across the range of inputs for each variable. Finally, this paper concludes that such an approach to ANN model interpretation can provide data miners with a rich interpretation of variable importance.