bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variation in damage to cotton affecting larval feeding preference of Spodoptera littoralis
Authors: Anderson P. , Jönsson M. , Mörte U.
Published: October 2003

Feeding experiments with larvae of Spodoptera littoralis were performed with leaves from cotton plants subjected to damage and from undamaged plants. In the experiments, four different time intervals (1, 3, 7, and 14 days) after damage induction and two different levels (high and low) of herbivore damage were tested. Seven days after damage induction larvae fed less on the young top leaves from damaged plants for both levels of damage. At the high damage level, the larvae fed less on leaves from the damaged plants after just three days, and this effect still remained 14 days after damage infliction. When mature leaves from the middle of the plant were compared, no difference between treatments was observed.

Two plant sizes were tested, small plants with 4–5 true leaves and large plants with 8–10 true leaves. In small plants the induced changes affecting larval feeding were found mainly in the youngest leaf at the top of the plant, while in large plants the induced effects were found in both the youngest and the second youngest leaves.

In plants subjected to artificial damage, larvae fed less on top leaves of the damaged plants when compared to leaves from undamaged plants. When leaves from plants that had been artificially damaged were directly compared with leaves from plants damaged by herbivores, larvae fed more on the youngest leaves from artificially damaged plants when the plants were large. In small plants no significant difference was found when comparing artificial and herbivore damage.
The effect of the ectoparasitic mite, Varroa destructor on adult worker honeybee (Apis mellifera) emergence weights, water, protein, carbohydrate, and lipid levels
Authors: Bowen‐Walker Peter L. , Gunn Alan
Published: October 2003

Wet weight, dry weight and water contents of emerging honeybees (Apis mellifera L. [Hymenoptera: Apidae]) infested with the ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor (Anderson) (Acari: Varroidae) were all negatively correlated with increasing numbers of mites. It was estimated that for every female mite present during the bees' development, the host would lose three percent of its body water. Parasitised bees also emerged with lower head and abdomen concentrations of protein and with lower abdominal carbohydrate concentrations. Lipid concentrations were not detectably affected by V. destructor infestation. The losses of metabolic reserves were not, however, judged to be serious enough to be directly responsible for the high bee mortality and ultimate colony collapse that are associated with the arrival of Varroa in a hive. Some 8.5% of the emerging bees exhibited morphological deformities and deformity was positively correlated with increasing numbers of mites in brood cells. Deformed bees were, however, found in all categories of parasitosis, suggesting that other factors, such as infectious agents, may be involved. Mites that fed on either live or dead U14C‐ labelled bees acquired the label within 24 h and it was calculated that an adult female mite consumes 0.67 μl haemolymph 24 h−1. It was also demonstrated that 14C was transmitted to a previously non‐radio‐labelled bee when a mite that had been feeding on a labelled bee changed hosts. The level of transfer was above that which could have arisen through contamination of the mites' mouthparts and supports the suggestion that Varroa is an important vector of pathogens such as viruses.
Isolation and characterization of a galactorhamnan polysaccharide from the seed coat of Canavalia ensiformis that is toxic to the cowpea weevil (Callosobruchus maculatus)
Authors: Oliveira A.E.A. , Sassaki G.L. , Iacomini M. , da Cunha M. , Gomes V.M. , Fernandes B.K.V.S. , Xavier‐Filho J.
Published: October 2003

We have isolated a water‐soluble polysaccharide from the Jack bean [Canavalia ensiformis (L) DC] seed coat that was shown to be highly detrimental to larval development of the cowpea weevil (Callosobruchus maculatus) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae). Determination of the composition and structure of this polysaccharide showed that it is a galactorhamnan with an Mw of 883.0, containing 92% rhamnose and 8% galactose. The polymer is formed by a main chain of rhamnose (1 → 2) substituted at O‐4 by galactose nonreducing end‐units. Immunolocalisation by light and electron microscopy showed that this polysaccharide is localised in the innermost cell layer of the seed coat and also in cotyledon tissues in the cytoplasm space. The presence of this toxic polysaccharide in the testa of a non‐host seed may have been important for the evolutionary discrimination of legume seeds by bruchids.
Pathway phase waveform characteristics correlated with length and rate of stylet advancement and partial stylet withdrawal in AC electrical penetration graphs of adult whiteflies
Authors: Jiang Y.X. , Walker G.P.
Published: October 2003

A technique was developed for measuring the length of stylet insertion during adult whitefly probing. The distance that the labium shortens during a probe was shown to be equal to the length of stylets that were inserted into the plant tissue. The length of labial shortening then was measured in high‐magnification video recordings of adult female silverleaf whitefly, Bemisia argentifolii, in conjunction with recording electrical penetration graphs (EPGs – AC method). Using a split‐screen device, video images of the whitefly's labium during a probe and the EPG waveforms produced during the probe were recorded simultaneously on the same video tape. On playback, changes in labial length could be measured during specific EPG waveforms to determine the length of stylet insertion that occurred during the waveforms. The focus of the study was on two characteristics of the pathway phase sawtooth waveform: the frequency of voltage peaks and the increase in voltage level that occurs over time during sawtooth waveforms. The rate of stylet penetration was significantly and positively correlated with frequency of sawtooth waveform voltage peaks (r2= 0.33) and the length of stylet penetration was significantly and positively correlated (second‐order polynomial) with the relative difference in voltage level between the beginning and end of the sawtooth waveform (r2= 0.43). Stylet advancement did not appear to occur during the few low‐flat waveforms (unknown behavioral correlation) and high‐flat waveforms (phloem phase) that were observed. Voltage drops occur sporadically during sawtooth waveforms, and these were associated with partial stylet withdrawal (indicated when the labium increased in length, but the probe was not terminated) with an accuracy of 99%.
Rapid cold hardening in the olive fruit fly Bactrocera oleae under laboratory and field conditions
Authors: Koveos Dimitris S.
Published: October 2003

A rapid cold hardening response was studied in females and males of the olive fruit fly Bactrocera (Dacus) oleae. When laboratory‐reared females and males were transferred and maintained from the rearing temperature of 24 °C for 2 h to −6.5 °C approximately 5% survived. However, conditioning of both females and males for 2 h at various temperatures from 0 to 10 °C before their exposure for 2 h to −6.5 °C increased survival to 80 to 92%. A similar rapid cold hardening response in both females and males was also induced through gradual cooling of the flies at a rate of approximately 0.4 °C per min. The rapid increase in cold tolerance after prior conditioning of the flies to low temperatures, was rapidly lost when they returned to a higher temperature of 24 °C. In the field, in late February and early March, females and males were capable of a rapid cold hardening response. After exposure to the critical temperature they suffered a high mortality when tested in the afternoon and low mortality early in the morning on consecutive days, probably because of differences in the prevailing field temperatures a few hours before testing. This plasticity of cold tolerance gained through rapid cold hardening may allow the flies to survive during periods of the year with great fluctuation in circadian temperatures.
Host odours enhance the responses of adult Rhyzopertha dominica to male‐produced aggregation pheromone
Authors: Bashir T. , Birkinshaw L.A. , Hall D.R. , Hodges R.J.
Published: October 2003

The behavioural responses of adult male and female Rhyzopertha dominica (Coleoptera, Bostrichidae) to blends of host volatiles and male‐produced aggregation pheromone were observed in a four‐arm airflow olfactometer. The odour sources used were five pheromone‐releasing males each on a single maize grain (lower maize‐volatiles blend), five pheromone‐releasing males on 500 g of maize (higher maize‐volatiles blend) or the host volatiles emanating from 500g of maize (maize volatiles alone). Multiple‐choice tests, in which volatiles from all three odour sources were presented in the exposure chamber at the same time, were used to study odour preferences of the males and females. Both sexes showed strongest attraction to the higher maize volatile blend but there were significant sex differences in response to the odour sources. Males spent significantly more time than females in the zone with only maize volatiles, and females spent significantly more time in the higher maize‐volatiles zone. However, when odour sources were offered singly, females gave numerically greater responses than males to all sources although this difference was statistically significant for only the lower maize‐volatiles blend. As males are more attracted than females to host odours alone it is suggested that they may be more highly adapted to seek out new hosts while females are more inclined to locate a food source by following the pheromone signals produced by males. However, both sexes responded most strongly to the odour source comprising aggregation pheromone with the higher proportion of maize volatiles.
Risk factors for undernutrition of young children in a rural area of South Africa
Authors: Chopra Mickey
Published: October 2003

Objective:

To identify the factors associated with childhood undernutrition.

Design:

Cross-sectional survey.

Setting:

Hlabisa health district in KwaZulu/Natal, South Africa.

Subjects:

Eight hundred and sixty-eight children aged 3–59 months.

Methods:

Questionnaire survey and anthropometric survey of 516 random house-holds with children in the health district. Multivariate analysis took into account the hierarchical relationships between the proposed risk factors. This conceptual model was built up during qualitative studies and with reference to international research in this area.

Results:

The mean Z-scores for weight-for-age and height-for-age were −0.52 (95% confidence interval (CI)−0.44 to −0.60) and −1.25 (95% CI −1.15 to −1.35), respectively. Of the children, 26.3% (95% CI 23.3–29.3%) were stunted, 12.0% (95% CI 9.8–4.2%) were underweight-for-age (UWFA) and only 1.3% were wasted. Migrant father, mother's education, literate mother, whether the house was made of traditional materials, the presence of a toilet, whether the last child was breast-fed, duration of breast-feeding and birth weight were found to be significantly related to UWFA, the latter with an odds ratio of more than eight.

Conclusion:

While there are individual health and feeding behaviours that need to be addressed, this study has also uncovered the maternal and socio-economic factors which present an array of constraints in the social environment shaping the infant feeding and caring practices employed by women. For the full potential of nutrition promotion activities to be realised, there is a need to address some of these ‘deeper’ constraints.
A qualitative assessment of nutrition knowledge levels and dietary intake of schoolchildren in Hyderabad
Authors: Vijayapushpam T , Menon Krishna Kumari , Rao D Raghunatha , Antony Grace Maria
Published: October 2003

Objectives:

To assess the nutrition knowledge levels and dietary intake pattern of schoolchildren belonging to two groups of different socio-economic status (SES; high income/high SES and low income/low SES).

Design:

A purposive sampling method was employed. A validated food-frequency questionnaire was administered to assess the dietary intake of schoolchildren in four schools from two different socio-economic strata in the month of January 2001. The children were divided into two groups, one serving as the experimental group and the other as the control group.

Subjects:

Two hundred and seventy-two children aged between 12 and 14 years.

Results:

There was a significant improvement (P < 0.001) in the knowledge levels of high-SES schoolchildren as compared with low-SES schoolchildren. A significant difference was observed in the intake of protective foods like milk and milk products, green leafy vegetables and fruits between the two income groups. However, children from the high SES background preferred fast foods such as noodles and corn flakes to traditional foods. Irrespective of income group, most of the children consumed carbonated beverages.

Conclusions:

There was a significant difference in the intakes of protective foods and fast foods between the different income groups. However, the increased intake of fast foods and carbonated beverages by the children irrespective of SES needs to be discouraged as a part of nutrition education. The study indicated the need for repeated interventions for improvement of nutrition knowledge levels in low-SES children.
Secondary data analyses of dietary surveys undertaken in South Africa to determine usual food consumption of the population
Authors: steyn Nelia Patricia , Nel Johanna Helena , Casey Annette
Published: October 2003

Objective:

The primary objective of this study was to generate a reference table of food items and average amounts of these items consumed by South Africans, for the Department of Health. The reference table was required to be representative of foods and beverages eaten frequently by children and adults from all age and ethnic groups in order for the Department of Health to test for contaminants in these foods.

Design:

The National Food Consumption Survey (NFCS) served as a framework for compiling data on children since this was a national representative survey of 1–9-year-old children undertaken in South Africa in 1999. However, there has never been a national dietary survey on adults in South Africa. Consequently the data had to be extrapolated from existing isolated surveys on adults. Secondary data analysis was conducted on existing dietary databases (raw data) obtained from surveys undertaken on adults in South Africa between 1983 and 2000. Available datasets were regional and independent, and were not individually representative of the South African diet. It was therefore necessary to use different statistical methods, including factor analyses, weighting and correlations, to generate ethnic and geographic representative data for adults. Two methods were used: Method 1, which corresponded with results of the NFCS (over-sampled for low socio-economic status), and Method 2, which was based on ethnic proportions of the population.

Results:

The secondary data analyses generated food items most commonly consumed by the South African adult population (Method 1) in descending frequency of usage and average (mean) amount per day: maize porridge (78%/848 g), white sugar (77%/27 g), tea (68%/456 g), brown bread (55%/165 g), white bread (28%/163 g), non-dairy creamer (25%/6 g), brick margarine (21%/19 g), chicken meat (19%/111 g), full-cream milk (19%/204 g) and green leaves (17%/182 g). In 6–9-year-olds, maize porridge (72%/426 g), sugar (76%/23 g), tea (51%/258 g), full-cream milk (35%/171 g) and white bread (33%/119 g) were eaten most frequently. Similarly, in 1–5-year-olds, the foods consumed most frequently were maize porridge (80%/426 g), sugar (76%/21 g), tea (44%/224 g), full-cream milk (39%/186 g) and white bread (24%/83 g). In order to evaluate the validity of the adult data generated, kilojoule values of the individual food items (per capita) were compared with food balance sheets (FBSs). The comparison was favourable except that the FBSs had a higher overall energy intake per capita of between 22 and 28%.

Conclusion:

Reference tables of commonly consumed foods and beverages were generated at minimal cost based on secondary data analyses of past dietary surveys in different South African populations.
Socio-economic, dietary, activity, nutrition and body weight transitions in South Korea
Authors: Lee Soo-Kyung , Sobal Jeffery
Published: October 2003

Objective:

Socio-economic development influences many factors that affect health, especially diet and nutrition. This investigation proposes that a system of transitions occur as societies develop, with socio-economic, physical activity, dietary, nutrition and body weight transitions operating in relationship with each other. This model of transitions was examined empirically using South Korea as an example of a nation that has undergone considerable changes.

Design:

Data were drawn from published government reports: the Korean National Nutrition Survey and annual reports at the national level for the years between 1969 and 1993. The socio-economic transition was assessed by gross national product. The physical activity transition was assessed using annual proportions of the population involved in primary, secondary and tertiary industries, as well as the number of cars and driver's licences. The dietary transition was measured by plant and animal food consumption. The nutrition transition was assessed by percentages of energy from carbohydrate, protein and fat. The body weight transition was measured by body mass index calculated from the average height and weight of adolescents.

Results:

Results revealed that the transitions were highly correlated as expected, with the socio-economic transition exhibiting major changes. South Koreans tended to decrease their physical activity and plant food consumption, and to increase animal food consumption, percentage of energy from dietary fat and body weight, in relationship to the socio-economic transition.

Conclusion:

Examining a system of transitions on a national level in one country that has undergone rapid economic development may provide a strategy for examining how such transitions operate in other nations.
Selected nutritional biomarkers predict diet quality
Authors: Neuhouser Marian L , Patterson Ruth E , King Irena B , Horner Neilann K , Lampe Johanna W
Published: October 2003

Objective:

To examine associations of biomarkers of nutrient intake with overall diet quality.

Subjects:

A convenience sample of 102 healthy postmenopausal women in Seattle, Washington (USA).

Design and method:

Participants attended a study centre where they provided fasting blood specimens and completed a 122-item validated food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Data from the FFQ were used to calculate Diet Quality Index (DQI) scores and categorise women as having diets of excellent, good, fair or poor quality. The blood specimens were analysed for nine phospholipid fatty acids (as percentage of total) and serum concentrations of vitamin C, α-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol, vitamin B12, folate and six carotenoids. Multivariate linear regression was used to model associations of the nutrient biomarkers with DQI scores.

Results:

Compared with women with poor-quality diets, women with excellent diets, as measured by the DQI, had higher plasma concentrations of vitamin C (Pfor trend = 0.01), α-tocopherol (Pfor trend = 0.02) and β-cryptoxanthin (Pfor trend = 0.03). Women with excellent diets also had lower proportions of plasma phospholipid fatty acids of two potentially atherogenic fatty acids: stearic acid (Pfor trend = 0.01) and behenic acid (Pfor trend = 0.03). A group of six biomarkers explained a moderate proportion of the total variability in DQI scores (36%).

Conclusions:

These objective measures of dietary intake support the use of the DQI as a useful tool to measure dietary patterns.
Genetic epidemiology, genetic maps and positional cloning
Authors: Morton Newton E.
Published: October 2003

Genetic epidemiology developed in the middle of the last century, focused on inherited causes of disease but with methods and results applicable to other traits and even forensics. Early success with linkage led to the localization of genes contributing to disease, and ultimately to the Human Genome Project. The discovery of millions of DNA markers has encouraged more efficient positional cloning by linkage disequilibrium (LD), using LD maps and haplotypes in ways that are rapidly evolving. This has led to large international programmes, some promising and others alarming, with laws about DNA patenting and ethical guidelines for responsible research still struggling to be born.
The species-specific egg receptor for sea urchin sperm adhesion is EBR1,a novel ADAMTS protein
Authors: Kamei Noriko , Glabe Charles G.
Published: October 2003

Species-specific adhesion of sperm to the egg during sea urchin fertilization involves the interaction of the sperm adhesive protein,bindin, and a complementary receptor on the egg surface,and serves to restrict the gene pool to individuals of the same species. We used PCR representation difference analysis to clone the species-specific egg receptor for bindin, EBR1, from Strongylocentrotus franciscanus (Sf) and S. purpuratus (Sp). Sf-EBR1 contains a novel ADAMTS-like N-terminal domain followed by ∼19 tandem EBR repeats consisting of alternating CUB and thrombospondin type 1 (TSP-1) domains where the last 10 EBR repeats are species-specific and highly conserved. Recombinant protein corresponding to the species-specific EBR repeat displays species-specific sperm adhesion and bindin-binding activity. The Sp-EBR1 ortholog has the same ADAMTS (a disintegrin and metalloprotease with thrombospondin type-1 modules) core region followed by eight and one-half tandem egg bindin receptor (EBR) repeats that share 88% identity with the Sf-EBR1 repeats,but has an entirely different species-specific domain consisting of hyalin-like (HYR) repeats. Thus,the species-specific domains of egg bindin receptor 1 (EBR1) from both species function as the egg surface receptor to mediate species-specific sperm adhesion.
Tousled-like kinase functions with the chromatin assembly pathway regulating nuclear divisions
Authors: Carrera Pilar , Moshkin Yuri M. , Grönke Sebastian , Silljé Herman H.W. , Nigg Erich A. , Jäckle Herbert , Karch François
Published: October 2003

Tousled-like kinases (TLKs) constitute a family of serine/threonine kinases conserved in plants and animals that act in a cell cycle-dependent manner. In mammals, their activity peaks during S phase, when they phosphorylate the antisilencing function protein 1 (ASF1), a histone chaperone involved in replication-dependent chromatin assembly. Here, we show that Drosophila ASF1 is also a phosphorylation target of TLK, and that the two components cooperate to control chromatin replication in vivo. By altering TLK activity through loss-of-function mutations, we show that nuclear divisions are arrested at interphase, followed by apoptosis. Overexpression of TLK alters the chromatin structure, suggesting that TLK mediates the activity of chromatin proteins. These results suggest that TLK coordinates cell cycle progression through the regulation of chromatin dynamics.
Business performance measurement – past, present and future
Authors: Marr Bernard , Schiuma Gianni
Published: October 2003

Business performance measurement (BPM) is a fast evolving and diverse research field which features highly on the agenda of academics and practitioners from functions including general management, accounting, operations research, marketing, and human resources. Utilizing a citation analysis this paper identifies the following challenges for the field of BPM. The balanced scorecard seems to be the most influential and dominant concept in the field. Researchers are encouraged to further test and discuss its theoretical foundation and research methodology. The second challenge is to create a cohesive body of knowledge in the field of BPM.
Factors that play a role in “managing through measures”
Authors: Franco Monica , Bourne Mike
Published: October 2003

Organisations devote time and effort to the development of strategic performance measurement (SPM) systems. Many articles have been written on how to design and implement this type of system. However, few studies have addressed the issue of why some organisations are better able to “manage through measures” than others. Why do some organisations struggle to ensure that action follows measurement, whilst others systematically use their metrics to inform their decision‐making processes, and their subsequently actions? Specifically, it is unclear what critical factors play a role in enabling organisations to effectively use their SPM system. To gain an understanding of these factors, 24 practitioners were interviewed. This paper presents the analysed evidence from those interviews and its implications for practice.
Roles of supplier performance measurement: indication from a study in the automotive industry
Authors: Schmitz J. , Platts K.W.
Published: October 2003

Contrasts generic concepts and roles of intra‐organisational performance measurement with concepts of supplier performance measurement. Presents indications from a study of five vehicle manufacturers in Europe with regards to their practices of supplier evaluation in the area of logistics. Based on a categorisation of functions of intra‐organisational performance measurement develops a conceptual framework describing the roles of supplier performance measurement in this context.
Designing performance measurement systems for teams: theory and practice
Authors: MacBryde Jill , Mendibil Kepa
Published: October 2003

This paper reports on an industrially led research project, supported by the UK Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), which set out to tackle an increasingly pressing issue for organisations – how to measure and manage the performance of teams. In spite of the current interest in performance measurement and teamwork in industry, little evidence of team performance measurement systems (TPMS) was seen. Thus, started the authors’ journey into looking for a way to help companies to measure and manage team performance. The purpose of this paper is to take the reader through the investigations, with an emphasis on the analysis of current practice and research on TPMS. It describes a typology for TPMS design and identifies the gaps of current TPMS approaches. The paper concludes by claiming that a new approach to facilitate organisations design TPMS is required and by presenting a generic framework for TPMS.
The insurance performance measure: assembling the property and casualty profitability puzzle
Authors: Calandro Joseph , Lane Scott
Published: October 2003

The property and casualty (P&C) insurance industry has historically focused on the underwriting or combined ratio as the primary measure of operating performance. Many dramatic changes have occurred in this industry and its operating environment over the past 30 years, which have reduced the importance of the underwriting ratio. An alternative performance measurement system, the insurance performance measure (IPM), is presented and illustrated. The IPM integrates all areas P&C operating activity into a measure more comprehensive that the underwriting ratio.
The impact of culture on the use of performance measurement information in the university setting
Authors: Vakkuri Jarmo , Meklin Pentti
Published: October 2003

The paper examines the performance measurement (PM) of knowledge organizations as problems of search (design mode) and application (use mode). The argumentation of the paper focuses on university organizations as a case of illustration in examining limitations in PM systems, culturally shaped assumptions for designing and using PM systems and unintended consequences of using performance measurement information. The paper presents a conceptual model created to demonstrate the relationship between the cultural features of a knowledge‐intensive organizational context, the ambiguities in the objectives of PM systems and the behavioral consequences of performance measurement. It is argued that PM systems in universities are seen as structures of attention rather than formal systems of accountability. Consequently, given the cultural background, universities tend to diminish the significance of PM systems by practising game rationalities and politics of representation.
The use of multilevel performance indicators in managing performance in health care organizations
Authors: Lemieux‐Charles Louise , McGuire Wendy , Champagne François , Barnsley Jan , Cole Donald , Sicotte Claude
Published: October 2003

The performance construct may be one of the most elusive in organization theory. Health care organizations are particularly complex owing to their dual lines of accountability, i.e. professional and administrative. This article examines the factors affecting performance indicator development and use at the technical/managerial and institutional levels, including the accreditation process and the relationship between levels. Using institutional and rational/goal theory, the motivations behind performance measurement behavior at different organizational levels was explored. Results show that the institutional level is motivated by legitimacy while the technical/managerial level is motivated by rationality. Tensions exist between the two levels and between indicator development and use.
Intellectual capital and knowledge management effectiveness
Authors: Marr Bernard , Gupta Oliver , Pike Stephen , Roos Göran
Published: October 2003

Building on the complexities of organizational knowledge creation the paper explores the alignment of knowledge management practices with the epistemological beliefs of individuals or groups in organizations. A pan‐European research project investigated individual’s philosophy about truth, knowledge and the optimum approach of knowledge creation. These individual viewpoints and requirements are then contrasted with the knowledge management practices implemented in organizations. The results highlight significant misalignment between knowledge management requirements in epistemological terms and individual’s perception of organizational knowledge management activities. The paper claims these differences lie at the heart of problems companies experience with extracting value from knowledge management initiatives. The paper suggests ways of identifying and evaluating resource transformations in organizations, in order better to understand and manage knowledge creation to grow the intellectual capital of organizations.
An integral framework for performance measurement
Authors: Rouse Paul , Putterill Martin
Published: October 2003

A performance framework is described that distils concepts from the literature about existing frameworks in order to extend capacity to evaluate and appraise performance. This open system interpretation recognises dynamic flows between various organizational levels and allows performance to be viewed in a holistic sense. Both macro and micro views are addressed that range from simple feedback control models to broader evaluation perspectives appropriate to stakeholder requirements and organisation purpose. Three basic dimensions of performance are observed using this framework that form a performance triplet, which is described in a series of principles as part of a first step towards a theory of performance measurement.
Predicting performance
Authors: Wilcox Mark , Bourne Mike
Published: October 2003

Performance measurement and the balanced scorecard is becoming ubiquitous. However, this paper will argue that some of the early work on performance measurement and management conducted in the early part of the twentieth century has been overlooked by more recent writers. In particular, prediction in today’s literature is not the same concept as that developed by Dr Walter Shewhart in the 1920s. This paper traces the development of performance measurement from its accounting and operational roots until today and concludes that current use of performance measurement could benefit from earlier developments. In particular, the paper argues that the current obsession with testing success maps has limitations as they view the world as being static – relationships holding for all time. The paper proposes that a more dynamic view is taken to these relationships so managers do not become trapped in an outdated strategy map.
The retrospective and the prospective mind and the temporal framing of customer satisfaction
Authors: Söderlund Magnus
Published: October 2003

This study explores the potential for differences and similarities between two ways of conceptualizing customer satisfaction: current customer satisfaction (CCS) and anticipated customer satisfaction (ACS). The analysis shows that these two constructs share a substantial amount of variance, and that there is no significant difference in the level of the two types of satisfaction. With regard to the two constructs’ ability to explain future intentions, CCS outperforms ACS for behavioral expectations. However, for conscious plans, no significant difference exists between CCS and ACS. The similarities between the two constructs suggest that ACS may be used in studies of potential customers and thus that the satisfaction construct may be expanded to customers who, by definition, have no prior experience and therefore no current level of satisfaction.
Product‐market positioning and prospector strategy
Authors: Morgan Robert E. , Strong Carolyn A. , McGuinness Tony
Published: October 2003

Adopts a firm‐level approach and attempts to develop our understanding of the means through which different types of firm compete. Addresses specifically, a lacuna in existing knowledge by investigating a fundamental research question: “How do firms pursuing a prospector mode of market strategy differ from those pursuing a defender, analyzer or reactor strategy in terms of the product‐market positioning attributes they exhibit?“ Miles and Snow provide the basis for the assessment of strategy types, while “strategic market positioning” is characterised as the product‐market positions established by the firm. Conceptualises strategic market positioning as the ways in which firm‐specific resources and assets are deployed to build positional advantages in product‐markets. Presents analyses of data generated from high technology, medium and large, industrial manufacturing firms and discusses these results in the light of previous findings. Places particular emphasis on the distinguishing characteristics of prospector‐type firms. Identifies a number of potential research avenues from this study and discusses several implications for executives.
Delaying the inevitable?
Authors: Morris Leigh , Abrams Dominic , Randsley de Moura Georgina , Durlach Paula
Published: October 2003

Whereas there is general satisfaction with straightforward picture‐board techniques for testing me‐too and brand extension product concepts, there is a widely held belief that such techniques are inadequate in accurately gauging the appeal of truly innovative concepts. “Living with the concept” is an alternative method which requires participants to keep material describing the concept at home for a period of time. During this time they are asked to think about the concept. At the end of the fixed period participants record their attitudes and likely purchase intention for the concept. Although this method is considerably more costly and time consuming, it continues to grow in popularity, supported by the lay‐beliefs that “time to think” affects participants’ responses to the concept and makes such responses more predictive of marketplace success. Reports on an empirical study that provides a controlled test of the first of these beliefs. States that results showed that time per se had no effect on responses, but argues that more systematic “thought‐related” exercises within concept tests may lead to better prediction of marketplace success for innovative products.
Ethics in consumer choice: a multivariate modelling approach
Authors: Shaw Deirdre , Shiu Edward
Published: October 2003

Research has consistently revealed an increasing demand for “ethical” choices in the global marketplace. However, very little has been published about the decision‐making processes of these “ethical” consumers and the implications for marketing. Given the shortfall in research that addresses ethical consumer choice, this paper outlines results from a large scale national UK survey of known “ethical” consumers. To examine this important and neglected area, reliability analysis and structural equation modelling techniques were used to explore the relationships between important factors influencing ethical consumer choice. Using two data sets, a model of decision‐making was developed and cross‐validated. Results of the study reveal the improved ability of this new model of ethical consumer decision‐making in the explanation of intention to purchase fair trade grocery products. Implications of these findings for marketing practitioners are discussed.
Globalization and sustainability: the cynics, the romantics and the realists
Authors: Geyer Felix
Published: October 2003

Based on an address given to the second international conference on sociocybernetics the author gives a personal view of globalization and sustainability. He discusses economy‐driven, science‐driven and tourism‐driven globalization and gives a meaning to the term “sustainer”, He gives examples of the “nastier aspects of globalization” and considers whether there is a realistic approach to globalization and sustainability problems. Deals from a sociocybernetic viewpoint with some of the challenges to be faced in the modern world.
A model for self‐organizing systems
Authors: Adeagbo‐Sheikh A.G.
Published: October 2003

Considers a conceptual model that leads to the notions of a “distance function” g(t) and that of a “controlled‐disturbance function” δ(t)=h(g(t)). Using these notions we begin a mathematical theory of a system that is self‐organizing to achieve a given state of affairs in a given environment. Obtains, in terms of the functions δ(t) and g(t), a condition under which the system always progresses towards the goal. We also establish the form of expression for the distance function g(t). This comes as a major tool in the proofs of the so‐called goal‐state‐description theorems. These theorems have results that facilitate the determination of the “working functions” of the self‐organizing system (SOS). When they exist, the “working functions” specify a goal‐path for the SOS to learn to adopt.
Determination of eigenmodes in microchip lasers by the Adomian decomposition method
Authors: Khelifa S. , Cherruault Y. , Sanchez F. , Guellal S.
Published: October 2003

In this paper, our aim is to determine the fundamental eigenfunction of a two nonlinear differential complex equation, which arises in microchip laser theory, using Adomian decompositon method.
System’s identity conservation requirements
Authors: Iván Tarride Mario
Published: October 2003

Viable system model, developed by Stafford Beer, and nine level model by Jean Louis Le Moigne, are presented and analysed as ways of distinguishing systems. From the study of both models, requirements to be fulfilled by systems to preserve its identity and, consequently being able to be distinguished by an observer, are derived. The interest and stress here is in a set of postulates by which any system is guaranteed to be recognized as such. Particular attention is paid to self‐regulating systems, but the demands imposed to systems here, to be recognized as such, are estimated to be granted to any kind of system in different time‐space scales.
Minimization of an energy function with robust features for image segmentation
Authors: Arques Pilar , Compañ Patricia , Molina Rafael , Pujol Mar , Rizo Ramon
Published: October 2003

In this work, we propose an approach to the model based on Markov random field (MRF) as a systematic way for integrating constraints for robust image segmentation. To do that, robust features and their integration in the energy function, which directs the process, have been defined. The suitability of the method has been verified by comparing classic features with the robust ones. In this approach, the image is first segmented into a set of disjoint regions and the adjacent graph (AG) has been determined. This approach is applied by defining an MRF model on the corresponding AG. Robust features are incorporated to the energy function by means of clique functions, and optimal segmentation is then achieved by finding a labelling configuration, which minimizes the energy function using the simulated annealing.
A new approach to travelling wave solution of a fourth‐order semilinear diffusion equation
Authors: Inç M. , Cherruault Y.
Published: October 2003

A decomposition method is implemented for solving travelling wave solutions of a fourth‐order semilinear diffusion equation.
Analysis of subsystem interactions
Authors: Lloret‐Climent Miguel
Published: October 2003

In systems theory, authors such as Klir, Miller, Yang, Lin and Ma, Backlund, etc. have developed different definitions of the system concept in function of both the type of variables used and the type of connection between variables. The concept of the subsystem, however, tends not to vary substantially from author to author, and this leads to a new system definition based on the subsystem concept, analysing the possible cases of interaction between subsystems and obtaining results for the overall system from an analysis of its subsystems.
Communications and forum
Authors: Gorsky Yu M. , Stepanov A.M.
Published: October 2003

Focuses on homeostatics which deals with the problems of maintaining dynamic stability of vital parameters, functions, rhythms, cycles and trends of development. The paper also considers the problems of harmony and disharmony in living organisms, natural, social and artificial systems.
Numerical solution of linear Fredholm and volterra integral equation of the second kind by using Legendre wavelets
Authors: Maleknejad K. , Tavassoli Kajani M. , Mahmoudi Y.
Published: October 2003

Uses the continuous Legendre wavelets on the interval [0,1) in the manner of M. Razzaghi and S. Yousefi, to solve the linear second kind integral equations. We use quadrature formula for the calculation of inner products of any functions, which are required in the approximation for the integral equations. Then, we reduced the integral equation to the solution of linear algebraic equations.
Variability of structure of abstract neural automata and the ability of thought
Authors: Guangcheng Xi
Published: October 2003

In the view of philosophy, a concept is the highest product of the human brain. Demonstrates abstract neural automata (ANA) – the more perfect of the brain's models have the ability of transition of concept – ability of thought. The transition of the concept of ANA results from non‐uniqueness of its limit Gibbs measure, which is the variability of structure of ANA.
The status of systems librarians
Authors: Seadle Michael
Published: October 2003

Systems librarians are a subspecies on whom everyone in the library world depends. Yet no one who has worked as a systems librarian would recognize themselves as having an exalted status. The problem lies in the dual nature of their work: they must be computer professionals and librarians simultaneously. And that is hard.
The self‐education of systems librarians
Authors: Jordan Mark
Published: October 2003

This article outlines the common duties and responsibilities of systems librarians, and describes how library school students and others interested in entering the field can take advantage of freely available tools to gain relevant experience. It discusses attitudes and traits of systems librarians and their importance to potential and practicing systems librarians. It also lists and describes technologies that people entering systems librarianship can use to gain experience.
The integrated librarian: IT in the systems office
Authors: Goddard Lisa
Published: October 2003

The library systems office is under increasing pressure to support not only the integrated library system (ILS), but a proliferation of systems, servers and technologies. Some systems librarians have the advantage of a computer science degree, but many have acquired their technical knowledge on‐the‐job. The technological complexity of current systems work prohibits new librarians from entering the field without some existing expertise. Canadian library schools are not adequately preparing new librarians for systems work, and there are simply not enough librarians with a computer science background to meet the demand for computer savvy librarians. This article proposes a third option – the combination of a Masters of Library and Information Science (MILS) with a one year Information Technology Diploma. It discusses the author’s experience moving into systems by way of IT, and outlines the benefits of cultivating librarians with IT knowledge, rather than relying on non‐librarians to perform technical work in the library.
Library systems teams – more than just peripherals
Authors: Tyson Lisa
Published: October 2003

The role of systems librarian is now common across a range of library types. The methods for becoming one still vary, with many systems librarians growing into the role without formal training. The role of systems manager is moving away from the person with the expertise to the management of the people with the expertise. Systems teams are more and more being comprised of both librarian and non‐librarian technical people. For systems librarians, our role now is to know whom to contact when something goes wrong and to forecast future needs. This article reviews the role of the systems team and its place as a resource for computer literacy training in libraries.
Building bridges: the role of the systems librarian in a university library
Authors: Guinea Janet
Published: October 2003

This article will review the role of system librarians in the administration of a university library management system. It will focus library systems projects, which have been instigated as a result of library or university strategy and discuss the role that systems staff play. In addition to their technical skills, systems librarians bring possess many other skills, and must often play the role of mediator. Systems librarians must be able to work and compromise within the framework of a university, but also continue to achieve technological improvements to services.
Electronic books: viewpoints from users and potential users
Authors: Chu Heting
Published: October 2003

A questionnaire survey was distributed among 27 students at a library and information science school in the USA to find out what users and potential users think about e‐books in this transition period, when the US economy has experienced downtime, and the e‐book world cannot see profitability in its business as predicted. Among the 27 survey participants, a third of them have used e‐books in the past, mostly reading computer‐based e‐books without special readers. “Available around the clock” and “searchable” are both chosen and ranked as the most important reasons. Those who have never used e‐books mainly think that ebooks are “hard to read and browse” or “need special equipment”. However, about half of the non‐users of e‐books plan to examine some e‐book titles in the future.