bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Agrobacterium tumefaciens
increases cytokinin production in plastids by modifying the biosynthetic pathway in the host plant
Authors: Sakakibara Hitoshi , Kasahara Hiroyuki , Ueda Nanae , Kojima Mikiko , Takei Kentaro , Hishiyama Shojiro , Asami Tadao , Okada Kazunori , Kamiya Yuji , Yamaya Tomoyuki , Yamaguchi Shinjiro
Published: July 2005

Agrobacterium tumefaciens
infects plants and induces the formation of tumors called “crown galls” by integrating the transferred-DNA (T-DNA) region of the Ti-plasmid into the plant nuclear genome. Tumors are formed because the T-DNA encodes enzymes that modify the synthesis of two plant growth hormones, auxin and cytokinin (CK). Here, we show that a CK biosynthesis enzyme, Tmr, which is encoded by the
Agrobacterium
T-DNA region, is targeted to and functions in plastids of infected plant cells, despite having no typical plastid-targeting sequence. Evidence is provided that Tmr is an adenosine phosphate-isopentenyltransferase (IPT) that creates a new CK biosynthesis bypass by using 1-hydroxy-2-methyl-2-(
E
)-butenyl 4-diphosphate (HMBDP) as a substrate. Unlike in the conventional CK biosynthesis pathway in plants,
trans
-zeatin-type CKs are produced directly without the requirement for P450 monooxygenase-mediated hydroxylation. Consistent with the plastid localization of Tmr, HMBDP is an intermediate in the methylerythritol phosphate pathway, a plastid-localized biosynthesis route for universal isoprenoid precursors. These results demonstrate that
A. tumefaciens
modifies CK biosynthesis by sending a key enzyme into plastids of the host plant to promote tumorigenesis.
Peroxynitrite generated by inducible nitric oxide synthase and NADPH oxidase mediates microglial toxicity to oligodendrocytes
Authors: Li Jianrong , Baud Olivier , Vartanian Timothy , Volpe Joseph J. , Rosenberg Paul A.
Published: July 2005

Reactive microglia in the CNS have been implicated in the pathogenesis of white matter disorders, such as periventricular leukomalacia and multiple sclerosis. However, the mechanism by which activated microglia kill oligodendrocytes (OLs) remains elusive. Here we show that lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced death of developing OLs is caused by microglia-derived peroxynitrite, the reaction product of nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide anion. Blocking peroxynitrite formation with nitric oxide synthase inhibitors, superoxide dismutase mimics, or a decomposition catalyst abrogated the cytotoxicity. Only microglia, but not OLs, expressed inducible NO synthase (iNOS) after LPS challenge; microglia from iNOS knockout mice were not cytotoxic upon activation. The molecular source for superoxide was identified as the superoxide-generating enzyme NADPH oxidase. The oxidase was activated upon LPS exposure, and its inhibition prevented microglial toxicity toward OLs. Furthermore, microglia isolated from mice deficient in the catalytic component of the oxidase, gp91phox, failed to induce cell death. Our results reveal a role for NADPH oxidase in LPS-induced OL death and suggest that peroxynitrite produced by iNOS and NADPH oxidase in activated microglia may play an important role in the pathogenesis of white matter disorders.
Stable barley chromosomes without centromeric repeats
Authors: Nasuda S. , Hudakova S. , Schubert I. , Houben A. , Endo T. R.
Published: July 2005

The satellite sequences (AGGGAG)

n

and Ty
3
/
gypsy
-like retrotransposons are known to localize at the barley centromeres. Using a gametocidal system, which induces chromosomal mutations in barley chromosomes added to common wheat, we obtained an isochromosome for the short arm of barley chromosome 7H (7HS) that lacked the barley-specific satellite sequence (AGGGAG)

n

. Two telocentric derivatives of the isochromosome arose in the progeny: 7HS* with and 7HS** without the pericentromeric C-band. FISH analysis demonstrated that both telosomes lacked not only the barley-specific centromeric (AGGGAG)

n

repeats and retroelements but also any of the known wheat centromeric tandem repeats, including the 192-bp, 250-bp, and TaiI sequences. Although they lacked these centromeric repeats, 7HS* and 7HS** both showed normal mitotic and meiotic transmission. Translocation of barley centromeric repeats to a wheat chromosome 4A did not generate a dicentric chromosome. Indirect immunostaining revealed that all tested centromere-specific proteins (rice CENH3, maize CENP-C, and putative barley homologues of the yeast kinetochore proteins CBF5 and SKP1) and histone H3 phosphorylated at serines 10 and 28 localized at the centromeric region of 7HS*. We conclude that the barley centromeric repeats are neither sufficient nor obligatory to assemble kinetochores, and we discuss the possible formation of a novel centromere in a barley chromosome.
Ephrin-B2 ligand is a functional receptor for Hendra virus and Nipah virus
Authors: Bonaparte Matthew I. , Dimitrov Antony S. , Bossart Katharine N. , Crameri Gary , Mungall Bruce A. , Bishop Kimberly A. , Choudhry Vidita , Dimitrov Dimiter S. , Wang Lin-Fa , Eaton Bryan T. , Broder Christopher C.
Published: July 2005

Hendra virus (HeV) and Nipah virus (NiV) belong to the genusHenipavirusof the familyParamyxoviridaeand are unique in that they exhibit a broad species tropism and cause fatal disease in both animals and humans. They infect cells through a pH-independent membrane fusion process mediated by their fusion and attachment glycoproteins. Previously, we demonstrated identical cell fusion tropisms for HeV and NiV and the protease-sensitive nature of their unknown cell receptor and identified a human cell line (HeLa-USU) that was nonpermissive for fusion and virus infection. Here, a microarray analysis was performed on the HeLa-USU cells, permissive HeLa-CCL2 cells, and two other permissive human cell lines. From this analysis, we identified a list of genes encoding known and predicted plasma membrane surface-expressed proteins that were highly expressed in all permissive cells and absent from the HeLa-USU cells and rank-ordered them based on their relative levels. Available expression vectors containing the first 10 genes were obtained and individually transfected into HeLa-USU cells. One clone, encoding human ephrin-B2 (EFNB2), was found capable of rendering HeLa-USU cells permissive for HeV- and NiV-mediated cell fusion as well as infection by live virus. A soluble recombinant EFNB2 could potently block fusion and infection and bind soluble recombinant HeV and NiV attachment glycoproteins with high affinity. Together, these data indicate that EFNB2 serves as a functional receptor for both HeV and NiV. The highly conserved nature of EFNB2 in humans and animals is consistent with the broad tropism exhibited by these emerging zoonotic viruses.
Alcoholic Stem Extract of Coscinium fenestratum Regulates Carbohydrate Metabolism and Improves Antioxidant Status in Streptozotocin–Nicotinamide Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Punitha I. R. , Rajendran K. , Shirwaikar Arun , Shirwaikar Annie
Published: July 2005

Alcoholic extract of the stems of Coscinium fenestratum, a medicinal plant indigenous to India and Sri Lanka used in ayurveda and siddha medicine for treating diabetes, was studied for its carbohydrate metabolism effect and antioxidant status in streptozotocin–nicotinamide induced type 2 diabetic rats. Oral administration of C. fenestratum stem extract in graded doses caused a significant increase in enzymatic antioxidants such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione synthetase, peroxidase, and glutathione peroxidase and in the nonenzymatic antioxidants ascorbic acid, ceruloplasmin and tocopherol. Effects of alcoholic extract on glycolytic enzymes such as glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase and hexokinase showed a significant increase in their levels, whereas a significant decrease was observed in the levels of gluconeogenic enzyme, glucose‐6‐phosphatase and alanine aminotransferase in treated diabetic rats. Serum creatinine and urea levels also declined significantly. This investigation demonstrates significant antidiabetic activity of C. fenestratum.
The Spectator Project: the eighteenth century mind in the twenty‐first century machine
Authors: Hancock Brian
Published: July 2005

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to show how The Spectator Project was developed as a digital environment for the study ofThe Tatler(1709‐1711),The Spectator(1711‐14), and the eighteenth‐century periodical in general.

Design/methodology/approach

The project demonstrates the use of different file formats concluding that the DjVu file format is superior to other formats for the purposes of this project.

Findings

The research finds that format, style, and even the content ofThe TatlerandTheSpectatorwere closely imitated in some periodicals in Europe and the Americas.

Practical implications

The Spectator Project allows users to compare periodicals from this era available on the same site. This environment presents page images and the corresponding text, which allows users not only to view the actual pages, but also to use search and concordance tools.

Originality/value

Numerous scholarly web projects make their material simply and widely available but this project will also link relevant material and provide an interpretive editorial apparatus based on the special capabilities of the digital environment.
Electronic publications for Chinese public libraries: challenges and opportunities
Authors: Bin Feng , Miao Qihao
Published: July 2005

Purpose

Although a large number of Chinese libraries keep some sort of electronic publications, mainly formal publications on CD‐ROM and online, the usage is quite different from one library to another. While the hardcopy business process is mature, the rules and regularities of electronic publications in libraries are under development; many business models are on a trial basis. This paper plans to investigate what and how many of these electronic materials should be bought and brought to the users, and how they are used, which are still embarrassing questions for librarians.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors made an inquiry into the current status of formal electronic publications, including e‐books and e‐journals at the two major library groups: public and university libraries, as found out from the explanation of the gap by literature analysis and interview.

Findings

Through the survey on a few leading libraries of China, we found the big usage gap of e‐journals in public versus university libraries in China. The factors that cause the usage difference are that public libraries have diversified reader needs, lack of general‐purpose e‐publication, inferior skill in using e‐publications, a charging service model of e‐publications, less negotiating power and pricing.

Originality/value

The authors believe that if the improvements outlined in the paper are introduced, then public libraries can lift their e‐publication service to a higher standard, including extension of the subject scope, building of consortia, upgrading of the reading environment, and enhancing of the user training and service.
Setting up an electronic library: the case of TERI
Authors: Deb Subrata , Kar Debal C.
Published: July 2005

Purpose

The paper describes the setting up of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) electronic library in New Delhi, India to provide better services for the researchers to access the structured information from the desk top. The aim of this paper is to share the experience gain and invite comments and suggestion for further improvement.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes a case study of TERI and how the electronic library has developed.

Findings

TERI Electronic Library (EL) was created to provide access to online resources, online e‐journals, electronic documents and virtual resources. The virtual libraries i.e. internet sources, together, have now crystallized to more or less to a full‐fledged EL that can be browsed as well as searched. In TERI, electronic services like Current Awareness and Alerts services apart from establishing a Virtual Information Centre has further supplemented the EL. A physical electronic library has been created to address the access to all the local area network (LAN) connected systems that provide CD‐ROM access and journals and books available for download for all time free access to in‐house users.

Research limitations/implications

The usage has become handier for the researchers and has helped in saving their valuable time. Library management has also become easier. Any addition to the existing resources is announced by e‐mail for user access. The future plan is to make the whole resources dynamic in nature. The future of libraries seems to have no escape from that of becoming the EL.

Originality/value

This paper could be useful for the small and medium special and research libraries who do not have enough funds to start an electronic library in these lines.
Multipurpose community telecenters for rural development in Pakistan
Authors: Mahmood Khalid
Published: July 2005

Purpose

The paper aims to: assess the situation of rural population in Pakistan and information facilities available to them including telecommunications, computers and public libraries; document the community information initiatives in terms of objectives, institutional framework, staff, services, use, finance, technology and lessons learned; understand challenges and opportunities regarding the establishment of multipurpose community telecenters (MCTs) in rural areas of Pakistan; and to propose a model for the establishment of MCTs in Pakistan in terms of policy formulation, planning, management, funding, building, equipment, technology, services, target groups, marketing and sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on literature review and interviews of persons involved in activities of providing information to the rural community in Pakistan selected from the telecommunications sector, libraries and national and local non‐governmental organizations.

Findings

The paper highlights the role of MCTs in rural development. It assesses the situation of the rural population in Pakistan and information facilities available to them including telecommunications, computers and public libraries. The paper documents existing community information initiatives in terms of objectives, institutional framework, staff, services, use, finance, technology and lessons learned. It presents challenges and opportunities regarding MCTs in rural areas of Pakistan. A model is proposed for the establishment of MCTs in Pakistan in terms of policy formulation, planning, management, funding, building, equipment, technology, services, target groups, marketing and sustainability. The paper also discusses how MCTs can be an alternative to rural public libraries.

Originality/value

The paper presents a model for the establishment of MCTs in Pakistan in terms of policy formulation, planning, management, funding, building, equipment, technology, services, target groups, marketing and sustainability.
Fast forward to the future: e‐enabling in Leeds libraries
Authors: Sharp Sandra
Published: July 2005

Purpose

Aims to examine Leeds Library and Information Service's 56 libraries and the progress they have made in meeting targets for implementing the UK's electronic government initiative, including the People's Network project, automation of all libraries using the Talis Library Management System and the implementation of new e‐services such as a web‐enabled catalogue, electronic data interchange book orders, self issue and community web sites.

Design/methodology/approach

This article describes the development and progress Leeds is making towards this implementation in its libraries and discusses the uses to which Talis is being put.

Findings

The library service has developed a learning plan offering different levels of access to information and communication technologies to give opportunities to all and are trying to expand on provision to learning and information technology to vulnerable and hard to reach groups.

Originality/value

This paper gives useful information on how a city's library service can introduce new e‐services.
Quality infrastructure improvement: using QFD to manage project priorities and project management resources
Authors: LePrevost James , Mazur Glenn
Published: July 2005

Purpose

A common difficulty for an information technology (IT) department is to focus resources (people) where they can deliver the greatest benefit for the efforts made. It sometimes happens that a bias develops where some departments insist that their projects are more critical than others and they demand not only that their projects be attended to immediately, but also that the most senior people be assigned to them. To better utilize resources, it makes sense to prioritize projects on their benefit contribution to internal and external customers, as well as to assign skill‐appropriate people to work on them. National City has applied QFD to help them in identifying and prioritizing the needs of their customers and then using these to evaluate each project for its benefit contribution and for its degree of complexity, which will help assign appropriate resources to the project.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper will show how we customized the QFD process through the QFD Green Belt® training of the QFD Institute. It is shown how the list of internal customer needs, which became the criteria for determining project benefit, and then developed another set of criteria to judge the project complexity and the required technical skill level to work on the project, were developed. The paper includes charts and matrices defining the process.

Findings

National City can now prioritize its internal IT projects and assign the most appropriate people to them in order to deliver the greatest value to National City's customers.

Originality/value

QFD helped National City to manage internal initiatives by prioritizing them according to the benefits they had. Project management and technical resources can now schedule their time according to priority, which reduces non‐effective multitasking and will allow for more initiatives to be completed in the long run.
Strategic planning using QFD
Authors: Killen Catherine P. , Walker Mike , Hunt Robert A.
Published: July 2005

Purpose

This paper outlines the use of quality function deployment (QFD) for strategic planning. QFD provides a comprehensive process for defining the issues facing an organisation in terms of customer and stakeholder outcomes, natural segments and key strategic opportunities.

Design/methodology/approach

An explanation and overview of the two core stages of strategic planning using QFD are followed by three case examples.

Findings

Strategic QFD avoids complex matrix analysis and instead moves directly to concept generation and evaluation. One of the main benefits of strategic QFD is the level of commitment and support for the resulting strategy throughout the organisation. This paper also shows how strategic QFD can be used to identify and optimise internal capabilities and to find and address specific customer opportunities.

Practical implications

Strategic planners will find that QFD‐based philosophy and methods are useful tools for the creation of a customer‐driven strategy.

Originality/value

This paper provides insight for practitioners and academics into how strategic QFD systematically translates vision into action, targeting opportunities and creating innovative strategies that are stable even in fast‐changing environments.
Evidence of QFD best practices for product development:a multiple case study
Authors: Cauchick Miguel Paulo A.
Published: July 2005

Purpose

To identify QFD best practices and understand factors that contribute to successful QFD application.

Design/methodology/approach

A field research study is presented that summarises the use of QFD in a number of companies operating in Brazil. The paper reports multiple case studies conducted in organizations that have already achieved maturity in QFD implementation.

Findings

The study identified areas of QFD best practice such as the development of matrices and voice of customers, interaction with other organizational practices (e.g. TQC system and other methods and techniques), and less traditional QFD applications (concept definition, strategic planning, and developing a global product). The study also identifies QFD implementation success factors related to organizational characteristics (e.g. management support for QFD and cross‐functional involvement in QFD project), data sources (e.g. existing data sources and QFD‐driven data sources), and QFD tools and techniques such as use of advanced phases of quality deployment (e.g. development of different matrices, comprehensive QFD, integration of analytical techniques and QFD).

Practical implications

A useful source to be used by organizations that have been implementing QFD for product development or for those that plan to employ the method.

Originality/value

The paper offers practical and applied information on QFD implementation while identifying areas of best practice within a variety of situations. It will be useful for both academics and practitioners.
The effect of audit outcomes on evaluators' perceptions
Authors: Jones Keith T. , Chen Clement C.
Published: July 2005

Purpose

Examines the effects of the outcome of an over‐budget audit on supervisors' perceptions of the auditor's performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Uses a cognitive model developed by Lipe. In a computer‐based experiment and an external audit context, professional auditors assumed the role of a supervisor evaluating a subordinate. Participants assessed the excess audit time in terms of perceived benefits to the firm and subsequently evaluated the job performance of the auditor.

Findings

The results provide partial support for Lipe's model, but differ in some respects. Interestingly, the effect of audit findings on the perceived benefit to the firm was not significant after considering experience in public accounting, but experience was not related to the actual performance evaluation. Instead, the audit outcome significantly affects the evaluation.

Originality/value

The level of benefit perceived from the audit was also associated with framing the audit time in terms of a “cost” or “loss”. Finally, as subjects tended toward framing the excess time as a “cost”, they evaluated the auditor more favorably.
Investment appraisal under conditions of continuous and discrete cash flows and discounting
Authors: Ismail Tariq , Cline Melinda
Published: July 2005

Purpose

This research furthers scholarly discourse which discusses the most effective way(s) to calculate investment returns under conditions of continuous and/or discrete cash flows with continuous and/or discrete discounting.

Design/methodology/approach

Discusses Pogue's work on the methods for investment analysis.

Findings

Pogue's article of discrete versus continuous calculation of investment returns discusses limitations of the traditional assumption that cash flows in investment appraisal occur at the end of each period and points to a more realistic assumption that cash flows occur on a continuous basis. Pogue then proposes a formula for managers to use when calculating investment returns. Finds that Pogue's suggested method of calculation is neither supported by prior literature nor sound in its implications.

Originality/value

Provides further analysis of discrete and continuous discounting models in investment decisions.
Earnings management: evidence from SFAS No. 142 reporting
Authors: Sevin Suzanne , Schroeder Richard
Published: July 2005

Purpose

To examine whether the provisions of SFAS No. 142 allow for the earnings management technique termed “big bath” and whether firm size plays a role in earnings management.

Design/methodology/approach

A random selection of companies with December 31, 2002 fiscal year‐ends yielded 120 firms that reported goodwill impairments in 2002 and 82 firms that did not. The firms are then stratified into two groups. Analysis consists of measuring the magnitude of the 2002 goodwill impairment loss, comparing financial metrics of impaired and non‐impaired firms, and calculating the proportion of firms with negative versus positive earnings.

Findings

The results suggest that SFAS No. 142 adoption allowed companies to engage in earnings management. Findings indicate that small firms experienced a significantly greater negative impact and were much more likely than large firms to take big bath charges.

Originality/value

This study provides evidence on the use of newly issued accounting standards to manage earnings.
Auditors' perception of fraud risk indicators
Authors: Smith Malcolm , Haji Omar Normah , Iskandar Zulkarnain Sayd Idris Syed , Baharuddin Ithnahaini
Published: July 2005

Purpose

Aims to identify the most important red flags as individually perceived by auditors, and explores whether auditors' demographic factors might impact on their perception of the relative importance of red flags in Malaysia, particularly in the Klang Valley area.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed a mailed survey as a method of data collection. The respondents to this survey are practicing auditors from audit firms in Kuala Lumpur. The sample of auditors is taken from the population of domestic listed audit firms with the Malaysian Institute of Accountants as of 27 March 2003. A simple random technique is applied to construct the sample.

Findings

In general, subjects indicated that the operating and financial stability category was judged as most important, followed by management characteristics and influence over the control environment, and then finally by industry characteristics.

Originality/value

It would be interesting to examine whether these fraud risk indicators are indeed helpful in the investigation of reported misconduct and fraudulent cases in Malaysia. The findings may help researchers to develop a new fraud risk indicator that takes into consideration actual instances of fraud in Malaysia.
Audit quality and earnings management for Taiwan IPO firms
Authors: Chen Ken Y. , Lin Kuen‐Lin , Zhou Jian
Published: July 2005

Purpose

This paper investigates the relationship between audit quality (as measured by auditor size and industry specialization) and earnings management (as measured by unexpected accruals) for Taiwan IPO firms.

Design/methodology/approach

First uses unexpected accruals in the modified Jones model to measure earnings management in the IPO process. Then uses auditor type (big five versus non‐big five) and industry specialist to measure audit quality. The hypothesis predicts that Taiwanese firms with higher quality auditors engage less in earnings management in the IPO process. The sample consists of 367 new issues between 1999 and 2002 from the Taiwan Economic Journal database.

Findings

It is found that big five auditors are related to less earnings management in the IPO year in Taiwan. This shows that higher quality auditors constrain earnings management for Taiwan IPO firms.

Research limitations/implications

The finding shows that high quality auditors constrain earnings management and provide more precise information. This is important, given that management has incentive to engage in earnings management in the IPO process to garner greater proceeds and at‐issue earnings management is negatively related to post‐issue earnings performance and stock returns.

Practical implications

The research might be of interest to investors in IPO firms, given that at‐issue unexpected accruals are opportunistic.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the literature in that it shows that audit firm size is an important determinant in earnings management for Taiwan IPO firms.
LITA National Forum: A Conference Report
Authors: Riggs Colby , Hanson Heidi
Published: July 2005

Purpose

To report on the LITA National Forum held in St Louis, Missouri, in October 2004.

Design/methodology/approach

Provides a concise review of the conference, whose theme was “10 years of connectivity”.

Findings

The LITA National Forum is a three‐day educational event that includes preconferences, general sessions, and more than 30 concurrent sessions. The Forum involves new and leading edge technologies in the library and information technology field.

Originality/value

This paper is a useful summary of a conference of interest to library and information management professionals.
International Conference on Dublin Core and Metadata Applications 2004
Authors: Wu Mary
Published: July 2005

Purpose

To provide an overview of the 2004 International Conference on Dublin Core and Metadata Applications held in Shanghai, China, in October 2004.

Design/methodology/approach

Outlines the themes of the papers presented in the three plenary paper sessions: Metadata Frameworks, Metadata Users, and Managing & Harvesting Metadata.

Findings

Found that one of the most prevailing topics at the conference was interoperability, being the key to ensure the accessibility and sustainability of any effective digital library.

Originality/value

Provides a useful summary of a conference of interest to library and information management professionals.
Charleston Conference 2004
Authors: Cassell Kay Ann
Published: July 2005

Purpose

To provide a report of the Charleston Conference, held in November 2004.

Design/methodology/approach

Gives a brief review of the main features of the conference.

Findings

The conference highlighted themes and issues related to electronic publishing and access for different kinds of products, and how libraries are coping with the changes in product line to improve methods of access and develop new services.

Originality/value

A useful summary for information management professionals.
Report of Promotion of Library Automation and Networking in North Eastern Region (PLANNER) 2004
Authors: Chand Prem , Murthy T.A.V. , Prakash K.
Published: July 2005

Purpose ‐ Reports on the INFLIBNET sponsored conference on the Promotion of Library Automation and Networking (PLANNER) in North Eastern Region of India. Design/methodology/approach ‐ Provides a brief report of the conference held in November 2004. Findings ‐ Those professionals and participants at this conference were able to update their knowledge and experiences. More than 150 professionals from Manipur and other states in the region and also from neighboring Bangladesh took part. There was also diversity among the authors of the papers with more than half being women. Originality/value ‐ Outlines the main points of a conference of interest to information management professionals.
Sixth International Conference on Grey Literature (GL6)
Authors: Gelfand Julia
Published: July 2005

Purpose

To report on the Sixth International Conference on Grey Literature held in New York, December 2004.

Design/methodology/approach

The report is prepared by a library professional who adds her own impartial comments.

Findings

This conference suggests the changing priorities in grey literature and how much more mainstream it has become with alternative publishing products and a wider awareness of scholarly communication principles and issues.

Originality/value

This is a useful summary of a conference of interest to library and information management professionals.
Interview with Professor Lenrie Olatokunbo Aina of the Department of Library and Information Science, University of Botswana
Authors: Okiy Rose B.
Published: July 2005

Purpose

To determine the views of one of the leaders in library education on the African continent and a prominent author and speaker.

Design/methodology/approach

The article is based on an interview with Professor Lenrie Olatokunbo Aina of the Department of Library and Information Science, University Botswana.

Findings

The interview covers opinions about professional publishing trends and challenges in Africa as well as professional curriculum in library science.

Originality/value

Provides insights into the thinking of one of the leaders in the library profession in Africa.
E‐profile ebrary1: A User‐Centered Digital Library of Interactive Content
Authors: McKiernan Gerry
Published: July 2005

Purpose

This article aims to describe ebrary, a new digital library.

Design/methodology/approach

The article is prepared by a library professional and provides a summary of the main features.

Findings

A new digital library, ebrary is powerful system that cost effectively and efficiently creates highly interactive, online databases of content. ebrary creates databases of books, maps, sheet music, reports and other authoritative content from leading publishers, which they license to libraries and other institutions worldwide.

Originality/value

This article is a useful summary of a development of interest to library and information management professionals.
Annual Conference of the Cataloguing, Classification and Indexing Section of the Nigerian Library Association
Authors: Onohinakpor Josephine E.
Published: July 2005

Purpose

To report on the 24th Annual Conference of Cataloguing, Classification and Indexing of the Nigerian Library Association, held in October 2004.

Design/methodology/approach

A summary of the main points of the conference.

Findings

The increased role of technology in the cataloging, classification and indexing functions of technical services remains challenging in many libraries. Special and ongoing staff training is necessary to promote new procedures and efficiencies. Computer support, uninterrupted power supplies, and other issues complicate the progress and force libraries to create new solutions to these and other dilemmas.

Originality/value

This report is of interest to library and information management professionals and those interested in developments in library work in Africa.
International Conference on Developing Digital Institutional Repositories: Experiences and Challenges
Authors: Leung Shirley W.
Published: July 2005

Purpose

To outline some of the presentations at the International Conference on Developing Digital Institutional Repositories: Experiences and Challenges, held in Hong Kong, SAR, in December 2004.

Design/methodology/approach

A brief description of some of the presentations at the conference.

Findings

With increasing interest in the subject of institutional repository (IR) among academic and research libraries, the conference served as a useful and timely forum on the topic.

Originality/value

A brief conference report of value to library and information management professionals on the theoretical and practical aspects of IR.
Improving Service Delivery for Information Gatekeepers: Report of a Workshop at the World Bank in Nigeria
Authors: Chukwuemeka Onyekatu Charles
Published: July 2005

Purpose

To present a report on a one‐day workshop entitled “Improving Service Delivery for Information Gatekeepers” held in the World Bank office, 21 December 2004 for participants drawn from selected Ministries and Government parastatals. The World Bank convened the workshop to sensitize the Information Gatekeepers on the expectations of the public; encourage them to sit together, identify knowledge gaps, discuss the issues on ground and map out strategies to meet the challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper combines narrative with some analysis and opinions of the discussion.

Findings

Presently, the ability of Information Gatekeepers to respond to requests when Nigeria’s Freedom of Information (FOI) bill becomes an act of parliament, is largely uncertain. The writer opines that about 50 percent of Information Gatekeepers in Nigeria’s Judicial system have no direct access to a computer, 65 percent have little direct or indirect interaction with the internet, while nearly 85 percent had not been following progress on the FOI bill.

Practical implications

It was mooted that the next steps to follow would be to scale up the workshop and incorporate Information professionals in other government ministries as well as members of the academic/university circuit.

Originality/value

This paper is of interest to library and information management professionals.
E‐profile: Scirus1: For Scientific Information Only
Authors: McKiernan Gerry
Published: July 2005

Purpose

To provide a summary of the main features of a science‐specific search engine.

Design/methodology/approach

A brief description of the features of Scirus.

Findings

Scirus is a comprehensive science‐specific search engine on the internet with more than 167 million science‐specific Web pages Scirus is a free search engine developed by Elsevier and is updated monthly. In addition to access to general and specialized full‐text journal, e‐print, report and abstract sources, Scirus also incorporates access to select company homepages, conference information, news pages, patent information, product information, scientists’ homepages, society homepages, and university web sites.

Originality/value

Offers information about a new science‐specific search engine.
Report on the 171st National Meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Authors: Mihram Danielle , Arthur Mihram G. , Gelfand Julia
Published: July 2005

Purpose

To report on the Annual Meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science held in Washington, DC in February 2005.

Design/methodology/approach

An overview of the seminars, symposia, workshops and presentations at the conference.

Findings

The theme of the meeting was The Nexus: Where Science Meets Society. The meeting was attended by 4,000 registrants, 105 exhibitors; and 900 members of the press. The meeting highlighted the academic role and infrastructure of technology in different science applications, including publishing, and national policy.

Originality/value

A report of interest to library and information management professionals.
Library as Changing Place: Viewpoints from University Undergraduates
Authors: Gelfand Julia
Published: July 2005

Purpose

This piece aims to demonstrate what undergraduate students consider when they think of the academic library and their personal and academic needs. It also begins to speculate about the library of the future on a growing campus.

Design/methodology/approach

The piece considers the views of some US university students.

Findings

The growing emphasis on usability studies and libraries trying to respond to user needs by becoming a more user‐centered organization forces an organization to listen carefully to its users. Libraries remain valued places of community and of learning and teaching. People continue to come to libraries because they offer security, comfort and quiet; are free and commercial‐free; provide a place to be with other people in a learning/cultural environment; offer opportunities to learn, search, inquire and recreate; and afford opportunities for choice and serendipity.

Originality/value

Offers some insights into the views of students about the role of the library.
Gadget Review: A Look at Devices for Work, Home and Play
Authors: Fullerton Barbara , Schmidt Aaron
Published: July 2005

Purpose

Aims to review some new technology “gadgets”.

Design/methodology/approach

A review with descriptions of new technologies which might impact library services.

Findings

The proliferation of computer technology has ensured that gadgets play a significant role in our daily routines. They are used at work, home and during playtime. Answers the questions: Which gadget should you use for which task? What brands are good for my lifestyle? The gadgets range from new cell phones, keyboards, headsets, printers, cameras and sunglasses.

Originality/value

Provides descriptions of some gadgets of value to information seekers.
Mobile Telephony in Nigeria
Authors: Adomi Esharenana E.
Published: July 2005

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the development of mobile phone services in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

A description of the evolution of telecommunications in the country.

Findings

Indicates that an increasing number of inhabitants are taking advantage of the global system of mobile communication. The advent of mobile telephony, also suggests that apart from increasing the number of those with access to and use of telephone service it has created more jobs for Nigerians and limited the need to travel. Operators are faced with challenges such as interconnectivity, limited mobile coverage, a shortage of trained and qualified personnel, poor financial capital, among other issues.

Originality/value

This is of interest to information management professionals, particularly those interested in Africa. Paper type General review
Ourmedia: An Overview
Authors: Lasica J.D.
Published: July 2005

Purpose

To describe Ourmedia. Design/methodology/approach – The piece includes descriptions of the various media types Ourmedia handles, preservation issues, fair‐use interpretations and upcoming developments.

Findings

Ourmedia is a free open‐source global repository for digital media.

Originality/value

Provides information of value to information management professionals.
14th North Carolina Serials Conference: Serials Services in the Eye of the Information Storm
Authors: Gushrowski Barbara A. , Saylor Cynthia E. , Whitt Susan F.
Published: July 2005

Purpose

Conference report from a state serials conference which explored changing roles of serials as products and technical service librarians reviewing several key sessions.

Design/methodology/approach

Coverage and description of papers and presentations at this meeting with highlights.

Findings

Varied with the session but conclusions indicate that electronic serials are posing increasing challenges to the selection, processing and archiving of resources.

Research limitations/implications

Living with changes and working through challenges in the treatment of serials suggests that local practices gain significance and not all institutions must comply with the same model.

Practical implications

Conference attendance at this kind of regional meeting is valuable.

Value

Will be of interest to selectors, reference librarians and staff in technical services, and the online vendor and information provider communities. Particular emphasis given to new open access publications.
Automating Library Operations at the Delta State University Library, Nigeria
Authors: Benson Adogbeji Oghenevwogaga , Adomi Esharenana E.
Published: July 2005

Purpose

The study reports on the decision to go forward with plans for library automation, and its details, including the number of computers/their capacity, the networking pattern used in the automation of the Delta State library and the operating systems. A review of the library software currently in use – X‐LIB, and the general features of the software, the required training in general computer application and how to use the X‐LIB, and handle data entry and retrospective conversion is covered. The article also speculates about the future plan of the library and the constraints it may experience due to the automation plan.

Design/methodology/approach

The work was based on the report/experience of the Delta State University library in implementing automation with the use of X‐LIB. The researcher adopted a descriptive method to reveal the state of automation of the university library and the experience to date. This is a descriptive case study about implementation of X‐LIB software.

Findings

Automation requires intensive staff training and forces future planning for subsequent phases and developments. Research limitations/implications The obvious implications are scale and financial resources, staff development and how far in the future a library wants to stage this phase of implementation. Many libraries already have invested in this process and refined it but in cases like this institution, library automation is still young.

Practical Implications

Useful, practical insights based on local experience is what is described.

Value

As a case study other libraries considering this product or going in this direction will find this submission of interest.
Consumers' perceptions of e‐shopping characteristics: an expectancy‐value approach
Authors: Lim Heejin , Dubinsky Alan J.
Published: July 2005

An increasing number of consumers are turning to the Internet to make their purchases. Yet, many e‐tailers are going out of business or retrenching. If e‐tailers hope to attract and retain satisfied online shoppers, they need to know what evaluative criteria consumers use when selecting an e‐tailer. Past research has provided some insight into what characteristics shoppers assess in cyberspace outlets. The extant work, though, has not been without its limitations. Consequently, the present study utilizes a literature review, qualitative research, and quantitative research to identify the underlying e‐store choice dimensions of shoppers. In addition, results of multiple regression analysis show that merchandise and interactivity Web attributes are predictors of consumers' attitude toward online shopping. Implications for e‐store managers and future research are also provided.
Customer satisfaction should not be the only goal
Authors: Bennett Rebekah , Rundle‐Thiele Sharyn
Published: July 2005

Customer satisfaction is an important issue for marketing managers, particularly those in services industries. However, it appears that achieving customer satisfaction is often the end goal, as evidenced by the emphasis on customer satisfaction surveys. This paper proposes that this focus is due to the assumption that satisfied customers are loyal customers and thus high levels of satisfaction will lead to increased sales. As a result of this assumption, customer satisfaction is often used as a proxy for loyalty and other outcomes. The authors empirically demonstrate that satisfaction is not the same as attitudinal loyalty and that there are instances where satisfaction does not result in loyalty. A business sample was selected due to the relevance of satisfaction and attitudes in settings of high risk where a high level of decision making is involved. A sample of 267 businesses was surveyed on their satisfaction and attitudinal loyalty levels towards an advertising service. The results indicate that satisfaction and loyalty in a business services setting are different constructs, and that, while the relationship is positive, high levels of satisfaction do not always yield high levels of loyalty.
A dimension‐specific analysis of performance‐only measurement of service quality and satisfaction in China's retail banking
Authors: Zhou Lianxi
Published: July 2005

This study examines specific dimensions of the performance‐only measurement of service quality (SERVPERF) as determinants of consumer satisfaction and subsequent behavioral intentions associated with banking services in mainland China. Empirical support for the predictive ability of context‐dependent service quality dimensions is presented. Our results extend and enhance the validity of the performance‐only approach to service quality through the focus on the multidimensional facets of the SERVPERF scale, a direct link between context‐dependent dimensions of service quality and consumer satisfaction, and its application in an international setting. Strategic issues in managing service quality with retail banks in the Chinese market are identified and discussed.
Measure by measure: assessing the viability of the physical library
Authors: Hiller Steve
Published: July 2005

During the past decade, many university faculty and students have changed the way they find and use information, getting what they need from online sources rather than visiting the library. This decline in the use of the physical library, combined with substantial investments in electronic information and stagnating university budgets, has led to a reappraisal of the role of the physical library in academic institutions. This contribution reviews the viability of academic branch libraries and examines efforts at the University of Washington to assess the physical library. A series of 20 performance measures was developed in four categories – use, primary user population, library dependency, and facility quality – to evaluate the viability of individual branch libraries and their potential for closure or merger with other libraries.