bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction studies of Streptococcus pyogenes plasmid pSM19035-encoded ω transcriptional repressor
Authors: Murayama Kazutaka , de la Hoz Ana B. , Alings Claudia , López Gema , Orth Peter , Alonso Juan C. , Saenger Wolfram
Published: July 2002

The transcriptional repressor, ω protein, from the Streptococcus pyogenes broad-host-range plasmid pSM19035 was crystallized at pH 7.5 and 8.5 by the vapour-diffusion method using PEG 4000 as precipitant. Two crystal forms were obtained; the first belongs to the tetragonal space group P41212 or P43212 and the second to the hexagonal space group P61 or P65. The crystals are most likely to contain one ω protein in the asymmetric unit, with Vm
values of 3.2 and 3.5 Å3 Da−1, respectively. The crystals diffract X-rays to 2.4 and 2.9 Å resolution for the tetragonal and hexagonal systems, respectively.
Crystallization of type I chloramphenicol acetyltransferase: an approach based on the concept of ionic strength reducers
Authors: Andreeva Antonina E. , Borissova Branimira E. , Mironova Rumiana , Glykos Nicholas M. , Kotsifaki Dina , Ivanov Ivan , Krysteva Milka , Kokkinidis Michael
Published: July 2002

Chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) is responsible for bacterial resistance to chloramphenicol. It catalyzes inactivation of the antibiotic by acetyl-group transfer from acetyl CoA to one or both hydroxyl groups of chloramphenicol. Type I CAT possesses some unique properties which are not observed in other CAT variants. Type I CAT overexpressed in Escherichia coli was purified and crystals with a resolution limit of 2.22 Å have been obtained using a novel procedure which is based on the concept of `ionic strength reducers'. The crystals have the symmetry of space group P1 and unit-cell parameters a = 96.46, b = 113.86, c = 114.21 Å, α = 119.9, β = 94.1, γ = 98.6°. These dimensions are consistent with four to six trimers per unit cell, corresponding to a solvent fraction ranging from 65 to 47%.
Training in small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises
Authors: Vinten Gerald
Published: July 2002

The small and medium enterprise (SME) sector is receiving increasing recognition and, as part of this, its human resources needs is a comparatively neglected area. This study of 300 companies consisted of a comprehensive investigation of all aspects of human resources. The focus here is on the training and development aspects. Evidence from the survey itself and the detailed case studies is presented. This shows that training is by no means neglected, although it tends to be hands on rather than theoretical. It is related to both countering competition and the corporate strategy of companies. Management education is a less certain area, and may depend on whether those in charge of companies have themselves been through management education. Suppliers are not invariably in touch with sector needs.
Globalization, biotechnologization of agriculture and farmers – The quasi‐employees of the new high technology farms
Authors: Abaidoo Samuel
Published: July 2002

One of the major changes associated with economic globalization is the increasing importance of intellectual property. In the area of food production, the procurement of intellectual property rights over life forms, particularly seeds, by the new life industry is radically transforming agricultural production relations. One major effect of this transformation is the redefinition of farmers as contract growers by the life industry. This new status of farmers, which is part of a trend that was set in motion with the commodification of food, is making them free‐lancing quasi‐employees of agricultural businesses, including the life industry.
Design of robotic facilities for agile automobile manufacturing
Authors: Kirk Steve , Tebaldi Enrico
Published: July 2002

The principles of agile manufacturing are being used to demonstrate the feasibility of customized spaceframe vehicle manufacture using robotic cellular manufacturing. The concepts used are being validated using computer‐aided simulation and a full scale manufacturing cell. Areas of investigation include system design, joining technologies, tooling design and manufacturing control systems.
Hazardous climb to industrial recognition
Authors: Hollingum Jack
Published: July 2002

Reviews the highlights of a two‐day European colloquium on information technology for climbing and walking robots held at the University of Portsmouth, UK, with progress reports on a Brite Euram project.
Augmenting reality for telerobotics: unifying real and virtual worlds
Authors: Pretlove John
Published: July 2002

This paper describes the Active Telepresence System and the development of an augmented reality (AR) interface to enhance the operator’s sense of presence in hazardous environments. The initial enhancements to the user interface are a virtual instrument panel to aid navigation in a variety of viewing conditions and a virtual cursor that provides a means for the operator to interact with the remote environment. The results of preliminary experiments using the initial enhancements are discussed.
Explicit preconditioned conjugate gradient schemes for solving biharmonic equations
Authors: Gravvanis George A.
Published: July 2002

A new class of explicit preconditioning methods based on the concept of sparse approximate factorization procedures and inverse matrix techniques is introduced for solving biharmonic equations. Isomorphic methods in conunction with explicit preconditioned schemes based on approximate inverse matrix techniques are presented for the efficient solution of biharmonic equations. Application of the proposed method on linear systems is discussed and numerical results are given.
Implicit scheme for contact analysis in non‐steady state forming
Authors: Mahajan P. , Fourment L. , Chenot J.L.
Published: July 2002

The finite element analysis of deformation of viscoplastic material involves contact between the tool and the workpiece. Here unilateral contact condition with the possibility of nodes originally in contact, losing contact subsequently, is analysed in non‐steady state forming processes. Friction has been taken into consideration through a potential function. Node to node contact is analysed and contact forces at the node are used to decide if the node is to be released. Two different algorithms are presented for treating the nodal contact condition. The one step explicit method with projections on the surface of contact was already implemented in the FORGE2® software. An implicit scheme is proposed and compared with the existing scheme. The advantages of this scheme are numerically shown by solving some examples. It is observed that the volume losses are reduced. This makes it possible to use larger time steps or increase the computational accuracy.
A superlinear convergent augmented Lagrangian procedure for contact problems
Authors: Zavarise G. , Wriggers P.
Published: July 2002

The numerical solution of contact problems via the penalty method yields approximate satisfaction of contact constraints. The solution can be improved using augmentation schemes. However their efficiency is strongly dependent on the value of the penalty parameter and usually results in a poor rate of convergence to the exact solution. In this paper we propose a new method to perform the augmentations. It is based on estimated values of the augmented Lagrangians. At each augmentation the converged state is used to extract some data. Such information updates a database used for the Lagrangian estimation. The prediction is primarily based on the evolution of the constraint violation with respect to the evolution of the contact forces. The proposed method is characterised by a noticeable efficiency in detecting nearly exact contact forces, and by superlinear convergence for the subsequent minimisation of the residual of constraints. Remarkably, the method is relatively insensitive to the penalty parameter. This allows a solution which fulfils the constraints very rapidly, even when using penalty values close to zero.
An adaptive procedure for the finite element computation of non‐linear structural problems
Authors: Hernández A. , Albizuri J. , Avilés R. , Amezua E.
Published: July 2002

The present paper proposes a procedure for the resolution of non‐linear structural problems. It includes a study of the reliability of the results and the adaptive meshing. The iterative phase of the solution of the equilibrium equations entails an adaptive strategy for updating the tangent stiffness matrix, with a control of the load step. This results in a higher rate of convergence for the iterative process. The mechanical deformation processes here considered may give rise to considerable geometric distortion in the finite elements of the mesh. If they do, the consequence will be not only that the FE analysis fails to yield precise results, but also, owing to problems deriving from the numerical ill‐conditioning, that continuation may be impractical. To facilitate the study of these results, we developed an error estimator of the flux projection type, which is based on the mechanical deformation power. It is also used as a refinement criterion for the FE mesh. Distorted meshes can be fully or partially submitted to a process of regularization based on the aspect ratio of their elements. The mesh contour may be affected by the refinement and regularization processes, for which reason we developed a procedure for its updating. This procedure is of more importance in the case of contact problems, its primary object being to avoid interpenetration. The work was done in the ZATILAN code, developed by the Department of Mechanical Engineering of the University of the Basque Country.
The influence of physical, beneficial and image properties on responses to parallel imports
Authors: Hoon Ang Swee
Published: July 2002

Parallel imports are authentic products that challenge those sold through authorized dealers. Such imports are fast becoming popular, especially in Asia. Authorized dealers need to find ways to combat against parallel imports. One such means is to first understand consumer perceptions of parallel imports. A survey among respondents from an Asian country, Singapore, showed that perception and not demography or past product experience influence purchase intention of parallel imports. Perception of beneficial and image properties, more so than perception of physical properties, influenced purchase intention. The factors influencing the magnitude of discount expected from parallel importers were different from those for purchase intention. Women expected higher discounts than men, while an inverse relationship was observed for income. The unique properties for each product category also influenced purchase intention and expected discount. Managerial implications are discussed together with directions for future research.
Reflections
Authors: Atkinson Sally
Published: July 2002

The success of contemporary structures relies on the personal competence of managers. This can imply a significant change in the attitudes and behaviour of individual managers. Personal development, a process that aims to help individuals learn about and change their style and approach, has consequently become an important feature of management development for many organisations. But personal development does not always achieve lasting and significant change. Development with ambitious objectives demands a particular process incorporating four essential prerequisites: a focus on the development of meta‐abilities; a period of discomfort, where inappropriate behaviours can be examined and “unlearned”; a focused “transition” which moves the individual towards the most pertinent of objectives; an understanding of how these abilities are used in the context of an organisational agenda. A process used on programmes at a leading European business school based on these components is described.
Laser (UV) microvia application in cellular technology
Authors: Raman Sudhakar , Hun Jeong Jae , Jin Kim Sang , Sun Ben , Park Keon‐Yang
Published: July 2002

In the past three years, microvia drilling using laser technology has become the dominant method of producing blind vias smaller than 150μm. The ablation characteristics of the materials used in the manufacture of PWBs can be divided into three categories: organics, glass, and metals. Organics are composed of resins and epoxies commercially available from a variety of vendors. Two types of resins that are typically used for microvia formation in the telecommunication applications are resin coated copper foil® (RCC or RCF) for subtractive PCB process, and thermal‐curing resin (TCR) for additive PCB process respectively. This paper details the basics of UV YAG laser capabilities, alignment techniques, plating tests, reliability tests, manufacturable microvia design rules, and production experiences.
In situ temperature measurements of PQFPs during infrared reflow
Authors: Dube M. , Dishongh T.J. , Beatty K.E. , Pecht M.
Published: July 2002

Temperature measurements using thermocouples are made at several locations on J‐leaded plastic quad‐flat packs and printed wiring boards during the reflow soldering process. Both moisture saturated and dry packages are studied, with little difference found in the measured temperature on the package surfaces. The temperature at the component lead is found to be a good approximation to the temperatures observed near the die. This provides an externally measurable parameter to assess delamination and popcorning.
Solder failure mechanisms in single‐sided insertion‐mount printed wiring boards
Authors: Hillman C. , Rogers K. , Dasgupta A. , Pecht M. , Dusek R. , Lorence B.
Published: July 2002

This paper presents the defects that occur during the assembly and manufacturing of solder joints in single‐sided insertion‐mount printed wiring boards (PWBs). Each type of defect is discussed, with particular focus on how these defects are related to solderability issues, the mechanisms of failure due to defect‐induced failure accelerators, and the effect of the defect on solder joint reliability.
Use of Organic Metal to enhance the operating window and solderability of immersion tin
Authors: Wessling Bernhard
Published: July 2002

As an alternative to hot air levelling, a fundamentally new surface finish chemistry and process for solderability preservation of printed circuit boards is described: a pretreatment of the copper followed by an optimized formulation of an immersion tin. The precise and reproducible surface finish formation offers reliable solderability, economic and technical advantages for all kinds of PCBs, even for those with the most modern miniaturized structures. The deposition chemistry and ageing properties of the new Organic Metal/tin surface is discussed, based on electrochemical, wet chemical and electron microscopy studies. The results culminate in an almost complete basic understanding of the tin chemistry and the surface finish performance.
Branch library development in Cumberland County, North Carolina
Authors: Thrasher Jerry A.
Published: July 2002

Describes history of local community and regional branch standards and branch library development in Cumberland County Public Library and Information Center, located in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Outlines services, staffing and square footage for full‐service regional and community branch libraries for an urban or suburban community serving a population of 20,000 to 35,000.
Business information: its sources and role in globalization
Authors: Rao Siriginidi Subba
Published: July 2002

Discusses the role and importance of business information in international marketing. Outlines the business techniques to achieve this, with particular reference to developing countries including India. Lists generating and disseminating agencies, sources including printed and non‐printed media (namely online and CD‐ROM) searching and acquiring major types of business information. Concludes that there is a need to train information specialists to reduce the information gap in view of liberalization by various countries following the signing of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT).
Fiction selection ‐ an AI at work?
Authors: MacLennan Alan
Published: July 2002

Considers the historical dimension of the treatment of fiction in libraries and concludes that, if fiction is regarded as a resource, library users are entitled to enhanced access to it. Notes that enhancing access to fiction is widely regarded in the profession as unacceptably labour‐intensive, but suggests that readers are favourably impressed by an expert system which requires relatively little input effort on the part of the library staff. Describes the idea of a “user profile” and its restricted implementation in a prototype system. Describes plans for further development of the prototype system.
Establishing an interactive multimedia facility for community use at the Writing Liaison Office
Authors: Balaam Amanda
Published: July 2002

Considers the establishment of an interactive multimedia facility at the Writing Liaison Office, Liverpool, UK. Investigates the potential for interactive multimedia, as well as local developments. Information was gathered through interviews with local organizations, a literature search and a user survey in the form of a questionnaire. Concludes that interactive multimedia will greatly affect the provision of information, and that establishing a facility at the Writing Liaison Office will allow Merseyside to continue to be a leading figure in the field of multimedia. Recommends that an interactive multimedia facility be established at the Writing Liaison Office, with adequate equipment and technical support.
Web information quality as seen from the libraries
Authors: Clausen Helge
Published: July 2002

Discusses different types of quality problems having their roots in the Internet and some possible solutions. Gives a provisional definition of “World Wide Web information quality”. Presents some of the findings from an empirical survey of Danish academic and business users of the Internet. Concludes that only natural intelligence will be able to cope with the enormous task of filtering and distilling usable and useful information needles from the Internet haystack. Development of new and more efficient tools for the retrieval of quality information is extremely urgent.
An investigation into Internet training for academic library staff
Authors: Mathews Paula L.
Published: July 2002

Examines Internet training for academic library staff. Research encompasses an extensive literature search, a survey of 15 UK academic libraries, and interviews with three training librarians. Considers the development of the Internet in the academic environment and training in academic libraries. Includes analysis of internal training methods and external training courses. Discusses the implementation of formal evaluation procedures.
Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library: a project supported by the Millennium Commission
Authors: Hammond Hilary
Published: July 2002

Describes the background to the Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library, together with details of its design philosophy, and the studies which were undertaken to help determine the needs which the library should meet. Describes the context of the New Technopolis Millennium Commission supported landmark project, together with an outline of its costs. The Millennium Library is planned to act as an economic regenerator, as well as a lending and study facility for those in the region. Through the support of the Millennium Commission it is possible for the library to act as a model for other locations, and in particular in relation to its use and development of electronic information services.
Training Needs Assessment Data‐gathering Methods:
Authors: McClelland Samuel B.
Published: July 2002

The second in a series exploring training needs assessment (TNA)
data‐gathering methods, originally published in condensed form in an
article entitled “Training Needs Assessment: An ‘Open‐systems’
Application” in the Journal of European Industrial Training, Vol. 17 No.
1. The first presented and discussed the design and use of survey
questionnaires. This presents and discusses individual interviewing
techniques as well as behavioural implications inherent to the process.
Additionally, presents telephone interviews, a variation of the
individual interview method. Relevant research supports examples.
Presents and discusses advantages as well as disadvantages. Concludes
with a summary emphasizing that open‐ended individual interviews will
provide the most valuable and relevant data.
Mergers, marriages and after: how can training help ?
Authors: Harper John , Cormeraie Sylvette
Published: July 2002

There is a high failure rate among companies involved in
cross‐national mergers and joint ventures. One of the major causes for
these costly mistakes is a lack of adequate preparation of the personnel
involved and a failure to provide training which fosters self‐awareness,
cultural sensitivity and the spirit of co‐operation between foreign
partners. Presents three models which are valuable for helping to
analyse the problematic areas in cross‐cultural communication. Gives two
case examples to show how the models have been applied in practice,
involving French, Dutch, Swedish and UK companies.
Alternative pathways to management competence: housing construction
Authors: Schaafsma Hank
Published: July 2002

A national report on the management skills for the future of the housing construction industry in Australia suggests a number of innovative management training pathways. Three pathways are considered here as alternatives to traditional MBA courses: using portfolios for accrediting workplace competences in management development; coaching and mentoring through networks or learning partnerships with master builder; and adapting models of “action learning” in the workplace as practical means for gaining formal, management qualifications. The challenge facing the building industry (particularly housing construction) is finding flexible modes of delivery of management training that will attract the majority of small builders and contractors. Alternative pathways must also be integrated into a national management development framework. One key, therefore, is to construct workable, alternative models that can be supported by all stakeholders in this industry.
Habermas, critical theory and selves‐directed learning
Authors: O’Donnell David
Published: July 2002

Habermas’ concept of communicative rationality, in which reason is construed in terms of the noncoercive intersubjectivity of mutual understanding and reciprocal recognition, provides a valid foundation on which the theory and practice of selves‐directed learning can be developed. In an increasingly individualized world a focus on learning networks allows a perspective transformation from the purely individualistic instrumental rationality of self‐directed‐learning towards communicative interaction via learning encounters and the possibility of satisfying the emancipatory conditions of communicative rationality within communities of selves‐directed‐learners in life and work. The orientation of communicative action to criticizable validity claims which are open to empirical investigation is the central core that makes this learning process both theoretically and practically possible.
The Child‐Langmuir asymptotics for semiconductors including phonon interactions
Authors: Degond P. , Qiu Y.
Published: July 2002

Presents a simplified mathematical model of electron transport in a one‐dimensional semiconductor device of N+ ‐ N ‐ N + type. The model is based on a singular perturbation approach of the kinetic equation which describes the transport processes. This so‐called Child‐Langmuir asymptotics is obtained by assuming that the injected electrons at the N + ‐ N junction on the source side have a very weak energy compared with what they are able to gain under the influence of the electric field. Formally establishes the limit model when a realistic collision model for electron‐phonon interaction is considered. Compares the results with both experiments and particle simulations.
The problem of technological barriers
Authors: Rose J.
Published: July 2002

Gives an insight into the thinking of the 1960s and written at a time when subsequent advances and developments could not have been predicted with any degree of certainty. Provides a view of the “new concepts” of cybernetics and discusses their implications. Reproduced without any alterations, the prize‐winning essay deals with science and technology; technological time‐lag; status of technologists; industrial and academic research; interaction of technologies; the cybernetic revolution; education and the environmental barrier; professional obsolescence; and finally, the purpose of education.
Dynamic expert systems
Authors: Stefanuk V.L.
Published: July 2002

Introduces the notion of a dynamic expert system. Shows that by restarting a static expert system periodically it is possible to cope with dynamic environments. This quasi‐static approach to dynamics is suitable if the environment is changing slowly enough in comparison with the inference engine operation and the user reaction time. Implementation of this scheme in “pure” shell meets no difficulties. However, in practice some problems may occur due to the side‐effects in rules and attached procedures. These problems and their relation to classical AI issues are considered in detail. The system was applied to the task of seismology forecast, which contains dynamical factors of both a precise and a heuristic nature. The resulting dynamic expert system never stops, occasionally interrogating the user if it suspects that some of the previously entered data are obsolete. In this sense the computer system behaves as a “live creature”.
Czech evolution scenarios in cybernetics for the next millennium
Authors: Halbich Cestmir , Lacko Branislav
Published: July 2002

The history of the position of cybernetics in the former Czechoslovakia from the 1950s is briefly described. At first it had been condemned as bourgeois quasi‐science, but in the 1960s it was non‐critically idealised as an almost omnipotent tool of human knowledge. The authors have elaborated, by means of workshops and brainstorming, several scenarios of a future development of the cybernetic applications in the Czech Republic. Many reasons support scenarios that preserve the contemporary lower state or suggest a slightly optimistic development with a slowly strengthening role of cybernetics in Czech society. The countries of a former Soviet bloc are turning from a centralistic directly planned economy to the market one. In this way they have gained a unique experience. However, this experience can be only to a very small extent applied to a world which has no inherent experience with a Soviet type regime.
A partially parametric estimator of survival in the presence of double censored data
Authors: Esteban  , Morales D.
Published: July 2002

Proposes a partially parametric estimation of a survival function when data may be both left and right censored. Assuming that the chance of censoring is not related to the individual’s survival time, the proposed estimator treats the uncensored observations non parametrically and uses parametic models for the censored observations. In this way, the results extend Klein et al.’s work (1990) to the doubly censored data case. Shows some of the properties of the estimator when the correct theoretical parametric model is selected.
The decomposition method applied to differential systems
Authors: Abbaoui K. , Cherruault Y. , Ndour M.
Published: July 2002

The decomposition method is used for solving differential systems in biology and medicine. A comparison is given between the Runge‐Kutta method and the decomposition technique. New relationships for calculating Adomian’s polynomials are used for solving the differential systems governing the competition between species and based on the Lotka‐Volterra model.
Towards a general system for knowledge fusion
Authors: Pearlman Wolf
Published: July 2002

Considers that architecture continues to be tempted to narrow down its area of concern to that which it can manage with available techniques. Believes it avoids those problems which seem too intractable and ignores the “objects” it needs to appreciate if it is to succeed. Advocates that more time should be spent working on a general method for solving problems and developing co‐ordinated approaches to a common purpose architecture. Sees the research findings in artificial intelligence as underpinning the imperative for “domain specific knowledge” (to inform the future competences of computer programs). As a result launches the quest for a method of knowledge fusion and presents an initial paradigm for architectural design.
Modelling the concept of centralizability and several tests of applications
Authors: Lin Yi , Hu Qing‐Ping
Published: July 2002

The concept of centralized systems is written in the language of set theory in order to take advantage of the rigorous mathematical reasoning. Introduces the concept of centralizable systems. Lists applications of the concepts in sociology, concerning the existence of factions in human society, public issues of contention, and importance level of problems versus media. Finally, poses a number of open questions.
Contemporary systems and cybernetics
Authors: Rudall B.H.
Published: July 2002

Gives reports and surveys of selected current research and developments in systems and cybernetics. They include Biocybernetics, Innovative systems, Focus on the brain, Computer survey and Communications in the twenty‐first century.
Information from spiritualism, science and its discipline ‐ cybernetics
Authors: Char M.B.S.
Published: July 2002

Discusses the notion that information from spiritualism, science and its discipline, cybernetics, can enable the human race to achieve the experience of total reality and peaceful existence. Introduces links between spiritualism and science using the theories of established cybernetic thought and methodology.
Homo peccator in public administration
Authors: Masani P.R.
Published: July 2002

In the animal world the presence of entropy necessitates contest. Among the non‐human mammals the contests are overwhelmingly inter‐specific. On the other hand the bulk of human contests are intra‐specific. They bring about a dissipation in human systems akin to that brought on by noise in natural systems (“human noise”). Just as the engineering of natural systems hinges on the successful understanding of noise and its filtration, so the successful administration of human systems must hinge on the understanding of human noise and its filtration. In this paper, after demarcating the concepts of communication, teleology, contest and inquiry and their stochastic foundations, we shall (1) show that post‐Weber administrative theory, unlike the more classical, is delinquent in its neglect of human noise, (2) list the lacunae in the prevailing theory, (3) explain the greater efficiency of the administration of warfare in contrast to that of more humane projects, (4) expound the Parkinson maxims on the human noise specific to a Weberian bureaucracy, (5) show how this together with widespread corruption results in ineffective government, and finally, (6) suggest how systems analysts might approach this problem.
Observing observations empirically: methodological innovations in applied sociocybernetics
Authors: Ahlemeyer Heinrich W.
Published: July 2002

Discusses the differences between systemic social research and conventional, non‐systemic empirical research. Outlines paradigmatically the major stages, methodological decisions and results of an empirical project. Focuses on intimate communication and AIDS prevention. Distinguishes four different intimate system types. These system types are shown to influence the risk management of an HIV infection. Sociocybernetic empirical research implies typically systemic approaches in the major phases of the research process: reframing; observing observations; selecting and distinguishing; and intervening indirectly.
Knowledge acquisition in changing realities
Authors: de Zeeuw Gerard
Published: July 2002

Various devices have been identified to support research as a way of improving on observations; those in the social sciences appearing to be less effective than those in the physical sciences. To make the former more effective, it often is tried to “involve” the user ‐ as a participant observer, as a co‐researcher, as a commissioner. A clarification of the multiplicity of such attempts seems in order. Formulates a framework to summarize the most important aspects of research. Explores instances of this framework with regard to their ability to include users. One instance is applied in a “practical” situation, the improvement of a social service. This instance distinguishes sharply between two kinds of users, each using a different language to promote transfer and interaction: users inside a collective and users outside that collective.
Classification of knee problems to provide evidential support
Authors: McErlean F. , Bell D.A. , Barr A. , Mulvenna G.
Published: July 2002

The management of uncertainty has received much attention recently in the fields of database and artificial intelligence. Several methods of evidential reasoning have been proposed for real‐world problems with which uncertainty is associated. Considers one of these problems, that of classification, which is encountered in many domains including medicine. Focuses on a classification technique for knowledge discovery (KD). Reasoning about classifications is a primary interest in KD. Deals with obtaining evidence to confirm or refute classes. Searches for any data dependencies which exist between a classifier attribute and any of the property attributes. To illustrate the method compares a neural network classification with one based on Tanimoto’s method. It is important to note that the aim is to demonstrate this approach rather than to compare these two methods of classification. After extracting the data dependency information, employs a non‐numeric evidential reasoning method to see how well this evidence supports each of the two respective classifications.
On a reducing space‐filling transformation: application to global optimization
Authors: Cherruault Yves
Published: July 2002

Introduces new reducing transformation which allows expression of n variables in function of a single one. This allows densification of the space Rn and the quality of the densification can be estimated. Applications to global optimization problems lead to the optimization of one variable function and the time of calculation for obtaining a global optimum can be estimated.
General living systems theory: a basis of dynamic simulation
Authors: Skyttner Lars
Published: July 2002

Dynamic simulation as a tool to solve large scale complex problems has long been considered both highly abstract and elusive, especially by the users of the result. Proposes a new method, based on general living systems theory and designed to be well structured and understandable to non‐specialists. It includes a complete working methodology with a bottom‐up approach which generally provides good knowledge of functional principles of the simulated system. An application of the proposed method to the Swedish search and rescue organization showed that critical factors influencing system efficiency can be discovered and analysed.
TWONE: the revisited version
Authors: Bendiab O. , Cherruault Y.
Published: July 2002

Follows on from previous papers by the authors, where TWONE, a method for solving global optimization problems in two dimensions was presented. Presents an improved version. If Ω is a compact connect subset of R2 looks for the minimum of a function f defined on Ω with values in R.2 TWONE method considers the restriction of f to an α‐dense curve in R2. That implies the resolution of a one dimensional problem. Gives some α‐dense curves in R2 with α as small as we want. Has biomedical and biocybernetic implications.
Mixed Markov modelling of financial success
Authors: Aaltonen Jaana , Östermark Ralf
Published: July 2002

Discusses and empirically tests special cases of multiple‐chain mixed Markov latent class models with business data. The switches between negative and positive changes in earnings‐per‐share of firms are captured by alternative Markov models. The estimated response probabilities and state transition probabilities show interesting changes in the transformation patterns of the firms over time. Shows that Markov models can be valuable tools in predicting switches in profitability of firms.
Distance as a tool for surface definition
Authors: Tsoubelis Dimitrios
Published: July 2002

It is often impossible to study a geometric surface that lacks an analytic description. However, using computer graphics techniques it is now feasible to visualize such implicitly defined surfaces; hence initiate their study. A typical example of such surfaces is the ones defined as “the locus of points that satisfy a set of conditions”. These conditions are usually distance relationships between geometric entities such as a point, a line, a plane etc. For example, a paraboloid is defined as “the locus of points in 3‐D that are equi‐distant from a plane and a given point”. In this work, we present a way for modelling and visualizing implicit surfaces. We demonstrate our approach with the construction and subsequent visualization of generalized weighted Voronoi tessellation using as control points simple geometric objects.
Information theory ‐ a psychological study in old and new concepts
Authors: Skyttner Lars
Published: July 2002

The ideas of information theory which underlie cybernetics and its information‐processing aspects still has a solid reputation to be both extremely abstract and highly mathematical. Furthermore, the tract has been accused of a slow development and not accentuating the difference between information and communication theories. In this paper an attempt is made to demonstrate that principles and concepts used in information theory can be both understood and used from a psychological basis ‐ without the use of complicated mathematics. The difference between information and communication theory is considered as well as some new and revolutionary concepts. The study shows that the influences of the investigated area have grown considerably with the contributions from information physics.
1. The discontinuity problem and “chaos” of Lorenz’s model
Authors: OuYang Soucheng , Wu Yong , Lin Yi , Li Chao
Published: July 2002

The discontinuity problem of general non‐linear evolutionary equations and the chaos of complex models of poly‐order are studied. The concept of “blown‐up” of Navier‐Stokes equation is discussed, which was introduced by OuYang in 1994 and 1995. The results show that the blown‐up of the model appears during the whole evolution of general non‐linear equations; and that the concept of “chaos” of Lorenz’s model should be restudied questioningly.
6. Numerical experiment of Lorenz model with direct difference scheme
Authors: OuYang Soucheng , Lin Yi
Published: July 2002

In this paper, some issues about model formulation and solving methods for the Lorenz’s model are discussed, which also deals with fundamental characteristics of non‐linear models. Mainly, there existed problems that Lorenz’s model was formulated based on the weak nonlinear, and spectral expansion which changed the fundamental properties of prototype of the N‐S equations. Furthermore, its solving methods, which are based on continuously smoothing schemes, not only distorted the fundamental characteristics of non‐linear models, but also led to misunderstanding of the concept of “schaos”, which has already caused confusion to people’s way of thinking. In essence, Lorenz’s chaos is an “error volute” which is trapped into “calculation of error values”. Whether it can be named “chaos” may need to be discussed with questions.
10. Blown‐ups of heat‐conduction of ground temperature
Authors: Li Chao , OuYang Soucheng , Lin Yi , Tang Maocang
Published: July 2002

In this paper, a class of nonlinear heat‐conduction equations is derived. The properties of these heat‐conduction equations are analyzed. It is shown that the solutions of these equations contain singularity. That is, when T = Tm, discontinuity, i.e. blown‐up, occurs to the solutions. The occurrence of the blown‐ups is closely related the abnormal distribution of the initial ground temperatures, and so there might be some connections between blown‐ups and earthquakes.
A philosophico‐mathematical theorem on unity of knowledge
Authors: Alam Choudhury Masudul
Published: July 2002

The ontological‐epistemological relevance of Divine Unity at the core of socio‐scientific world‐systems is developed in analytical terms and is contrasted with the scientific roots of rationalism. The versatile capability of the unity world view is seen to explain both truth and falsehood in a scientific sense. Unification is treated as the application of the knowledge flows emanating from the ontology‐epistemology of fundamental unity to world‐systems. Thus, a comprehensive theorem relating to the knowledge‐centred world view is developed and proved.
Research communications
Authors: Hoyt James , Huq Faizul
Published: July 2002

Presents a simulation model of the “Contract change process” for an aerospace manufacturing firm. The model was developed to simulate the activities from the time when a customer’s request is received to the two points in time where a preliminary schedule and a formal proposal is returned to the customer. The model was developed in a two‐stage approach. First, the process was studied and documented in US Air Force integrated computer aided manufacturing definition language for function modeling an IDEF0 model which defined the relationships between each pair of activities. Second, using the structural information provided by the IDEFo model, a simulation model using simulation language for alternative modeling (SLAMII) was developed. Data were obtained from archival sources in the department’s database. The data were analyzed according to the quarter in which they were received. From this, arrival time data distributions were estimated for each of the four quarters to capture the seasonality element in the company’s business. Next, the data were separated into three levels of difficulty to define complex, routine and simple tasks. From this, three distributions of activity times were developed for each set of tasks. The results will allow for the study of reengineering and downsizing decisions for the contract change process in the aerospace industry, under conditions of seasonal and task complexity variations.
Elaboration of the model of branched cross‐linked macromolecular structures and the preparation of new materials following theoretically obtained results
Authors: Romm Freddy
Published: July 2002

The problem of the analytical modeling of macromolecular systems with branching is solved by the statistical polymer, which is based on consideration of averaged structures. All interactions are described in terms of statistical polymers. Cross‐linking is considered as a result of interactions inside statistical polymers. It is concluded that cross‐linking may result in the formation of infinitely hard structures and gelling. Thermodynamic functions of statistical polymers are derived and employed for simulation of the evolution of a non‐equilibrium polymeric system. Equations for the evaluation of various parameters of polymeric systems with branching are derived. Theoretical results are used for the preparation of new materials (having a branched, cross‐linked structure) with forecasted properties.
Study of the pigment type effect on the corrosion behaviour of epoxy painted steel/ sea water systems
Authors: Santágata D.M. , Seré P.R. , Hornus Sack S. , Elsner C.I. , Mendivil G. , Di Sarli A.R.
Published: July 2002

The effect of different kind of pigments on the corrosion resistance properties of an epoxy paint has been investigated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and open circuit potential measurements. Painted naval steel samples were studied during the exposure to artificial sea water. The epoxy paint coatings were prepared employing red lead, zinc, red iron oxide or titanium dioxide as pigment with 0.8 of PVC/CPVC ratio. From the EIS and corrosion potential data analyis was found that the anticorrosive protection given by an anticorrosive (pigmented with red lead) and a top coat (pigmented with red iron oxide) epoxy painting scheme was both more lasting and more effective. This was attributed to the fact that both the effective adhesion provided by the chemical bonding between the steel surface and the epoxy paint groups and the constant high barrier effect afforded by this type of top coat were a perfect complement for the high corrosion inhibitive capacity of the red lead pigment.
Coldset versus Heatset news inks
Authors: Lord Tony
Published: July 2002

Compares Coldset and Heatset lithographic processes and shows why Heatset dominates the market for the production of supplement inserts and promotional articles for the news industry. Discusses the progress that has been made in a collaborative project to improve the performance of the Coldset process. States that further progress is required to make Coldset truly competitive with Heatset.
The effects of driers on film properties of alkyd resin
Authors: Athawale V.D. , Chamanker A.V.
Published: July 2002

Reports on a comprehensive study of the effects of different driers on film properties of alkyd resin. The driers selected for study were calcium naphthanate and the octoates of cobalt, manganese, lead and zirconium. The properties studied were hardness, adhesion, flexibility, film formation, skinning tendency, water and acid resistance, viscosity and drying time. Concludes that driers not only dry coatings (paints, varnishes, resigns, inks) but have significant effect on the film properties. Infers that a combination of manganese, lead and zirconium can be used as the most promising drier system for better coating properties.
Surfactants as corrosion inhibitors for zinc pigment
Authors: Müller Bodo , Schubert Martin , Kinet Gudrun
Published: July 2002

A lamellar zinc pigment reacts in aqueous alkaline media (e.g. water‐borne paints) with the evolution of hydrogen. This corrosion reaction can be inhibited by certain surfactants. The most important structural part of the examined surfactants is the hydrophilic group; only anionic phosphate or phosphonate hydrophilic groups are effective corrosion inhibitors. Surfactants with carboxylate, sulfonate, amphoteric, cationic and non‐ionic hydrophilic groups are ineffective. There seems to be also an influence of the hydrophobic group of the surfactants because a partial ester of phosphoric acid with a fluorinated hydrophobic group was the most effective corrosion inhibitor in this study.
In charge? (Absent) academic leadership during external assessments
Authors: Stensaker Bjørn
Published: July 2002

Evaluation literature often emphasises the involvement and interest of local academic leaders as vital conditions for organisational improvement and change during and after assessment processes. Careful planning, organising, staffing and decision‐making in relation to the assessments are in particular highlighted as basic and important responsibilities for academic leaders. By studying a series of external quality assessments of educational programmes at universities and colleges in Norway, and analysing to what extent local department heads influenced the assessment processes, this article suggests that even if such basic leadership responsibilities are taken, a successful outcome of the assessment process is very much related to academic leaders’ ability to translate, interpret and give meaning to the assessment process. This result points to the significance of the cultural and symbolic sides of academic leadership during assessment processes.