bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corporate Concentration and Turnover in Global Industries, 1960–2000
Authors: Franko Lawrence G.
Published: April 2004

Animating the debate over ‘globalization’ is the specter of ‘the power of the corporation.’ High-profile anti-trust cases and mega-mergers have heightened fears of the fulfillment of Marx's ‘law’ of the concentration of capital. But how concentrated and durable is global corporate ‘power?’ And do mega-mergers increase it? This article attempts to answer these questions by examining corporate concentration and turnover in 18 global industries over the last half of the 20th century. It finds monopoly-like positions by industry ‘number ones’ to have been rare and transitory, that most industry leaders achieved their positions through internal growth, and that most who ‘bought their way to the top’ did not stay there long. Four-firm industry concentration is also not especially high. The top four firms account for less than 60% of the total sales revenues of the top 12 firms in 13 of the 18 industries as of 2000. Following notable industry de-concentrations during the 1960s and ‘70s when European, then Japanese firms challenged American corporate hegemony, concentration was stable until the late 1990s when it increased in a few industries. Despite this surface stability, however, the identities of the top one and the top four firms often changed from decade to decade. Some global leadership positions have endured, but turnover occurs even at the very top. Turnover is higher among the ‘top four’ than among ‘number ones.’ The odds of displacement or disappearance increase even further among smaller companies. There seems little risk of ‘control’ of world industry by ‘the’ corporation, by a few corporations, or by a few American corporations.
Thymic Presentation of Autoantigens and the Efficiency of Negative Selection
Authors: van den Berg Hugo A. , Molina-París Carmen
Published: April 2004

Antigen recognition by the adaptive cellular immune system is based on a diverse repertoire of antigen receptors. Since this repertoire is formed by genetic recombination, a number of receptors are autoreactive by chance, giving rise to the threat of autoimmune disease. Potentially autoreactive T lymphocytes (T cells) are rendered ineffective by various tolerance mechanisms. One of these mechanisms is negative selection, the deletion from the repertoire of immature autoreactive T cells in the thymus. The present paper shows how to assess the contribution made by negative selection relative to other tolerisation mechanisms by deducing the impact of negative selection on the T cell repertoire from the statistics of autoantigen presentation in the thymus.
When novel sentences spoken or heard for the first time in the history of the universe are not enough1: toward a dual‐process model of language
Authors: Van Lancker Sidtis Diana
Published: April 2004

Although interest in the language sciences was previously focused on newly created sentences, more recently much attention has turned to the importance of formulaic expressions in normal and disordered communication. Also referred to as formulaic expressions and made up of speech formulas, idioms, expletives, serial and memorized speech, slang, sayings, clichés, and conventional expressions, non‐propositional language forms a large proportion of every speaker's competence, and may be differentially disturbed in neurological disorders. This review aims to examine non‐propositional speech with respect to linguistic descriptions, psycholinguistic experiments, sociolinguistic studies, child language development, clinical language disorders, and neurological studies. Evidence from numerous sources reveals differentiated and specialized roles for novel and formulaic verbal functions, and suggests that generation of novel sentences and management of prefabricated expressions represent two legitimate and separable processes in language behaviour. A preliminary model of language behaviour that encompasses unitary and compositional properties and their integration in everyday language use is proposed. Integration and synchronizing of two disparate processes in language behaviour, formulaic and novel, characterizes normal communicative function and contributes to creativity in language. This dichotomy is supported by studies arising from other disciplines in neurology and psychology. Further studies are necessary to determine in what ways the various categories of formulaic expressions are related, and how these categories are processed by the brain. Better understanding of how non‐propositional categories of speech are stored and processed in the brain can lead to better informed treatment strategies in language disorders.
Investigations of the impact of altered auditory feedback in‐the‐ear devices on the speech of people who stutter: initial fitting and 4‐month follow‐up
Authors: Stuart Andrew , Kalinowski Joseph , Rastatter Michael P. , Saltuklaroglu Tim , Dayalu Vikram
Published: April 2004

Background: Self‐contained ear‐level devices delivering altered auditory feedback (AAF) for the application with those who stutter have only been recently developed.

Aims: The paper examines the first therapeutic application of self‐contained ear‐level devices in three experiments. The effect of the device on the proportion of stuttered syllables and speech naturalness was investigated following initial fitting and at 4 months post‐fitting.

Methods & Procedures: Three experiments were undertaken: In Experiment 1, the effect of a self‐contained in‐the‐ear device delivering AAF was investigated with those who stutter during reading and monologue. Two adolescents and five adults who stuttered read and produced monologue with and without a device fit monaurally. The device provided a frequency shift of +500 Hz in combination with a delayed auditory feedback of 60 ms. Custom‐made ITC and CIC devices were fabricated for four adults and four youths in Experiment 2. The effect of group (i.e. youth versus adult), time (i.e. initial fitting versus 4‐month follow‐up), speech task (i.e. reading versus monologue), and device (i.e. present versus absent) on stuttering rate was examined. In Experiment 3, 15 naïve listeners rated the speech naturalness of speech produced by the participants in Experiment 2. Speech samples from six conditions were rated: reading and monologue without the device at the initial visit, reading and monologue with the device at the initial visit, and reading and monologue with the device at 4 months.

Outcomes & Results: In Experiment 1, the proportion of stuttered syllables was significantly (p=0.011) reduced by approximately 90% during reading and 67% during monologue with the device relative to no device. Only a significant main effect of device (p=0.0028) was found in Experiment 2. That is, stuttering rate was significantly reduced with the device in place regardless of speech task or group and remained so 4 months later. In Experiment 3, speech samples generated while wearing the device were judged to be more natural sounding than those without the device (p<0.0001) for reading and monologue with both adults and youths. There was no significant difference between the mean naturalness ratings of speech samples generated during the initial fitting with the device relative to that at 4 months with the device (p>0.05) in all cases except with the youths while engaged in monologue. For that condition, raters judged the speech produced at the initial fitting as more natural.

Conclusions: These findings support the notion that a self‐contained in‐the‐ear device delivering AAF assists those who stutter. With the device in place, stuttering is reduced and speech produced is judged to be more natural than with out the device.
Variation in proportion of frequent attenders between Danish general practices
Authors: Vedsted Peter , Sørensen Henrik T. , Nielsen Jørgen N. , Olesen Frede
Published: April 2004

Aim: The authors examined the inter-practice variation in the proportion of adult frequent attenders and whether practice factors may explain some of this variation. Methods: A population-based cross-sectional study was performed on the basis of registers including 262 active general practices and their 419,072 registered adults aged 20 and over in the County of Aarhus, Denmark (630,000 inhabitants) from November 1997 to October 1998. The number of face-to-face daytime contacts with general practitioners was counted for each individual on the basis of data drawn from the files of the National Health Service. Frequent attenders were defined as the 10% most frequent attenders in the county over 12 months for each sex, and four age groups. Both the crude and standardized proportions of frequent attenders in each practice were calculated. Associations between practice factors and the frequent attender proportions were assessed from the squared partial correlation coefficients. Results: The proportion of frequent attenders ranged from 1.9 to 26.2% (factor 13.8) (standardized: 1.6 to 27.8% (factor 17.4)) with 10th to 90th percentiles of 4.4 to 12.9% (factor 2.9) (standardized: 4.3 to 13.2% (factor 3.1)). A low standardized proportion of frequent attenders was statistically significantly associated with a high degree of urbanization, a large number of registered individuals per GP and female GP (multiple R2 0.16 for all practices and 0.22 for solo practices). Conclusions: Variation in the proportion of frequent attenders was considerable between practices and about one-fifth of this variation could be explained by practice factors.
Equity in the use of IVF in Finland in the late 1990s
Authors: Klemetti Reija , Gissler Mika , Hemminki Elina
Published: April 2004

Aims: The purpose of this study was to describe equity in the use of in vitro fertilization (IVF; including micro-injections and frozen-embryo transfers), and compare its use with that of other assisted reproduction technologies (other ARTs; including ovulation inductions with or without inseminations). Methods: The women who received IVF (n=9, 175) and other ARTs (n=10,254) between 1996 and 1998 were identified from the reimbursement records of the Social Insurance Institution (SII) covering all Finns. Population controls, matched by age and municipality, were selected for IVF women (n=9,175). Information concerning background characteristics came from the Central Population Register and the SII's reimbursement files. The sector (public vs. private) was defined using prescribing physicians' codes. IVF use was studied by the proportions of women treated and the frequency of treatment. Results: The age-standardized IVF incidence per thousand 20-to-49-year-old women was 8.8 in urban and 7.3 in rural areas, but the use of other ARTs did not vary correspondingly (9.2, 9.3). The regional incidence of IVF and other ARTs varied considerably. In the private sector, women in the highest socioeconomic position were over-represented (29% private, 18% public, 16% controls). During the mean 1.5 years of the study period, the IVF women had somewhat more treatment cycles in the private than in the public sector (mean 3.3, 2.7), and those in the highest socioeconomic position had more cycles than others (3.5, 3.2); the frequency was not age-dependent. In the public sector the number of cycles did not differ by socioeconomic group (mean 2.7 - 2.8 per woman), and women aged 25 to 39 had more cycles than others. Conclusion: There were socioeconomic differences in use of IVF services, but they were small because of the equitable use of public services.
The influence of psychosocial factors on the duration of breastfeeding
Authors: Kronborg Hanne , Væth Michael
Published: April 2004

Aim: A study was undertaken to examine to what extent psychosocial factors are related to the length of breastfeeding. Methods: A cohort of Danish mothers giving birth to a single child was followed up for four months. Information on mother and baby including psychosocial variables was obtained from a self-report questionnaire. Breastfeeding status was subsequently monitored by a health visitor. Results: A total of 471 (88%) mothers participated, 98.7 % initiated breastfeeding and after four months 277 (59%) were still exclusive breastfeeding; 99 mothers, 51% of those who stopped, stopped within the first five weeks. In Cox regression analyses the duration of breastfeeding showed a positive association with mother's schooling ( p=0.002), her intention to breastfeed ( p=0.001), previous experience with breastfeeding ( p<0.001), self-efficacy with respect to breastfeeding ( p<0.001), her confidence in breastfeeding ( p=0.012) and knowledge about breastfeeding ( p=0.001). The effect of the mother's knowledge depended on the parity of the child. Among primiparous mothers high knowledge was associated with long duration of breastfeeding, but this association was not found among the multiparous. Conclusions: To help the mothers who would like to breastfeed their baby, we must improve our ability to identify mothers at risk of early cessation. Mother's schooling, her intention, self-efficacy and earlier breastfeeding experience can be used as early predictors. An intervention should aim at improving the self-efficacy and resources of these mothers, with a focus on practical knowledge. The first five weeks, when the largest proportion of the cessations occurred, require special attention.
Trends in blood pressure, lipids, lipoproteins and glucose metabolism in the Northern Sweden MONICA project 1986 - 99
Authors: Jansson Jan-HÅkan , Boman Kurt , Messner Torbjörn
Published: April 2004

Aim: The authors present an analysis of time trends in blood pressure, hypertension, and lipids in the adult population of Northern Sweden over the period 1986 - 99. Method: Four population surveys were undertaken with new and independent cohorts, 25 - 64 years old. Results: Small changes in blood pressure were observed during the study period with increased systolic blood pressure in men and decreased diastolic blood pressure in women. The proportion with high blood pressure was found to be constant over time and only 50% were prescribed antihypertensive drugs and of these only a minority were normotensive. Total serum cholesterol decreased from 6.4 to 5.7 mmol/l in men and from 6.3 to 5.7 mmol/l in women over the study period, and this was accompanied by an increase in HDL cholesterol by about 10% in both sexes. The proportion with high cholesterol decreased from 41% to 26%. Triglycerides increased between 1986 and 1990 and no further changes were found in the following surveys. Conclusion: In the Northern Sweden MONICA population total cholesterol has declined and HDL cholesterol has increased during the past 13 years and small changes in blood pressure have been observed for both men and women.
Paying for informal care: a contradictio in terminis?
Authors: Jacobs Thérèse
Published: April 2004

This paper deals with the congruency between care payments and family culture in Flanders (Belgium). Our main point is that the idea of getting the informal care paid for by the care receiver is not supported by a large part of the population, notwithstanding the fact that the system itself enjoys broad support. Therefore we propose to make a distinction between the attitudes of the population towards any state measure that transfers money to the household on the one hand and the concrete practices between care receivers and their informal carers on the other hand. Moreover we propose to make a distinction between co-residents and inter-household care situations because the mode of solidarity is not quite the same in the two different situations.
Evidence for Heme Oxygenase‐1 Association with Caveolin‐1 and ‐2 in Mouse Mesangial Cells
Authors: Jung Nam‐Hee , Kim Hong Pyo , Kim Bum‐Rae , Cha Seok Ho , Kim Gyeong A. , Ha Hunjoo , Na Young Eun , Cha Young‐Nam
Published: April 2004

The interaction of heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) and caveolin in the cultured mouse mesangial cells (MMC) was investigated. In normal MMCs, high levels of caveolin‐2 and low level of caveolin‐1 at mRNA and protein level were observed without any detectable expression of caveolin‐3. Upon treating the MMCs either with cadmium (Cd) or spermine NONOate (SPER/NO), expression of HO‐1 mRNA and protein was increased. Caveolae rich membranous fractions from the MMCs treated with Cd or SPER/NO contained both HO‐1 and caveolin‐1 or caveolin‐2. The experiments of immuno‐precipitation showed complex formation between the HO‐1 and caveolin‐1 or caveolin‐2 in the Cd treated MMCs. Confocal microscopic results also support co‐localization of HO‐1 and caveolin‐1 or caveolin‐2 at the plasma membrane. Co‐localization of caveolins with HO‐1 in caveolae suggested that caveolin could also play an important role in regulating the function of HO‐1. IUBMB Life, 55: 525‐532, 2003
Capn10, a Candidate Gene Responsible for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in the OLETF Rat
Authors: Muramatsu Youji , Taniguchi Yukio , Kose Hiroyuki , Matsumoto Kozo , Yamada Takahisa , Sasaki Yoshiyuki
Published: April 2004

The rat strain Otsuka Long‐Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) is an animal model for type 2 diabetes mellitus. Nidd8/of has been identified as one of 14 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) involved in the diabetes by a whole genome search in 160 F2 progenies obtained by mating the OLETF and F344 rats. Comparative mapping between human and rat indicated that the Nidd8/of genomic region, near D9rat21 on rat chromosome 9, contains the calpain10 (Capn10) gene, which is putative type 2 diabetes‐susceptibility gene in humans. In this study, we found no difference in Capn10 mRNA expression in the heart, liver, skeletal muscle and pancreas between OLETF and F344 rats at 5 and 10 weeks of age. However, we found a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (A/A genotype in OLETF and G/G genotype in F344 and LETO rats) at the base 583 downstream from the translation start site in the rat Capn10 cDNA sequence. This SNP was deduced to substitute serine (OLETF) for glycine (F344 and LETO) at the 195 amino acid residue within the protease domain of rat Capn10. Because serine is generally not interchangeable with glycine in respect of the protein structure and function, it was deduced that the A/A genotype in OLETF is not a 'safe' mutation. This non‐conservative amino acid substitution might be associated with susceptibility to type 2 diabetes in OLETF rats. IUBMB Life, 55: 533‐537, 2003
Solid‐state NMR Structure Determination
Authors: Drechsler Alison , Separovic Frances
Published: April 2004

Biological applications of solid‐state NMR (SS‐NMR) have been predominantly in the area of model membrane systems. Increasingly the focus has been membrane peptides and proteins. SS‐NMR is able to provide information about how the peptides or proteins interact with the lipids or other peptides/proteins in the membrane, their effect on the membrane and the location of the peptides or proteins relative to the membrane surface. Recent developments in biological SS‐NMR have been made possible by improvements in labelling and NMR techniques. This review discusses aligned systems and magic angle spinning techniques, bilayers and bicelles, and measurement of chemical shift anisotropy and dipolar coupling. A number of specific experiments such as cross polarization, rotational resonance, REDOR, PISEMA, MAOSS and multidimensional experiments are described. In addition to 2H, 13C and 15N, recent solid‐sate 1H, 19F and 17O NMR work is discussed. Several examples of the use of SS‐NMR to determine the structure of membrane peptides and proteins are given. IUBMB Life, 55: 515‐523, 2003
Developing in‐company research: a French review of observation strategies
Authors: Arnaud Gilles
Published: April 2004

Looks at the changes in management science methodology brought about by other fields of knowledge and how this has influenced the views of researchers. Draws the main lessons to be learned from this and thus paves the way for direct observation. Develops a set of prerequisites for in‐company observation which are capable of providing valid insights for management sciences. Concludes that the advantage of such an approach is researchers receive a greater realism and depth to their study of organisational practices which in turn makes the resulting methodology more useable in practice.
e‐Company CEO Websites: contents and information value
Authors: Lee Sang M. , Kwon Lee Choong
Published: April 2004

It is curious to find out how chief executive officers (CEOs) think of the Internet and e‐business. Through an analysis of the homepages of CEOs of the Fortune e‐50 companies, we attempted to evaluate the information value of the Websites. The analysis indicates that only a handful of CEOs can be currently regarded as the owners of informative homepages while most CEOs do not appear to be serious in building and maintaining their homepages.
Analysing the thinking of F.W. Taylor using cognitive mapping
Authors: Cossette Pierre
Published: April 2004

Although the ideas of F.W. Taylor have profoundly marked the twentieth century, they do not seem to have been understood in the same way by the people who have studied them. Aims to enrich our understanding of the ideas of this remarkable author. Proposes a graphic representation of Taylor’s thinking in the form of a cognitive map. Then analyses the structure and content of the map using the Decision Explorer software package. Most of the concepts and links shown in the map were drawn from “Shop management”, and the remainder were taken from The Principles of Scientific Management. The results highlight the relative importance of the concepts used by Taylor, the dimensions on which he more or less consciously structured his thinking, together with the characteristics of the concepts he considered basically as “explanations” or “consequences”, and the more or less systemic or circular logic that guided him in the organization of his thinking. Discusses the limitations of the results and some future avenues for research.
The mutability of charisma in leadership research
Authors: Paul Jim , Costley Dan L. , Howell Jon P. , Dorfman Peter W.
Published: April 2004

This article reveals the mutability of charisma by tracing changes in the conceptualization of charisma throughout the history of leadership research. Religious, societal, and organizational phases in the conceptualization of charisma are identified. The mutability of charisma has extended charismatic leadership theory from the domain of theology to multiple facets of the organizational sciences. Shifting conceptualizations of charisma that emphasize different elements have facilitated the study of leader traits, leader behaviors, situational contingencies, leader and organizational communications, and organizational cultures. These pluralistic conceptualizations of leadership and charisma have broadened our understanding of charismatic leadership. Yet, we must acknowledge that the breadth of knowledge we have gained has been at the expense of a more profound understanding of any one particular conceptualization of charisma.
Locally developed Web‐enabled databases: new roles and opportunities for libraries
Authors: Adalian Paul T. , Swanson Judy
Published: April 2004

By moving beyond static Web page development, the Cal Poly Library created new, interactive Web services for students and faculty using the power of Java and the robustness of Oracle databases. As a result, the Library was able to provide campus leadership for the digital teaching environment.
Is information literacy relevant in the real world?
Authors: O’Sullivan Carmel
Published: April 2004

This is a reworking of a paper presented at the Australian Library and Information Association, Special Health and Law Libraries Conference in Melbourne, Victoria in August 2001. The author asks whether the corporate sector is aware of information literacy as a “new economy” skills set, and a solution to information overload. The move to a knowledge based economy, along with investment by industry leaders in knowledge management and lifelong learning, has prepared the way, but there is little evidence that businesses are addressing the information literacy gap on a micro level. The author looks at whether different terminology is used in the business sector to describe aspects of information literacy. She concludes that while there is some overlap with established concepts, information literacy is generally not adequately addressed, with the result that many workers are poorly equipped to deal effectively with information in their everyday work.
Professor attendance as a factor in perceived library instruction effectiveness: an exploratory study
Authors: Smith Kerry J.
Published: April 2004

Instinct and experience tell us that a majority of instruction librarians would likely agree that the presence of the professor during a library instruction session will positively affect his or her students’ learning experiences. To test this notion, instruction librarians were surveyed for their perceptions regarding the impact of professor attendance on library instruction effectiveness. The results indicate the majority of subjects surveyed feel that learning is enhanced when professors attend library instruction sessions along with their students. Additional objective research is needed, however, to determine the validity of this perception.
Reasons to be wrathful
Authors: Pateman John
Published: April 2004

Sets down a powerful and passionate argument about social exclusion and ways to combat class, race and discrimination in a paper prepared for a conference presentation to the Library Association Public Libraries Group. Suggests that if librarians have not experienced exclusion or worked with excluded people then the next best action is to read. Gives examples of relevant titles.
Modern gay and lesbian libraries and archives in North America: a study in community identity and affirmation
Authors: Lukenbill Bill
Published: April 2004

Reviews the development of the gay and lesbian movement. The theoretical foundations for gay and lesbian archives and libraries are discussed, together with the way in which their mission statements reflect concerns for their history, heritage and the need to correct the past neglect of the gay and lesbian role in society. The problems faced by the archives and libraries include funding and that they rely mainly on volunteer help. Much of the pre‐1960s material is in danger of deterioration and of being lost since there is not adequate cataloguing and listing of documents. There is a need for national databases of collections, networking, and digitisation.
How should managers spend their time? Part 2
Authors: Line Maurice B.
Published: April 2004

Discusses the time management issues that challenge managers. The allocation of time when taking up new appointments, internal and external roles, reconciling the various demands on time, and the balance between getting involved and delegation within the work unit are considered.
A new density‐stiffness interpolation scheme for topology optimization of continuum structures
Authors: Guo Xu , Xian Gu Yuan
Published: April 2004

In this paper, a new density‐stiffness interpolation scheme for topology optimization of continuum structures is proposed. Based on this new scheme, not only the so‐called checkerboard pattern can be eliminated from the final optimal topology, but also the boundary‐smooth effect associated with the traditional sensitivity averaging approach can also be overcome. A proof of the existence of the solution of the optimization problem is also given, therefore mesh independent optimization results can be obtained. Numerical examples illustrate the effectiveness and the advantage of the proposed interpolation scheme.
Minimizing price‐risk exposure for deregulated electricity market participants
Authors: Galloway Stuart , Dahal Keshav , Burt Graeme , McDonald James
Published: April 2004

Market liberalisation has resulted in significant changes not only in the way electricity is traded, but also for the market participants themselves. The bidding behaviour of market participants who are active in a liberalised UK‐like market has been modelled. Both operational and technical parameters associated with the market and its participants are accounted for. Explicit characterization of risk (value at risk) is made with respect to market participants and their attitude to trading. Profit maximization strategies for market participants are then developed based on the minimization of price‐risk under uncertainty. Results are presented for a selected case study and the effect of alternative strategies is compared. The case study concerns several generators who need to determine what proportion of their production they should sell to the market. The results show that based on cost and price forecasts there is scope for generators to profitably take advantage of both contractual and within‐day market trades.
A new formulation of the optimal compensation and reconfiguration problem including minimum load nodes unavailability for automated distribution networks
Authors: Augugliaro A. , Dusonchet L. , Ippolito M.G. , Riva Sanseverino E.
Published: April 2004

This paper deals with a new formulation of the optimal operation of electrical distribution networks problem in regular working state. In the new deregulated energy market providing reliable and economical service to customers is a primary task. The multiobjective formulation of the reconfiguration and compensation problem used in this paper considers as a primary object also the minimisation of the load nodes unavailability (UA) expressed in probabilistic terms. Therefore, the objectives to be attained through the optimisation strategy are: minimal power losses operation, minimum UA of the load nodes, load balancing among the HV/MV transformers, and voltage profile regularisation. The application carried out uses an evolutionary algorithm and a particular normalisation technique for the multiple objectives formulation. In the considered automated network, the remote control of capacitor banks and tie‐switches is possible and their layout is the optimisation variable. After a brief description of the optimal reconfiguration and compensation problem for automated distribution networks, the most recent papers on the topic are reported and commented. Then the problem formulation and the solution algorithm are described in detail. Finally, the test results on a large MV distribution network are reported and discussed.
A Monte Carlo method for the auto‐evaluation of the uncertainties in the analog‐to‐digital conversion‐based measurements
Authors: Nuccio Salvatore , Spataro Ciro
Published: April 2004

This paper concerns with the measurement uncertainty estimation in the analog‐to‐digital conversion‐based instruments. By using an ad hoc developed software tool, the Monte Carlo method is applied in order to assess the uncertainties associated with the measurement results, overcoming the possible inapplicability of the pure theoretical approach prescribed in the ISO – “Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement”. By implementing the software tool in the measurement instruments, the proposed approach can be utilized in order to make the instrument itself able to auto‐estimate the measurement uncertainties.
Reducing computational effort in field optimisation problems
Authors: Sykulski J.K.
Published: April 2004

Design and optimisation of many practical electromechanical devices involve intensive field simulation studies and repetitive usage of time‐consuming software such as finite elements (FEs), finite differences of boundary elements. This is a costly, but unavoidable process and thus a lot of research is currently directed towards finding ways by which the number of necessary function calls could be reduced. New algorithms are being proposed based either on stochastic or deterministic techniques where a compromise is achieved between accuracy and speed of computation. Four different approaches appear to be particularly promising and are summarised in this review paper. The first uses a deterministic algorithm, known as minimal function calls approach, introduces online learning and dynamic weighting. The second technique introduced as ES/DE/MQ – as it combines evolution strategy, differential evolution and multiquadrics interpolation – offers all the advantages of a stochastic method, but with much reduced number of function calls. The third recent method uses neuro‐fuzzy modelling and leads to even further economy of computation, although with slightly reduced accuracy of computation. Finally, a combined FE/neural network approach offers a novel approach to optimisation if a conventional magnetic circuit model could also be used.
Formal requirements for utility and value functions for security‐related decisions
Authors: Matos Manuel A.
Published: April 2004

One of the important decision problems for a power system operator is to choose the appropriate operation point when possible contingencies must be considered. The operator may decide to do nothing or to take some actions that change the operating point and decrease the negative impact (cost) of some or all the contingencies. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the applicability of utility and value functions to this decision problem, since the large range of consequences raises some doubts about the fulfillment of the theoretical conditions imposed by Decision Theory. Although not essential to this discussion, some alternatives to prescriptive methodologies are presented and discussed, mostly regarding the definition of risk attributes and other determinist equivalents, suitable for multicriteria analysis.
The use of affine arithmetic for thermal state estimation of substation distribution transformers
Authors: Ippolito Lucio , Vaccaro Alfredo , Villacci Domenico
Published: April 2004

Thermal protection of mineral‐oil‐filled substation distribution transformers is of critical importance in power systems. The failure of such a transformer is a matter of significant concern for electrical utilities, not only for the consequent severe economic losses, but also because the utility response to a customer during outage condition is one of the major factors in determining the overall customer attitude towards the utility. Therefore, it is essential to estimate the thermal state of transformers during load cycling and, in presence of overload conditions, to evaluate the need to reduce the load current or to install another transformer bay. A method of solving the transformer's thermal model, considering explicitly the source of uncertainty affecting its parameters, is required. In this paper, such an activity is developed by an interval‐based approach, which provides the calculation of the inner and outer solution in the hot‐spot temperature or top‐oil temperature estimation process, keeping track of correlation between uncertain quantities.
Blind multipath channel equalization based on eigenvector decomposition
Authors: Xu Lei , Lijuan Liu , Chongyang Xu
Published: April 2004

A new direct blind equalization algorithm is presented in this paper. It relies on the auto‐correlation matrix of the channel, and adopts its eigenvector decomposition for designing an equalizer, which exploits the correlation characteristics of the channel. The proposed equalization is insensitive to the inaccuracy of the channel order estimation, and its data sequence length required for estimating the channel's correlation matrix is shorter than that of the other eigenvector decomposition methods that assumed that the channel order was known or had been estimated. Simulation results show that this algorithm is capable of acquiring a good performance under lower SNR in a communication system employing 16‐QAM modulation.
Laplace transform of waveforms with hysteretic distortion
Authors: Takács Jenõ
Published: April 2004

A brief account of the exponential model introduces the reader to one of the mathematical descriptions of the double non‐linearity of the hysteretic phenomena. The model described here satisfies the requirement for calculating the Laplace transforms in closed form for excitation waveforms constructed of straight lines. The method is demonstrated by applying it to a triangular excitation in the hysteretic process. It is shown that the Laplace transform of the induction waveform can also be calculated when the same excitation waveform is being applied in an anhysteretic process. It is also shown that when the excitation is small and falls within the limits of the Rayleigh region the calculation becomes simpler. This is demonstrated by formulating the Laplace transform of the induction waveform that resulted from triangular excitation in the Rayleigh region for both the hysteretic and anhysteretic cases.
Reflections on the conversation theory of Gordon Pask
Authors: Boyd Gary
Published: April 2004

The most satisfying and interesting human learning game‐of‐life is probably a conversation where there is a common will among the participants to promote understanding of our world despite possibly large differences in knowledge and experience. Gordon Pask took conversational learning as more than a general metaphor for humanly significant learning. He identified the essential minimal characteristics of the entities and relationships involved and formalised all that into a recursive learning theory of very broad scope. Over the years, Pask and his various System Research associates validated conversation theory by embodying it in a number of (n‐) person‐machine systems (SAKI, CASTE, THOUGHTSTICKER, TDS, etc.), and by doing case studies with various kinds of learners and tutor‐learners learning and teaching through these interfaces. Reviews some interesting aspects of conversation theory, including both its remarkable insights and some limitations. Concludes that there are good reasons for expecting that the implications of Pask’s approach to educational cybernetics will continue to be explored for many years to come.
My Paskalia and the genesis of the Christmas IntelligenTree
Authors: Hayut‐Man Yitzhak
Published: April 2004

This recollection traces the development of an inter‐faith dialogue modelled by Pask’s conversation theory and his own praxis.
For Gordon: some comments on architecture and its context
Authors: Landau Royston
Published: April 2004

Represents an approach to architectural thinking that grew out of some of my early interactions with Gordon Pask. It discusses the relationship between architecture and the cultural context within which architects work, noting the importance of distinguishing both the implicit as well as the explicit agendas that inform that work.
Adaptive recommendation and open‐ended semiosis
Authors: Mateus Rocha Luis
Published: April 2004

A recommendation system for an extended process of information retrieval in distributed information systems is proposed. This system is both a model of dynamic cognitive categorization processes and powerful real application useful for knowledge management. It utilizes an extension of fuzzy sets named evidence sets as the mathematical mechanisms to implement the categorization processes. It is a development of some aspects of Pask’s conversation theory. It is also an instance of the notion of linguistic‐based selected self‐organization here described, and as such it instantiates an open‐ended semiosis between distributed information systems and the communities of users they interact with. This means that the knowledge stored in distributed information resources adapts to the evolving semantic expectations of their users as these select the information they desire in conversation with the information resources. This way, this recommendation system establishes a mechanism for user‐driven knowledge self‐organization.
Elderly inpatients' priorities for acute care service quality
Authors: Alexander Clark Paul , Kaldenberg Dennis O. , Drain Maxwell , Wolosin Robert J.
Published: April 2004

This study examines elderly and advanced elderly inpatients' perceptions of acute care service quality, prioritises opportunities for quality improvement, and assesses variation in patients' satisfaction with care. Psychometrically‐validated postal questionnaires were sent to random samplings of patients discharged from the US acute care facilities in 2002 (n=2,057,164). Quality improvement priorities among non‐elderly (< 65 years), elderly (65‐74 years), and advanced elderly (>74 years) were similar but substantial variation was found comparing single items between age groups. Elderly and advanced elderly patients rated the quality of meals and rooms significantly lower than the non‐elderly, and the advanced elderly rated treatment decision making involvement significantly lower than the other two age groups. The data reveals specific, actionable areas for quality improvement and a non‐linear relationship between age and satisfaction. Findings question assumptions regarding older patients' evaluations of care and indicate directions for quality improvement that account for their unique needs.
TQM: why is its impact in higher education so small?
Authors: Koch James V.
Published: April 2004

Despite still having many supporters and much use outside higher education, total quality management (TQM) has had a remarkably small impact on colleges and universities. While numerous institutions of higher education have sponsored “quality” initiatives, nearly all of these have focused on non‐academic activities. Thus, higher education TQM has concentrated on processes such as registration, physical plant, bill paying, and purchasing. It has ignored the most critical questions facing the academy such as faculty tenure, curriculum, tuition and fee levels vis‐à‐vis scholarship assistance. TQM has had virtually nothing to say about these matters. Two‐thirds of institutions that began TQM projects in the 1990s abandoned them because the vast majority have been failures. Why? Because TQM has failed to address the most important issues. Nor, because of the nature of academic culture and the difficulty of defining the precise nature of higher education, is it ever likely to do so. TQM’s time has come and passed in higher education.
Model Requirements for the Management of Electronic Records (MoReq): a critical evaluation
Authors: Cain Piers
Published: April 2004

This article reviews the Model Requirements for the Management of Electronic Records (MoReq) developed for the European Commission’s Interchange of Data between Administrations (IDA) initiative. MoReq is of use in the design, selection and audit of systems for managing electronic records. It is a substantial piece of work that contributes to our profession’s efforts to find practical solutions to managing electronic records. If MoReq is to succeed, it must be given greater visibility and support from the European Commission to allow its authors to produce case studies and sustain the further development of the model requirements to keep up with technological trends.
The infusion of corporate values into progressive education
Authors: Gamson David A.
Published: April 2004

Examines the history of educational administration in the USA during the Progressive era (1890‐1940). Using Callahan's Education and the Cult of Efficiency as a starting point, examines school district‐based administrative practices that offered viable alternatives to the business‐oriented, “scientific management” reforms that tended to dominate much of the educational dialogue and innovation of the early twentieth century. Offers cases studies of three superintendents who creatively resisted the ideology of efficiency or who skillfully utilized administrative structures to buttress instructional reforms. Using archival records and other historical sources, first examines Superintendent A.C. Barker in Oakland, California between 1913 and 1918 and Superintendent Charles Chadsey in Denver, Colorado during the years 1907‐1912. Then analyzes the tenure of Jesse Newlon during his superintendency in Denver from 1920 to 1927. Using the conception of “authentic leadership” and the frameworks of the ethics of care, critique, and professionalism, argues that these administrators demonstrated how leaders grounded in notions of scholarly skepticism, democratic engagement, and the compassionate care of children were sometimes able to avoid the excesses of the ideology of “efficiency”.
The ethic of community
Authors: Furman Gail C.
Published: April 2004

This article proposes the concept of an ethic of community to complement and extend other ethical frames used in education (e.g. the ethics of justice, critique, and care). Proceeding from the traditional definition of ethics as the study of moral duty and obligation, ethic of community is defined as the moral responsibility to engage in communal processes as educators pursue the moral purposes of their work and address the ongoing challenges of daily life and work in schools. The ethic of community thus centers the communal over the individual as the primary locus of moral agency in schools. The usefulness of the ethic of community in regard to achieving the moral purposes of schooling is illustrated with the example of social justice. The author concludes that the ethic of community is a vehicle that can synthesize much of the current work on leadership practices related to social justice and other moral purposes of educational leadership.
Re‐examining race‐based admissions processes of American institutions of higher education using multi‐dimensional ethical perspectives
Authors: Gutierrez Kathrine J. , Green Preston C.
Published: April 2004

The Supreme Court of the USA explains when universities may use race‐based admissions policies without violating the Equal Protection Clause of the US Constitution. These rulings raise important ethical issues for universities that are presently using race as a consideration in their admissions decisions. This paper discusses some of the ethical issues presented by the Supreme Court's decisions in theRegents of the University of Californiav.Bakke,Grutterv.Bollinger, andGratzv.Bollingercases. A summary of theBakke,Grutter, andGratzcases is provided as well as an analysis of these decisions using an ethical framework that incorporates five perspectives: ethic of critique, ethic of justice, ethic of profession, ethic of care, and ethic of community. The accompanying discussion highlights areas of agreement and conflict between the goals of race‐based university admissions policies and theBakke,Gratz, andGrutterdecisions.
Best interests of students left behind?
Authors: Torres Mario S.
Published: April 2004

Analyzes the impact of recent policy developments in the USA associated with school accountability according to the best interests of the student. With the mandated implementation of the US federal law entitled the No Child Left Behind Act approaching, minimal attention has been afforded to the complex ethical dimensions associated with policies intended to improve the quality of education on a broad scale. When the meaning of “fairness” and “equity” are not negotiated in advance by groups either supporting or rejecting the need for federal intervention, doubts are raised about the fundamental purpose of the initiative. Argues that social conflict arises when the ideological framing of the purposes of the No Child Left Behind Act fails to incorporate the moral responsibility of policymaking and professional practice and attribute the purpose of reform as ensuring students’ best interests. Argues for a greater awareness of the tacit ethical assumptions politicians and policymakers embrace as policy is developed and implemented, and suggests strategies for identifying an ideological common ground.