bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved service system design using Six Sigma DMAIC for a major US consumer electronics and appliance retailer
Authors: Kumar Sameer , Strandlund Erika , Thomas Douglas
Published: November 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to create a strategy for “Best Buy”, a major consumer electronics and appliance retailer in the USA, to improve their service system to ensure that they can continuously gain market share. This study will examine and analyze Best Buy's store service blueprint in comparison to its competitors' service blueprints. The study will then examine Best Buy Geek Squad's service blueprint and recommend improvements that can be implemented to provide higher quality service to Best Buy's customers.

Design/methodology/approach

A combination of design methods was used which included creating multiple service blueprints and implementing the Six Sigma DMAIC approach. A Service Quality (SERVQUAL) Survey was conducted and analyzed the data, to give an understanding of customer satisfaction with the service provided at Best Buy, compared to its major competitors. The service blueprint was analyzed and strategies were recommended to improve the present system, with the goal of providing better customer service and an improved shopping experience. With the recommendations an “improved service model” for Best Buy was created, along with fail safe mechanisms to ensure that service guarantees will be met.

Findings

In the Six Sigma DMAIC Process Improvement approach, poka‐yokes were implemented to improve the Best Buy service blueprint, which were identified through cause‐and‐effect diagrams that were created. By implementing the new service blueprint, along with the poka‐yokes, Best Buy will see a significant improvement in customer satisfaction.

Practical implications

Best Buy and other retail service providers should consider investing in adequate staffing of technically savvy and customer sensitive store associates and implement customer service training programs to improve their education relating specifically to the quality of service delivery to their customers.

Originality/value

This paper focuses on the business case for implementing Six Sigma tools to improve the service provided by retailers. This should lead to long‐term profitability and improved customer service.
The importance of retail atmospherics in B2B retailing: the case of BOC
Authors: Noad Jeremy , Rogers Beth
Published: November 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how an industrial retailer used a small‐scale study to explore the importance of retail atmospherics in non‐consumer retailing and made a considerable contribution to its success. It focuses on the importance of interior and point of purchase retail atmospherics as a sales tool in industrial retailing. It also explores the relevance of previous research findings on atmospherics in business‐to‐consumer (B2C) retail outlets to the business‐to‐business (B2B) environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was carried out using a quantitative questionnaire method using closed questions in a face‐to‐face interaction with respondents in the case study company's best‐performing B2B retail outlet.

Findings

The findings indicate that atmospherics are relevant to B2B retailing, although there are differences in the levels of importance attached to various atmospheric elements. Also, the level of importance of the elements varies with trade customers depending on whether they are participating in a planned purchase, an alternative/substitute purchase (when the planned purchase is not possible), or an impulse purchase.

Originality/value

Consumer retailing atmospherics has been subject to considerable examination and proved to be influential in maximising the potential sales of stores. However, industrial (B2B) retailing has been generally overlooked by academic studies. This study not only explores industrial retail buying, but indicates that B2C findings are transferable to some degree and may contribute to improved performance.
The cost of seismic structural damage and preventive action
Authors: Vora Mauli , Lee Zu‐Hsu , Pong Wenshen
Published: November 2008

Purpose

This paper first aims to estimate the economic loss due to an earthquake, such as building‐related losses, the damage of debris generation and fire, and the social impact. Then, it seeks to evaluate the feasibility of retrofit to prevent buildings from seismic structural damages.

Design/methodology/approach

The HAZUS software is used for the seismic loss estimation using default demographic data, which were obtained from San Francisco Assessor record. The HAZUS estimates the damage using the earthquake of 6.7 magnitude. Based on the HAZUS report incorporated with probabilistic scenarios of earthquakes, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) guidelines are used to calculate the cost of structural rehabilitation in San Francisco.

Findings

It is recommended that either Options 1 and 3 or Options 2 and 3 provided by FEMA 156 and 157 respectively should be used to calculate the cost of seismic rehabilitation of a structure. The results provide estimated costs of retrofit plans for different types of existing buildings.

Practical implications

The implementation of quantitative and computer methods in the field of natural hazard management is demonstrated. The outcome provides economic guidelines for assessment and prevention (or reduction) of possible seismic loss and building damage.

Originality/value

The study may be a useful reference for retrofit plans for homeowners and business management. The cost estimation also can help government establish or revise some policies properly to provide homeowners with economic incentives (e.g. tax reduction, low interest loan) in retrofitting their homes.
Launching PRimary Source: a clearinghouse for public relations history
Authors: Opdycke Lamme Margot , Mathews Land Jennifer
Published: November 2008

Purpose

This brief essay aims to introduce public relations historians to PRimary Source, a new search tool designed to help them, their students, and public relations professionals locate archives and manuscript collections relevant to the field.

Design/methodology/approach

The article outlines the site which is scheduled to be tested and then launched in October to coincide with the publication of this special issue of Journal of Communication Management. The site address will be: www.prhistorywiki.org Findings – The site will be available for use in historical research, student papers, and decision‐making among scholars and practitioners concerning the disbursement of their papers to a repository as part of their estate planning.

Originality/value

At the time of writing this article, an online tool with this emphasis currently does not exist.
The relative and incremental information content of earnings vs cash recovery rates
Authors: Said Amal A. , HassabElnaby Hassan R. , Nowlin Tanya S.
Published: November 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relative and incremental information content of a cash recovery‐based measure of performance, the estimated internal rate of return, vs an earnings‐based measure of performance, return on assets, in explaining firms' economic performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses the cash recovery rate that is based on continuous time analysis and U‐shaped cash flows to derive the estimated internal rate of return and compare it to return on assets. A cross‐sectional sample was used over a short interval (year 1993 and year 2005) and a time‐series sample (1993‐2005) to empirically examine the relative and incremental information content of the competing measures. Tobin's q and stock returns are used as performance benchmarks.

Findings

The results of the empirical tests indicate that the estimated internal rate of return provides better relative and incremental information content over earnings‐based measures of performance. Specifically, the empirical evidence shows that the estimated internal rate of return is consistently positively related to Tobin's q and stock returns over all measurement intervals.

Research limitations/implications

These results imply that earnings‐based performance measures are less value relevant compared to cash recovery‐based measures. There are some limitations that may apply to this study. First, the systematic measurement error in estimating the cash recovery rate may not be independent of the measurement error in the estimated internal rate of return. Second, the performance benchmarks used in the study are not free from problems. Particularly, the return on assets is influenced by firms' rate of growth and the Tobin's q is not a perfect measure of business performance. Therefore, one avenue of future research is to assess the usefulness of financial accounting data for analysts forecast. Moreover, future research may also examine the role of institutional changes in financial reporting and its effect on the quality of earnings and economic performance.

Originality/value

This paper presents extended research on cash recovery‐based vs earnings‐based metrics as proxies for economic return using improved research designs, larger samples and new sensitivity analyses.
Non‐executive directors and the UK's new combined code on corporate governance
Authors: Pass Christopher
Published: November 2008

Purpose

A revised Combined Code on corporate governance was introduced in the UK in 2003 which set out a number of new provisions relating to the composition of the company's Board of Directors and its main Committees. The Code gives greater prominence to the role of non‐executive directors in a company's corporate governance structures and decision‐making processes. This paper examines the main provisions of the Code relating to non‐executive directors and the emphasis it places on the importance of non‐executives being “independent”.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses the main issues concerning the effectiveness of non‐executive directors, drawing in part of the evidence provided by a sample of large UK companies.

Findings

Most companies “comply” with the Code's requirements relating to non‐executive directors and endorse the positive contribution they make to Board and Committee work.

Practical implications

Considers the pros and cons of the role of non‐executives and the issue of what constitutes “ independency”.

Originality/value

This is one of the first papers to examine the provisions of the new Code relating to non‐executive directors.
Glucuronoxylomannan promotes the generation of antigen‐specific T regulatory cell that suppresses the antigen‐specific Th2 response upon activation
Authors: Liu Tao , Chen Xiao , Feng Bai‐Sui , He Shao‐Heng , Zhang Tao‐Yuan , Wang Bin‐Quan , Yang Ping‐Chang
Published: November 2008

T regulatory cells (Treg) have the capability to suppress the skewed immune response, but the generation of antigen (Ag)‐specific Treg for therapeutic purpose is a challenge; the mechanism of Ag‐specific Treg activation remains obscure. Here, we report that glucuronoxylomannan (GXM) is capable of promoting the development of human tolerogenic dendritic cells (DC). GXM‐pulsed DCs increased the expression of forkhead box P3 (Foxp3) in naïve human CD4+CD25− T cells via activating Fc γ receptor IIb and activator protein‐1 and promoting the expression of transforming growth factor β in dendritic cells. Furthermore, the conjugated complex of house dust mite Ag, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p) 1, and GXM‐pulsed DCs to drive the naïve human CD4+CD25− T cells to develop into the Der p 1‐specific Tregs, which efficiently suppressed the Ag‐specific Th2 responses. We conclude that GXM‐conjugated specific Ag have the capacity to up‐regulate the tolerogenic property of DCs and promote the generation of Ag‐specific Tregs; the latter can be activated upon the re‐exposure to specific Ag and suppress the skewed Ag‐specific T helper (Th)2 responses.
Prevalence and Characteristics of
eae
- and
stx
-Positive Strains of
Escherichia coli
from Wild Birds in the Immediate Environment of Tokyo Bay
Authors: Kobayashi Hideki , Kanazaki Mika , Hata Eiji , Kubo Masanori
Published: November 2008

The prevalence and characteristics of
eae
- and
stx
-positive
Escherichia coli
strains in wild birds in the immediate environment of Tokyo Bay, Japan, was examined using cloacal swab samples taken from 447 birds belonging to 62 species. PCR screening showed that the prevalences of
stx
- and
eae
-positive strains of
Escherichia coli
were 5% (23/447) and 25% (113/447), respectively. Four strains of
stx
2f
-positive
E. coli
were isolated from two feral pigeons, an oriental turtle dove and a barn swallow. In contrast, 39
eae-
positive
E. coli
strains were isolated, and most of the strains possessed a subtype of intimin that is classified as a minor group of human intimins, such as intimin υ, κ, and μ. Moreover, these strains did not possess any of the other pathogenic genes tested, such as
stx
s,
ehxA
,
bfp
, or
irp
. Thus, wild birds were considered to be a reservoir of atypical enteropathogenic
E. coli
.
Surface Sampling of Spores in Dry-Deposition Aerosols
Authors: Edmonds Jason M. , Collett Patricia J. , Valdes Erica R. , Skowronski Evan W. , Pellar Gregory J. , Emanuel Peter A.
Published: November 2008

The ability to reliably and reproducibly sample surfaces contaminated with a biological agent is a critical step in measuring the extent of contamination and determining if decontamination steps have been successful. The recovery operations following the 2001 attacks with
Bacillus anthracis
spores were complicated by the fact that no standard sample collection format or decontamination procedures were established. Recovery efficiencies traditionally have been calculated based upon biological agents which were applied to test surfaces in a liquid format and then allowed to dry prior to sampling tests, which may not be best suited for a real-world event with aerosolized biological agents. In order to ascertain if differences existed between air-dried liquid deposition and biological spores which were allowed to settle on a surface in a dried format, a study was undertaken to determine if differences existed in surface sampling recovery efficiencies for four representative surfaces. Studies were then undertaken to compare sampling efficiencies between liquid spore deposition and aerosolized spores which were allowed to gradually settle under gravity on four different test coupon types. Tests with both types of deposition compared efficiencies of four unique swabbing materials applied to four surfaces with various surface properties. Our studies demonstrate that recovery of liquid-deposited spores differs significantly from recovery of dry aerosol-deposited spores in most instances. Whether the recovery of liquid-deposited spores is overexaggerated or underrepresented with respect to that of aerosol-deposited spores depends upon the surface material being tested.
Two DissimilarN-Acyl-Homoserine Lactone Acylases ofPseudomonas syringaeInfluence Colony and Biofilm Morphology
Authors: Shepherd Ryan W. , Lindow Steven E.
Published: November 2008

Plant aerial surfaces comprise a complex habitat for microorganisms, and many plant-associated bacteria, such as the pathogenPseudomonas syringae, exhibit density-dependent survival on leaves by utilizing quorum sensing (QS). QS is often mediated by diffusible signals calledN-acyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs), andP. syringaeutilizesN-3-oxo-hexanoyl-dl-homoserine lactone (3OC6HSL) to control traits influencing epiphytic fitness and virulence. TheP. syringaepathovarsyringaeB728a genome sequence revealed two putative AHL acylases, termed HacA (Psyr_1971) and HacB (Psyr_4858), which are N-terminal nucleophile hydrolases that inactivate AHLs by cleaving their amide bonds. HacA is a secreted AHL acylase that degrades only long-chain (C ≥ 8) AHLs, while HacB is not secreted and degrades all tested AHLs. Targeted disruptions ofhacA, hacB, andhacAandhacBtogether do not alter endogenous 3OC6HSL levels under the tested conditions. Surprisingly, targeted disruptions ofhacAalone andhacAandhacBtogether confer complementable phenotypes that are very similar to autoaggregative phenotypes seen in other species. While AHL acylases might enableP. syringaeB728a to degrade signals of competing species and block expression of their QS-dependent traits, these enzymes also play fundamental roles in biofilm formation.
Resolving Genetic Functions within Microbial Populations: In Situ Analyses Using rRNA and mRNA Stable Isotope Probing Coupled with Single-Cell Raman-Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization
Authors: Huang Wei E. , Ferguson Andrew , Singer Andrew C. , Lawson Kathryn , Thompson Ian P. , Kalin Robert M. , Larkin Michael J. , Bailey Mark J. , Whiteley Andrew S.
Published: November 2008

Prokaryotes represent one-half of the living biomass on Earth, with the vast majority remaining elusive to culture and study within the laboratory. As a result, we lack a basic understanding of the functions that many species perform in the natural world. To address this issue, we developed complementary population and single-cell stable isotope (
13
C)-linked analyses to determine microbial identity and function in situ. We demonstrated that the use of rRNA/mRNA stable isotope probing (SIP) recovered the key phylogenetic and functional RNAs. This was followed by single-cell physiological analyses of these populations to determine and quantify in situ functions within an aerobic naphthalene-degrading groundwater microbial community. Using these culture-independent approaches, we identified three prokaryote species capable of naphthalene biodegradation within the groundwater system: two taxa were isolated in the laboratory (
Pseudomonas fluorescens
and
Pseudomonas putida
), whereas the third eluded culture (an
Acidovorax
sp.). Using parallel population and single-cell stable isotope technologies, we were able to identify an unculturable
Acidovorax
sp. which played the key role in naphthalene biodegradation in situ, rather than the culturable naphthalene-biodegrading
Pseudomonas
sp. isolated from the same groundwater. The
Pseudomonas
isolates actively degraded naphthalene only at naphthalene concentrations higher than 30 μM. This study demonstrated that unculturable microorganisms could play important roles in biodegradation in the ecosystem. It also showed that the combined RNA SIP-Raman-fluorescence in situ hybridization approach may be a significant tool in resolving ecology, functionality, and niche specialization within the unculturable fraction of organisms residing in the natural environment.
Transcriptional Modulator NusA Interacts with Translesion DNA Polymerases in
Escherichia coli
Authors: Cohen Susan E. , Godoy Veronica G. , Walker Graham C.
Published: November 2008

NusA, a modulator of RNA polymerase, interacts with the DNA polymerase DinB. An increased level of expression of
dinB
or
umuDC
suppresses the temperature sensitivity of the
nusA11
strain, requiring the catalytic activities of these proteins. We propose that NusA recruits translesion DNA synthesis (TLS) polymerases to RNA polymerases stalled at gaps, coupling TLS to transcription.
Structure-Activity Relationship of Gelatinase Biosynthesis-Activating Pheromone ofEnterococcus faecalis
Authors: Nishiguchi Kenzo , Nagata Koji , Tanokura Masaru , Sonomoto Kenji , Nakayama Jiro
Published: November 2008

The expression of pathogenicity-related extracellular proteases, namely, gelatinase and serine protease, inEnterococcus faecalisis positively regulated by a quorum-sensing system mediated by an autoinducing peptide called gelatinase biosynthesis-activating pheromone (GBAP). GBAP is an 11-amino-acid-residue cyclic peptide containing a lactone linkage. To study the structure-activity relationship of GBAP, we synthesized a series of GBAP analogues and evaluated their activities by a gelatinase-inducing assay and newly developed receptor-binding assays in which fluorescence-labeled peptides bound onto the FsrC-overexpressingLactococcus lactiscell surface were observed by fluorescent microscopy and quantified by using a fluorophotometer. Alanine-scanning analysis of GBAP showed that the entire ring region was involved in the GBAP agonist activity, while side chains of the tail region were not strictly recognized. The alanine substitution of Phe7or Trp10almost abolished their receptor-binding abilities and GBAP agonist activities, suggesting that these two aromatic side chains are strongly involved in receptor interaction and activation. Furthermore, the Trp10substitution with natural and unnatural aromatic amino acids, except pentafluorophenylalanine, caused no loss of agonist activity. This suggested the importance of a negative electrostatic potential created by an π-electron cloud on the aromatic ring surface. Structural analysis of GBAP with nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed that the ring region adopted a hairpin-like fold and was tightly packed into a compact form. The side chain of Trp10was partially buried in the core structure, contributing to the stabilization of the compact form, while that of Phe7was extended from the core structure into the solvent and was probably directly involved in receptor binding.
Streptococcus pyogenesCovRS Mediates Growth in Iron Starvation and in the Presence of the Human Cationic Antimicrobial Peptide LL-37
Authors: Froehlich Barbara J. , Bates Christopher , Scott June R.
Published: November 2008

We found that the global regulatory two-component signal transduction system CovRS mediates the ability of group A streptococcus (GAS) to grow under two stresses encountered during infection: iron starvation and the presence of LL-37. We also showed that CovRS regulates transcription of the multimetal transporter operon that is important for GAS growth in a low concentration of iron.
Workload measurement in subspecialty dermatopathology
Authors: Horne G J , Barber D F , Bruecks A K , Maung R T A , Trotter M J
Published: November 2008

Aim:

To measure pathologist workload in subspecialty dermatopathology.

Methods:

Three subspecialty dermatopathologists, working in a university-affiliated laboratory, participated in a time–motion study during which they reported 2891 consecutive skin cases received from community-based dermatologists. All pathology reports were retrospectively reviewed and workload measured using the Royal College of Pathologists (RCPath) guidelines and the level 4 equivalent (L4E) method.

Results:

The majority of dermatopathology cases were scored as low (32%) or intermediate (52%) complexity using the RCPath matrix. Only 16% of cases were considered high or very high complexity. The mean RCPath score per case was 2.68 units. Using L4E complexity levels, 83% of specimens were level 3, 15% were level 4, and only 2% were higher complexity (levels 5 and 6). Mean values for specimens/case, blocks/case, and slides/case were 1.31, 1.52, and 2.92, respectively. Time–motion analysis demonstrated a mean workload per hour of 16.3 cases, 21.3 specimens, 45.1 slides, 43.0 RCPath units, and 12.2 L4E. All three dermatopathologists reported >35 RCPath units per hour.

Conclusions:

The RCPath histopathology workload guidelines underestimate the workload achievable by an experienced dermatopathologist, and thus are not directly applicable to subspecialty dermatopathology practice. Hourly work rates 3–4 times that recommended by the RCPath workload matrix are routinely achievable, but extrapolation to yearly workload estimates requires detailed knowledge of practice pattern and time required for non-clinical duties such as teaching, research and administration.
Role of heme oxygenase-1 in the cardioprotective effects of erythropoietin during myocardial ischemia and reperfusion
Authors: Burger Dylan , Xiang Fuli , Hammoud Lamis , Lu Xiangru , Feng Qingping
Published: November 2008

We have recently demonstrated that erythropoietin (EPO) protects cardiomyocytes from apoptosis during myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R). The objective of the present study was to investigate the role of heme oxygenase (HO)-1 in the antiapoptotic effects of EPO. Primary cultures of neonatal mouse cardiomyocytes were subjected to anoxia-reoxygenation (A/R). Pretreatment with EPO significantly reduced apoptosis in A/R-treated cells. This reduction in apoptosis was preceded by an increase in the mRNA and protein expression of HO-1. Selective inhibition of HO-1 using chromium mesoporphyrin (CrMP) significantly diminished the ability of EPO to inhibit apoptosis. Cotreatment of EPO with SB-202190, an inhibitor of p38 activation, blocked the EPO-mediated HO-1 expression and antiapoptotic effects, suggesting a p38-dependent mechanism. The in vivo significance of p38 and HO-1 as mediators of EPO's cardioprotection was investigated in mice subjected to myocardial I/R. Pretreatment with EPO decreased infarct size as well as I/R-induced apoptosis in wild-type mice. However, these effects were significantly diminished in HO-1−/−mice. Furthermore, EPO given during ischemia reduced infarct size in mice subjected to I/R, and this effect was blocked by CrMP treatment in wild-type mice. Moreover, inhibition of p38 diminished the cardioprotective effects of EPO. We conclude that upregulation of HO-1 expression via p38 signaling contributes to EPO-mediated cardioprotection during myocardial I/R.
Impact of buffering hypercapnic acidosis on cell wounding in ventilator-injured rat lungs
Authors: Caples Sean M. , Rasmussen Deborah L. , Lee Won Y. , Wolfert Marla Z. , Hubmayr Rolf D.
Published: November 2008

We measured the effects of raising perfusate pH on ventilator-induced cell wounding and repair in ex vivo mechanically ventilated hypercapnic rat lungs. Lungs were randomized to one of three perfusate groups: 1) unbuffered hypercapnic acidosis, 2) bicarbonate-buffered hypercapnia, or 3) tris-hydroxymethyl aminomethane (THAM)-buffered hypercapnia. The membrane-impermeant label propidium iodide was added to the perfusate either during or after injurious ventilation providing a means to subsequently identify transiently wounded and permanently wounded cells in optical sections of subpleural alveoli. Normalizing perfusate pH in hypercapnic preparations attenuated ventilator-induced cell injury, particularly in THAM-buffered preparations. This was observed despite greater amounts of edema and impaired lung mechanics compared with other treatment groups. Protective effects of buffering of hypercapnic acidosis on injury and repair were subsequently confirmed in a cell scratch model. We conclude that buffering of hypercapnic acidosis attenuates plasma cell injury induced by mechanical hyperinflation.
The significance of the aluminium content of a lizardite at the nanoscale: the role of clinochlore as an aluminium sink
Authors: Cressey G. , Cressey B. A. , Wicks F. J.
Published: November 2008

Lizardite-1T crystals from Gew-graze at the Lizard, Cornwall, of an apparent composition (Mg2.94Fe0.03Al0.03)(Si1.97Al0.03)05(OH)4, have been observed to contain 2–5% of thin interstratifications of clinochlore when investigated by analytical transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The clinochlore is usually only a few unit layers thick but has an extensive lateral dimension parallel to the lizardite layers. Analytical TEM confirms the existence of very low-Al lizardite with a planar structure interstratified with occasional thin units of clinochlore containing substantial Al. Compositionally, such clinochlore (invisible by X-ray diffraction) interstratified throughout the lizardite crystals, could account for most of the Al present. We suggest that an occasional influx of Al causes the nucleation and growth of clinochlore at the expense of lizardite. The possibility of clinochlore contributing to the measured Al content in lizardite samples highlights the need for future investigations of Al-bearing serpentines to include careful examination and interpretation using imaging and analysis by TEM.

It has crept into serpentine discussions that lizardite cannot form without the coupled substitution of Al to relieve the misfit between the sheets of octahedra and tetrahedra. The lizardite at Gew-graze is almost Al-free, forms well-crystallized planar crystals and demonstrates that Al is not an essential element for lizardite crystallization.
High avidity myeloid leukemia-associated antigen-specific CD8+ T cells preferentially reside in the bone marrow
Authors: Melenhorst J. Joseph , Scheinberg Phillip , Chattopadhyay Pratip K. , Gostick Emma , Ladell Kristin , Roederer Mario , Hensel Nancy F. , Douek Daniel C. , Barrett A. John , Price David A.
Published: November 2008

The activity of allogeneic CD8+ T cells specific for leukemia-associated antigens (LAAs) is thought to mediate, at least in part, the curative effects of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in myeloid malignancies. However, the identity and nature of clinically relevant LAA-specific CD8+ T-cell populations have proven difficult to define. Here, we used a combination of coreceptor-mutated peptide-major histocompatibility complex class I (pMHCI) tetramers and polychromatic flow cytometry to examine the avidity profiles, phenotypic characteristics, and anatomical distribution of HLA A*0201-restricted CD8+ T-cell populations specific for LAAs that are over-expressed in myeloid leukemias. Remarkably, LAA-specific CD8+ T-cell populations, regardless of fine specificity, were confined almost exclusively to the bone marrow; in contrast, CD8+ T-cell populations specific for the HLA A*0201-restricted cytomegalovirus (CMV) pp65495-503 epitope were phenotypically distinct and evenly distributed between bone marrow and peripheral blood. Furthermore, bone marrow-resident LAA-specific CD8+ T cells frequently engaged cognate antigen with high avidity; notably, this was the case in all tested bone marrow samples derived from patients who achieved clinical remission after HSCT. These data suggest that concomitant examination of bone marrow specimens in patients with myeloid leukemias might yield more definitive information in the search for immunologic prognosticators of clinical outcome.
Monte Carlo Solution of Waiting Line Problems
Authors: Goetz Billy E.
Published: November 2008

This presentation makes no pretense of original contribution to either Monte Carlo or waiting-line analysis. It is merely an attempt to explain an important application of an interesting technique to managers somewhat lacking in mathematical sophistication. My objective is to enable such managers: (1) to recognize situations in which the technique may be useful, (2) to select appropriate staff or consulting personnel to make such studies, (3) to collaborate with such associates in establishing objectives and in formulating the general approach to be used, (4) to understand the results of such studies and to accept and implement these results intelligently, and (5) to be able to solve such problems as may be simple enough and intriguing enough to give sufficient pleasure to warrant the undertaking.

Management Technology, ISSN 0542-4917, was published as a separate journal from 1960 to 1964. In 1965 it was merged into Management Science.
System Engineering
Authors: Flood Merrill M.
Published: November 2008

I shall concentrate my remarks upon a few of the techniques that the System Engineer has been using increasingly during the past decade—powerful techniques from science, mathematics, and economics that the System Engineer is finding have frequent and general applicability in his field. I shall also present my own views regarding good general strategies to use in approaching various types of system engineering tasks, views that seem to me often to conflict both with the majority view and with common practice among system engineers. My own system engineering experience is almost entirely with military systems, and there always with only a portion of some major system; it is rare, if ever, that one man has had the opportunity to system engineer a major military system from conception to operation, so almost all experience is fragmentary in this sense.

Management Technology, ISSN 0542-4917, was published as a separate journal from 1960 to 1964. In 1965 it was merged into Management Science.
On Some Aspects of Technological Measurement
Authors: Littauer S. B.
Published: November 2008

In this discussion no attempt is made to establish a theory of technological measurement, not to say the theory of technological measurement. We will consider some aspects of technological measurement but still leave room for inquiry in the formulation of a theory of measurement.

Management Technology, ISSN 0542-4917, was published as a separate journal from 1960 to 1964. In 1965 it was merged into Management Science.
Study of a Textile Mill with the Aid of Linear Programming
Authors: Eisemann Kurt , Young William M.
Published: November 2008

The present study encompassed an overall examination of the operations of a textile mill, operated by the Pepperell Mfg. Co. and engaged in the production of blankets. It was hoped at the outset that application of the mathematical methods of operations research might yield findings and insights pointing to a potentially more profitable management of existing facilities. These hopes were subsequently amply fulfilled.

Management Technology, ISSN 0542-4917, was published as a separate journal from 1960 to 1964. In 1965 it was merged into Management Science.
Optimization of Investment—A Solution by Linear Programming
Authors: Bertoletti Mario , Chapiro Jorge , Rieznik Horacio
Published: November 2008

We develop an application of linear programming to the problem of the distribution of a certain investment which is restricted to a fixed amount among the various productive processes or departments of an enterprise, so as to obtain a maximum profit improvement.

Management Technology, ISSN 0542-4917, was published as a separate journal from 1960 to 1964. In 1965 it was merged into Management Science.
Planning Continuous Production by Linear Programming
Authors: Bertoletti Mario
Published: November 2008

A mathematical model is developed to solve the problem of capacity allocation by means of linear programming for such conditions where no intermediate stock is feasible (that is a condition which cannot be accepted in the classic linear programming model).

Management Technology, ISSN 0542-4917, was published as a separate journal from 1960 to 1964. In 1965 it was merged into Management Science.
The Demonstration of Statistical Control Problems by an Electronic Analog
Authors: Hyland John P.
Published: November 2008

Modern industrial processes are usually complex and present operators with many problems of control. These arise especially in human monitoring of control systems leading to changes being made by interpretation of instrument readings. Two major management problems arise here (a) to get process operators to recognize that these discrepancies will arise and are of a stochastic nature; and (b) to teach them how to interpret the data they observe quantitatively and how to reach correct decisions thereby.

Management Technology, ISSN 0542-4917, was published as a separate journal from 1960 to 1964. In 1965 it was merged into Management Science.
Design of a Management Information System
Authors: Stoller David S. , Van Horn Richard L.
Published: November 2008

Several of the important problem areas encountered in designing a management information system for operations and maintenance control of a major weapon system are discussed herein. Three types of design approaches are considered: (1) method and equipment improvement, (2) data augmentation, and (3) decision orientation. The latter approach is illustrated by a weapon system example. Design objectives which are useful in establishing detailed design criteria are discussed. The concepts of this paper are relevant to many non-military systems.

Management Technology, ISSN 0542-4917, was published as a separate journal from 1960 to 1964. In 1965 it was merged into Management Science.
The Sociological Impact of Automation in the Office
Authors: Hoos Ida R.
Published: November 2008

In the context of such subjects as optimization of equations, techniques of mathematical programming, and the like, “The Sociological Impact of Automation in the Office” may appear somewhat out of place. This is because there has been a lag in the feedback process between the conventional social scientists and the operations research and management science people. Some work involving high-speed electronic computers, as that concerned with nuclear fission, has begun to achieve a closed loop, with the social implications of the scientific advances taken so seriously as to affect the actual pattern and direction of research in some cases. Inclusion at this conference of a paper on office automation in relation to its significance for the workers involved indicates that OR and TIMS people are becoming aware that their activities may have social consequences worthy of consideration.

Management Technology, ISSN 0542-4917, was published as a separate journal from 1960 to 1964. In 1965 it was merged into Management Science.
An Addendum to General Heiman's Remarks
Authors: Ackoff Russell L.
Published: November 2008

When as eminent an engineer as General Heiman calls the attention of civil engineers and the construction industry to Operations Research, I—as a practitioner of Operations Research—can only react enthusiastically and second his motions. Such motions are long overdue. The construction industry has been the slowest of the major American industries to avail itself of any type of research, let alone Operations Research. The census of Research and Development conducted by the National Science Foundation substantiates this assertion. What advances have been obtained in the industry through research have been largely due to materials and equipment manufacturers and not by the firms that design and construct.

Management Technology, ISSN 0542-4917, was published as a separate journal from 1960 to 1964. In 1965 it was merged into Management Science.
Toward a Communicable Understanding of Planning: Creeds and Objectives
Authors: Newman Robert W. , Tomeski Edward , Sternhell Arthur , Warren Kirby
Published: November 2008

A creed of The Institute of Management Sciences is that managing can be made more teachable and learnable through theoretical and empirical research and building a body of communicable knowledge of the emerging science of managing. An objective of the Institute is this body of knowledge. The establishment of various TIMS colleges is a strategy for obtaining this objective. A tactic of the Planning College is the establishment of study teams to review common beliefs of assigned aspects of the subject matter of planning and report the results of these studies to the College. A goal of the present study team is to initiate a fruitful discussion of two specific elements of the planning process so a common and communicable understanding and formal documentation of them will result.

Management Technology, ISSN 0542-4917, was published as a separate journal from 1960 to 1964. In 1965 it was merged into Management Science.
Le Prix de Revient Est-Il une Utopie?
Authors: Bouchet Cabinet Guy
Published: November 2008

The purpose of this article is to suggest a reallocation of costs in a manufacturing industry in such a way as to make it possible: (1) to compare profitability within different competitors and (2) to evaluate the profitability of each product line and the profitability of all sections (or departments) of a given company.

Management Technology, ISSN 0542-4917, was published as a separate journal from 1960 to 1964. In 1965 it was merged into Management Science.
Production Planning Through Inventory Control
Authors: Hugli Wilfred C.
Published: November 2008

The need for control of production is well established in the science of management. The most effective methods of control are not. I believe the most effective method is control of production through inventory, and an explanation of that method is the purpose of this paper.

Management Technology, ISSN 0542-4917, was published as a separate journal from 1960 to 1964. In 1965 it was merged into Management Science.
Planning Advertising Expenditures by Dynamic Programming Methods
Authors: Maffei Richard B.
Published: November 2008

Much of the importance of the new dynamic programming methods has remained unnoticed because of the apparent complexity of the underlying mathematics. This is indeed unfortunate because the essence of the programming methods for certain classes of problems is not new to practicing economists. Dynamic programming methods can provide an efficient computational algorithm for problem types frequently encountered in consumer demand and production theory.

In this paper the following approach will be utilized. First, an illustration concerned with the allocation of an advertising budget among competing media will be presented that will enable the reader to study the relationship between dynamic programming and simple combinatorial analysis. Second, an attempt will be made to show the relationship between demand and production theory on the one hand and programming on the other. Third, an advertising budget allocation problem much like the simpler one discussed in the first section will be cast in terms of the dynamic programming computational procedure and solved. Finally, a very brief mathematical solution will be preferred.

Management Technology, ISSN 0542-4917, was published as a separate journal from 1960 to 1964. In 1965 it was merged into Management Science.
An Investment Decision in a Life Insurance Company
Authors: Robichek Alexander A. , Teichroew Daniel
Published: November 2008

The paper shows the development of the after-tax earnings from interest as a function of the proportion of money invested in each type of security and certain other parameters such as the interest yields and the tax rate. This function is then differentiated and the optimum point determined. A procedure is provided for computing the optimum proportion.

Management Technology, ISSN 0542-4917, was published as a separate journal from 1960 to 1964. In 1965 it was merged into Management Science.
The Psychological Services Available to Management
Authors: Chapman Robert L.
Published: November 2008

Applied psychology has been affected just as powerfully by the vast military markets that have opened up since World War II and the technological advances of the last decade as management and other professions have. The kinds of problems that led to the growth of management science, the increasing number of psychologists attracted to industry, new research methods, and new knowledge—all of these have had their part in developing the kinds of psychological services now available to management.

Management Technology, ISSN 0542-4917, was published as a separate journal from 1960 to 1964. In 1965 it was merged into Management Science.
The Application of Human Relations Research to Administration
Authors: Jordan Nehemiah
Published: November 2008

The purpose of this paper is threefold; an attempt will be made to: (1) spell out at least some of the reasons which make the simple application of academic research difficult, (2) show that this research, even as it is, can be of help to administrators, and (3) suggest a way of facilitating communication between administrators and academic investigators to their mutual benefit.

Management Technology, ISSN 0542-4917, was published as a separate journal from 1960 to 1964. In 1965 it was merged into Management Science.
Realism in Management Science: A Report
Authors: Churchman C. West
Published: November 2008

This paper is a summary of the proceedings of TIMS Methodology Symposium on realism in management science held in Mont Gabriel Lodge in the Laurentian Mountains in April 1961. This particular symposium was organized by Roger Crane and C. West Churchman.

Management Technology, ISSN 0542-4917, was published as a separate journal from 1960 to 1964. In 1965 it was merged into Management Science.
Letter to the Editor
Authors: Pedrick Perkins
Published: November 2008

A comment about paper Maffei, Richard B. 1960. Planning advertising expenditures by dynamic programming methods. Management Tech. 1 (2) 94–100.

Management Technology, ISSN 0542-4917, was published as a separate journal from 1960 to 1964. In 1965 it was merged into Management Science.
Economic Scheduling of Electric Power Production
Authors: Durstine R. M.
Published: November 2008

The purpose of this paper is twofold: (1) To review and discuss applications of mathematics to the scheduling of electric power production, which until recently has been subjected only to investigations of a restricted nature. (2) To illustrate, in the context of a particular electric power scheduling example, the point that the choice of techniques applied in problems of management science should be matched to the accuracy of the available input information, and to the practicality of carrying out the chosen technique.

Management Technology, ISSN 0542-4917, was published as a separate journal from 1960 to 1964. In 1965 it was merged into Management Science.
Planned Replacement
Authors: Kamins Milton
Published: November 2008

This report is part of a long-term study of maintenance policies and their effect on Air Force capabilities and costs. It specifically examines the interactions between planned replacement—a form of preventive maintenance—and the factors of reliability, availability, and cost. It is an abbreviated version of M. Kamins and J. J. McCall, Jr., Rules for Planned Replacement of Aircraft and Missile Parts, The RAND Corporation, Research Memorandum RM-2810-PR, November, 1961.

Management Technology, ISSN 0542-4917, was published as a separate journal from 1960 to 1964. In 1965 it was merged into Management Science.
Dampening Production Level Response to Order Backlog Changes
Authors: Scott James H.
Published: November 2008

The textile industry is well known for its cyclical characteristic. The ups and downs, however, are largely due to changes in the order backlog position and the subsequent response in production and inventory levels.

The purpose of this report is to demonstrate a method whereby management can more effectively control its productive response to changes in the backlog, thereby tending to permit less inventory speculation as backlogs rise and reducing price weakness as backlogs fall. In addition, sharp changes in production levels are avoided and inventories maintained for actual requirements only.

Management Technology, ISSN 0542-4917, was published as a separate journal from 1960 to 1964. In 1965 it was merged into Management Science.
Computer Simulation Yields Evaluation of Procurement Policies
Authors: Gessford John E.
Published: November 2008

This article contains a description of the concepts and techniques used in the computer simulation of a supply system containing geographically scattered sources, stock piles and consumption points. The simulation was successfully used to explore the effects of carrying lower inventories of a basic raw material.

Management Technology, ISSN 0542-4917, was published as a separate journal from 1960 to 1964. In 1965 it was merged into Management Science.