bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differences and similarities of nurse cells in cysts of Trichinella spiralis and T. pseudospiralis
Authors: Boonmars T. , Wu Z. , Nagano I. , Nakada T. , Takahashi Y.
Published: February 2004

The nurse cell in the cyst of Trichinella spiralis comprises at least two kinds of cytoplasm, derived from muscle or satellite cells, as indicated by the pattern of staining using regular dye (haematoxylin and eosin, or toluidine blue), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) expression, acid phosphatase (ACP) expression and immunostaining with an anti-intermediate filament protein (desmin or keratin). Muscle cells undergo basophilic changes following a T. spiralis infection and transform to the nurse cells, accompanied by an increase in ACP activity and the disappearance of desmin. Satellite cells are activated, transformed and joined to the nurse cells but remain eosinophilic. The eosinophilic cytoplasm is accompanied by an increase in desmin and ALP expression but not an increase in ACP activity. Differences in the staining results for ALP or ACP suggest that the two kinds of cytoplasm have different functions. Trichinella pseudospiralis infection results in an increase of ACP activity at a later stage than T. spiralis. There is also a difference in the location pattern of ACP in the cyst of T. spiralis compared with T. pseudospiralis. In T. spiralis, ACP is diffused within the cell, but in T. pseudospiralis, ACP distribution is spotty corresponding to the location of the nucleus. Trichinella pseudospiralis infection is accompanied by a slight increase in ALP activity. Activated satellite cells following a T. pseudospiralis infection exhibit an increase in desmin expression. The present study therefore reveals that nurse cell cytoplasm differs between the two Trichinella species and between the two origins of cytoplasm in the cyst of T. spiralis.
Effects of glycine–metal compounds on Ascaridia galli-infected chickens expressed by a kinetic model
Authors: Gabrashanska M. , Teodorova S.E. , Galvez-Morros M. , Mitov M.
Published: February 2004

The biogenic elements zinc, manganese and cobalt are essential for metabolic processes in animals. Compounds of nGly.Me2+A. mH2O (Me2+=Zn2+, Mn2+, Co2+; A=Cl−, SO42−, n=1, 2; m=2, 5), as supplements in the diet, were used separately on different experimental groups of male Hisex chickens to correct the mineral deficiency caused by Ascaridia galli infections. An amelioration of body weight gain, reduction of mortality and restoration of trace element levels were estimated in infected chickens. A mathematical model has been proposed for A. galli population kinetics in chickens, taking into account the stimulating effect of these elements on the nematodes. The model parameters are considered as phenomenological constants of the host–parasite system. An agreement with experimental data is observed using, for the parameters ψ, α, μ and μs, values equal to those calculated in previously investigated A. galli–chicken systems. For parameter ν (immunological constant) the same value was obtained as in a previous experiment with high infection. This model is likely to be suitable for a range of host–nematode systems, including varying degrees of infection and treatment with different trace elements.
Granulomatous inflammation during Heligmosomoides polygyrus primary infections in FVB mice
Authors: Cywińska A. , Czumińska K. , Schollenberger A.
Published: February 2004

Host responses to primary infections with Heligmosomoides polygyrus were studied in fast responding FVB mice (H-2q). Pathological changes in the intestinal mucosa, mesenteric lymph nodes and spleen were examined. Features of the fast response were typical: low effectiveness of infection and limiting of parasite survival and egg production, with worm expulsion occurring about 60 days post-infection. The intestinal inflammatory response involved infiltration by different cells into the intestinal mucosa and granulomata formation. As is typical for intestinal nematode infection enteropathy, decreased villus:crypt ratio and hyperplasia of goblet and Paneth cells were also present. Reactions of the intestinal mucosa, mesenteric lymph nodes and spleen increased over time post-infection and after worm expulsion. Enteropathy may help worm expulsion by creating an unfavourable environment for H. polygyrus. The implications of these findings and the potential role of intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes in the pathogenesis of generated lesions are discussed.
Dexamethasone treatment affects skin mucous cell density in Gyrodactylus derjavini infected Salmo salar
Authors: Olafsdottir S.H. , Buchmann K.
Published: February 2004

Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar, is normally rather refractive to infection with the ectoparasitic monogenean Gyrodactylus derjavini but dexamethasone treatment of the host increases the susceptibility. The causative mechanisms were elucidated in this work. Groups of Atlantic salmon were treated by intra-peritoneal dexamethasone injections and subsequently infected with G. derjavini. It was shown that both the infection level and the mucous cell density of caudal and pelvic fins were affected by the treatment. Significantly higher mucous cell densities were found on infected and treated fish whereas non-infected and treated fish showed no significant elevation of cell density. This suggests that mucous cell discharge elicited by infection is inhibited by the drug. The association with elevated parasite counts in these fish can be explained either by decreased anti-parasitic mucus action or by parasite predilection for intact mucous cells.
Hymenolepis microstoma: direct life cycle in immunodeficient mice
Authors: Andreassen J. , Ito A. , Ito M. , Nakao M. , Nakaya K.
Published: February 2004

The mouse bile duct tapeworm Hymenolepis microstoma requires beetles as the obligatory intermediate host. However, when congenitally athymic NMRI-nu mice were infected with the mature tapeworm and allowed to eat their own faeces with tapeworm eggs, the oncospheres penetrated the intestinal tissue and developed to cysticercoids. After excysting, growth to adult worms occurs in the lumen of the small intestine and bile duct. Furthermore, the same happened when NMRI-nu mice, non-obese diabetic severe combined immunodeficiency (NOD/Shi-scid) mice and NOD/Shi-scid, IL-2 Rγnull (NOG) mice were orally inoculated with shell-free eggs of this parasite. Differences between the cysticercoids of H. microstoma and H. nana developed in the mouse intestinal tissues were: (i) the time course for the development of fully matured cysticercoids of H. microstoma in mice was about 11 days but only 4 days for H. nana; and (ii) cysticercoids of H. microstoma developed in mice had a tail while those of H. nana had none.
Paraspiralatus sakeri n. g., n. sp. (Nematoda: Spiruroidea, Spirocercidae) from saker falcons, Falco cherrug in Saudi Arabia and the first report of larvae from the subcutaneous tissues of houbara bustards, Chlamydotis undulata macqueeni in Pakistan
Authors: Gibbons L.M. , Nicholls P.K. , Bailey T. , Samour J.
Published: February 2004

A new nematode genus and species, Paraspiralatus sakeri , is described from the stomach of a wild-caught, female saker falcon in Saudi Arabia. This spirurid differs from the nearest genus and species Spiralatus baeri Chabaud, Brygoo & Durette, 1963 in the shape of the pseudolabia, shape of the buccal capsule and absence of a large cephalic vesicle. In addition, third stage spirurid larvae were recovered for the first time from subcutaneous tissues of two houbara bustards. These had died in the Rahim Yar Khan Rehabilitation Center (Houbara Foundation International, Lahore, Pakistan) in Pakistan and were examined at the National Avian Research Center in the United Arab Emirates. The morphology of the larvae and host pathology are described. Comparative studies with the adult spirurids from the saker falcon showed each to have similar cephalic and pharyngeal morphological features to the adults described indicating they are probably the same species. Spirurid nematodes of the suborder Spirurina normally have an arthropod intermediate host. In view of the host, the site from which the larvae were recovered and the fact that this is a rare occurrence, the houbara bustard is considered to be a paratenic host.
Surface carbohydrates of Eudiplozoon nipponicum pre- and post-fusion
Authors: Schabussova I. , Koubková B. , Gelnar M. , Schabuss M. , Horák P.
Published: February 2004

The development of the monogenean Diplozoon (Nordmann, 1832) (Diplozoidae) necessitates fusion of two larval stages (diporpae) into one double organism. How diporpae find, distinguish and contact each other is unclear, nor is the nature of the stimuli responsible for the dedifferentiation of cells and the formation of new tissues at the site of somatic fusion. Previous studies have implied a role for carbohydrates and glycoproteins in the interactions between helminth parasites and their hosts. Hypothetically, glycoconjugates may also be involved in the establishment of parasite–parasite associations. Changes in the surface saccharide residues during the development of Eudiplozoon nipponicum, a gill ectoparasite of carp (Cyprinus carpio) are described. Flat-fixed specimens and sections of diporpae, juveniles (just-fused) and adult worms were examined following exposure to a panel of 12 FITC-conjugated lectins. All developmental stages exhibited a specific surface binding pattern with ten lectins, indicating that Man/Glc, GlcNAc, Gal and GalNAc are probably present on their surfaces. No reaction was observed with Fuc-specific lectins (UEA-I and LTA). There is evidence that parasite development is accompanied by both qualitative and quantitative changes in the saccharide pattern distribution. The diporpa sucker reacted with nine lectins, excluding BS-II. A very strong binding of PNA, LCA and ConA (Gal and Man/Glc-specific lectins) was observed with the papilla glands of juvenile worms. The role of glandular secretions in this unique fusion process is discussed.
Parasite aggregations in host populations using a reformulated negative binomial model
Authors: Pal P. , Lewis J.W.
Published: February 2004

The negative binomial distribution model is reformulated and used to demarcate a host population at a specific level of infection by defining an attribute spanning a range of parasite aggregations. The upper limit of the range specifies the boundary for the classification of the host population and provides a technique to determine the cumulative probability at any level of parasite infection to a high degree of accuracy. This approach also leads to the evaluation of the k parameter, i.e. an inverse measure of dispersion of parasite aggregation, for each fraction of the host population with a discrete level of infection. The basic mathematical premise of the negative binomial function is unaltered in developing this reformulation which was applied to data on the distribution of the trichostrongylid nematode Heligmosomoides polygyrus in populations of the field mouse, Apodemus sylvaticus.
Faecal egg counts provide a reliable measure of Trichostrongylus tenuis intensities in free-living red grouse Lagopus lagopus scoticus
Authors: Seivwright L.J. , Redpath S.M. , Mougeot F. , Watt L. , Hudson P.J.
Published: February 2004

The reliability of different egg counting methods for estimating the intensity of Trichostrongylus tenuis infections in red grouse, Lagopus lagopus scoticus, was investigated in the autumn, when grouse may harbour high parasite intensities. Possible limitations to the use of these methods were also examined. Faecal egg counts were found to accurately estimate T. tenuis worm intensities, at least up to an observed maximum of c. 8000 worms. Two egg counting methods (smear and McMaster) gave consistent results, although the exact relationship with worm intensity differed according to the method used. Faecal egg counts significantly decreased with increasing length of sample storage time, but egg counts were reliable for estimating worm intensity for three weeks. The concentration of eggs in the caecum was also found to reliably estimate worm intensity. However, egg counts from frozen gut samples cannot be used to estimate worm intensities. These results conclude that, despite some limitations, faecal and caecum egg counts provide useful and reliable ways of measuring T. tenuis intensities in red grouse.
Echinostoma friedi: the effect of age of adult worms on the infectivity of miracidia
Authors: Toledo R. , Espert A. , Carpena I. , Trelis M. , Muñoz-Antoli C. , Esteban J.G.
Published: February 2004

The effect of ageing of adults of Echinostoma friedi (Trematoda: Echinostomatidae) on the infectivity of miracidia yielded was analysed. Miracidia were obtained after hatching of eggs obtained from adult worms of E. friedi collected weekly during the course of experimental infections in golden hamsters. Miracidial infectivity, measured in terms of percentage of infection in Lymnaea peregra, was significantly influenced by the age of the adult worms from which the miracidia were derived. Infective miracidia only were obtained from adult worms in the age range from 4 to 9 weeks post-infection. Infectivity was maximal in those miracidia derived from adults collected 8 and 9 weeks post-infection. The results suggest that adult worms producing viable eggs require additional maturation to be able to yield eggs containing infective miracidia.
Conservation analysis of small RNA genes in Escherichia coli
Authors: Zhang Yong , Zhang Zhihua , Ling Lunjiang , Shi Baochen , Chen Runsheng
Published: March 2004

Motivation: Small RNA (sRNA) genes in Escherichia coli have been in focus recently, as 44 out of 55 experimentally confirmed sRNA genes have been precisely located in the genome. The object of this study is to analyze quantitatively the conservation of these sRNA genes and compare it with the conservation of protein-encoding genes, function-unknown regions and tRNA genes.

Results: The results show that within an evolutionary distance of 0.26, both sRNA genes and protein-encoding genes display a similar tendency in their degrees of conservation at the nucleotide level. In addition, the conservation of sRNA genes is much stronger than function-unknown regions, but much weaker than tRNA genes. Based on the conservation of studied sRNA genes, we also give clues to estimate the total number of sRNA genes in E.coli.

Supplementary information: Supplementary information is available at http://www.bioinfo.org.cn/SM/sRNAconservation.htm
Degrees of differential gene expression: detecting biologically significant expression differences and estimating their magnitudes
Authors: Bickel David R.
Published: March 2004

Motivation: Many methods of identifying differential expression in genes depend on testing the null hypotheses of exactly equal means or distributions of expression levels for each gene across groups, even though a statistically significant difference in the expression level does not imply the occurrence of any difference of biological or clinical significance. This is because a mathematical definition of ‘differential expression’ as any non-zero difference does not correspond to the differential expression biologists seek. Furthermore, while some current methods account for multiple comparisons in hypothesis tests, they do not accordingly adjust estimates of the degrees to which genes are differentially expressed. Both problems lead to overstating the relevance of findings.

Results: Testing whether genes have relevant differential expression can be accomplished with customized null hypotheses, thereby redefining ‘differential expression’ in a way that is more biologically meaningful. When such tests control the false discovery rate, they effectively discover genes based on a desired quantile of differential gene expression. Estimation of the degree to which genes are differentially expressed has been corrected for multiple comparisons.

Availability: R code is freely available from http://www.davidbickel.com and may become available from www.r-project.org or www.bioconductor.org

Supplementary information: Applications to cancer microarrays, an application in the absence of differential expression, pseudocode, and a guide to customizing the methods may be found at www.davidbickel.com and www.mathpreprints.com
mdclust—exploratory microarray analysis by multidimensional clustering
Authors: Dugas M. , Merk S. , Breit S. , Dirschedl P.
Published: March 2004

Motivation: Unsupervised clustering of microarray data may detect potentially important, but not obvious characteristics of samples, for instance subgroups of diagnoses with distinct gene profiles or systematic errors in experimentation.

Results: Multidimensional clustering (mdclust) is a method, which identifies sets of sample clusters and associated genes. It applies iteratively two-means clustering and score-based gene selection.

For any phenotype variable best matching sets of clusters can be selected. This provides a method to identify gene–phenotype associations, suited even for settings with a large number of phenotype variables. An optional model based discriminant step may reduce further the number of selected genes.

Availability: R-code and supplemental information available from http://martin-dugas.de/mdclust/

Supplementary information:  http://martin-dugas.de/mdclust/
Exploring genome architecture through GOV: a WWW-based gene order visualizer
Authors: Sakharkar Kishore R. , Chow Vincent T. K.
Published: March 2004

Motivation: The past decade has seen extension in the methods of sequence analysis from single gene based to analyzing multiple genes and proteins simultaneously. Consequently, there is a need for software tools that will allow mining of these enormous datasets at genome level effectively. A key challenge is to make them user-friendly, available to a larger community and integrate with public domain software without much hassle.

Results: A web-based interactive computational tool is described for visualization and comparison of gene order from prokaryotic and selected viral genome data. Many intriguing similarities and differences in gene order of multiple genomes can be compared and revealed. The interface facilitates easy extraction of the nucleotide sequence of the gene of interest and BLAST analysis against GenBank at NCBI to provide insights into gene functions and orthologs of the gene in other species.

Availability: GOV is available at: http://www.bii.a-star.edu.sg/~kishore/Gov/Gov.html
The Impact of Sector‐Specific and Economy‐Wide Policy Reforms on the Agricultural Sector in Brazil: 1980–98
Authors: Helfand Steven M. , Castro de Rezende Gervásio
Published: March 2004

This article analyzes the impact of policy reforms and changing macroeconomic conditions on the Brazilian agricultural sector. It stresses four issues: events outside of agriculture were central to the performance of the sector and to the timing and sequence of policy reform; reform involved far more than trade liberalization; the impact of reform on input markets and productivity was key for understanding the period; and policy reform had a highly differentiated impact on the sector. As a result of the reforms, agriculture became the most dynamic sector of the Brazilian economy in the 1990s. Policies still in need of reform are identified. (JEL O13, Q18)
Inefficient Education Spending in Public School Districts: A Case for Consolidation?
Authors: Dodson Marvin E. , Garrett Thomas A.
Published: March 2004

This article estimates scale economies for Arkansas school districts. Large economies of scale exist in teacher salary and supply costs, as well as total costs. The results suggest that districts, especially rural districts, would experience measurable cost savings from consolidation. The authors simulate a hypothetical rural school district consolidation to obtain cost‐saving estimates from consolidation. Simulations indicate that districts could save an average of 34% in average variable costs. At the state level, consolidation of rural districts in Arkansas could annually save $40 million. However, consolidation of school districts may increase various implicit costs to students and local communities. (JEL I22, I28)
A global economic outlook
Authors: Berner Richard
Published: March 2004

Richard Berner is a Managing Director and Chief US Economist at Morgan Stanley. He directs the firm’s forecasting and analysis of the US economy and financial markets. Before joining Morgan Stanley in 1999, Richard Berner was Executive Vice President and Chief Economist at Mellon Bank, and a member of Mellon’s Senior Management Committee. Prior to that, he served as a Principal and Senior Economist for Morgan Stanley, as a Director and Senior Economist for Salomon Brothers, as Economist for Morgan Guaranty Trust Company, and as Director of the Washington, DC office of Wharton Econometrics. Dick also served for seven years on the research staff of the Federal Reserve in Washington, where he co‐directed the Fed’s model‐based forecast.
The strategic CFO
Authors: Khalifa Amin I.
Published: March 2004

Mr. Khalifa has responsibility for all financial functions, as well as purchasing, contract services and investor relations. He joined Apria on October 1, 2003, and was most recently the vice president, finance and chief financial officer of Beckman Coulter, Inc., a manufacturer of diagnostic laboratory equipment and instruments. Previously, Amin served as the chief financial officer of Monsanto’s agricultural division (1996 to 1999) and as the senior vice president, chief financial officer and head of investor relations of Aetna Health Plans (1994 to 1996). From 1979 to 1994, he held a succession of senior financial management and operating positions at PepsiCo, Inc. Amin graduated from Lehigh University with both a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering and a Master of Business Administration in Finance.
The evolving role of the CFO
Authors: Massmann Calvin
Published: March 2004

Cal Massmann has served as Senior Vice President‐Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer since January 2000. Mr. Massmann previously served as an independent business consultant providing interim CFO services during 1998 and 1999. In this interview Massmann discusses how the role of the CFO has changed over recent years and what the future hold for finance functions throughout the USA.
Trends in integrated library systems
Authors: Ebenezer Catherine
Published: March 2004

Provides an overview of the present state of development of integrated library systems and identifies, describes and evaluates significant trends in the industry in relation to their context within the overall development of library services. Notes that the library systems market, and developments in library systems, are driven by Internet trends and by the software Industry rather than by the library and information community and that they are subject to global economic imperatives.
Digital imaging in architectural design E‐ducation
Authors: Verbeke Johan
Published: March 2004

Digital images can play a crucial role in communication and the exploration of design concepts in distant learning environments. First described is the general context in which the authors are working: the ideas behind the AVOCAAD project, the AVOCAAD conferences and their E‐ducation system. Then the importance of digital image databases for architectural education is outlined. The roles of imaging in design and the concept of “information pumps” are explained. It is argued that different types of digital images are required at different stages of the design process.
Choosing a library portal system
Authors: Cox Andrew
Published: March 2004

The article sets out a definition of the main functional elements of “portals” as supplied by library management system (LMS) suppliers, also touching on related technology. It lists the benefits and considers continuing issues. It concludes by suggesting the main criteria a library would apply to choosing a system.
Institutional repositories
Authors: Yeates Robin
Published: March 2004

An institutional repository is the collective intellectual output of an institution recorded in a form that can be preserved and exploited. This article briefly outlines the need for repositories such as Dspace, their role, benefits and drawbacks. It concludes that repositories are key to the ability of institutions to respond to future needs for more dynamic cross‐boundary communications services.
Access for all: assistive technology in West Sussex libraries
Authors: Edwards Simon
Published: March 2004

Through a successful bid to the People’s Network Excellence Fund, West Sussex Library Service was able to embark on a project to provide assistive technology through the network of 35 static libraries. This article describes the project and the hardware, software and accessories bought to create greater access for those with disabilities or learning difficulties.
An introduction to evidence‐based health care and the opportunities it presents for information professionals – clinical evidence as an example
Authors: Beaven Olwen , McHugh Jane
Published: March 2004

This article gives a brief introduction to evidence‐based healthcare (EBH) and the role that library and information professionals play in supporting it. It then presents a case study of the work that information specialists undertake for the EBH publication, Clinical Evidence (produced by the BMJ Publishing Group).
Socioeconomic and environmental determinants of child‐care patterns of preschoolers in Pakistan
Authors: Iram Uzma , Sabihuddin Butt Muhammad
Published: March 2004

The role of care as a critical influence on child nutrition, health, and development has received increasing attention in the last decade. While the role of care has been well elaborated at a conceptual level, we still lack simple valid and reliable tools to measure many aspects of care. Psychosocial care includes the behaviors and practices that support children's healthy growth and psychosocial development. The research presented here constitutes one of the first attempts to quantify some of the various dimensions of child‐care practices (namely type, quality, and frequency) and to summarize the information into a composite, age‐specific index of child‐care practices. The main purpose of this research is to examine, specifically within the context of Pakistan, which of the maternal and household characteristics constituted more severe constraints to the provision of good child care. The main findings of this research have important policy implications. They suggest that specific training in child feeding and the use of preventive health services for poor mothers with little formal education could have a large impact on the growth of children living in impoverished environments.
The evolution of development economics and globalization
Authors: Piasecki Ryszard , Wolnicki Miron
Published: March 2004

The legacy of the last 50 years of development economics is not very inspiring. In the 1960s and 1970s, instead of looking at the real causes and viable solutions to poverty and underdevelopment, development economics was preoccupied with the politically‐charged debate over the superiority of either state‐controlled or market systems. In the 1980s and 1990s, economists expected that globalization would come to be a panacea for all developing countries. They advocated the abandonment of traditional industries and occupations and their replacement by modern sectors modelled after or imported from the developed countries. Such policies have generally failed with few exceptions–those being countries which chose to implement their own specific policies of development. These countries skillfully combined government interventionism with market system incentives. Despite its past problems, development economics has recently evolved to better reflect the realities of developing countries. For the first time, development economics is on the verge of becoming a real social science in which analysis of traditional institutions, community life, and religious and ethnic factors is not only important but decisive in developing new social and economic growth objectives and economic policies.
No pain, no gain: stretching the library dollar
Authors: Seer Gitelle
Published: March 2004

Based on a presentation originally given at the American Association of Law Libraries’ annual meeting in Seattle, 15 July 2003, ten important, though sometimes underdeveloped, approaches to fiscal management are presented. While originally intended for a law librarian audience, these sound, basic approaches are pertinent to all libraries in general, and especially small libraries located within larger organizations. The need to communicate with non‐library staff and management – and successful ways to do this – is emphasized.
Safekeeping the public trust: librarians and fundraisers in partnership
Authors: Myers Bill
Published: March 2004

Defines the term “public trust” and comments upon its history and current application in various contexts. Examines the shared values and ethical principles of librarians and fundraisers, and considers distinctions in the way each profession is practiced.
Geometric verification of design
Authors: Faraj Ihsan
Published: March 2004

This paper discusses an approach for constructing product models in terms of features. In particular, the work focused on features verification and their accessibility using the solid model representation of the design. The research was motivated by the inadequacy of the current geometric modellers to perform verification and accessibility analyses, resulting in possible contradictions between the intended and the resultant features. Consequently, the wrong data are passed to the applications that use the data. The paper describes an alternative approach that considers the geometry, topology of the design and other construction and engineering information of the product rather than the simplistic approach, which is implemented in many geometric modellers; and is based on tagging feature labels on geometry. Individual features are extracted from the product model, where all the information about the product is held, for analyses. Each volumetric feature corresponds to a solid. As a consequence of applying volumetric features to the design model, surface features are generated. These surface features provide enough information to enable the validity and accessibility of the individual features to be determined and establish the possible routes in which the feature can be accessed, if any. The algorithms that are used to determine the validity and accessibility of features will be discussed.
Using multivariate techniques for developing contractor classification models
Authors: Wong C.H. , Nicholas J. , Holt G.D.
Published: March 2004

Today’s growing numbers of contractor selection methodologies reflect the increasing awareness of the construction industry for improving its procurement process and performance. This paper investigates contractor classification methods that link clients’ selection aspirations and contractor performance. Multivariate techniques were used to study the intrinsic link between clients’ selection preferences, i.e. project‐specific criteria (PSC) and their respective levels of importance assigned (LIA), during tender evaluation for modelling contractor classification models in a data set of 68 case studies of UK construction projects. The logistic regression (LR) and multivariate discriminant analysis (MDA) were used. Results revealed that both techniques produced a good prediction on contractor performance and indicated that suitability of the equipment, past performance in cost and time on similar projects, contractor relationship with local authority, and contractor reputation/image are the most predominant PSC in the LR and MDA models among the 34 PSC. Suggests contractor classification models using multivariate techniques could be developed further.
Professional ethics in the construction industry
Authors: Vee Charles , Skitmore CMartin
Published: March 2004

Provides results of a small, but representative, questionnaire survey of typical project managers, architects and building contractors concerning their views and experiences on a range of ethical issues surrounding construction industry activities. Most (90 per cent) subscribed to a professional code of ethics and many (45 per cent) had an ethical code of conduct in their employing organisations, with the majority (84 per cent) considering good ethical practice to be an important organisational goal. It was agreed by 93 per cent of the respondents that “business ethics” should be driven or governed by “personal ethics”, with 84 per cent of respondents stating that a balance of both the requirements of the client and the impact on the public should be maintained. No respondent was aware of any cases of employers attempting to force their employees to initiate, or participate in, unethical conduct. Despite this, all the respondents had witnessed or experienced some degree of unethical conduct, in the form of unfair conduct, negligence, conflict of interest, collusive tendering, fraud, confidentiality and propriety breach, bribery and violation of environmental ethics.
Application of dynamic programming and simulation for sewer management
Authors: Wirahadikusumah Reini , Abraham Dulcy M.
Published: March 2004

This paper proposes a decision‐making framework to assist asset managers in decision making regarding sewer maintenance/rehabilitation (M&R) plans under constraints of limited access to sewer condition data. It discusses the application of probabilistic dynamic programming in conjunction with a Markov chain model to analyze the life cycle cost of combined sewer systems. M&R issues have traditionally been addressed with a crisis‐based approach, but this study contributes to sewer infrastructure management efforts in developing a management system based on life cycle cost analysis. The framework includes the optimal M&R techniques for sewer projects and the optimal times of application. The role of simulation is also explored to obtain the variability of the total cost. By knowing the expected costs and their variabilities, a deeper understanding of life cycle costs of sewer infrastructure can be obtained. The model’s capability is enhanced further by testing its sensivitity to varying discount and inflation rates.
Parameters governing the selection of procurement system – an empirical survey
Authors: Thanh Luu Duc , Ng S. Thomas , Eng Chen Swee
Published: March 2004

The lack of structured procedures, based on good information, for the selection of construction procurement system sometimes inhibits the opportunity for clients to choose a procurement option in a fully informed manner. The selection and use of an unsuitable procurement approach could eventually lead to project failure. To formalise the procurement selection procedures, clients should establish a set of appropriate procurement selection parameters (PSPs) based on their distinctive characteristics and objectives, project requirements, and external environment. In this paper, a list of 34 PSPs was drawn up according to the findings of researchers in procurement selection. An empirical study was carried out in Australia with clients and project managers to unveil the importance and interrelationships of the identified PSPs. The results indicate that the perception of clients and project managers on the importance of PSPs was generally consistent, that underlying relationships do exist among parameters, and there is a need for clients to ensure that the interrelated PSPs are not overlooked when assessing the suitability of construction procurement systems.
Risk management practices of leading UK cost consultants
Authors: Wood Gerard D. , Ellis Robert C.T.
Published: March 2004

Risk management (RM) is now widely accepted as an important tool in the management of projects. Through a series of semi‐structured interviews with RM facilitators, current practice is explored. The findings provide a number of soft benchmarks. Interest in RM comes largely from educated clients and is regularly adopted as an integrated front‐end service. Ongoing RM studies throughout the project life cycle are limited largely to the public sector and utilities. The use of RM workshops and the production of risk registers are commonplace. The use of Monte Carlo simulation through specialist software is widespread as a means of obtaining a greater degree of confidence in project budgets. There is scepticism regarding the usefulness of complex risk analysis techniques and a predisposition to rely on judgement based on experience. The use of historical data is limited. Evaluation of the service is informal and there is a relative lack of training and skills development underpinning RM provision.
Accelerated work‐schedule design considering efficiency losses for overtime and overmanning
Authors: Singh A.
Published: March 2004

Construction projects frequently need to use overtime and overmanning to get work done on time. Overtime and overmanning often appear concurrently, especially when acceleration has been ordered. However, the calculation of the number of workers required for overtime and overmanning is often left to the experience and judgment of the foreman or superintendent. Whereas the overtime and overmanning estimate of superintendents and foremen is sometimes correct, it is sometimes incorrect also. The reason is that factors such as efficiency loss are not taken into account in an objective manner. More pertinently, calculations for efficiency loss are often not normally performed on job sites when overtime and overmanning must be designed. When we really delve deeply into the problem, we see that calculation of overtime with overmanning is a lengthy process involving iterations. Using a sample problem, this paper demonstrates how overtime and overmanning should be objectively and correctly designed using standard charts prevalent in the industry.
Testing Herzberg’s two‐factor theory in the Thai construction industry
Authors: Ruthankoon Rathavoot , Olu Ogunlana Stephen
Published: March 2004

Herzberg’s two‐factor theory of motivation is widely known in management circles. However, it has been criticized regarding its validity in different work settings. Construction is an industry with unique characteristics which may have special effects on employee motivation. This study tests the two‐factor theory on Thai construction engineers and foremen following Herzberg’s interviewing procedure and compares the results to Herzberg’s. Responsibility, advancement, possibility of growth, and supervision contribute to job satisfaction, while working conditions, job security, safety on site, and relationships with other organizations contribute to job dissatisfaction. Recognition, work itself, company’s policy and administration, interpersonal relations, personal life, and status contribute to both satisfaction and dissatisfaction. Achievement contributes to satisfaction for engineers but contributes to both satisfaction and dissatisfaction for foremen. It is concluded that Herzberg’s theory is not entirely applicable in the Thai construction setting. Some factors should receive attention if construction employees are to be motivated effectively.
Significance of location factors for Singapore transnational construction corporations
Authors: Cuervo Javier C. , Sui Pheng Low
Published: March 2004

Dunning’s eclectic paradigm of international production, which focuses on the ownership, location and internalisation factors, presents a useful framework to explain the foreign value‐added activities of transnational corporations. “Eclectic paradigm” means a general framework or model chosen from what is preferred from various theories, systems or doctrines. The present study extends the eclectic paradigm to a study of Singapore transnational construction corporations (STCCs) and examines what location factors are viewed as the most significant for STCCs engaged in foreign value‐added construction‐related activities in their major international construction market. This study examines if these location factors vary significantly according to firm‐specific contextual variables in the STCCs, such as size, international age, multinationality and extent of specialisation/diversification, as well as the major reasons for STCCs to export their services overseas. The most important host location factors identified by STCCs operating in other Southeast Asian countries are: the host governments’ attitudes, policies and regulatory framework; the social, political, cultural and geographic factors; and the cost of doing business factors.
Marketing and architects in South Africa
Authors: Karam Aly H.
Published: March 2004

There is a general sentiment against the idea of marketing among architectural professionals. This paper argues for the necessity of a marketing approach particularly in times where the workload is declining. This paper looks at the marketing strategies that the Western Cape architects follow. It examines their efforts in building a successful marketing portfolio that defines marketing targets, utilizes proper marketing tools, and carry on helpful image building tasks. The data were collected using a mailed questionnaire to all principals of architectural offices in the Western Cape Province. The concluding section relates these strategies with the perception of growth over a five‐year period.
Impact of using attachment handling electronic agents on an individual’s perceived work‐performance
Authors: Sundarraj R.P. , Vuong Thanh
Published: March 2004

Mobile devices are generally designed for use in low‐bandwidth environments and therefore have limited ability to handle e‐mail attachments. As such, these devices often have to be complemented by using a type of electronic agents, known as attachment handling agents (AHAs), which convert the contents of the attachments to a bandwidth‐conserving text‐form that is then sent to the mobile device for viewing. The purpose of this study is to assess whether AHA usage would improve an individual employee’s perceived work‐performance, measured by a multidimensional set of factors. The participants in the survey are employees at an F1000 Canadian company, all of whom have adopted a mobile communication device. Results indicate that AHA usage has a positive impact on productivity and customer satisfaction.
Property price indices in the Commonwealth
Authors: Kim Lum Sau
Published: March 2004

This paper examines commonly used property price indices in several Commonwealth countries. It finds that many of the measures may be flawed owing to two issues relating to the index construction methodology: the quality change problem and the choice of an index number algorithm. Using data that comprises the universe of transactions for the Singapore residential market, alternative indices based on more rigourous estimation models are constructed that aim to mitigate these problems. When compared to the official benchmark indices, deviations in time series price behaviour are evident particularly for short‐run dynamics. A key implication of the results is the importance of explicitly recognizing the biases that can arise from using extant indices. Otherwise, a reliance on flawed index signals for decision‐making may result in distorted allocations.
Preferences for Korean seniors housing
Authors: Lee Euehun , Gibler Karen M.
Published: March 2004

The Republic of Korea is experiencing demographic, economic, and cultural changes that may create demand for seniors housing in the coming decades. The population is rapidly ageing; pension income is becoming more prevalent; and attitudes are changing about co‐residence. More people are expressing interest in housing that allows for privacy and independence from family members. These changes indicate potential demand for alternatives such as seniors housing. To help specify demand models for seniors housing in South Korea, a survey of urban residents aged 50 and older is presented to identify preferences among those who are planning to live in seniors housing. Results indicate higher income, healthy South Koreans are more likely to plan to live in seniors housing. They are interested in housing that provides personal care, home care, social, and security services, without the financial and physical maintenance burden of a traditional home.
Internet use by health professionals at the Health Sciences Centre of Kuwait University
Authors: ur Rehman Sajjad , Ramzy Vivian
Published: March 2004

The purpose of this study was to analyse Internet use and related issues among the health care professionals at the Health Sciences Centre of Kuwait University. A questionnaire was administered to all the 180 faculty members in HSC. The response rate was 76.6 per cent. The extent and patterns of their use of the Internet for 12 applications were analysed. The current level of skills was examined and perceptions for improving them were explored. Also, the impact of the Internet on professional and personal development was explored. Problems related to access and use were also investigated. It was found that the Internet had become a vital instrument for research, information, and communication in the lives of these professionals. Respondents wished to be further empowered through rigorous training and the alleviation of problems that inhibited their Internet use.
Managerial challenges of e‐recruiting: extending the life cycle of new economy employees
Authors: Smith Alan D. , Rupp William T.
Published: March 2004

Effective leadership of human capital is a major managerial issue. Hiring and keeping employees is key to sustainable competitive advantage. E‐recruiting as a general process is job‐specific and offers computer‐assisted screening interviews and statistical prediction to aid in reducing recruiting costs, time‐to‐hire and employee turnover. This paper examines the application of this technology to recruiting and retaining knowledge workers in an e‐commerce, information‐intensive environment.
A synthesis of knowing and governance: making sense of organizational and governance polemics
Authors: Cutting Bruce , Kouzmin Alexander
Published: March 2004

Where do all the management theories and fads come from? Why are they so different and constantly changing. This paper develops a comprehensive and dynamic cognitive formwork from an understanding of the formulations of Aquinas, Lonergan, Jung, Weber and the Enneagram. The synthesis is new and goes beyond each of the sources to present a more systematic and useable JEWAL synthesis formwork. First, the neo‐platonic hierarchical structure of triadic unity is identified as a particularly pertinent and effective differentiation of reality. Second, whereas the neo‐platonists developed their hierarchical construction of reality from a meta‐physical viewpoint as emanations from the ultimate unity, later philosophers explained the differentiation of consciousness principally by working in the reverse direction. Third, the paper explains the process of learning in terms of the cognitive procession through the layered levels of differentiated consciousness. Fourth, an explanation follows as to how this cognitive formwork can be used to explain a character typology based on the differentiation of consciousness – one that finds expression in a typology commonly known as the Enneagram. Fifth, the JEWAL synthesis formwork is presented as a comprehensive framework in which to understand human governance and social action. More broadly, the paper discusses the significance for the social sciences of achieving such a synthesis of ideas within this new formwork – a synthesis between the Western developed philosophy, which runs through the work of Aquinas, Lonergan, Weber and Jung, and the Eastern physio‐psychological wisdom encapsulated in the Enneagram typology. In conclusion, the paper attempts to bring it all together in an answer to the questions underpinning the paper; namely, what does it mean to know and how do we make sense of those voices that speak out of that knowing.