title: Extending Greenstone for Institutional Repositories

authors: Bainbridge, David

subjects: computer science

abstract: We examine the problem of designing a generalized system for building institutional repositories. Widely used schemes such as DSpace are tailored to a particular set of requirements: fixed metadata set; standard view when searching and browsing; pre-determined sequence for depositing items; built-in workflow for vetting new items. In contrast, Fedora builds in flexibility: institutional repositories are just one possible instantiation—however generality incurs a high overhead and uptake has been sluggish. This paper shows how existing components of the Greenstone software can be repurposed to provide a generalized institutional repository that falls between these extremes.

text: Extending Greenstone for Institutional Repositories We examine the problem of designing a generalized system for building institutional repositories. Widely used schemes such as DSpace are tailored to a particular set of requirements: fixed metadata set; standard view when searching and browsing; pre-determined sequence for depositing items; built-in workflow for vetting new items. In contrast, Fedora builds in flexibility: institutional repositories are just one possible instantiation—however generality incurs a high overhead and uptake has been sluggish. This paper shows how existing components of the Greenstone software can be repurposed to provide a generalized institutional repository that falls between these extremes.

year: 2006

title: A new intrinsic thermal parameter for enzymes reveals true temperature optima

authors: Peterson, Michelle E.

subjects: enzyme

abstract: Two established thermal properties of enzymes are the Arrhenius activation energy and thermal stability. Arising from anomalies found in the variation of enzyme activity with temperature, a comparison has been made of experimental data for the activity and stability properties of five different enzymes with theoretical models. The results provide evidence for a new and fundamental third thermal parameter of enzymes, Teq, arising from a subsecond timescale-reversible temperature-dependent equilibrium between the active enzyme and an inactive (or less active) form. Thus, at temperatures above its optimum, the decrease in enzyme activity arising from the temperature-dependent shift in this equilibrium is up to two orders of magnitude greater than what occurs through thermal denaturation. This parameter has important implications for our understanding of the connection between catalytic activity and thermostability and of the effect of temperature on enzyme reactions within the cell. Unlike the Arrhenius activation energy, which is unaffected by the source (“evolved”) temperature of the enzyme, and enzyme stability, which is not necessarily related to activity, Teq is central to the physiological adaptation of an enzyme to its environmental temperature and links the molecular, physiological, and environmental aspects of the adaptation of life to temperature in a way that has not been described previously. We may therefore expect the effect of evolution on Teq with respect to enzyme temperature/activity effects to be more important than on thermal stability. Teq is also an important parameter to consider when engineering enzymes to modify their thermal properties by both rational design and by directed enzyme evolution.

text: A new intrinsic thermal parameter for enzymes reveals true temperature optima Two established thermal properties of enzymes are the Arrhenius activation energy and thermal stability. Arising from anomalies found in the variation of enzyme activity with temperature, a comparison has been made of experimental data for the activity and stability properties of five different enzymes with theoretical models. The results provide evidence for a new and fundamental third thermal parameter of enzymes, Teq, arising from a subsecond timescale-reversible temperature-dependent equilibrium between the active enzyme and an inactive (or less active) form. Thus, at temperatures above its optimum, the decrease in enzyme activity arising from the temperature-dependent shift in this equilibrium is up to two orders of magnitude greater than what occurs through thermal denaturation. This parameter has important implications for our understanding of the connection between catalytic activity and thermostability and of the effect of temperature on enzyme reactions within the cell. Unlike the Arrhenius activation energy, which is unaffected by the source (“evolved”) temperature of the enzyme, and enzyme stability, which is not necessarily related to activity, Teq is central to the physiological adaptation of an enzyme to its environmental temperature and links the molecular, physiological, and environmental aspects of the adaptation of life to temperature in a way that has not been described previously. We may therefore expect the effect of evolution on Teq with respect to enzyme temperature/activity effects to be more important than on thermal stability. Teq is also an important parameter to consider when engineering enzymes to modify their thermal properties by both rational design and by directed enzyme evolution.

year: 2004

title: 2021 NSCBI Paakehaa/Tauiwi Caucus Conference Session and Future Directions

authors: Graham, Rebekah Sarah

abstract: The National Standing Committee on Bicultural Issues (NSCBI) celebrated its 30th anniversary at the Annual NZPsS Conference, held virtually due to Covid-19 restrictions. The Paakehaa/Tauiwi caucus discussed the NSCBI’s core values, focusing on how to uphold and connect with each value, such as protecting values passed down by tūpuna and promoting a vision of the future. Anti-racism education was presented, emphasizing the journey from the “Fear Zone” to the “Learning Zone” and into the “Growth Zone” as a tool for self-assessment. Reflections on supporting and challenging each other to make psychological practice actively anti-racist concluded the session. Key takeaways included the discomfort of staying silent, the importance of learning and trying, and being a bridge for others on their anti-racist journey. The participants agreed on the usefulness of the discussion and expressed a commitment to organizing more regular online events focusing on anti-racism and anti-racist practice. The NSCBI Paakehaa/Tauiwi aims for 2021-2022 include strategically highlighting contributions to hostile working environments, developing relationships with anti-racism groups, promoting Māori psychologies, and facilitating online conversations, webinars, and discussions on Te Tiriti o Waitangi and biculturalism. The group also plans to develop training material and professional development for practitioners. The NSCBI acknowledges the ongoing progress in understanding racism and fostering openness among Paakehaa/Tauiwi in engaging with bicultural practices. Those interested in NSCBI events or contributing to their organization and promotion can visit the NZPsS Events page.

text: 2021 NSCBI Paakehaa/Tauiwi Caucus Conference Session and Future Directions The National Standing Committee on Bicultural Issues (NSCBI) celebrated its 30th anniversary at the Annual NZPsS Conference, held virtually due to Covid-19 restrictions. The Paakehaa/Tauiwi caucus discussed the NSCBI’s core values, focusing on how to uphold and connect with each value, such as protecting values passed down by tūpuna and promoting a vision of the future. Anti-racism education was presented, emphasizing the journey from the “Fear Zone” to the “Learning Zone” and into the “Growth Zone” as a tool for self-assessment. Reflections on supporting and challenging each other to make psychological practice actively anti-racist concluded the session. Key takeaways included the discomfort of staying silent, the importance of learning and trying, and being a bridge for others on their anti-racist journey. The participants agreed on the usefulness of the discussion and expressed a commitment to organizing more regular online events focusing on anti-racism and anti-racist practice. The NSCBI Paakehaa/Tauiwi aims for 2021-2022 include strategically highlighting contributions to hostile working environments, developing relationships with anti-racism groups, promoting Māori psychologies, and facilitating online conversations, webinars, and discussions on Te Tiriti o Waitangi and biculturalism. The group also plans to develop training material and professional development for practitioners. The NSCBI acknowledges the ongoing progress in understanding racism and fostering openness among Paakehaa/Tauiwi in engaging with bicultural practices. Those interested in NSCBI events or contributing to their organization and promotion can visit the NZPsS Events page.

year: 2021-11