Showing papers by "University of Stirling published in 1993"

An unambiguous nomenclature for xyloglucan‐derived oligosaccharides

Abstract: A revised system of abbreviated names is proposed for xyloglucan-derived oligosaccharides. Each (1→4)-linked β-D-glucosyl residue (and the reducing terminal n-glucose moiety) of the backbone is given a one-letter code according to its substituents. The name of the oligosaccharide consists of these code letters listed in sequence from non-reducing to reducing terminus of the backbone

Composition of the diet of chimpanzees and comparisons with that of sympatric lowland gorillas in the lopé reserve, gabon

Abstract: Over an eight-year period, a total of 174 food items were recorded for chimpanzees (Pan t. troglodytes) in the Lope Reserve in central Gabon. Plant foods, principally fruit, dominated the diet but insects were eaten regularly, and predation on at least three species of mammal occurred infrequently. The diversity of the vegetative component of the diet (leaves, stems, and bark) was probably underestimated by fecal analysis. Comparison of chimpanzee diet at Lope with that of sympatric lowland gorillas showed the majority of foods were eaten by both species (73% of chimpanzee food items and 57% of gorilla food items). The overlap of fruit species was greater (82% and 79%, respectively) than that of other food classes. Both chimpanzees and gorillas harvested the majority of their plant foods arboreally (76% and 69%, respectively). The high degree of dietary overlap suggested that ecological competition between these two closely related species might exist. Few overt signs of competition for food either between or within species were observed but when fruit was scarce, the diets of the two species showed greatest divergence. The major differences between chimpanzee and gorilla diet at Lope were the larger quantities of vegetative foods regularly eaten by gorillas and their ability to resort to a diet dominated by vegetative foods when fruit was scarce. In these respects, chimpanzees at Lope resembled populations of Pan troglodytes studied elsewhere while Lope gorillas resembled mountain gorillas (Gorilla g. beringei) and bonobos (Pan paniscus) in their greater dependence on vegetative foods. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Current practices in the chemotherapeutic control of sea lice infestations in aquaculture: a review

Abstract: This review surveys the available literature on the effieaey and eeotoxieology of chemotherapeutic agents for the control of sea lice (Copepoda: Caligidae) infestations in marine aquaculture. To date, treatment for the disease has relied almost exclusively on the use of the organophosphorus pesticides, trichlorfon and dichlorvos. While use of dichlorvos and trichlorfon appears to have little, if any, environmental impact, protracted use in some areas has led to reduced efficacy. Compounds proposed for sea lice control currently under field evaluation include azamethiphos (organophosphate), ivermectin (avermectin), py- rethrum (pyrethrin) and hydrogen peroxide. Although all of these eompounds are effi cacious, at present published information on marine environmental toxicology is scarce and is limited to in vitro toxieity testing. Other compounds that have been considered for sea lice control include formalin, malathion (organophosphate), earbaryl (earbamate), diflubenzuron (insect growth regulator) and natural remedies (i.e. onions and garlic). In general, formal- dehyde (aldehyde), malathion and natural compounds show either poor efficacy or unsuitable therapeutic margins. Although earbaryl and diflubenzuron are both efficacious and exhibit suitable therapeutic margins, available data suggests that the compounds, due to undesirable environmental toxieologieal characteristics, would be unsuitable for sea lice control.

Dietary sunflower, linseed and fish oils affect phospholipid fatty acid composition, development of cardiac lesions, phospholipase activity and eicosanoid production in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)

Abstract: Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) post-smolts were fed practical-type diets in which the lipid was supplied either as fish oil (FO), sunflower oil (SFO) or linseed oil (LO) for 12 weeks. In general, the heart phospholipids from SFO-fed fish had increased 18:2n-6, 20:2n-6, 20:3n-6 and 20:4n-6 but decreased 20:5n-3 compared to both other dietary treatments. This was reflected in a decreased n-3/n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) ratio and an increased 20:4n-6/20:5n-3 or eicosanoid precursor ratio in SFO-fed fish. While heart phospholipids of fish fed LO had increased levels of 18:2n-6, 20:2n-6 and 20:3n-6 compared to fish fed FO, 20:4n-6 levels were reduced, although only significantly in phosphatidylcholine (PC). Dietary-induced changes in phospholipid fatty acid compositions of blood leucocytes were similar to those in heart, although fish fed LO had increased 20:5n-3 compared to fish fed FO. Thromboxane B2 (TXB2) produced by stimulated blood cells was reduced in fish fed LO compared to those fed SFO. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production was reduced in LO-fed fish compared to both other dietary treatments. Fish fed LO had reduced PC in heart membranes compared to the other two dietary treatments, resulting in a ratio of PC:PE (phosphatidylethanolamine) less than unity. Fish fed SFO developed a marked cardiac histopathology which, while present in FO-fed fish albeit in a less severe form, was virtually absent in fish fed LO. Fish fed SFO had increased heart phospholipase A activity compared to those given either FO or LO.

Relationship between Prostate Specific Antigen, Prostate Volume and Age in the Benign Prostate

Abstract: Summary— The relationship between prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels, prostate volume and age was examined in 472 men who underwent PSA assay (Hybritech), digital rectal examination (D RE) and transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) as part of a community survey of benign prostatic hyperplasia following exclusion of men with prostate cancer. The mean age of the study population was 60 years (range 40–79). The mean PSA was 2.4 ng/ml and 85% of the men had levels <4 ng/ml. There was a modest correlation between PSA and both age and prostate volume. The mean prostate and adenoma volumes were 32 ml (SD 13.4) and 15 ml (SD 10.7) respectively. Prostate volume increased with age. Linear regression analysis revealed an independent association between PSA and age when controlling for volume. The mean ratio of PSA per unit of prostate volume was 0.072 ng/ml. This ratio also increased with age. Age and prostate volume influences PSA levels independently. The sensitivity and specificity of PSA adjusted for volume and age in the diagnosis of prostate cancer need to be evaluated in association with DRE and TRUS.

Action of a pure xyloglucan endo‐transglycosylase (formerly called xyloglucan‐specific endo‐(1‐4)‐β‐d‐glucanase) from the cotyledons of germinated nasturtium seeds

Abstract: The action on tamarind seed xyloglucan of the pure, xyloglucan-specific endo-(1-->4)-beta-D-glucanase from nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus L.) cotyledons has been compared with that of a pure endo-(1-->)-beta-D-glucanase ('cellulase') of fungal origin. The fungal enzyme hydrolysed the polysaccharide almost completely to a mixture of the four xyloglucan oligosaccharides: [formula: see text] Exhaustive digestion with the nasturtium enzyme gave the same four oligosaccharides plus large amounts of higher oligosaccharides and higher-polymeric material. Five of the product oligosaccharides (D, E, F, G, H) were purified and shown to be dimers of oligosaccharides A to C. D (glc8xyl6) had the structure A-->A, H (glc8xyl6 gal4) was C-->C, whereas E (glc8xyl6gal), F (glc8xyl6gal2) and G (glc8xyl6gal3) were mixtures of structural isomers with the appropriate composition. For example, F contained B2-->B2 (30%), A-->C (30%), C-->A (20%), B2-->B1 (15%) and others (about 5%). At moderate concentration (about 3 mM) oligosaccharides D to H were not further hydrolysed by the nasturtium enzyme, but underwent transglycosylation to give oligosaccharides from the group A, B, C, plus higher oligomeric structures. At lower substrate concentrations, hydrolysis was observed. Similarly, tamarind seed xyloglucan was hydrolysed to a greater extent at lower concentrations. It is concluded that the xyloglucan-specific nasturtium-seed endo-(1-->4)-beta-D-glucanase has a powerful xyloglucan-xyloglucan endo-transglycosylase activity in addition to its known xyloglucan-specific hydrolytic action. It would be more appropriately classified as a xyloglucan endo-transglycosylase. The action and specificity of the nasturtium enzyme are discussed in the context of xyloglucan metabolism in the cell walls of seeds and in other plant tissues.

Group composition and diet of forest elephants, Loxodonta africana cyclotis Matschie 1900, in the Lopé Reserve, Gabon

Abstract: Summary Forest elephants (Loxodonta africana cyclotis Matschie 1900) were observed opportunistically over a period of seven years between 1984 and 1991 in lowland rain forest in the Lope Reserve, Gabon. Details of their group structure and diet are reported. Adult females were generally encountered accompanied by one or more offspring, and adult males were generally solitary. Mean group size was 2.8 individuals, and the mean size of a ‘Family Unit’ was 3.5 individuals. Associations of more than eight elephants were exceptional. Group sizes of elephants at Lope were smaller than those recorded for savanna elephants in east Africa and those of Asian elephants living in Malaysian rain forest. The diet of elephants at Lope was diverse, including a minimum of 307 items. The bulk of the diet, in terms of number of species and quantities eaten, came from leaves and bark (70% of all items recorded). Trees represented 73% of the species fed upon. In contrast to savanna-living populations, fruit was an important part of the diet. Fruit of at least 72 species is eaten and the remains of at least one species of fruit was found in 82% of 311 fresh dung piles searched over a one-year period. Resume Les elephants de foret (Loxodonta africana cyclotis Matschie 1900) furent observes de facon opportuniste durant une periode de sept ans entre 1984 et 1991 dans la foret de basse altitude de la Reserve de la Lope au Gabon. On rapporte des details sur leur structure sociale et leur regime alimentaire. Les femelles adultes sont generalement rencontrees avec un ou plusieurs jeunes tandis que les mâles adultes sont generalement solitaires. La taille moyenne d'un groupe est de 2,8 individus et la taille moyenne d'une “Unite Familiale” est de 3,5 individus. Des associations de plus de huit elephants sont exceptionnelles. Les tailles des groupes d‘elephants a la Lope sont plus petites que ceux des elephants de savane observes en Afrique de l'est et que ceux des elephants d'Asie vivant dans la foret humide de Malaisie. Le regime alimentaire des elephants a la Lope est varie et comprend un minimum de 307 elements. La majeure partie du regime alimentaire, en terme de nombre d'especes et de quantite ingeree, provient de feuilles et d’ecorce (70% de tous les elements observes). Les arbres representent 73% des especes ingerees. Contrairement aux populations vivant en savane, les fruits representent une portion importante du regime. Des fruits d'au moins 72 especes sont manges et les restes d'au moins une espece de fruit fut trouve dans 82% des 311 crotins frais examines au cours d'une periode d'un an.

Lipids of some Caribbean and Red Sea corals: total lipid, wax esters, triglycerides and fatty acids

Abstract: The Caribbean reef-building corals Porites porites (Pallas) and Montastrea annularis (Ellis and Solander) and the Red Sea corals Pocillopora verrucosa (Ellis and Solander), Stylophora pistillata (Esper) and Goniastrea retiformis (Lamark) were analysed for total lipid, wax ester and triglyceride content, and fatty acid composition. M. annularis contained about 32% of dry weight as total lipid, whereas much lower values of between 11 and 17% were recorded for the other four species. It is concluded that there is greater variation in coral total lipid than hitherto thought. The total lipid contained a substantial proportion of wax ester (22 to 49%) and triglyceride (18 to 37%). The storage lipids (wax esters and triglycerides) accounted for between 6 and 20% of the dry weight and between 46 and 73% of the total lipid. Variation in lipid content between species could not be attributed to geographical location, but the low values for total lipid in Red Sea corals may in part be due to environmental factors as these samples were collected in winter. All corals analysed contained high levels of saturated fatty acids, the most abundant fatty acids being 16:0, 18:0 and 18:1n-9. Marked differences were observed in polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content between species, with comparatively low levels of 10 and 11% of fatty acids being recorded in M. annularis and G. retiformis, respectively. The values for the other species ranged between 21 and 37%. Fatty acid composition may vary according to the proportions of fatty acids obtained from diet, algal photosynthesis and synthesis by the animal tissues.

Comparison of eating disorders and other dietary/weight groups on measures of perceived control, assertiveness, self-esteem, and self-directed hostility

Abstract: Anorexic and bulimic patients were compared to obese dieters, nonobese dieters, and normal controls on measures of perceived control, assertiveness, self-esteem, self-directed hostility, and psychiatric caseness. The anorexic and bulimic groups both scored significantly differently in the expected direction from the other three groups on all measures. There were no significant differences between the anorexic and bulimic groups and in turn, no significant differences among the obese, nonobese dieters, and normal controls. Results are in keeping with the notion that perceived control, low assertiveness, low self-esteem, and selfdirected hostility are characteristics of eating disorder patients that differentiate them from individuals who display dietary/weight features, as well as from normal controls. © 1993 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Herbivory in the tilapia Oreochromis niloticus: a comparison of feeding rates on phytoplankton and periphyton

Abstract: A quantitative comparison of the grazing behaviour of young Oreochromis niloticus feeding on the planktonic cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa and a periphytic community dominated by the cyanobacterium Oscillatoria sp., determined that biomass ingestion rates of fish filter-feeding on planktonic cyanobacteria were significantly lower than those surface-grazing on periphyton. Comparisons of published laboratory data on filter-feeding with field data on algal ingestion rates suggest that filter-feeding may be a relatively unimportant method of ingesting algae.

Ecological relationships between lianas and trees in lowland rain forest in Sabah, East Malaysia

Abstract: Numbers of lianas ≥2 cm gbh were recorded on trees ≥30 cm gbh in two 4 ha plots of dipterocarp forest. Associations between lianas and trees of the 12 commonest families and 16 commonest species were analysed. Liana density was 882 ha-1. Fifty-seven per cent of trees supported lianas and the mean number lianas per tree was 2.1. Lianas were highly aggregated on individual trees in most families; numbers of lianas per tree followed the negative binomial distribution for the Dipterocarpaceae but not Euphorbiaceae. Dipterocarpaceae and Euphorbiaceae differed in susceptibility, with 41 and 64% of their trees respectively supporting lianas. The proportions of trees with lianas (i.e. % trees laden) were correlated between plots at the species, but not the family, level. They were not related to tree girth; differences in proportions between families and species were maintained for trees in the 30–40 cm gbh class. At the species level, proportions of trees with lianas and the mean number of lianas per tree were significantly inversely correlated with mean branch-free bole height of trees in the 30–40 cm gbh class. Increased branch-free bole height and associated branch shedding may therefore decrease the susceptibility of trees to lianas and explain the lower susceptibility in the Dipterocarpaceae than the Euphorbiaceae.

Malachite green: a pharmacokinetic study in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum)

Abstract: . Pharmacokinetic studies on uptake, distribution and climination of malachite green in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), are described. All three processes were found to be temperature-dependent, with levels and rates increasing with increases in water temperature. Tissues investigated were serum, liver, kidney, muscle and viscera. First-order kinetics were found to apply and, in particular, kidney was observed to be a deep compartment. The long-term persistence of kidney residues may explain the efficacy of malachite green for the control of proliferative kidney disease in rainbow trout. Residue levels in muscle were never excessive and an extrapolation from the experimental data suggests that a suitable withholding period might be 600 degree days.

Molecular characterization of a xyloglucan-specific endo-(1-->4)-beta-D-glucanase (xyloglucan endo-transglycosylase) from nasturtium seeds.

Abstract: A novel xyloglucan-specific endo-(1-->4)-beta-D-glucanase, involved in the post-germinative mobilization of xyloglucan storage reserves, has previously been isolated from nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus L.) seed. Its mode of action has been shown, in vitro, to be one of transglycosylation except at low substrate (glycosylacceptor) concentrations when hydrolysis predominates. Here it is shown that this nasturtium seed xyloglucan endo-transglycosylase is encoded by a single gene which is transcribed and processed to a 1.5 kb mRNA. The isolation and DNA sequence analysis of a cDNA copy of the nasturtium xyloglucan endo-transglycosylase transcript is described. The cDNA encodes a 33.5 kDa precursor polypeptide which is subsequently processed to a 31 kDa mature protein. The precursor incorporates an N-terminal signal sequence which probably contains information relevant to the targeting of the enzyme to the cell wall. The computer-predicted isoelectric point (5.14) and low (approximately 0%) alpha-helix content of the deduced mature protein are in excellent agreement with the experimental data obtained using the purified enzyme. The deduced protein sequence lacks homology with known plant endo-(1-->4)-beta-D-glucanases, consistent with the unique properties of the enzyme. Database searches have revealed that a Brassica protein (meri-5) of previously unknown function, but abundantly expressed in expanding tissue, shares structural identity with the nasturtium xyloglucan endo-transglycosylase. The expression of a xyloglucan endo-transglycosylase in expanding tissue would be consistent with the contention that enzymes of this type are involved in cell wall loosening.

Structure of Membrane Surfactant and Liquid Crystalline Smectic Lamellar Phases Under Flow

Abstract: Synchrotron x-ray scattering studies were performed to probe the nonequilibrium structures of two layered systems at high shear rates: the smectic-A phase of the thermotropic liquid crystal 4-cyano-49-octylbiphenyl (8CB) and the lamellar L α phases of surfactant membranes composed of sodium dodecyl sulfate and pentanol. Whereas the lamellar surfactant phases oriented primarily with their layers parallel to the shearing plates, as expected intuitively, in the corresponding high shear regime, the smectic-A liquid crystalline material oriented with the layers perpendicular to the shearing plates. A careful numerical study revealed that this surprising layer orientation results from nonlinear dynamics of the liquid crystal director and is caused by the flow distortion of thermal fluctuations.

Relationships between minimum temperature and fruit production in some tropical forest trees in Gabon

Abstract: It has been difficult to identify the environmental cues that trigger, and thus synchronize, reproductive events in tropical plants (Borchert 1983, Longman & Jenik 1987). The production of fruit in tropical forests varies seasonally (Baker et al. 1983, Frankie et al. 1974, Janzen 1967, Tutin et al. 1991 b) and inter-annual variation in flowering and fruiting can be great but, with few exceptions, the environmental cues that trigger flowering have not been identified. The climate of tropical areas is relatively constant but both increased rainfall and increased temperature (also hours of sunlight, a measure likely to be correlated with temperature) have been suggested as signals that trigger flowering (Corlett 1990, Fleming & Williams 1990, Lieberman 1982, Wycherley 1973). Evidence for a more complex mechanism has been implicated in the 'mast' flowering in south-east Asian forests: an interaction between the years elapsed since the previous mast season and daily hours of sunlight seemed to determine the quantity and degree of synchrony of flowering in a range of tree species (van Schaik 1986). The advantages of synchronous flowering within a species, in terms of cross-pollination, are obvious, but flowering is physiologically demanding and within many seasonal species, individual trees do not flower every year (Bullock & Bawa 1982, Frankie et al. 1974). Interactions between internal factors and external cues are likely to confound analyses of causality of reproductive phenology (Borchert 1983). Fruit or seeds are major components of the diets of eight diurnal primate species living in tropical forest in the Lope Reserve in central Gabon (0? 10' S, 11? 35' E). Fruits eaten by primates show morphological adaptations that encourage the dispersal of intact seeds, and primates play a major role in the

Mycotic aspects of epizootic ulcerative syndrome (EUS) of Asian fishes

Abstract: A survey of fish affected with epizootic ulcerative syndrome taken from outbreaks in countries throughout South and South-East Asia showed that a morphologically typical fungus was consistently present within lesions. Although the majority of the fungal mycelium was dead in most lesions it proved possible to isolate a very delicate and culturally demanding Aphanomyces from such lesions in a few cases. It also proved relatively easy to isolate other members of the Saprolegniaceae including Aphanomyces from the surface of lesions, but these were considered saprophytes derived from background spore burdens in the water. Sporangium morphology of the putatively pathogenic isolates of Aphanomyces was different from that of saprophytic Aphanomyces strains and they also had a lower thermal tolerance. When a mycelium from these strains was placed below the dermis of healthy fish, it caused an inflammatory response and proceeded to migrate down into the tissues of the fish, inducing severe myonecrosis with chronic epithelial reaction. The saprophytic isolates induced a local host response followed by healing of the induced lesion, and destruction or expulsion of the mycelium. It is considered that the specific slow-growing, thermo-labile Aphanomyces is the pathogenic fungus which causes so much tissue damage in this disease, although it may not be a primary pathogen in its own right.

Temporal trends in the internationalization of British retailing

Abstract: International retailing is widely recognized as a risky venture. The literature suggests that initial moves into foreign markets reflect attempts to minimize a range of perceived risks. Over time, as perceptions of risk change and experience curve factors come into play, one might expect a change of approach to foreign market investment. This paper examines the trends observed in British retail internationalization over the 1960–90 period and examines changes in the volume, nature and direction of investment. The relationship of these trends to risk reduction strategies and how they may change over time are considered. Geographical and cultural proximity, the use of specific entry mechanisms and the nature of the sector concerned are seen to be important considerations in understanding the patterns seen over time.

Observation of a rickettsia-like organism in Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., in Ireland.

Abstract: . A rickettsia-like organism was observed in tissues of farmed Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., experiencing mortalities in the West of Ireland. Gross pathology of affected fish included haemorrhages in the skeletal muscle, splenomegaly, congestion of pyloric caeca and yellow mottling of livers, which appeared in ring formations in some cases. Histopathology was most obvious in the spleens, livers, kidneys and hearts, with widespread tissue necrosis and numerous basophilic granules present in the cytoplasm and cytoplasmic vacuoles of a variety of cells. Transmission electron microscopy revealed micro-organisms within membrane-bound cytoplasmic vacuoles similar in appearance to rickettsia.

Naming faces and naming names: Exploring an interactive activation model of person recognition

Abstract: In this paper we present an interactive activation and competition (IAC) model of name recognition. This is an extension of a previous account of name retrieval (Burton & Bruce, 1992) and is based on a functional model due to Valentine, Bredart, Lawson, and Ward (1991). Several empirical effects of name recognition are simulated: (1) names that are known are read faster than names that are unknown; (2) common names are read faster than rare names; and (3) rare names are recognised as familiar faster than common names. The simulations demonstrate that these complex effects can arise as a natural consequence of the architecture of the IAC model. Finally, we explore a modification of the Valentine et al. functional model, and conclude that the model as originally proposed is best able to account for the available data.

Independent effects of lighting, orientation, and stereopsis on the hollow-face illusion.

Abstract: Three experiments were conducted to investigate factors contributing to the ‘hollow face’ illusion. A novel method was employed in which the distance from the mask at which the illusion became apparent or disappeared, when retreating or approaching, respectively, was taken as a measure of the strength of the illusion. In all the experiments an effect of direction of observer's movement was found, demonstrating the stability of the initial percept.Upright orientations were compared with inverted ones to investigate if the illusion reflects a bias towards a familiar percept. The direction of lighting was also varied. Independent main effects of orientation and lighting were found to be consistent with preferences both for upright faces and for top lighting. However, inverted faces also produced the illusion to some extent, suggesting a general preference for convexity. The role of stereopsis in resolving the illusion was tested by comparing monocular with binocular viewing conditions. Monocular viewing cond...

Marine and estuarine gradients — An overview

Abstract: The Proceedings of the ECSA 21 symposium on Marine and Estuarine Gradients are reviewed. It is emphasised that this is probably the first time that a full set of papers on the tidal freshwater sections of estuaries has appeared. There is however some ambiguity in the terminology applied to such waters, and a more consistent terminology is proposed. In particular the estuary is defined as reaching upstream as far as the tidal limit, irrespective of salinity. A wide variety of gradients within estuaries and coastal waters are considered, but it is apparent that the crucial spatial gradients are based on salinity, oxygen and turbidity, and that many other gradients are co-variables with these parameters. Temperature is also important for temporal gradients.

Fallowing of marine Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., farms as a method for the control of sea lice, Lepeophtheirus salmonis (Kroyer, 1837)

Abstract: . Infections of Lepeophtheirus salmonis (Kroyer, 1837) and Caligus elongates Nordmann, 1832 were monitored over a 20-month period on four marine Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., farms in Scotland. Three farms were fallowed between harvesting and restocking, and thus, contained only one year class of fish at a time. The fourth site was not fallowed and contained two year classes of fish. Results show that fallowing led to low numbers of L. salmonis on newly introduced fish for several months after stocking, with much less need to use chemotherapy. New fish in the non-fallowed site became very rapidly infected with L. salmonis and required chemotherapy within 2 months of stocking. Fallowing did not appear to be effective in restricting the abundance of C. elongatus. Longer periods of fallowing were more effective in controlling lice numbers.

A Case Study in Community Care Using Systems Thinking

Abstract: This paper uses a recent application of System Dynamics in community care to contribute to a clarification of the role of System Dynamics as a framework for strategic debate A revised framework for System Dynamics within a philosophy of 'modelling as learning' is summarized This framework is now referred to as Systems Thinking and combines knowledge acquisition and both qualitative and quantitative modelling, supported by microworlds and archetypes to aid dissemination of insights The emphasis of the paper is on using qualitative models interactively with different groups of participants in the problem domain The purpose is to assist the development of a shared understanding of how culture, power and politics combine to affect the behaviour of a process, when subjected to externally superimposed changes in responsibility

«Speak my language»: current attitudes to television subtitling and dubbing

Abstract: L'A. etudie les caracteristiques et les formes du langage dans les societes modernes europeennes. La communication de masse caracterise le langage de la societe moderne, qui est vehicule a travers les films, la television et les supports video de maniere generale. L'A. releve les problemes que posent ces formes actuelles du langage dans la societe moderne et analyse leurs consequences sur les relations sociales et le mode de vie des individus