University of Stirling

About: University of Stirling is a education organization based out in Stirling, Stirling, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Context (language use). The organization has 7722 authors who have published 20549 publications receiving 732940 citations. The organization is also known as: Stirling University.

Cell Wall Storage Carbohydrates in Seeds—Biochemistry of the Seed “Gums” and “Hemicelluloses”

Abstract: Publisher Summary In recent years, there has been a reawakening of interest in the physiology and biochemistry of the cell wall storage carbohydrates of seeds This chapter outlines the structures and occurrence of cell wall storage carbohydrates to give an account of current research on their metabolism and to explore their overall biological significance in the seeds which contain them Seeds are generally treated with alkali to extract polysaccharides of the “hemicellulose” type or with water to extract “gum” polysaccharides Consequently, the molecules with which this article is concerned are still widely classified as seed gums and hemicelluloses The chapter indicates the principal types of carbohydrate molecules stored in the cell walls of seeds and their distribution

Formal methods in human-computer interaction

Abstract: Preface Contributors 1. The role of formal methods in human-computer interaction Michael Harrison and Harold Thimbleby 2. HCI formalisms and cognitive psychology: the case of Task-Action Grammar Franz Schiele and Thomas Green 3. Putting design into practice: formal specification and the user interface Roger Took 4. Non-determinism as a paradigm for understanding the user interface Alan Dix 5. A state model of direct manipulation in interactive systems Michael Harrison and Alan Dix 6. Specification, analysis and refinement of interactive processes Bernard Sufrin and Jifeng He 7. From abstract models to functional prototypes Colin Runciman 8. Designing abstractions for communication control Gilbert Cockton 9. Structuring dialogues using CSP Heather Alexander Bibliography Index.

Behind the Audit Report: A Descriptive Study of Discussions and Negotiations Between Auditors and Directors

Abstract: This paper presents direct evidence concerning the extent, nature, and outcome of interactions between the two primary parties in the auditor-client relationship — finance directors (FDs) and audit engagement partners (AEPs). A questionnaire instrument is used to elicit the frequency with which, over a three year period, an extensive set of 46 audit and audit-related issues is discussed, is negotiated, and results in a change to either the accounting numbers or disclosures. Three hundred FDs and 307 AEPs of listed UK companies are surveyed, with response rates of 51% and 80%, respectively. Principal findings are that: (i) compliance issues dominate discussions, while accounting and fee issues dominate negotiations; (ii) audit committees generally reduce the level of negotiation and increase the level of discussion, suggesting that the overall degree of confrontation declines; and (iii) in the majority of cases (57%), negotiation results in a change to the financial statements, providing evidence of the auditor's influence on the financial statements.

Ant-dipping among the chimpanzees of Bossou, Guinea, and some comparisons with other sites

Abstract: We present a detailed study of ant-dipping among the wild chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus) of Bossou, in southeastern Guinea, West Africa. Observations suggest a strong influence of prey (Dorylusspp.) characteristics, including aggressiveness and/or gregariousness, on tool length and technique employed by the chimpanzees. Bossou chimpanzees exhibit two ant-dipping techniques: 1) direct mouthing, and 2) pull-through. In addition, they were observed dipping for several species of Dorylus ants, classed into two categories: Red and Black. Tool length was longer when dipping in higher-risk contexts, i.e., at the ants' nest site or on Black ants. The pull-through technique was almost exclusively associated with dipping at the nest site. This latter technique was associated with tools over 50cm long, whereas direct mouthing was the only technique observed with tools <50cm long. Our experimental findings, together with our observations on the behavior of the chimpanzees, suggest that at the nest, the pull-through technique was a more efficient technique than direct mouthing. We review our results in the context of ant-dipping observed at two other long-term chimpanzee study sites, i.e., Gombe (Tanzania) and Tai (Cote d'Ivoire), where differences in tool length, technique used, and focal Dorylus ant species have been reported. Finally, we urge similar detailed studies of this tool-use behavior in both Gombe and Tai to shed further light upon our results and their implications. Am. J. Primatol. 58:133–148, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.