Co-option of a coordinate system defined by the EGFr and Dpp pathways in the evolution of a morphological novelty

Morphological innovation is an elusive and fascinating concept in evolutionary biology. A novel structure may open up an array of possibilities for adaptation, and thus is fundamental to the evolution of complex multicellular life. We use the respiratory appendages on the dorsal-anterior side of the Drosophila eggshell as a model system for morphological novelty. To study the co-option of genetic pathways in the evolution of this novelty we have compared oogenesis and eggshell patterning in Drosophila melanogaster with Ceratitis capitata, a dipteran whose eggs do not bear dorsal appendages.FCT fellowship: (SFRH/BD/33216/2007), Collaborative Research Centre 680 ‘Molecular Basis of Evolutionary Innovations (DFG grant), Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian, Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência

The Yield Shift Theory of Satisfaction and Its Application to the IS/IT Domain

Information Systems / Information Technology (IS/IT) Satisfaction is a key indicator of IS/IT success. For IS professionals and providers, satisfaction is critical throughout the life of a system because dissatisfied stakeholders can derail implementation, discontinue using an important system, erode IS/IT budgets, or even transfer their entire IT infrastructure to a different organization. The IS literature offers several perspectives on satisfaction, but none yet accounts fully for known satisfaction phenomena. We identify ten observed satisfaction effects, and summarize six existing models for satisfaction, identifying their merits, and the limits of their explanatory power. We then advance Yield Shift Theory (YST), a new causal theory for the satisfaction response that offers a more complete explanation of this phenomenon. YST derives two propositions from five assumptions to propose that variations in the satisfaction response are caused by shifts in yield for an individual\u27s active goal set. We argue the falsifiability and scientific utility of the theory, discuss its relevance to the IS/IT artifact, and suggest a variety of directions for future research

e-Collaboration Satisfaction: Empirical Field Studies of Disconfirmation Theory Across Two Cultures

Research has shown that although e-collaboration technologies can improve productivity, users will abandon these technologies if they feel dissatisfied after using them. Successful implementation of e-collaboration technologies can be especially challenging with cross-cultural teams, which often bring different values and expectations to their collaboration experiences. We seek to further understand the e-collaboration satisfaction phenomenon through disconfirmation theory. A disconfirmation model of e-collaboration satisfaction is tested with field studies in two cultures (the Netherlands and United States) which differ substantially on the cultural dimension of masculinity. Participants included 254 knowledge workers from the Netherlands and 259 knowledge workers from the United States. The disconfirmation model was supported in both cultures. Participants who reported positive disconfirmation with respect to a collaboration session scored significantly higher on a satisfaction scale than participants who reported negative disconfirmation. Implications for practitioners are discussed

In Critically Ill Patients, Serum Procalcitonin Is More Useful in Differentiating between Sepsis and SIRS than CRP, Il-6, or LBP

We studied the usefulness of serum procalcitonin (PCT), interleukin-6 (IL-6), lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) levels and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, in differentiating between systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and sepsis in critically ill patients. Methods. In this single centre prospective observational study we included all consecutive patients admitted with SIRS or sepsis to the ICU. Blood samples for measuring CRP, PCT, IL-6 and LBP were taken every day until ICU discharge. Results. A total of 76 patients were included, 32 with sepsis and 44 with SIRS. Patients with sepsis were sicker on admission and had a higher mortality. CRP, PCT, IL-6 and LBP levels were significantly higher in patients with sepsis as compared to SIRS. With PCT levels in the first 24 hours after ICU admission <2 ng/mL, sepsis was virtually excluded (negative predictive value 97%). With PCT >10 ng/mL, sepsis with bacterial infection was very likely (positive predictive value 88%). PCT was best at discriminating between SIRS and sepsis with the highest area under the ROC curve (0.95, 95% CI 0.90–0.99). Discussion. This study showed that PCT is more useful than LBP, CRP and IL-6 in differentiating sepsis from SIRS

What Does It Mean for an Organisation to Be Intelligent? Measuring intellectual bandwidth for value creation

The importance of electronic collaboration has risen as successful organisations recognize that they need to convert their intellectual resources into goods and services their customers will value. The shift from personal computing to interpersonal or collaborative computing has given rise to ways of working that may bring about better and more effective use of intellectual resources. Current efforts in managing knowledge have concentrated on producing, sharing and storing knowledge while business problems require the use of these intellectual resources to create value. This paper draws upon Nunamaker et. al.'s (2001) Intellectual Bandwidth Model to measure an organization's potential to create value. Following an analysis of initial data collected at the Netherlands branch of Cap-Gemini Ernst & Young, conclusions are drawn with respect to what it means for an organisation to be intelligent and how such organisations can create value through the use of information and collaboration technologies to increase its intellectual bandwidth

Investigating toxic aluminium levels in haemodialysis patients after “Day Zero” drought in Cape Town, South Africa

Introduction: Aluminium is the most abundant metallic element in the earth’s crust and can be consumed through water, medications, and by using metallic cooking utensils. Aluminium levels become a concern when they are above biological exposure limits and can present with multiple clinical complications. When patients have chronic kidney disease and are on haemodialysis, impaired aluminium excretion can lead to its accumulation. Significantly elevated serum aluminium levels were noted in patients with chronic kidney disease (stage 5) on haemodialysis at Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa. This coincided with one of the worst water crises ever experienced in this metropolitan area, with extreme water restrictions being imposed and alternative water sources being accessed.Method: A multidisciplinary task force performed a systematic evaluation of aluminium concentrations throughout the dialysis water system. Additionally, a thorough investigation was performed to assess the quality of the laboratory results.Results: Possible areas of contamination and potential sources of exposure were excluded. The laboratory results were verified, and potential sources of error were excluded. The investigation verified that aluminium was truly elevated in the serum of patients, and concluded that dialysis was not the cause. Subsequently, patients’ results have declined to baseline, making it possible that there was increased environmental exposure during the drought.Conclusion: This report serves as a reminder to clinicians of acceptable serum aluminium levels in people on dialysis, and in the water system. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary collaborative team approach for the investigation of unexpected results or changes in trends

Negotiation in strategy making teams : group support systems and the process of cognitive change

This paper reports on the use of a Group Support System (GSS) to explore at a micro level some of the processes manifested when a group is negotiating strategy-processes of social and psychological negotiation. It is based on data from a series of interventions with senior management teams of three operating companies comprising a multi-national organization, and with a joint meeting subsequently involving all of the previous participants. The meetings were concerned with negotiating a new strategy for the global organization. The research involved the analysis of detailed time series data logs that exist as a result of using a GSS that is a reflection of cognitive theory