Toward a Theoretical Model of Consensus Building

On many groups, like those conducting IS/IT requirements negotiations or those conducting risk and control selfassessments, decisions cannot be made by decree because team members are co-responsible peers. In such situations, teams must build consensus to gain commitment from all involved. Although consensus has been widely studied, no causal model of the cognitive mechanisms that give rise to consensus has yet emerged. Such a model might be useful for evaluating, for developing effective and efficient strategies for building consensus in a group and for making sense of the models and results in the current consensus literature. In this paper we derive the logic of Consensus Building Theory (CBT). We then illustrate how the mechanisms of the causal theory could be incorporated into a process model of consensus building. We derive a set of diagnostics for discovering the causes of conflict in a group, and we propose strategies based on CBT for attempting resolution of conflicts

Extending the Contextual and Organizational Elements of Adaptive Structuration Theory in GSS Research

This paper addresses the variance in findings across Group Support Systems (GSS) studies by suggesting an expanded consideration of organizational and contextual elements in Adaptive Structuration Theory (AST). We propose a model of structuring tactics at three levels of abstraction: the meeting level, activity level, and real time intervention level. We illustrate this model with three specific purposeful structuring tactics — agendas, design patterns, and micro-processes —and present related propositions. In addition to reviewing the more familiar tactics of agenda setting and group facilitation, we illustrate an approach to creating GSS value based on invoking particular social structures. We accomplish this through consideration of a design pattern language for collaboration processes drawn from the Collaboration Engineering literature. We conclude by discussing how this model of structuring tactics advances theory and practice in the GSS domain

Kindlin-2 is required for myocyte elongation and is essential for myogenesis

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Integrins are required for normal muscle differentiation and disruptions in integrin signaling result in human muscle disease. The intracellular components that regulate integrin function during myogenesis are poorly understood. Unc-112 is an integrin-associated protein required for muscle development in C. elegans. To better understand the intracellular effectors of integrin signaling in muscle, we examined the mammalian homolog of Unc-112, kindlin-2.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Kindlin-2 expression is upregulated during differentiation and highly enriched at sites of integrin localization. RNAi knockdown of kindlin-2 in C2C12 cells results in significant abnormalities during the early stages of myogenesis. Specifically, differentiating myocytes lacking kindlin-2 are unable to elongate and fail to fuse into multinucleated myotubes. These changes are correlated with decreased cell substratum adhesion and increased cell motility. They are also associated with redistribution of a known kindlin-2 binding partner, integrin linked kinase (ILK), to the membrane insoluble subcellular fraction.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>In all, our study reveals kindlin-2 as a novel integrin adaptor protein important for muscle differentiation, and identifies it particularly as a critical regulator of myocyte elongation.</p

Plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition of thick silicon nitride films with low stress on InP

We have developed a low-temperature plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition process that facilitates the deposition of silicon nitride films with controlled stress by using periodically alternating high- and low-frequency power sources. Very thick films of 3 mu m with low stress were deposited on InP substrates. Suitable sidewall profiles for metallization are obtained at 250 degrees C deposition temperature. A 3- mu m-thick low-stress nitride film was successfully applied to reduce the capacitance of bond pad for an array of four InP based photodetectors, that were integrated with a four channel phased-array wavelength demultiplexer. The capacitance of the detectors was below 0.5 pF at -5 V bia

Validation of the self-management ability scale (SMAS) and development and validation of a shorter scale (SMAS-S) among older patients shortly after hospitalisation

Background: The 30-item Self-Management Ability Scale (SMAS) measures self-management abilities (SMA). Objectives of this study were to (1) validate the SMAS among older people shortly after hospitalisation and (2) shorten the SMAS while maintaining adequate validity and reliability. Methods: Our study was conducted among older individuals (>= 65) who had recently been discharged from a hospital. Three months after hospital admission, 296/456 patients (65% response) were interviewed in their homes. We tested the instrument by means of structural equation modelling, and examined its validity and reliability. In addition, we tested internal consistency of the SMAS and SMAS-S among a study sample of patients at risk for cardiovascular diseases. Results: After eliminating 12 items, the confirmatory factor analyses revealed good indices of fit with the resulting 18-item SMAS (SMAS-S). To estimate construct validity of the instrument, we looked at correlations between SMAS subscale scores and overall well-being scores as measured by Social Product Function (SPF-IL) and Cantril's ladder. All SMAS subscales of the original and short version significantly correlated with SPF-IL scores (all at p <= 0.001) and Cantril's ladder (for the cognitive well-being subscale p <= 0.01; all other subscales at p <= 0.001). The findings indicated validity. Analyses of the SMAS and SMAS-S in the sample of patients at risk for cardiovascular diseases showed that both instruments are reliable. Conclusions: The psychometric properties of both the SMAS and SMAS-S are good. The SMAS-S is a promising alternate instrument to evaluate self-management abilities

Plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition of thick silicon nitride films with low stress on InP

We have developed a low-temperature plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition process that facilitates the deposition of silicon nitride films with controlled stress by using periodically alternating high- and low-frequency power sources. Very thick films of 3 mu m with low stress were deposited on InP substrates. Suitable sidewall profiles for metallization are obtained at 250 degrees C deposition temperature. A 3- mu m-thick low-stress nitride film was successfully applied to reduce the capacitance of bond pad for an array of four InP based photodetectors, that were integrated with a four channel phased-array wavelength demultiplexer. The capacitance of the detectors was below 0.5 pF at -5 V bia