A multiple narrative approach to information systems failure: a successful system that failed

We discuss the introduction of an information system where the dominant coalition claimed project success. While the key users did not use the system as intended and the project goals were not achieved, the project committee reported success to the top management board. Using a multi-methodological approach, we can follow how different stakeholders attributed different meanings to the system introduced over time. The rhetorical tools used are analysed using a narrative methodology. We draw on the social construction of technology and use the concept of relevant social groups to understand the different interests influencing the organisational dynamics. We complement this approach by employing the concepts of organisational power and cultural fit between the new system and the different subcultures. We found that this multiple approach explains well how the acceptance of the new software processes was interpreted differently within the organisation, and also by the software supplier. Although limited, our case study reveals the process of socially constructing the success or failure of an information system using this multiple research approach. We compare our results with the literature on IS failures and we consider the value of combining constructionist and critical approaches through a narrative methodology.     

The Social, Political, Economic, and Cultural Dimensions of Search Engines: An Introduction

Search engines are some of the most popular destinations on the Web—understandably so, given the vast amounts of information available to users and the need for help in sifting through online content. While the results of significant technical achievements, search engines are also embedded in social processes and institutions that influence how they function and how they are used. This special theme section of the Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication explores these non-technical aspects of search engines and their uses.     

Effects of embedded surfactants on the surface properties of PDMS; applicability for autonomous microfluidic systems

Controlled surface modification of the PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane) was developed and studied in this work to develop autonomous capillary-driven microfluidic system to be applied in bioanalytical devices. The characteristics of the PDMS surfaces were modified by embedding adequate surfactant molecules in the polymer matrix to be moved onto the free surface by diffusion. The change of the surface characteristics was studied considering the expected performance in autonomous biomicrofluidic applications and the influence on non-specific human blood protein binding also. The method was evaluated from technological aspects also, as the integrability of the microfluidic system, considering the previously published results critically. Compositions were defined to be adequate for fabrication autonomous capillary system with enhanced transport efficiency and moderated non-specific protein adsorption.     

Phenylalanine Ammonia‐Lyase‐Catalyzed Deamination of an Acyclic Amino Acid: Enzyme Mechanistic Studies Aided by a Novel Microreactor Filled with Magnetic Nanoparticles

Phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase (PAL), found in many organisms, catalyzes the deamination of l ‐phenylalanine (Phe) to (E)‐cinnamate by the aid of its MIO prosthetic group. By using PAL immobilized on magnetic nanoparticles and fixed in a microfluidic reactor with an in‐line UV detector, we demonstrated that PAL can catalyze ammonia elimination from the acyclic propargylglycine (PG) to yield (E)‐pent‐2‐ene‐4‐ynoate. This highlights new opportunities to extend MIO enzymes towards acyclic substrates. As PG is acyclic, its deamination cannot involve a Friedel–Crafts‐type attack at an aromatic ring. The reversibility of the PAL reaction, demonstrated by the ammonia addition to (E)‐pent‐2‐ene‐4‐ynoate yielding enantiopure l ‐PG, contradicts the proposed highly exothermic single‐step mechanism. Computations with the QM/MM models of the N‐MIO intermediates from l ‐PG and l ‐Phe in PAL show similar arrangements within the active site, thus supporting a mechanism via the N‐MIO intermediate.     

Influence of dietary long-chain PUFA on premature baboon lung FA and dipalmitoyl PC composition

One of the major survival challenges of premature birth is production of lung surfactant. The lipid component of surfactant, dipalmitoyl PC (DPPC), increases in concentration in the period before normal term birth via a net shift in FA composition away from unsaturates. We investigated the influence of dietary DHA and arachidonic acid (AA) on lung FA composition and DPPC concentration in term and preterm baboons. Pregnant animals/neonates were randomized to one of four groups: breast-fed (B), term formula-fed (T⁻), preterm formulafed (P⁻), and preterm fed formula supplemented with DHA-AA (P⁺). Breast milk contained 0.68%wt DHA and the P⁺ group formula contained 0.61%wt DHA. In the preterm groups (P⁻ and P⁺), pregnant females received a course of antenatal corticosteroids. At the adjusted age of 4 wk, neonate lung tissue was harvested, and FA composition and DPPC were analyzed. Palmitate was ∼28%wt of lung total FA and no significant differences were found among the four treatment groups. In contrast, DPPC in the B group lung tissue was significantly greater than DPPC in the unsupplemented groups, but not compared with the P⁺ group. The B and P⁺ groups were not significantly different in DHA and AA, but were different compared with the unsupplemented (T, P⁻) groups. These results indicate that LCP supplementation increases lung DHA and AA, without compromising overall lung 16∶0 or DPPC. The shift in FA composition toward greater unsaturation in the groups consuming LCP supported improved surfactant lipid concentration in preterm neonate lungs.     

DISTRIBUTION OF PRIORITY POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS IN THE SEDIMENT OF LAKE BALATON,HUNGARY

The determination of 13 PAH pollutants was carried out on sediment samples collected at 27 sites at the Lake Balaton, Hungary. The aim was to investigate the distribution patterns of PAHs and the correlation of source-sink relationship. Sediment samples were collected from the upper 10 cm and from 20 to 70 cm depth. The dry mass ratio of the fine grain-size fraction (<0.063 mm) and the coarse sand sediments (0.063–500 mm) were analyzed. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed on the PAH compositional data for 110 samples to estimate the distribution of PAHs in different compartments. The average concentration of PAHs was found as 132 μg/kg dry weight (11–1734 μg/kg) for all sites and depth. Considering the harbors, at some sites, 930–950 μg/kg of total PAHs were obtained. The ratio of phenantrene/anthracene (PHE/AN) and fluoranthene/pyrene (FA/PY) indicated that most of the samples showed pyrogenic origin. It can be established that the upper 10 cm of the sediment is significantly more polluted than the deeper layers. The interim sediment quality guideline (ISQG) values and the probable effect level (PEL) were used to compare our findings with other data. No concentrations of PAHs were found higher than either ISQG and PEL values of samples collected inside of the lake, so the sediment has not been associated with adverse biological effects. However, the maximum concentrations of 7 out of 9 PAH compounds found in samples of harbors were higher than ISOG values but lower than PELs. Analysis of the harbor sediments revealed an elevated amount of contamination probably derived from the fuel of ships.     

Whose Space? Differences Among Users and Non‐Users of Social Network Sites

Are there systematic differences between people who use social network sites and those who stay away, despite a familiarity with them? Based on data from a survey administered to a diverse group of young adults, this article looks at the predictors of SNS usage, with particular focus on Facebook, MySpace, Xanga, and Friendster. Findings suggest that use of such sites is not randomly distributed across a group of highly wired users. A person’s gender, race and ethnicity, and parental educational background are all associated with use, but in most cases only when the aggregate concept of social network sites is disaggregated by service. Additionally, people with more experience and autonomy of use are more likely to be users of such sites. Unequal participation based on user background suggests that differential adoption of such services may be contributing to digital inequality.