bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subcellular localization and secretion of activity-dependent neuroprotective protein in astrocytes
Authors: FURMAN SHARON , STEINGART RUTH A. , MANDEL SHMUEL , HAUSER JANET M. , BRENNEMAN DOUGLAS E. , GOZES ILLANA
Published: June 2005

Activity-dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP, ∼123562.8 Da), is synthesized in astrocytes and expression of ADNP mRNA is regulated by the neuroprotective peptide vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). The gene that encodes ADNP is conserved in human, rat and mouse, and contains a homeobox domain profile that includes a nuclear-export signal and a nuclear-localization signal. ADNP is essential for embryonic brain development, and NAP, an eight-amino acid peptide that is derived from ADNP, confers potent neuroprotection. Here, we investigate the subcellular localization of ADNP through cell fractionation, gel electrophoresis, immunoblotting and immunocytochemistry using α-CNAP, an antibody directed to the neuroprotective NAP fragment that constitutes part of an N-terminal epitope of ADNP. Recombinant ADNP was used as a competitive ligand to measure antibody specificity. ADNP-like immunoreactivity was found in the nuclear cell fraction of astrocytes and in the cytoplasm. In the cytoplasm, ADNP-like immunoreactivity colocalized with tubulin-like immunoreactivity and with microtubular structures, but not with actin microfilaments. Because microtubules are key components of developing neurons and brain, possible interaction between tubulin and ADNP might indicate a functional correlate to the role of ADNP in the brain. In addition, ADNP-like immunoreactivity in the extracellular milieu of astrocytes increased by ∼1.4 fold after incubation of the astrocytes with VIP. VIP is known to cause astrocytes to secrete neuroprotective/neurotrophic factors, and we suggest that ADNP constitutes part of this VIP-stimulated protective milieu.
Contribution of Müller cells toward the regulation of photoreceptor outer segment assembly
Authors: WANG XIAOFEI , IANNACCONE ALESSANDRO , JABLONSKI MONICA M.
Published: June 2005

The assembly of photoreceptor outer segments into stacked discs is a complicated process, the precise regulation of which remains a mystery. It is known that the integrity of the outer segment is heavily dependent upon surrounding cell types including the retinal pigment epithelium and Müller cells; however the role played by Müller cells within this photoreceptor-specific process has not been fully explored. Using an RPE-deprived but otherwise intact Xenopus laevis eye rudiment preparation, we reveal that Müller cell involvement in outer segment assembly is dependent upon the stimulus provided to the retina. Pigment epithelium-derived factor is able to support proper membrane folding after inhibition of Müller cell metabolism by alpha-aminoadipic acid, while isopropyl beta-D-thiogalactoside, a permissive glycan, requires intact Müller cell function. These results demonstrate that both intrinsic and extrinsic redundant mechanisms exist to support the ability of photoreceptors to properly assemble their outer segments. Our study further suggests that the receptor for pigment epithelium-derived factor resides in photoreceptors themselves while that for permissive glycans is likely localized to Müller cells, which in turn communicate with photoreceptors to promote proper membrane assembly.
Emotional and cognitive reinforcement of rat hippocampal long-term potentiation by different learning paradigms
Authors: KORZ VOLKER , FREY JULIETTA U.
Published: June 2005

In earlier studies we have shown that a protein-synthesis-independent, early, long-term potentiaton (early-LTP) that lasts up to 4–5 hours can be transformed (reinforced) into a protein-synthesis-dependent late-LTP that lasts ≥8 hours by either an emotional challenge (e.g. swim stress) or mastering a cognitive task (e.g. spatial learning). In the present study we show that LTP-reinforcement by spatial training depends on the specific constraints of the learning paradigm. In a holeboard paradigm, LTP-reinforcement is related to the formation of a lasting reference memory whereas water-maze training gives more heterogenous results. Thus, cognitive aspects interfere with emotionally challenging components of the latter paradigm. These data indicate that different spatial-learning tasks are weighted distinctly by the animal. Thus, we show that aspects of specific spatial-learning paradigms such as shifts of attention and emotional content directly influence functional plasticity and memory formation.
The Western Mediterranean Deep Water: A proxy for climate change
Authors: Rixen M. , Beckers J.‐M. , Levitus S. , Antonov J. , Boyer T. , Maillard C. , Fichaut M. , Balopoulos E. , Iona S. , Dooley H. , Garcia M.‐J. , Manca B. , Giorgetti A. , Manzella G. , Mikhailov N. , Pinardi N. , Zavatarelli M.
Published: June 2005

Reconstructions of Mediterranean ocean temperature fields back to 1950 show a proxy relationship between heat content changes in the North Atlantic and the Western Mediterranean Deep Water (WMDW) formed in the Gulf of Lions in winter, because of consistent air‐sea heat fluxes over these areas, strongly correlated to the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO).
Lactate: The Ultimate Cerebral Oxidative Energy Substrate?
Authors: Schurr Avital
Published: June 2005

Research over the past two decades has renewed the interest in lactate, no longer as a useless end product of anaerobic glycolysis in brain (and other tissues), but as an oxidative substrate for energy metabolism. While this topic would be considered blasphemy only three decades ago, much recent evidence indicates that lactate does play a major role in aerobic energy metabolism in the brain, the heart, skeletal muscle, and possibly in any other tissue and organ. Nevertheless, this concept has challenged the old dogma and ignited a fierce debate, especially among neuroscientists, pitting the supporters of glucose as the major oxidative energy substrate against those who support lactate as a possible alternative to glucose under certain conditions. Meanwhile, researchers working on energy metabolism in skeletal muscle have taken great strides toward bridging between these two extreme positions, while avoiding the high decibels of an emotional debate. Employing their findings along with the existing old and new data on cerebral energy metabolism, it is postulated here that lactate is the only major product of cerebral (and other tissues) glycolysis, whether aerobic or anaerobic, neuronal or astrocytic, under rest or during activation. Consequently, this postulate entails that lactate is a major, if not the only, substrate for the mitochondrial tricarboxylic acid cycle. If proven true, this hypothesis could provide better understanding of the biochemistry and physiology of (cerebral) energy metabolism, while holding important implications in the field of neuroimaging. Concomitantly, it could satisfy both ‘glucoseniks’ and ‘lactatians’ in the ongoing debate.
Oxidative Metabolism in Cultured Rat Astroglia: Effects of Reducing the Glucose Concentration in the Culture Medium and of D-Aspartate or Potassium Stimulation
Authors: Abe Takato , Takahashi Shinichi , Suzuki Norihiro
Published: June 2005

The glucose concentration in the culture medium may affect the energy metabolism of cultured cells. The oxidative metabolism of glucose in astrocytes might also be affected because the glucose concentration (25 mmol/L) of many culture media is higher than the physiological levels (∼3 mmol/L). In the present study, we assessed the effects of reducing the glucose concentration in the culture medium on the oxidative metabolism of glucose in cultured rat astroglia by measuring the oxidation rates of L-[U-14C]lactate or D-[U-14C]glucose to 14CO2. The effects of D-aspartate and elevated extracellular K+ levels on oxidative and glycolytic metabolism in astroglia were also investigated. The rates of [14C]lactate and [14C]glucose oxidation in astroglia cultured in a medium containing 2 mmol/L of glucose (astroglia2) were approximately twofold of those in astroglia cultured in a medium containing 22 mmol/L of glucose (astroglia22). D-Aspartate (500 μmol/L) significantly increased [14C]lactate oxidation by 156% in astroglia22 and by 83% in astroglia2. D-[U-14C]glucose oxidation in astroglia22 and astroglia2 was also increased by 94% and 76%, respectively. In contrast, an elevated extracellular K+ concentration (7.4 mmol/L) did not affect glucose and lactate oxidation, although it increased 2-deoxy-D-[1-14C]glucose phosphorylation. Astroglia grown in the physiological glucose concentration are more dependent on the oxidative metabolism of glucose than that in high-glucose concentration. Glucose concentration in culture medium has a strong influence on astrocytic oxidative capacity in vitro.
Indexing principles and a widely applicable paradigm for indexing animal populations
Authors: Engeman Richard M.
Published: June 2005

Monitoring animal populations is an essential component of wildlife research and management. Population indices can be efficient methods for monitoring populations when more labour-intensive density-estimation procedures are impractical or invalid to apply, and many monitoring objectives can be couched in an indexing framework. Indexing procedures obtain maximal utility if they exhibit key characteristics, including being practical to apply, being sensitive to changes or differences in the target species’ population, having an inherent variance formula and allowing for precision in index values, and relying on as few assumptions as possible. Additional useful characteristics include being able simultaneously to monitor multiple animal species and to describe spatial characteristics of the species monitored. Here, a paradigm is presented that promotes the characteristics that make indices most useful. Observations are made at stations located throughout the area of interest. Stations can take many forms, depending on the observations, and range from points for visual counts to tracking plots to chew cards, and many others. A wide variety of observation methods for many animal species can fit into this format. Observations are made at each station on multiple occasions for each indexing session. Geographic location data for each station are encouraged to be collected. No assumptions of independence are made among stations, nor among observation occasions. Measurements made at each station are required to be continuous or unboundedly discrete. The formula for a general index to describe population levels is presented and its variance formula is derived. Issues relevant to the application of this methodology, and indices in general, are discussed.
Exponential asymptotics and Stokes lines in a partial differential equation
Authors: Chapman S. Jonathan , Mortimer David B
Published: June 2005

A singularly perturbed linear partial differential equation motivated by the geometrical model for crystal growth is considered. A steepest descent analysis of the Fourier transform solution identifies asymptotic contributions from saddle points, end points and poles, and the Stokes lines across which these may be switched on and off. These results are then derived directly from the equation by optimally truncating the naïve perturbation expansion and smoothing the Stokes discontinuities. The analysis reveals two new types of Stokes switching: a higher-order Stokes line which is a Stokes line in the approximation of the late terms of the asymptotic series, and which switches on or off Stokes lines themselves; and a second-generation Stokes line, in which a subdominant exponential switched on at a primary Stokes line is itself responsible for switching on another smaller exponential. The ‘new’ Stokes lines discussed by Berk
et al
. (Berk
et al
. 1982
J. Math. Phys.
23
, 988–1002) are second-generation Stokes lines, while the ‘vanishing’ Stokes lines discussed by Aoki
et al
. (Aoki
et al
. 1998 In
Microlocal analysis and complex Fourier analysis
(ed. K. F. T. Kawai), pp. 165–176) are switched off by a higher-order Stokes line.
The effect of a bacteriophage on diversification of the opportunistic bacterial pathogen,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Brockhurst Michael A , Buckling Angus , Rainey Paul B
Published: June 2005

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
is an opportunistic human pathogen that colonizes the lungs of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. CF lungs often contain a diverse range of
P. aeruginosa
phenotypes, some of which are likely to contribute to the persistence of infection, yet the causes of diversity are unclear. While the ecological heterogeneity of the lung environment and therapeutic regimes are probable factors, a role for parasitic bacteriophage cannot be ruled out. Parasites have been implicated as a key ecological variable driving the evolution of diversity in host populations. PP7 drove cycles of morphological diversification in host populations of
P. aeruginosa
due to the
de novo
evolution of small-rough colony variants that coexisted with large diffuse colony morph bacteria. In the absence of phage, bacteria only displayed the large diffuse colony morphology of the wild-type. Further assays revealed there to be two distinct types of resistant bacteria; these had very different ecological phenotypes, yet each carried a cost of resistance.
Inland and coastal flooding: developments in prediction and prevention
Authors: Hunt J.C.R
Published: June 2005

We review the scientific and engineering understanding of various types of inland and coastal flooding by considering the different causes and dynamic processes involved, especially in extreme events. Clear progress has been made in the accuracy of numerical modelling of meteorological causes of floods, hydraulics of flood water movement and coastal wind–wave-surge. Probabilistic estimates from ensemble predictions and the simultaneous use of several models are recent techniques in meteorological prediction that could be considered for hydraulic and oceanographic modelling. The contribution of remotely sensed data from aircraft and satellites is also considered. The need to compare and combine statistical and computational modelling methodologies for long range forecasts and extreme events is emphasized, because this has become possible with the aid of kilometre scale computations and network grid facilities to simulate and analyse time-series and extreme events. It is noted that despite the adverse effects of climatic trends on flooding, appropriate planning of rapidly growing urban areas could mitigate some of the worst effects. However, resources for flood prevention, including research, have to be considered in relation to those for other natural disasters. Policies have to be relevant to the differing geology, meteorology and cultures of the countries affected.
A Rab-E GTPase Mutant Acts Downstream of the Rab-D Subclass in Biosynthetic Membrane Traffic to the Plasma Membrane in Tobacco Leaf Epidermis
Authors: Zheng Huanquan , Camacho Luísa , Wee Edmund , Batoko Henri , Legen Julia , Leaver Christopher J. , Malhó Rui , Hussey Patrick J. , Moore Ian
Published: June 2005

The function of the Rab-E subclass of plant Rab GTPases in membrane traffic was investigated using a dominant-inhibitory mutant (RAB-E1d[NI]) of Arabidopsis thaliana RAB-E1d and in vivo imaging approaches that have been used to characterize similar mutants in the plant Rab-D2 and Rab-F2 subclasses. RAB-E1d[NI] inhibited the transport of a secreted green fluorescent protein marker, secGFP, but in contrast with dominant-inhibitory RAB-D2 or RAB-F2 mutants, it did not affect the transport of Golgi or vacuolar markers. Quantitative imaging revealed that RAB-E1d[NI] caused less intracellular secGFP accumulation than RAB-D2a[NI], a dominant-inhibitory mutant of a member of the Arabidopsis Rab-D2 subclass. Furthermore, whereas RAB-D2a[NI] caused secGFP to accumulate exclusively in the endoplasmic reticulum, RAB-E1d[NI] caused secGFP to accumulate additionally in the Golgi apparatus and a prevacuolar compartment that could be labeled by FM4-64 and yellow fluorescent protein (YFP)–tagged Arabidopsis RAB-F2b. Using the vacuolar protease inhibitor E64-d, it was shown that some secGFP was transported to the vacuole in control cells and in the presence of RAB-E1d[NI]. Consistent with the hypothesis that secGFP carries a weak vacuolar-sorting determinant, it was shown that a secreted form of DsRed reaches the apoplast without appearing in the prevacuolar compartment. When fused to RAB-E1d, YFP was targeted specifically to the Golgi via a saturable nucleotide- and prenylation-dependent mechanism but was never observed on the prevacuolar compartment. We propose that RAB-E1d[NI] inhibits the secretory pathway at or after the Golgi, causing an accumulation of secGFP in the upstream compartments and an increase in the quantity of secGFP that enters the vacuolar pathway.
Career and learning: the ins and the outs of it
Authors: Mallon Mary , Walton Sara
Published: June 2005

Purpose

Seeks to explore how individuals talk about learning when asked about career.

Design/methodology/approach

Brings together three qualitative research studies, based in the UK and New Zealand on how individuals make sense of career; one focused on people in organizational employment and two on “portfolio” workers operating as freelance workers on a variety of contracts with organizations. The debate on the changing nature of careers and the imperative to life‐long learning resonates in the studies and the extent of change that has occurred is questioned.

Findings

The findings of the studies suggest that there is less learning activity (in terms of education, training or self‐development activities) being undertaken by these participants than may be expected. While participants generally believe that they should take charge of their own learning and career development, they are less sure what actions to take. Signals from the organization are still an important prompt for learning for those in employment; for those outside the lack of support and specific reasons to learn leads to a lack of formal or structured learning activity and a tendency to rely on previously learned skills.

Originality/value

The paper is offered in a spirit of exploration, based on signals from these specific data. In that vein, it makes tentative suggestions as to the implications of such data for human resource management.
A configurational framework for diversity: socialization and culture
Authors: McMillan‐Capehart Amy
Published: June 2005

Purpose

To develop hypotheses aimed at finding ways to take full advantage of the benefits associated with selecting and hiring dissimilar employees such as creativity, productivity, and problem solving, while avoiding negative consequences such as lower job satisfaction and increased turnover.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of the diversity, socialization, and culture literature was conducted. In addition, this research is based on configurational theory and the idea that all the constructs interact with one another in order to affect outcomes in an organization.

Findings

The literature review and theory development support the idea that, in order to benefit from the positive outcomes related to diversity, organizations should implement individualized socialization tactics within a collectivistic organizational culture.

Research limitations/implications

The hypotheses need to be empirically tested.

Practical implications

This research suggests that it is possible for managers to get the most out of a diverse workforce while minimizing the negative effects. One of the main issues with diversity is the increased conflict and turnover. By implementing individualistic socialization tactics within a collectivistic culture, organizations will benefit from employees' backgrounds and experiences, while promoting teamwork and a cohesive organization.

Originality/value

This paper fills a void in the diversity literature by suggesting that it is through socialization and culture that one can overcome the negative effects of diversity.
The experience of workplace anger
Authors: Booth Jill , Mann Sandi
Published: June 2005

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the experience of anger in the workplace and in particular to identify the characteristics, causes and short‐ and long‐term consequences of workplace anger episodes.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative study involves in‐depth semi‐structured interviews with 24 participants from within four different organisational sectors. Participants were asked general questions about their experiences of anger at work, followed by more specific questions as appropriate.

Findings

Analysis of the data resulted in several themes being identified within the categories of causes, characteristics and consequences of anger episodes.

Practical implications

This study allows managers to understand better the role of anger in the workplace and its relationship with various undesirable outcomes as well as how aspects of organisation life might contribute to anger episodes. This should help them to introduce strategies aimed at reducing the incidences of anger experiences as well as contributing towards the development of better coping skills at all levels when anger episodes do occur.

Originality/value

While existing research into the experience of emotions in the workplace suggests that anger is commonly experienced and might have detrimental effects not only on the health of the individual experiencing it, but also for the organisation, there is currently a lack of empirical research into the experience of workplace anger in terms of what causes it and what the long‐ and short‐term consequences are for the individual and the organisation. This paper aims to fill that gap.
Leading employees in one‐to‐one dispute resolution
Authors: McGrane Fodhla , Wilson John , Cammock Tommy
Published: June 2005

Purpose

Leaders are challenged with the efficient and effective management of their own and their employees’ disputes. These are often managed inadequately using “fight”, “flight”, or management intervention. This paper aims to present the findings of a study into an effective alternative, “one‐to‐one dispute resolution”. The method involves two employees resolving their dispute through face‐to‐face communication and without direct intervention by management.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the Critical Incident Technique, incidents of one‐to‐one dispute resolution (n=249) were reported by 88 employees. The contents were analysed, and skill‐related findings were validated using a questionnaire (n=106).

Findings

The findings are presented in a descriptive model of the skilful process of one‐to‐one dispute resolution. The model is built on eight skill‐sets that were central to the dispute resolution process.

Research limitations/implications

How and when to effectively coach employees in the use of one‐to‐one dispute resolution, and the resulting personal and organisational outcomes, need to be examined. In addition, research into the practical application of the model, and in specific organisational contexts, is required.

Practical implications

The study highlights the potential for more employees (including both the leaders and the led) to effectively “face” their own disputes without using “fight” or “flight”. It challenges those leaders, who often act as third‐party interveners, instead to coach their employees in the one‐to‐one resolution of disputes, while modelling the method themselves.

Originality/value

Employees are offered a research‐based model of dispute resolution that differs from problematic models in the dispute resolution literature and skills‐training programs. A workable alternative to the methods of fight, flight and intervention is provided.
Focus group exploration of firm‐employee relationship strength
Authors: Herington Carmel , Scott Don , Johnson Lester W.
Published: June 2005

Purpose

The purpose is to present the results of exploratory research which analysed firm‐employee relationship strength from the employee perspective. Three main research questions were explored: What indicators should be used to measure strong firm‐employee relationships? How important do employees see relationships to be in the work environment? and how do employees define relationship strength?

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative research in the form of focus groups was utilised. Four focus groups of employees from medium to large regional and national Australian companies were held in a large Australian regional city.

Findings

Employees view relationships as being very important in the work environment. The findings revealed a greater degree of consistency between employees' viewpoints about important relationship elements and non‐marketing literature. Important elements found were cooperation, empowerment, communication, attachment, shared goals and values, trust and respect. The emphasis on commitment as a key relationship indicator was not supported by the findings. The findings are summarised in a proposed model of relationship strength, positing commitment as a relationship strength outcome. Employees defined relationship strength in terms of the identified elements.

Research limitations/implications

This research enables commencement of examination of the value of internal relationships through empirical examination of the proposed model.

Practical implications

Management is informed as to what makes the best work environment from the perspective of employees.

Originality/value

This paper fulfills an identified gap in the literature in relation to the ability to measure internal firm relationships. It also clarifies the confusing literature on relationship elements, and it posits a model for the empirical assessment of firm‐employee relationship strength.
To maintain or not to maintain? What should a risk‐averse decision maker do?
Authors: Bardey D. , Riane F. , Artiba A. , Eeckhoudt L.
Published: June 2005

Purpose

In real‐life applications maintenance managers often face complicated decision problems under uncertainty. This difficulty increases when they have to take conflicting objectives into account. A recent review of the literature shows that previous works consider repairable systems subject to random failures and analyse trade‐offs between the costs and the benefits of maintenance activities. The risk aversion of the maintenance decision maker may be not underlined enough. This paper aims to deal with a single component system that has to accomplish a series of missions of a given length.

Design/methodology/approach

The development of a maintenance strategy for this system is analysed from a risk aversion point of view. An attempt is made to highlight the attitude of a neutral decision maker versus a risk‐averse manager.

Findings

Presents a very simple framework to analyse the risk aversion effect on managers' decisions. The model confirms the observation that risk aversion implies no‐monotone relation between optimality frequencies of maintenance operations and the deformation rate of the breakdown probability.

Originality/value

Since the deformation rate is monotonic with time, the proposed model can be extended to derive optimal frequencies, which allow the implementation of the optimal deformation rates according to the probability law of the deformation rate δ.
Appraisal of farm tractor maintenance practices and costs in Nigeria
Authors: Jekayinfa S.O. , Adebiyi K.A. , Waheed M.A. , Owolabi O.O.
Published: June 2005

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate tractor maintenance practices and costs in Nigeria with a view to making replacement decisions and for overall farm budgeting.

Design/methodology/approach

The information was obtained via a structured questionnaire. Tractor owners were grouped into three categories: government agricultural settlements, established farms, and individual farms. Data used for analysis were collected from 60 farms located in major farming centers of the southwestern part of Nigeria. The report includes the formulation of repair equations, which relate tractor repair cost as a percentage of initial purchase prices to cumulative hours of use. Life cycle costs of three commonly‐used tractors were also estimated. The derived equations, which showed that the repair costs per hour increased with hours of use, were used to obtain the life cycle cost of each tractor model in different tractor owners' farms.

Findings

The proposed equation was found to be the best fit with coefficient of determination (R2) ranging from 0.992 to 0.996 for tractors in the three user categories. The trend observed in the life cycle costing of the three common tractors gave the general picture of when to replace each of the tractors based on the strategies being adopted by the tractor owners.

Practical implications

The results of this study would serve as baseline information to tractor owners regarding optimum use of tractors for minimizing repair and maintenance cost per hour and for making replacement policy. It would also be helpful to government and other agencies for future planning in the provision of tractor services to the farmers at relatively lower repair and maintenance cost.

Originality/value

Proves that a reduction in repair costs by careful operation and adequate maintenance could result in a significant reduction in tractor ownership costs.
Implementation of networked organizational communication
Authors: de Vries Sjoerd , De Diana Italo
Published: June 2005

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe a communication reference framework in order to understand and support the implementation of ICT in corporate communication from a local perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

A practical framework was developed. Based on this, recent literature in the field of implementation of ICT in organizations was analyzed.

Findings

This analysis resulted into a communication reference model for the implementation of networked organizational communication (NOC).

Research limitations/implications

The resulting reference model for the implementation of NOC is not theory‐driven, but is a practical base for understanding the situated nature of the implementation of ICT.

Practical implications

The applicability of this model can be viewed in three ways. First, one is able to use the model in cases to identify relevant factors in order to understand and intervene. Second, one is able to constitute a knowledge base in order to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of one's work. Third, it is an initial model that is expected to be improved based on further analysis of literature and implementation cases of NOC.

Originality/value

In order to understand and to intervene successfully, there is a need for integrated studies that monitor implementation processes. Multiple observations are needed over time in a variety of implementation processes. The presented framework is practical in nature and offers a thorough base for these integrated studies.
The role of communication in organisational change
Authors: Elving Wim J.L.
Published: June 2005

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to provide a conceptual framework for the study of communication during organisational change. Although there is an enduring interest in studying (internal) communication during organisational change, there is still little or no empirical research on the topic.Design/methodology/approach– In this conceptual paper a framework is presented on how to study communication during organisational change and how communication could prevent resistance to change. The framework leads to six propositions in which aspects of communication, such as information, feelings of belonging to a community, and feelings of uncertainty, have an influence on resistance to change, which will affect the effectiveness of the change effort.Findings– A distinction between the informative function of communication and communication as a means to create a community was made. In the suggested model communication has an effect not only on readiness for change, but also on uncertainty.Originality/value– This framework can be used by researchers and practitioners to study, guide, frame and model empirical research into this area in the future, and can be used to compare different change programs, within different organisations, to study the contribution of (internal) communication in the success or failure of the change.
A research paradigm for international business communication
Authors: Kameda Naoki
Published: June 2005

Purpose

This conceptual paper aims to present a research paradigm for international business communication research, with special reference to the problems of Japanese corporations.

Design/methodology/approach

To develop a paradigm, international business communication first is defined, and the obstacles Japanese corporations face in international business are described, as are the methods used to deal with obstacles and foster better global management and intercultural communication. The key issue of developing training programs is emphasized. To systematize international business communication research with reference to Japanese companies, a research agenda is offered involving study of: correct usage of English, the meanings of international business terms, and the relationship of English as an international business language to its various users. The guiding theories in this research will come from semiology.

Findings

English will be the agent of globalization, and Japanese companies must accept this reality and deal with it. So far, they have not yet developed a satisfactory way of doing so. However, appropriate methodologies are available, as presented in the paper.

Practical implications

Japanese companies have lagged behind European and US companies in coping with the communication problems fostered by globalization. This paper sets out a methodology for developing the research needed to yield practical steps to solve the problem.

Originality/value

The paper offers a model of ways to systematize international business communication research so that Japanese companies can develop ways of coping with the communication problems of globalization.
A prospective study of alcohol consumption rates of first‐year Australian police officers
Authors: Rallings Mark , Martin Peter , Davey Jeremy
Published: June 2005

Purpose

To prospectively investigate the alcohol consumption and health‐related behaviours of Australian police officers.

Design/methodology/approach

Demographic, work environment, general health and wellbeing, and alcohol consumption measures were obtained from 100 Australian police officers at two time points; the first as they underwent initial training before the commencement of operational policing duties (time 1), and the second after they had completed 12 months of operational duties (time 2).

Findings

Results indicated a significant increase in the quantity and frequency of alcohol consumption over time. The number of female officers, but not male officers, who reported drinking at harmful levels increased between time periods. Overall, there were no changes in the number of officers who reported risk of harmful drinking or alcohol dependency. Alcohol consumption measure scores were not associated with age, marital status, education level, general health and wellbeing, or work‐environment variables. Smoking was associated with harmful drinking behaviour at time 1, but not at time 2. The number of officers who reported smoking increased significantly over time.

Originality/value

This paper builds on findings of previous studies by examining the within‐groups reported drinking behaviours of a sample of Australian police officers for changes over time associated with exposure to police work and the police environment.
Use of existential‐phenomenological counseling for police officers
Authors: Barren James R.
Published: June 2005

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate effects of existential counseling on 20 police officers. Existential group therapy was expected to change locus of control beliefs from external to internal, have a positive effect on self‐efficacy, and assist in lowering aggressive tendencies.

Design/methodology/approach

An experimental research design was used to compare effects of existential group therapy on police officers with an untreated control group of police officers. Both groups completed the self‐efficacy scale, belief in personal control, aggression questionnaire prior to and following the 20‐week treatment program. A short demographic survey was completed prior to beginning the study.

Findings

No changes were found from pre‐test to post‐test on self‐efficacy, locus of control, and aggression. While the statistical findings were not significant, anecdotal comments indicated that police officers benefited from their participation in the program.

Research limitations/implications

The sample size was too small to allow for generalizations to all police officers in the large urban area in which the study was conducted. Additional research with a larger group is needed to validate the findings of the present study.

Practical implications

Although no statistically significant differences were found, the participants in the treatment group reported personal and professional benefits from learning that their peers experienced some of the same concerns when dealing with the public and superiors.

Originality/value

No research was found that had used police officers in counseling groups to help them become more internal and less aggressive.
The importance of expectation fulfilment on domestic violence victims' satisfaction with the police in the UK
Authors: Robinson Amanda L. , Stroshine Meghan S.
Published: June 2005

Purpose

This paper seeks to investigate what victims of domestic violence expect police to do for them, and how these expectations subsequently influence their levels of satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

Structured interviews with 222 victims of domestic violence were conducted by staff from an integrated community‐based service delivery agency in Cardiff, Wales. Multivariate analyses were performed to reveal the factors that contribute to domestic violence victims' satisfaction with the police.

Findings

Consistent with the expectancy disconfirmation model, results indicate that the most important determinant of satisfaction is the extent to which victims' expectations about police behaviour and demeanour are fulfilled.

Originality/value

The results of this study and implications for police policy are discussed.
Neo‐liberalism, community, and police regionalization in Canada
Authors: Lithopoulos Savvas , Rigakos George S.
Published: June 2005

Purpose

Neo‐liberal policies have had a profound effect on the organization of policing in Canada by rationalizing provincial and federal initiatives that off‐load policing costs to municipal and regional councils. This paper aims to comparatively analyze the effect of these initiatives on service delivery for regional versus non‐regional police services.

Design/methodology/approach

Four measures were used to assess efficiency: per capita cost, cost per criminal code offence, number of officers per 100,000 population, and number of support staff per 100,000 population. Three measures were used to assess effectiveness: violent crime clearance rate, property crime clearance rate, and total criminal code clearance rate.

Findings

Analysis of the data reveals that, despite claims surrounding regionalization, regional police services are not demonstrably any more effective or efficient than non‐regional services.

Research limitations/implications

Utilizes official crime data and police expenditure statistics. A national survey of police service delivery and citizen satisfaction is needed.Practical implications– These results can inform municipal and town council decisions about regional (or provincial contract) versus local police service provision.Originality/value– The first comprehensive comparative Canadian study on the efficiency and effectiveness of police regionalization. The article empirically challenges the purported relative effectiveness and efficiency of larger regional police services versus smaller non‐regional services in Canada.
The impact of workplace learning on job satisfaction in small US commercial banks
Authors: Rowden Robert W. , Conine Clyde T.
Published: June 2005

Purpose

This study aims to examine workplace learning and job satisfaction in small, commercial US banks.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data collection with correlational procedure.

Findings

The study found a statistically significant relationship between the workplace learning variables and the job satisfaction variables.

Research limitations/implications

Furthers the linkages between the opportunities for learning in the workplace with how satisfied employees are with their jobs. Also establishes the importance of informal and incidental learning, rather than formal learning.

Practical implications

Emphasizes the need for managers to make learning opportunities available to enhance overall job satisfaction. In addition, helps place the need for expenditures on non‐formal learning, not just formal learning where all the money is usually spent.

Originality/value

Few studies have looked at the role of workplace learning in small businesses. Very few have linked workplace learning to the things that make people feel good enough about their work to stay on with a company. This study also solidifies the need to focus on something besides “training.”
Learning for the workplace: a case study in graduate employees' generic competencies
Authors: Quek Ai‐Hwa
Published: June 2005

Purpose

This study seeks to address empirically the current state of generic competencies considered to be important for successful work performance among Malaysian graduate employees. This study also aims to explain the elements of generic competencies that are needed to complement the tertiary training of students in workplace learning.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the survey method, questionnaires (validated by a pilot test and with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.81) were administered to a purposive sample of graduate employees (n=32).

Findings

Responses were factor‐analysed and correlated through the Pearson product‐moment correlation procedure. Drawing from the significant correlations ( p<0.01) of the factors extracted, this study highlights interpersonal skills, knowledge‐acquiring skills and flexibility as being highly important in contributing toward success in work performance. Additionally, these graduate employees also expressed value‐improving skills, practical orientation abilities and cognitive skills as being important for successful work performance. These generic competencies are important for enabling Malaysian graduate employees to transfer learning from the classroom to the workplace for success in work performance.

Research limitations/implications

Given the financial constraints, this study is limited to Malaysian graduate employees. Therefore, the generalisability of the results is limited to other situations that are similar to the one discussed in this study.

Originality/value

In the Malaysian context, tertiary training probably needs to consider the development of generic competencies in students so as to enable them to transfer tertiary learning to meet the changing demands of the workplace when they graduate. In this direction additional research is recommended in Malaysia so that graduates can be better trained to contribute successfully in the workplace.
Integrating programme and process performance QA
Authors: Dealtry Richard , Settle David
Published: June 2005

Purpose

This article seeks to report on actions being taken at a practical level to innovate performance quality assurance systems for real‐time learning environments.

Design/methodology/approach

Reviews the consequences for situational learning management as organisations adopt customer‐facing organic strategic postures.

Findings

Naturally evolving and progressive vocational and enterprise learning programme assessments are being combined with performance quality reviews of process to produce radical and very powerful QA systems for the performance management of organisationally based enterprise learning.

Originality/value

There are as many varieties of corporate universities as there are companies, all differentiated by industry sector and their state of development and strategic intent. By providing a quality‐assured governance and policy management environment with the supporting faculty competency resources outlined, the progressive learning assignment process, when combined with the browser‐based system, produces an integration of quality‐based performance dynamics in individual and group enterprise learning performance and process management efficiency.
Games that nations play: will Turkey be part of Europe?
Authors: Richardson Jacques
Published: June 2005

Purpose

Seeks to discuss the European Union's decision in December 2004 to begin debating Turkey's formal application to join the EU marks the beginning of what could be a prolonged decade of game‐playing by both the Union and the applicant from Istanbul.

Design/methodology/approach

Analyzes and tallies the stakes, pro and con, for each party, accommodating at the same time some troublesome, neither‐nor factors.

Findings

The result is that of a game, perhaps more seriously conceived than adroitly played. Regardless of the ultimate outcome, Turkey's long‐term efforts to join Europe may prove to be a classic in contemporary political gamesmanship.

Originality/value

The article provides a review of the arguments in favor of and against Turkey's accession to the EU.
Complexity theory for organisational futures studies
Authors: Smith Aaron C.T.
Published: June 2005

Purpose

This paper seeks to make an assessment of the value and veracity that complexity theory makes as a “new” approach to futures thinking, and the implications that the approach holds for futures studies.

Design/methodology/approach

There are three sections. In the first, the notion of complexity theory is explained and its robustness considered, leading to a commentary on its status as a theory. In the second section, the applications of complexity approaches to change and futures thinking are examined, including its perspective on forecasting and scenario analysis. The final section comments on the compatibility of complexity theory and the relevance of conventional analytical forecasting techniques.

Findings

Complexity thinking implies that the causes of events cannot be known and that forecasting and scenario planning are doomed to failure. However, this perspective assumes that complexity has achieved status as a theory, a possibility which is rejected in this analysis.

Practical implications

It is proposed that complexity theory offers a neat metaphor for considering aspects of change, but that there is insufficient evidence to impel managers to dispose of forecasting techniques based on the flawed assumption that all change will be emergent and fundamentally unpredictable. In fact, complexity and analytical scenario techniques might be more compatible than is suggested by complexity advocates, and might be helpful in conceptualising alternative scenarios, as it encourages an awareness of emerging patterns.

Originality/value

This paper makes an assessment of the contribution that complexity theory may make to futures thinking, provides some practical guidance concerning its application, comments on the utility of conventional futures analysis methods and offers a view on the relevance of analytical forecasting techniques.