bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent JET experiments on Alfvén eigenmodes with intermediate toroidal mode numbers: measurements and modelling of n = 3 toroidal Alfvén eigenmodes with the TAEFL code*
Authors: Testa D. , Spong D. , Panis T. , Blanchard P. , Fasoli A.
Published: April 2011

This paper reports the results of recent experiments performed on the JET tokamak on Alfvén eigenmodes (AEs) with toroidal mode number (n) in the range n = 3–15. The stability properties of these medium-n AEs are investigated experimentally using a new set of compact in-vessel antennas, providing a direct and real-time measurement of the frequency, damping rate and amplitude for each individual toroidal mode number. We report here the quantitative analysis of the measurements of the damping rate for stable n = 3 toroidal AEs as a function of the edge plasma elongation, and the theoretical analysis of these data with the TAEFL code. The TAEFL results are in excellent qualitative agreement with the measurements, reproducing well the experimental scaling of increasing damping rate versus increasing edge elongation, and in many cases are also quantitatively correct, with a difference with respect to the measurements below 30%, particularly for magnetic configurations that have a larger edge magnetic shear.
Monte Carlo approach to Thomson scattering in relativistic fusion plasmas with allowance for ultraintense laser radiation
Authors: Pastor I. , Guasp J. , Álvarez-Estrada R.F. , Castejón F.
Published: April 2011

Thomson scattering (TS) of electromagnetic radiation by relativistic electrons is of great interest as an electron distribution diagnostics in high temperature plasma devices. A Monte Carlo approach to TS simulation has been implemented. It is based on first principles, i.e. on the integration of electron trajectories and on the computation and averaging of radiated Liénard–Wiechert fields. The treatment is relativistic. Nonlinear effects, arising from ultraintense lasers (both linear and circular polarizations having been considered) and/or from highly energetic electrons, are included from the outset. TS spectra from isotropic monoenergetic electron distribution functions and from the relativistic Maxwellian distribution have been extensively studied, both for low-intensity and for ultraintense incoming laser. A particularly simple quadratic dependence of S
2(ω) on ω has been found in the case of monoenergetic distributions. Numerical results are checked against known analytical results for low-intensity lasers, and found to be in agreement with them. For high-intensity lasers, new effects on scattered spectra arise, like an overall red-shift or the appearance of higher harmonics. The numerical methods developed in this work are general enough to deal with anisotropic and/or non-Maxwellian distribution functions.
Overexpression of peroxisomal testis-specific 1 protein induces germ cell apoptosis and leads to infertility in male mice
Authors: Kaczmarek Karina , Studencka Maja , Meinhardt Andreas , Wieczerzak Krzysztof , Thoms Sven , Engel Wolfgang , Grzmil Pawel
Published: April 2011

Peroxisomal testis-specific 1 gene (Pxt1) is the only male germ cell–specific gene that encodes a peroxisomal protein known to date. To elucidate the role of Pxt1 in spermatogenesis, we generated transgenic mice expressing a c-MYC-PXT1 fusion protein under the control of the PGK2 promoter. Overexpression of Pxt1 resulted in induction of male germ cells’ apoptosis mainly in primary spermatocytes, finally leading to male infertility. This prompted us to analyze the proapoptotic character of mouse PXT1, which harbors a BH3-like domain in the N-terminal part. In different cell lines, the overexpression of PXT1 also resulted in a dramatic increase of apoptosis, whereas the deletion of the BH3-like domain significantly reduced cell death events, thereby confirming that the domain is functional and essential for the proapoptotic activity of PXT1. Moreover, we demonstrated that PXT1 interacts with apoptosis regulator BAT3, which, if overexpressed, can protect cells from the PXT1-induced apoptosis. The PXT1-BAT3 association leads to PXT1 relocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. In summary, we demonstrated that PXT1 induces apoptosis via the BH3-like domain and that this process is inhibited by BAT3.
Phosphorylation of STEF/Tiam2 by protein kinase A is critical for Rac1 activation and neurite outgrowth in dibutyryl cAMP–treated PC12D cells
Authors: Goto Akihiro , Hoshino Mikio , Matsuda Michiyuki , Nakamura Takeshi
Published: April 2011

The second messenger cAMP plays a pivotal role in neurite/axon growth and guidance, but its downstream pathways leading to the regulation of Rho GTPases, centrally implicated in neuronal morphogenesis, remain elusive. We examined spatiotemporal changes in Rac1 and Cdc42 activity and phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-triphosphate (PIP3) concentration in dibutyryl cAMP (dbcAMP)-treated PC12D cells using Förster resonance energy transfer–based biosensors. During a 30-min incubation with dbcAMP, Rac1 activity gradually increased throughout the cells and remained at its maximal level. There was no change in PIP3concentration. After a 5-h incubation with dbcAMP, Rac1 and Cdc42 were activated at the protruding tips of neurites without PIP3accumulation. dbcAMP-induced Rac1 activation was principally mediated by protein kinase A (PKA) and Sif- and Tiam1-like exchange factor (STEF)/Tiam2. STEF depletion drastically reduced dbcAMP-induced neurite outgrowth. PKA phosphorylates STEF at three residues (Thr-749, Ser-782, Ser-1562); Thr-749 phosphorylation was critical for dbcAMP-induced Rac1 activation and neurite extension. During dbcAMP-induced neurite outgrowth, PKA activation at the plasma membrane became localized to neurite tips; this localization may contribute to local Rac1 activation at the same neurite tips. Considering the critical role of Rac1 in neuronal morphogenesis, the PKA—STEF–Rac1 pathway may play a crucial role in cytoskeletal regulation during neurite/axon outgrowth and guidance, which depend on cAMP signals.
Whole genome siRNA cell-based screen links mitochondria to Akt signaling network through uncoupling of electron transport chain
Authors: Senapedis William T. , Kennedy Caleb J. , Boyle Patrick M. , Silver Pamela A.
Published: April 2011

Forkhead transcription factors (FOXOs) alter a diverse array of cellular processes including the cell cycle, oxidative stress resistance, and aging. Insulin/Akt activation directs phosphorylation and cytoplasmic sequestration of FOXO away from its target genes and serves as an endpoint of a complex signaling network. Using a human genome small interfering RNA (siRNA) library in a cell-based assay, we identified an extensive network of proteins involved in nuclear export, focal adhesion, and mitochondrial respiration not previously implicated in FOXO localization. Furthermore, a detailed examination of mitochondrial factors revealed that loss of uncoupling protein 5 (UCP5) modifies the energy balance and increases free radicals through up-regulation of uncoupling protein 3 (UCP3). The increased superoxide content induces c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1 (JNK1) kinase activity, which in turn affects FOXO localization through a compensatory dephosphorylation of Akt. The resulting nuclear FOXO increases expression of target genes, including mitochondrial superoxide dismutase. By connecting free radical defense and mitochondrial uncoupling to Akt/FOXO signaling, these results have implications in obesity and type 2 diabetes development and the potential for therapeutic intervention.
A new role for the dynamin GTPase in the regulation of fusion pore expansion
Authors: Anantharam Arun , Bittner Mary A. , Aikman Rachel L. , Stuenkel Edward L. , Schmid Sandra L. , Axelrod Daniel , Holz Ronald W.
Published: April 2011

Dynamin is a master regulator of membrane fission in endocytosis. However, a function for dynamin immediately upon fusion has also been suspected from a variety of experiments that measured release of granule contents. The role of dynamin guanosine triphosphate hydrolase (GTPase) activity in controlling fusion pore expansion and postfusion granule membrane topology was investigated using polarization optics and total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (pTIRFM) and amperometry. A dynamin-1 (Dyn1) mutant with increased GTPase activity resulted in transient deformations consistent with rapid fusion pore widening after exocytosis; a Dyn1 mutant with decreased activity slowed fusion pore widening by stabilizing postfusion granule membrane deformations. The experiments indicate that, in addition to its role in endocytosis, GTPase activity of dynamin regulates the rapidity of fusion pore expansion from tens of milliseconds to seconds after fusion. These findings expand the membrane-sculpting repertoire of dynamin to include the regulation of immediate postfusion events in exocytosis that control the rate of release of soluble granule contents.
Government Policy and Agricultural Productivity in Indonesia
Authors: Rada Nicholas E. , Buccola Steven T. , Fuglie Keith O.
Published: April 2011

We focus on the agricultural productivity implications of the complex of investment, price, and research policies the Indonesian government has employed since the end of the Green Revolution. In particular, we employ a new 1985–2005 provincial panel dataset together with a stochastic output distance frontier framework to examine how government policies have affected the nation's agricultural productivity, decomposing it into its technical progress and efficiency components. Government's primary contributions to technology growth have come through price and trade policies rather than public research. Most technology growth, however, appears to be due to informal technology diffusion.
The Assessment and Management of Palpitations in Primary Care
Authors: Taggar Jaspal S. , Hodson Alexander
Published: April 2011

Palpitations, the abnormal perception of a heart beating, are a common cause for presentation to a GP and have a prevalence of up to 16% in primary care consultations. They are associated with long-term morbidity with a substantial proportion of patients reporting concern and anxiety despite the exclusion of a significant underlying cause. Palpitations are the second most common reason for a GP to refer to specialist cardiology. The challenge for GPs is to be able to differentiate palpitations of a benign aetiology, from those related to a significant underlying arrhythmia that requires prompt investigation and referral. This article aims to highlight the factors involved in making an assessment and stratifying risk in patients presenting with palpitations in a primary care setting.
Tenacibaculum jejuense sp. nov., isolated from coastal seawater
Authors: Oh You-Sung , Kahng Hyung-Yeel , Lee Dong-Heon , Lee Sun Bok
Published: April 2011

A Gram-staining-negative, strictly aerobic and rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain CNURIC013T, was isolated from seawater collected on the coast of Jeju Island, South Korea. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain CNURIC013T belonged to the genus Tenacibaculum, within the family Flavobacteriaceae. Sequence similarities between the novel strain and the type strains of recognized species of the genus Tenacibaculum were 93.6–96.0 %, the highest value being with Tenacibaculum litopenaei B-IT (96 %). The DNA G+C content of the novel strain was 34.5 mol% and the major respiratory quinone was menaquinone-6. The major fatty acids were summed feature 3 (comprising C16 : 1ω7c and/or iso-C15 : 0 2-OH; 26.0 %), iso-C15 : 0 (24.4 %), iso-C15 : 1 G (18.5 %) and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH (8.1 %). The polar lipids consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine, one unknown aminophospholipid and nine unknown polar lipids. On the basis of the phenotypic, phylogenetic and genotypic data, strain CNURIC013T represents a novel species within the genus Tenacibaculum, for which the name Tenacibaculum jejuense sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CNURIC013T ( = KCTC 22618T = JCM 15975T).
Lutibacter aestuarii sp. nov., isolated from a tidal flat sediment, and emended description of the genus Lutibacter Choi and Cho 2006
Authors: Lee Soo-Young , Lee Mi-Hwa , Oh Tae-Kwang , Yoon Jung-Hoon
Published: April 2011

A Gram-negative, non-spore-forming, non-motile rod, designated MA-My1T, was isolated from a tidal flat sediment of the South Sea, Korea. Strain MA-My1T grew optimally at pH 7.0–7.5, at 30 °C and with 2.0–3.0 % (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain MA-My1T clustered with Lutibacter litoralis CL-TF09T and Lutibacter maritimus S7-2T, with which it exhibited 97.3 and 95.3 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, respectively. Strain MA-My1T contained MK-6 as the predominant menaquinone and iso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 0 3-OH and iso-C16 : 0 3-OH as the major fatty acids. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine and two unidentified lipids. The DNA G+C content was 30.6 mol% and DNA–DNA relatedness between strain MA-My1T and L. litoralis JCM 13034T was 6.3±0.8 %. The differential phenotypic properties, together with phylogenetic and genotypic distinctiveness, distinguished strain MA-My1T from the members of the genus Lutibacter. On the basis of the data presented, strain MA-My1T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Lutibacter, for which the name Lutibacter aestuarii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MA-My1T ( = KCTC 23499T  = CCUG 60022T).
Nocardioides alpinus sp. nov., a psychrophilic actinomycete isolated from alpine glacier cryoconite
Authors: Zhang De-Chao , Schumann Peter , Redzic Mersiha , Zhou Yu-Guang , Liu Hong-Can , Schinner Franz , Margesin Rosa
Published: April 2011

A Gram-positive, non-motile, rod-shaped, psychrophilic actinomycete, designated strain Cr7-14T, was isolated from alpine glacier cryoconite. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain Cr7-14T was related to members of the genus Nocardioides and shared highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities with the type strains of Nocardioides furvisabuli (98.6 %), Nocardioides ganghwensis (98.2 %), Nocardioides oleivorans (98.1 %) and Nocardioides exalbidus (97.6 %). The predominant cellular fatty acids of strain Cr7-14T were C17 : 1ω8c (39.5 %) and iso-C16 : 0 (32.4 %). The major menaquinone was MK-8(H4). The diagnostic diamino acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan was ll-2,6-diaminopimelic acid. The predominant cell-wall sugars were galactose and rhamnose. The polar lipid pattern contained diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylinositol, four unknown glycolipids and two unknown polar lipids. The genomic DNA G+C content was 71.9 mol%. On the basis of phenotypic characteristics, phylogenetic analysis and DNA–DNA relatedness data, a novel species, Nocardioides alpinus sp. nov., is proposed, with Cr7-14T ( = DSM 23325T = LMG 26053T = CGMCC 1.10697T) as the type strain.
Penicillium simile sp. nov. revealed by morphological and phylogenetic analysis
Authors: Davolos Domenico , Pietrangeli Biancamaria , Persiani Anna Maria , Maggi Oriana
Published: April 2011

The morphology of three phenetically identical Penicillium isolates, collected from the bioaerosol in a restoration laboratory in Italy, displayed macro- and microscopic characteristics that were similar though not completely ascribable to Penicillium raistrickii. For this reason, a phylogenetic approach based on DNA sequencing analysis was performed to establish both the taxonomic status and the evolutionary relationships of these three peculiar isolates in relation to previously described species of the genus Penicillium. We used four nuclear loci (both rRNA and protein coding genes) that have previously proved useful for the molecular investigation of taxa belonging to the genus Penicillium at various evolutionary levels. The internal transcribed spacer region (ITS1–5.8S–ITS2), domains D1 and D2 of the 28S rDNA, a region of the tubulin beta chain gene (benA) and part of the calmodulin gene (cmd) were amplified by PCR and sequenced. Analysis of the rRNA genes and of the benA and cmd sequence data indicates the presence of three isogenic isolates belonging to a genetically distinct species of the genus Penicillium, here described and named Penicillium simile sp. nov. (ATCC MYA-4591T  = CBS 129191T). This novel species is phylogenetically different from P. raistrickii and other related species of the genus Penicillium (e.g. Penicillium scabrosum), from which it can be distinguished on the basis of morphological trait analysis.
Shotgun proteomics aids discovery of novel protein-coding genes, alternative splicing, and “resurrected” pseudogenes in the mouse genome
Authors: Brosch Markus , Saunders Gary I. , Frankish Adam , Collins Mark O. , Yu Lu , Wright James , Verstraten Ruth , Adams David J. , Harrow Jennifer , Choudhary Jyoti S. , Hubbard Tim
Published: April 2011

Recent advances in proteomic mass spectrometry (MS) offer the chance to marry high-throughput peptide sequencing to transcript models, allowing the validation, refinement, and identification of new protein-coding loci. We present a novel pipeline that integrates highly sensitive and statistically robust peptide spectrum matching with genome-wide protein-coding predictions to perform large-scale gene validation and discovery in the mouse genome for the first time. In searching an excess of 10 million spectra, we have been able to validate 32%, 17%, and 7% of all protein-coding genes, exons, and splice boundaries, respectively. Moreover, we present strong evidence for the identification of multiple alternatively spliced translations from 53 genes and have uncovered 10 entirely novel protein-coding genes, which are not covered in any mouse annotation data sources. One such novel protein-coding gene is a fusion protein that spans the Ins2 and Igf2 loci to produce a transcript encoding the insulin II and the insulin-like growth factor 2–derived peptides. We also report nine processed pseudogenes that have unique peptide hits, demonstrating, for the first time, that they are not just transcribed but are translated and are therefore resurrected into new coding loci. This work not only highlights an important utility for MS data in genome annotation but also provides unique insights into the gene structure and propagation in the mouse genome. All these data have been subsequently used to improve the publicly available mouse annotation available in both the Vega and Ensembl genome browsers (http://vega.sanger.ac.uk).
Natural genetic variation caused by small insertions and deletions in the human genome
Authors: Mills Ryan E. , Pittard W. Stephen , Mullaney Julienne M. , Farooq Umar , Creasy Todd H. , Mahurkar Anup A. , Kemeza David M. , Strassler Daniel S. , Ponting Chris P. , Webber Caleb , Devine Scott E.
Published: April 2011

Human genetic variation is expected to play a central role in personalized medicine. Yet only a fraction of the natural genetic variation that is harbored by humans has been discovered to date. Here we report almost 2 million small insertions and deletions (INDELs) that range from 1 bp to 10,000 bp in length in the genomes of 79 diverse humans. These variants include 819,363 small INDELs that map to human genes. Small INDELs frequently were found in the coding exons of these genes, and several lines of evidence indicate that such variation is a major determinant of human biological diversity. Microarray-based genotyping experiments revealed several interesting observations regarding the population genetics of small INDEL variation. For example, we found that many of our INDELs had high levels of linkage disequilibrium (LD) with both HapMap SNPs and with high-scoring SNPs from genome-wide association studies. Overall, our study indicates that small INDEL variation is likely to be a key factor underlying inherited traits and diseases in humans.
Bacterial and Plant Signal Integration via D3-Type Cyclins Enhances Symptom Development in the Arabidopsis-Rhodococcus fasciansInteraction
Authors: Stes Elisabeth , Biondi Stefania , Holsters Marcelle , Vereecke Danny
Published: April 2011

The phytopathogenic actinomycete Rhodococcus fascians drives its host to form a nutrient-rich niche by secreting a mixture of cytokinins that triggers plant cell division and shoot formation. The discrepancy between the relatively low amount of secreted cytokinins and the severe impact of R. fascians infection on plant development has puzzled researchers for a long time. Polyamine and transcript profiling of wild-type and cytokinin receptor mutant plants revealed that the bacterial cytokinins directly stimulated the biosynthesis of plant putrescine by activating arginine decarboxylase expression. Pharmacological experiments showed that the increased levels of putrescine contributed to the severity of the symptoms. Thus, putrescine functions as a secondary signal that impinges on the cytokinin-activated pathway, amplifying the hormone-induced changes that lead to the formation of a leafy gall. Exogenous putrescine and treatment with polyamine biosynthesis inhibitors combined with transcript and polyamine analyses of wild-type and mutant plants indicated that the direct target of both the bacterial cytokinins and plant putrescine was the expression of D3-type cyclins. Hence, the activated d-type cyclin/retinoblastoma/E2F transcription factor pathway integrates both external and internal hormonal signals, stimulating mitotic cell divisions and inducing pathological plant organogenesis.
The Role of Bundle Sheath Extensions and Life Form in Stomatal Responses to Leaf Water Status
Authors: Buckley Thomas N. , Sack Lawren , Gilbert Matthew E.
Published: April 2011

Bundle sheath extensions (BSEs) are key features of leaf structure with currently little-understood functions. To test the hypothesis that BSEs reduce the hydraulic resistance from the bundle sheath to the epidermis (r  be) and thereby accelerate hydropassive stomatal movements, we compared stomatal responses with reduced humidity and leaf excision among 20 species with heterobaric or homobaric leaves and herbaceous or woody life forms. We hypothesized that low r  be due to the presence of BSEs would increase the rate of stomatal opening (V) during transient wrong-way responses, but more so during wrong-way responses to excision (V  e) than humidity (V  h), thus increasing the ratio of V  e to V  h. We predicted the same trends for herbaceous relative to woody species given greater hydraulic resistance in woody species. We found that V  e, V  h, and their ratio were 2.3 to 4.4 times greater in heterobaric than homobaric leaves and 2.0 to 3.1 times greater in herbaceous than woody species. To assess possible causes for these differences, we simulated these experiments in a dynamic compartment/resistance model, which predicted larger V  e and V  e/V  h in leaves with smaller r  be. These results support the hypothesis that BSEs reduce r  be. Comparison of our data and simulations suggested that r  be is approximately 4 to 16 times larger in homobaric than heterobaric leaves. Our study provides new evidence that variations in the distribution of hydraulic resistance within the leaf and plant are central to understanding dynamic stomatal responses to water status and their ecological correlates and that BSEs play several key roles in the functional ecology of heterobaric leaves.
Linking leadership empowerment behaviour to employee attitudes and behavioural intentions
Authors: Dewettinck Koen , van Ameijde Maaike
Published: April 2011

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the relationship between leadership empowerment behaviour (LEB), employee psychological empowerment and employee attitudes (affective commitment and job satisfaction) and behavioural intentions (intention to stay).

Design/methodology/approach

The hypotheses were simultaneously tested on a sample of 380 frontline service employees, using structural equation modeling.

Findings

The paper found a direct relationship between leadership empowerment behaviour and job satisfaction and affective commitment. Psychological empowerment partially mediates these relationships. Employee attitudes were also shown to be related to intention to stay.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides validation of the LEB construct in an individualized working context and suggests that psychological empowerment is a relevant construct to link LEB to employee attitudes and behavioural intentions. The cross‐sectional nature of this study restricts the clear pinpointing of temporal causal relationships within the empowerment process. Furthermore, common method bias might have inflated correlations between constructs.

Practical implications

The LEB dimensions provide organizations with concrete behaviour that leaders should emphasize in order to foster employee commitment, satisfaction and loyalty to the company.

Originality/value

This is the first paper that studies the relationship between leadership empowerment behaviour and the multi‐dimensional conceptualization of psychological empowerment. It aims to gain further insights into the relationship between structural and psychological perspectives on empowerment and clarifies how these constructs relate to employee attitudes and behavioural intentions.
Goal‐setting in practice
Authors: Bipp Tanja , Kleingeld Ad
Published: April 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate how individual perceptions by employees of a goal‐setting program and personality traits influence job satisfaction and goal commitment.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the German version of Locke and Latham's goal‐setting questionnaire, 97 production employees judged the quality of the goal‐setting program in their company with regard to content‐related problems of goals (e.g. goal clarity), process in dyad (e.g. supervisor support), and setting‐related aspects (e.g. rewards). Data were also collected on the participants' conscientiousness and neuroticism.

Findings

The results showed that job satisfaction is predicted by content and setting‐related aspects, whereas content‐related aspects affected goal commitment. Conscientiousness explained variance in goal commitment independent of individual perceptions of the goal‐setting program, whereas neuroticism affected job satisfaction indirectly via the perceptions of goal content.

Practical implications

Performance management programs that incorporate goals belong to the most widely used management techniques worldwide. The study provides evidence on critical success factors from the view of staff members, which helps to design or optimize current goal‐setting programs. Furthermore, the study implies practical consequences in terms of person‐job fit based on personality traits.

Originality/value

The study helps to build a more comprehensive picture of how content, process, and setting‐related perceptions of a goal‐setting program influence job satisfaction and goal commitment. In addition, it provides important insights into the processes through which individual differences affect work behavior.
Multicultural organizations: common language, knowledge sharing and performance
Authors: Lauring Jakob , Selmer Jan
Published: April 2011

Purpose

Multicultural organizations are often argued to hold potential knowledge resources that can be used to increase performance. However, while only a few studies have been undertaken on the subject, linguistic differences are argued to make the use of knowledge and the sharing of knowledge a challenge in multicultural organizations. This study seeks to explore the relationships between language, knowledge sharing and performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was directed electronically to members of academic multicultural departments in Denmark.

Findings

Results showed that consistency in English management communication was the dominating factor with strong relationships with all of the investigated knowledge sharing and performance variables. English communication consistently had an association with some of the knowledge sharing and performance variables but not with all of them. The number of languages and the communication frequency were generally positively associated with the outcome variables.

Research limitations/implications

This study targeted multicultural academic organizations. The findings may not be generalizable to other organizations.

Practical implications

Results indicate that multicultural organizations should support consistent English communication in general and English management communication in particular.

Originality/value

Since there are no similar large‐scale studies on the intra‐unit management of language diversity, the findings may be of considerable theoretical and practical importance.
Improving employee outcomes in the public sector
Authors: Rodwell John J. , Noblet Andrew J. , Allisey Amanda F.
Published: April 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the efficacy of the demand‐control‐support model, augmented with employee perceptions of organisational justice and degree of met expectations.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 128 public sector employees working in a large state police force operating under many of the elements of new public management. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were conducted using four indicators of occupational strain: employee wellbeing, job satisfaction, organisational commitment and intent to quit.

Findings

The results of this study suggest that the demand‐control‐support model has great utility in identifying those aspects of the work environment associated with employee strain. Job control and social support at work in particular were the most consistent predictors. In contrast, the expectation and justice variables failed to make significant contributions to the model in all but one analysis providing no support for the “injustice as stressor” perspective.

Research limitations/implications

Although a cross‐sectional design was utilized, these results highlight the value of applying the parsimonious demand‐control‐support model to a wider set of outcomes, especially in a public sector environment.

Practical implications

The results emphasize the importance of the relatively neglected “softer” work characteristics support and control. In order to combat the ill‐effects of organisational reforms and prompt a shift towards the public value approach, managers operating under elements of new public management should ensure that adequate social support at work is available and that employee control is commensurate with their demands.

Originality/value

This study examined an augmented demand‐control‐support model and identified that whilst perceptions of justice can influence employee attitudes and wellbeing, the demand, control, and support variables remain the most influential factors with regard to public sector employee attitudes and wellbeing.
Effective autonomy, organisational relationships and skilled jobs in subsidiaries
Authors: Gammelgaard Jens , McDonald Frank , Tüselmann Heinz , Dörrenbächer Christoph , Stephan Andreas
Published: April 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how the proportion of skilled jobs in subsidiaries is influenced by resource gaps created by subsidiary development.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper develops a range of propositions that connect the constructs of effective autonomy and organisational relationships with subsidiary employment. Propositions are built on an extensive literature review based on such approaches as the resource‐based view, transaction cost economics, network approach, and institutional theory.

Findings

The framework developed in the paper suggests that a higher proportion of employment in skilled jobs in subsidiaries is most likely in cases where subsidiary entrepreneurship, role specialization, and absorptive capacity are higher. Conversely, the proportion is likely to be lower in cases of increased institutional distance from the parent company.

Practical implications

The conceptual model can help parent company managers assess the likely effects of developments in effective autonomy and organisational relationships in their subsidiaries. Subsidiary managers can assess the possible impact of such factors as development of entrepreneurial activities, specialization within the multinational corporation supply chain and enhancement of absorptive capacity on the proportion of skilled jobs.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to describe subsidiary development from a skilled job perspective. It further develops the concept of autonomy and introduces the term “effective autonomy”.
Managing telework: risks, fears and rules
Authors: Pyöriä Pasi
Published: April 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to serve as a reminder that all work arrangements, including the present case of distributed work, have their costs and benefits.

Design/methodology/approach

In addition to a literature review, the paper presents concrete recommendations and guidelines for practicing managers about how to avoid pitfalls in distributed work arrangements and how to manage teleworkers.

Findings

The diffusion of telework has been a slower process than anticipated, among other reasons because the most vital businesses are largely concentrated in the biggest growth centres. Growth centres can offer a diverse range of both jobs and amenities that outweigh the quiet and safety of rural areas. Apart from geographical realities and regional policy issues, another factor that has decisively contributed to the slow diffusion of telework is the absence of an established contractual framework and “culture” of teleworking.

Originality/value

Telework has the best prospects of success if from the outset all the people involved know what to expect and are prepared to deal with any problems and fears associated with the new work culture. It is also important that distributed work arrangements are designed in compliance with national labour legislation. To avoid potential risks, a part‐time telework arrangement is advisable for most organizations.
Investigation of the sponsor's role in project planning
Authors: Kloppenborg Timothy J. , Tesch Debbie , Manolis Chris
Published: April 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify and validate executive sponsor behaviors necessary for successful project implementation during project planning.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of 145 executives and managers interested in project management was conducted. Data were analyzed using principal components analyses with varimax rotation for both behavioral‐ and outcome‐based items. Relationships between variables were analyzed via path analysis.

Findings

In total, five sponsor behavior factors were identified including: ensure planning, clarify outputs, stakeholder relationships, support project, and appoint project manager. Additionally, three outcome factors were found: firm's future, meeting agreements (e.g. budgets, scheduling expectations), and customer success. An estimated path model testing the effects of sponsor behaviors on project outcomes indicated six significant paths.

Research limitations/implications

This paper empirically identifies behaviors sponsors may use during project planning and the impact such behaviors have on project success measures. The exploratory nature of this study suggests further research to confirm findings.

Practical implications

This paper provides executive sponsors with a focus during the planning stage when various stakeholders are determining many project details.

Originality/value

The paper adds to the limited body of research on the role of project sponsors. The investigation indicates that as sponsors spend more time performing the three behaviors of ensuring planning, managing stakeholder relations, and appointing the project manager; project success increases as measured by outcome factors.
Effects of content class with endorsement and information relevancy on purchase intention
Authors: Wang Alex , Lin Carolyn
Published: April 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether the insertion of an endorsement – or the lack of it – in conjunction with product information relevancy, have an impact on consumers' purchase intentions related to a particular product.

Design/methodology/approach

An experiment was conducted to test the research hypotheses posited by this study. A 3 × 2 factorial design manipulating three product‐communication forms was employed. Participants were randomly assigned to one of the two counterbalanced subgroups associated with each of the six experimental conditions, with 12 experimental conditions. The experimental stimuli included two type of product‐performance information, each highlighting either the “superb power” or “superb control” feature of a tennis racquet.

Findings

Study findings indicate that product information relevancy to consumers' desired product characteristics had a significant influence on purchase intention.

Research limitations/implications

The study described in this paper suffers from the generic limitations of all laboratory studies with forced exposure to stimuli in that the external validity is sacrificed at the cost of the internal validity. A related external validity issue involves the generalizability of the present research findings across different types of products.

Practical implications

Endorsements – while potentially effective in enhancing purchase intention – may elicit different responses from consumers, depending upon the content class and information relevancy. In order to level the playing field, advertisers may wish to consider advertising strategies that not only feature endorsements, but also provide potential consumers with easy access to publicity articles that further substantiate these claims. For promoting products, it is imperative that ease of access to this third‐party information becomes a strategic priority. In addition to prominently displaying and drawing attention to the endorsement in their advertising, advertisers may also want to obtain and manage available endorsements on their own web sites.

Originality/value

The paper compares the effectiveness of three forms of product communication in relation to endorsement and product‐information relevancy on consumers' purchase intentions; it also contributes in expanding the understanding of these relations to the online product promotion context. Given that performance relevancy in product information is rather prevalent in the online environment, the paper's findings can also help inform both researchers and practitioners in this particular area of research inquiries in the future.
Examining the use of knowledge management during issue management
Authors: Wang Wei‐Tsong
Published: April 2011

Purpose

Very few studies specifically address the importance of knowledge management (KM) in the context of issue management. To enhance understanding of this subject, this paper aims to investigate the interrelationship between KM and issue management.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study of a public protest against the construction of an energy company was conducted to investigate this topic.

Findings

The paper depicts how and why the occurrence of an issue may disturb the balance of an organization's KM practices from the perspectives of process, people, and technology, and how the managerial efforts can be made to counteract the negative effects. The primary findings are summarized in six theoretical propositions.

Research limitations/implications

The research findings were developed with reference to a failure case in which the issue of interest was not resolved. Future studies specifically examining the dynamics of organizations' KM practices during such issues with reference to cases in which the issues are resolved successfully are encouraged.

Practical implications

The research findings can aid organizations in planning their KM practices with regard to their specific business contexts during their issues in order to resolve such situations in an effective and efficient manner.

Originality/value

This paper provides insights into the dynamics of KM in the context of issue management, and enables future researchers to develop a programmed body of research in order to further expand our understanding of the use of KM at such times.
Bounded self‐interest: a basis for constructive organizational politics
Authors: Gotsis George , Kortezi Zoe
Published: April 2011

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to critically explore the behavioral assumptions of organizational politics, as well as to reconsider and redefine the premises of political behavior in the workplace. The main objective is examination of the presuppositions associated with the possibility of constructive politics in organizational settings.

Design/methodology/approach

The deficiencies of explaining managerial activity as solely regulated by self‐interest are discussed, as well as a revised version of self‐interest that may enrich current understanding of workplace politics. Drawing on the respective literature, the authors develop some propositions and suggest, assess and discuss a conceptual framework that integrates self‐interest and constructive politics.

Findings

The paper represents an attempt toward inferring positive political behavior through adopting an alternative view of established behavioral assumptions. This view purports to reduce the existing discrepancy between different types of political behavior in defending the possibility of an inclusive, participative and welfare‐enhancing political process, founded on the pro‐social and reciprocating aspects of human interaction. Boundedly selfish organizational members are expected to demonstrate these qualities that are in position to transform the very nature of political activities to the direction of greater organizational good.

Originality/value

The paper reevaluates the self‐interested nature of organizational politics through the introduction of a bounded self‐interest assumption as more representative of actual human behavior. This new construct embodies those constraints that make trust formation, networking and reciprocities operative in environments effectively embedding political behavior in broader, organizational goal‐oriented processes and structures.
The use of strategic planning tools and techniques by hotels in Jordan
Authors: Aldehayyat Jehad S. , Al Khattab Adel A. , Anchor John R.
Published: April 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the use of strategic planning tools and techniques by hotels in Jordan and the nature of its relationship with managers' views of the strategic planning process.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of the literature relating to both strategic planning and strategic planning tools and techniques in both developed and emerging markets is provided. The empirical research was conducted via a questionnaire survey of Jordanian hotels in two cities; namely, Petra and Aqaba.

Findings

The main findings of this research are that the Jordanian hotels engage in the strategic planning process by using a number of techniques. The use of strategic planning tools and techniques relates more to the size of hotel and less to age and ownership type. There is a positive relationship between the use of strategic planning techniques and size of hotel. The managers of these hotels have generally positive attitudes towards the strategic planning process. The managers who believe in the benefits of strategic planning engage more in the practice of it.

Research limitations/implications

The nature of this research is descriptive and the method used is a cross‐sectional survey. Therefore, future research could be conducted on a small number of these hotels by using a more in‐depth approach. Second, the sample was restricted to hotels in two cities in Jordan. Further research should include other regions in Jordan and should analyse the ownership types of hotels (such as independent versus chain) and its star rating.

Originality/value

This paper provides empirical evidence about the use of the strategic planning tools and techniques by hotels in an emerging market context.
Analysis of part jamming in a feeder of automatic machines
Authors: Usubamatov R. , Usubamatova A. , Muin M.Z.A.
Published: April 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an analysis and practical study of part jamming in the feeder of an automatic machine.

Design/methodology/approach

The reliability of the feeder is derived by the probability and reliability theories that consider jamming of the part in a system feeder machine.

Findings

The part jamming in the feeder depends on the deviations of the part and the feeder sizes and the part turn in the feeder, on velocity of part motion, and length of motion.

Practical implications

Derived the methodology for calculating reliability of feeders.

Originality/value

Originality is application of the probability and reliability theories for calculation of feeder's failing and connection with the machines work time.
New modeling and performance evaluation of tool sharing control in FMS using colored Petri nets
Authors: Shah Shaukat Ali , Bohez Erik L.J. , Pisuchpen Roongrat
Published: April 2011

Purpose

A major factor to the success of flexible manufacturing systems (FMSs) is their ability to transport work pieces between different workstations. FMS have now become more advanced and material‐handling systems have become progressively more sophisticated, it is not exceptional to have automated steering of tools to workstations as well. Such system design will improve the tool‐handling capability and the system productivity while holding tool cost to a minimum. Tool cost could represent as much as 25 percent of the operating cost. The purpose of this paper is to propose a new colored Petri net (CPN)‐based approach to the design and development of a tool sharing control system that is intended to help use of the proper and minimal number of tools for a manufacturing system.

Design/methodology/approach

A new black token timed PN model is first developed, to reduce the complexity of the graphical representation a new CPN model is developed. The new CPN model also allows to find the optimal sequence. The optimal sequence has no effect on the work in process (WIP) but it influences the number of tools used in the system. The main input to the PN model for a manufacturing system is the process plan. Next, all the invariants and total number of possible elementary circuits are determined using the Integrated Net Analyzer (INA) software. Output from the INA software is exported to the Excel spreadsheet. The Excel spreadsheet can be designed to calculate the total number of tokens, processing time, cycle time, etc. of each elementary circuit. Subsequently, the constraints used in Lingo will be created according to critical circuit rules. Finally, linear programming (LP) technique is used to optimize the WIP and tool inventory. Lingo software is used for the LP, the constraints from the Excel sheet will be the input data to the Lingo program, and based on those constraints the Lingo will provide the optimal values for the desired parameters. The output from Lingo will be used to recalculate the cycle time of each elementary circuit in the Excel sheet. The system is then analyzed before and after the implementation of the CPN model.

Findings

A new CPN model based on tool‐sharing philosophy for an FMS with N part types and M stations is proposed.

Originality/value

The paper presents a new CPN‐based approach to the design and development of a tool sharing control system, that is, intended to help use of the proper and minimal number of tools for a manufacturing system. The new CPN model also allows to find the optimal sequence. The idea is new and pure and has not been presented before using the methodology adopted in this paper.