bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First Report of Phytophthora tentaculata Causing Stem and Root Rot on Celery in China
Authors: Wang T. , Zhao W. , Qi R.-D.
Published: September 2013

Celery (Apium graveolens) is an important vegetable in China. In August 2012, about 20 to 70% declining plants with root and basal stem rot were observed in Bengbu, Anhui Province, China. Typical symptoms included large dark brown to black water-soaked lesions near the soil line of stems. As the disease progressed, lesions girdled the stem, and plants became brown, wilted, and eventually died. A Phytophthora-like organism was consistently isolated from symptomatic tissues on a selective medium, P5ARP. Resultant isolates were identified as Phytophthora tentaculata based on their morphological features and rDNA sequence. Sporangia, chlamydospores, hyphal swellings, and oospores were produced on V8 agar. Sporangia were ovoid to pyriform, 28.5 to 52.5 × 21.5 to 40.6 μm, average 35.3 × 29.8 μm, with one or occasionally two papillae. Chlamydospores were spherical, 21.3 to 30.2 μm in diameter, average 25.7 μm. The isolates were homothallic, and one or occasionally two paragynous antheridia were attached to the global oogonia (24 to 39 μm in diameter, average 29.5 μm). The internal transcribed spacer region of rDNA was amplified with primer pair ITS1/ITS4 for one isolate (1), and the sequence (GenBank Accession No. KF501392) showed >99% similarity with those P. tentaculata isolates deposited in GenBank (AJ854302.1). Pathogenicity was confirmed by inoculating Shijihuangqin, a local cultivar of celery, with isolate PT12081. The isolate was cultivated on V8 agar at 25°C for 5 to 7 days to produce sporangia. Five 2-month-old, disease-free celery were drench-inoculated with 10 ml of a suspension of 2 × 104 zoospores/ml, and five control plants per pot were treated with sterile water. There were four pots for each of the inoculated and non-inoculated treatments, and the experiment was repeated twice. All plants were maintained at 25°C for 10 days. Symptoms similar to those observed in the field developed 7 days after inoculation. Ten days later, five plants wilted and two or three died in each pot inoculated with PT12081, but the control plants remained symptomless. P. tentaculata was consistently re-isolated from the symptomatic plants. P. tentaculata has been reported to infect Chrysanthemum spp., Delphinium ajacis, Verbena spp., and Origanum vulgare (2,3). To our knowledge, this is the first report of Phytophthora blight caused by P. tentaculata on celery in China.

References: (1) H. Guo et al. Plant Dis. 96:1072, 2012. (2) P. Martini et al. Plant Dis. 93:843, 2009. (3) J. Meng and Y. C. Wang. Plant Dis. 92:1365, 2008.
Yeast Mnn9 is both a priming glycosyltransferase and an allosteric activator of mannan biosynthesis
Authors: Striebeck Alexander , Robinson David A. , Schüttelkopf Alexander W. , van Aalten Daan M. F.
Published: September 2013

The fungal cell possesses an essential carbohydrate cell wall. The outer layer, mannan, is formed by mannoproteins carrying highly mannosylated
O
- and
N
-linked glycans. Yeast mannan biosynthesis is initiated by a Golgi-located complex (M-Pol I) of two GT-62 mannosyltransferases, Mnn9p and Van1p, that are conserved in fungal pathogens.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
and
Candida albicans mnn9
knockouts show an aberrant cell wall and increased antibiotic sensitivity, suggesting the enzyme is a potential drug target. Here, we present the structure of
Sc
Mnn9 in complex with GDP and Mn
2+
, defining the fold and catalytic machinery of the GT-62 family. Compared with distantly related GT-78/GT-15 enzymes,
Sc
Mnn9 carries an unusual extension. Using a novel enzyme assay and site-directed mutagenesis, we identify conserved amino acids essential for
Sc
Mnn9 ‘priming’ α-1,6-mannosyltransferase activity. Strikingly, both the presence of the
Sc
Mnn9 protein and its product, but not
Sc
Mnn9 catalytic activity, are required to activate subsequent
Sc
Van1 processive α-1,6-mannosyltransferase activity in the M-Pol I complex. These results reveal the molecular basis of mannan synthesis and will aid development of inhibitors targeting this process.
MHF1–2/CENP-S-X performs distinct roles in centromere metabolism and genetic recombination
Authors: Bhattacharjee Sonali , Osman Fekret , Feeney Laura , Lorenz Alexander , Bryer Claire , Whitby Matthew C.
Published: September 2013

The histone-fold proteins Mhf1/CENP-S and Mhf2/CENP-X perform two important functions in vertebrate cells. First, they are components of the constitutive centromere-associated network, aiding kinetochore assembly and function. Second, they work with the FANCM DNA translocase to promote DNA repair. However, it has been unclear whether there is crosstalk between these roles. We show that Mhf1 and Mhf2 in fission yeast, as in vertebrates, serve a dual function, aiding DNA repair/recombination and localizing to centromeres to promote chromosome segregation. Importantly, these functions are distinct, with the former being dependent on their interaction with the FANCM orthologue Fml1 and the latter not. Together with Fml1, they play a second role in aiding chromosome segregation by processing sister chromatid junctions. However, a failure of this activity does not manifest dramatically increased levels of chromosome missegregation due to the Mus81–Eme1 endonuclease, which acts as a failsafe to resolve DNA junctions before the end of mitosis.
Persistent bloody diarrhoea without fever associated with diffusely adherent Escherichia coli in a young child
Authors: Patzi-Vargas Sandra , Zaidi Mussaret , Bernal-Reynaga Rodolfo , León-Cen Magda , Michel Alba , Estrada-Garcia Teresa
Published: September 2013

Diffusely adherent Escherichia coli (DAEC) is thought to cause diarrhoea in children, and so too are other diarrhoeagenic E. coli (DEC); however, the evidence base is inconclusive. DEC pathotypes are differentiated on the basis of their pathogenic features, and thus cannot be quickly identified on selective culture media. Molecular techniques, not readily available in most clinical laboratories, are required to differentiate DEC strains from non-pathogenic E. coli in the stool flora. We report a case of persistent bloody diarrhoea, without fever, in a previously healthy 21-month infant from whom we isolated five DAEC strains. The child’s stools movements were loose, with gross blood and mucus; fresh mount analysis revealed numerous faecal leukocytes and erythrocytes. Response to antimicrobial treatment with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole was poor despite susceptibility in vitro. Although the patient improved with azithromycin, blood was present in the patient’s stools for over 30 days. The severe diarrhoea in this patient might be explained by the fact that these DAEC isolates harboured a siderophore receptor, which allows the bacteria to use iron derived from haem compounds that promote its multiplication. The isolates also induced in vitro secretion of several immunomodulatory cytokines that may account for the patient’s loose stools and faecal leukocytes. DAEC may play a greater role than suspected in afebrile children with bloody diarrhoea.
Cell- and Stimulus Type-Specific Intracellular Free Ca2+ Signals in Arabidopsis
Authors: Martí María C. , Stancombe Matthew A. , Webb Alex A.R.
Published: September 2013

Appropriate stimulus-response coupling requires that each signal induces a characteristic response, distinct from that induced by other signals, and that there is the potential for individual signals to initiate different downstream responses dependent on cell type. How such specificity is encoded in plant signaling is not known. One possibility is that information is encoded in signal transduction pathways to ensure stimulus- and cell type-specific responses. The calcium ion acts as a second messenger in response to mechanical stimulation, hydrogen peroxide, NaCl, and cold in plants and also in circadian timing. We use GAL4 transactivation of aequorin in enhancer trap lines of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) to test the hypothesis that stimulus- and cell-specific information can be encoded in the pattern of dynamic alterations in the concentration of intracellular free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i). We demonstrate that mechanically induced increases in [Ca2+]i are largely restricted to the epidermal pavement cells of leaves, that NaCl induces oscillatory [Ca2+]i signals in spongy mesophyll and vascular bundle cells, but not other cell types, and detect circadian rhythms of [Ca2+]i only in the spongy mesophyll. We demonstrate stimulus-specific [Ca2+]i dynamics in response to touch, cold, and hydrogen peroxide, which in the case of the latter two signals are common to all cell types tested. GAL4 transactivation of aequorin in specific leaf cell types has allowed us to bypass the technical limitations associated with fluorescent Ca2+ reporter dyes in chlorophyll-containing tissues to identify the cell- and stimulus-specific complexity of [Ca2+]i dynamics in leaves of Arabidopsis and to determine from which tissues stress- and circadian-regulated [Ca2+]i signals arise.
The Arabidopsis Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated Ion Channels AtCNGC2 and AtCNGC4 Work in the Same Signaling Pathway to Regulate Pathogen Defense and Floral Transition
Authors: Chin Kimberley , DeFalco Thomas A. , Moeder Wolfgang , Yoshioka Keiko
Published: September 2013

Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) cyclic nucleotide-gated ion channels (CNGCs) form a large family consisting of 20 members and have been implicated in Ca2+ signaling related to various physiological processes, such as pathogen defense, development, and thermotolerance. The null mutant of AtCNGC2, defense, no death (dnd1), exhibits autoimmune phenotypes, while it is impaired in mounting the hypersensitive response, which is a hallmark of effector-triggered (i.e. RESISTANCE-gene mediated) resistance. It has been suggested that AtCNGC2 is involved in defense responses and likely other aspects of physiology through its role as a Ca2+-conducting channel. However, the downstream signaling components and its relation with AtCNGC4, which is the closest paralog of AtCNGC2, remain elusive. Despite the fact that cngc4 mutants display almost identical phenotypes to those seen in cngc2 mutants, not much is known about their relationship. Here, we report the identification and characterization of the Arabidopsis mutant repressor of defense no death1 (rdd1), obtained from a suppressor screen of a transfer DNA insertion knockout mutant of AtCNGC2 in order to identify downstream components of dnd1-mediated signal transduction. rdd1 suppressed the majority of dnd1-mediated phenotypes except Ca2+ hypersensitivity. In addition, rdd1 also suppressed the dnd1-mediated late-flowering phenotype that was discovered in this study. Our genetic analysis conducted to elucidate the relationship between AtCNGC2 and AtCNGC4 indicates that RDD1 is also involved in AtCNGC4-mediated signal transduction. Lastly, bimolecular fluorescence complementation analysis suggests that AtCNGC2 and AtCNGC4 are likely part of the same channel complex.
Charitable donations: empirical evidence from Brunei
Authors: Lwin Michael , Phau Ian , Lim Aaron
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– This paper aims to explore the demographic and psychographic characteristics of Bruneians in relation to charitable donation behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data were collected via an intercept approach at five major intersections of the central business district in the city of Brunei. Data were analysed using SPSS, with factor analysis being conducted before applying a series of t-tests and ANOVAs.

Findings

– Overall there is no relationship between age, income and gender, and donating behaviour. Results show that perceived generosity does not play an important role in Brunei compared to previous studies. The cause of this phenomenon could be due to the influence of the Bruneian culture. That is, the government takes a large responsibility for charitable events in Brunei and for this reason charitable donations from citizens are limited. Analysis also showed the importance of religion in predicting donation behaviour.

Research limitations/implications

– Further research in this paper should attempt to make more cross-cultural comparisons of donor characteristics. This would provide a more holistic perspective on donor behaviour and thus assist managerial decisions in the marketing of charities. The effects of religiosity on donation behaviour should be further analysed to ascertain the variances of donation behaviour across cultures with high dominance of religion.

Originality/value

– The principal contribution of this paper is that it provides insights into the nuances and characteristics of Bruneians in relation to attitudes and behaviour towards charitable donations.
How much is strategic fit important?
Authors: Agnihotri Arpita
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to analyze the role of fit between the environment of a firm, its resources and strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper is based on secondary resources.

Findings

– Firms can carve opportunities out of an essentially unfavorable environment, either by nurturing resources or implementing innovative business models, thus negating the “fit” effect.

Originality/value

– This paper adds to the fit vs stretch literature.
The barriers to the adoption of environmental management practices in the hotel industry: a study of Malaysian hotels
Authors: Shairullizan KamalulAriffin Noor , Nabiha Abdul Khalid Siti , Abdul Wahid Nabsiah
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The objective of this study is to investigate if the five barriers, namely, Regulation/Government, Customer Demand, Level of Competition, Greenness at the Organizational Level, and Attitude at the Organizational Level towards Change, greatly impact the costs and potential benefits of environmental management practices (EMPs).

Design/methodology/approach

– The target population of this research was 208 hotels, which are four- and five-star hotels in Malaysia. Due to small population, questionnaires were sent by mail to all the targeted four- and five-star hotels in Malaysia.

Findings

– Only Greenness at the Organizational Level was found to have partially supported EMPs. Even though the results show that there is significant impact overall between barriers and EMPs in 40 four- and five-star hotels in Malaysia. In other words, the drivers do influence hotels' application of EMPs but weakly.

Research limitations/implications

– The limitation that is worth mentioning is regarding the drivers of EMPs chosen in this research. While the result indicated that drivers of EMPs significantly influenced hotels' usage of EMPs, the range of R2 of the five drivers and the two dimensions of EMPs was relatively very low.

Originality/value

– A definitive conceptual framework of EMPs is essential, which could only be achieved through consensus and close cooperation amongst scholars and practitioners. For that reason, EMPs should not be seen as a mere collection of management systems but more towards management practices that are used within and for hotels' strategic purpose.
Sustaining a quality management system: process, issues and challenges
Authors: Sanuri Mohd Mokhtar Sany , Adiana Hiau Abdullah Nur , Kardi Nordin , Idzwan Yacob Mohd
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– This paper aims to highlight the planning and implementation processes of a higher education institution ISO 9000 quality management system.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper discusses the issues and challenges faced by the institution in the process of maintaining and going beyond the minimum requirements of a quality management system.

Findings

– The paper finds that senior leaders of an organization play an important role in driving the organization to quality improvement and organizational excellence.

Practical implications

– The paper suggests practical information for management of a higher education institution to maintain and sustain a quality management system.

Originality/value

– Maintaining a quality management system remains critical for an organization that has obtained certification. It has been observed that maintaining a quality management system is a far more daunting task than obtaining one.
Electro-thermal compliant mechanisms design by an evolutionary topology optimization method
Authors: Ansola Rubén , Veguería Estrella , Canales Javier , Alonso Cristina
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– This paper aims to show an evolutionary topology optimization procedure for the design of compliant electro-thermal mechanisms.

Design/methodology/approach

– The adopted methodology is based in the evolutionary structural optimization (ESO) method. This approach has been successfully applied by this group for compliant mechanisms optimization under directly applied input loads and simple thermal loads. This work proposes an extension of this procedure, based on an additive version of the method, to solve the more complicated case of electro-thermal actuators optimum design, based on Joule's resistive heating.

Findings

– Examples solved for the design of plane compliant mechanisms are presented to check the validity of this technique. The designs obtained are compared favorably with results obtained by other authors to illustrate and validate the method, showing the viability of this technique for the optimization of compliant mechanisms under electro-thermal actuation.

Research limitations/implications

– This investigation is based on and additive version of the evolutionary method. Since this approach does not have the capability to remove material it could be combined with the classic element rejection evolutionary method to overcome these deficiencies, developing an improved bi-directional algorithm, which should be analyzed and applied for these types of designs in future works.

Practical implications

– Electro-thermal actuators have widespread use in MicroElectroMechanical Systems applications. Since these elements cannot be manufactured using typical assembly processes compliant mechanisms optimization play a crucial role for their successful design. The proposed methodology could help engineers to rapidly conceive complex and efficient actuators.

Social implications

– The topology optimization procedure developed in this paper enables systematic design of these devices, which can result in a save of manufacturing time and cost.

Originality/value

– Most applications of the ESO method have considered maximum stiffness structure design, and even if it has been successfully applied to some other optimum material distribution problems, electro-thermal actuators design has not been considered yet. This paper shows that this methodology could be useful also in the design of electro-thermal compliant mechanisms, and provides engineers with a very simple and practical alternative design tool.
Achieving high levels of performance as a training instructor by modelling motor sport driving instructors
Authors: Stockdale Sue
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore what training professionals can learn from motor sport driving instructors by modelling how they provide instruction to novices in high-performance vehicles during experience days at Silverstone Race Circuit, England.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) modelling techniques, three instructors were interviewed about how they provide effective instruction. The results highlight their cognitive and behavioural patterns that enable them to achieve high levels of performance in a high-risk environment.

Findings

– The results highlighted how instructors are highly effective in being able to put a novice driver at ease prior to driving; and in communicating effectively with the novice driver in-car whilst on the circuit, so that they achieve more than they imagined was possible.

Research limitations/implications

– Whilst the researcher had the opportunity to experience being driven around a race circuit with one of the instructors to get a sense of the environment being described, there was not the chance to observe the instructor “in action” with novice drivers at the wheel.

Practical implications

– The key implication is the importance of the pre-event stage of a training course that provides the opportunity for an instructor to gauge the learners and build trust.

Originality/value

– This paper provides originality in how it explores the cognitive and behavioural aspects of delivering instruction in an environment that can be translated into the workplace.
Engaging with consumers using social media: a case study of music festivals
Authors: Hudson Simon , Hudson Rupert
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– Social media has fundamentally changed the consumer decision process, and in the last decade a more nuanced view of how consumers engage with brands has emerged. Instead of the traditional purchase funnel, consumers research products and services during an extended evaluation stage, and after purchase, they often enter into an open-ended relationship with the brand, sharing their experience with it using social media. This paper describes the new consumer decision journey, and then adds to the body of research on events and festivals management by applying this new model to events and festivals.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study uses a case study methodology with a multi-method approach to analyze the use of social media at three major music festivals. Case studies offer depth and comprehensiveness for understanding a specific phenomenon, enabling inductive and rich description, and are specifically welcome in new situations where little is known about the phenomenon.

Findings

– In general, the music festivals profiled are proactive in their use of social media, engaging with consumers throughout the consumer decision journey. In particular, social media is making the “evaluate” and “advocate” stages of the decision journey more relevant for festival marketers.

Originality/value

– This paper provides an illuminating view of the use of social media in an event and festival context. It supports the theory previously developed in this area, and is further evidence of the powerful impact that new technology can have on consumer behavior. The results have important implications for both researchers and practitioners interested in the marketing of festivals and events.
Event studies: finding fool's gold at the rainbow's end?
Authors: Baum Tom , Lockstone-Binney Leonie , Robertson Martin
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The aim of this opinion piece is to seek to cast a critical eye over the event studies field to chart its progress as an emerging area of study, relative to its close relations tourism, hospitality and leisure.

Design/methodology/approach

– Viewpoint approach.

Findings

– The paper highlights various challenges that event educators and researchers face in advancing event studies to discipline status.

Originality/value

– It is timely that, as the quantum of event research and the number of event management education programmes surge, those involved in the field engage in greater critical introspection. This opinion piece attempts to provide such a reflective insight, which has been largely absent from the event studies literature to date.
When a music festival goes veggie
Authors: D. Andersson Tommy , Jutbring Henrik , Lundberg Erik
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is first to describe and discuss an innovative strategy, pursued by a music festival, to reduce the environmental impact by allowing only vegetarian food in the festival area. A second aim is to discuss the effects of the vegetarian strategy for the festival in terms of branding and communication impacts. A third aim is to assess the effect on the ecological footprint of the festival from the vegetarian food strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

– Festival visitors’ food consumption was surveyed in 2010 (719 responses) and again in 2012 when only vegetarian food was served on festival premises (663 responses). The EPA event calculator, developed in Australia, was used to calculate the ecological footprint of the festival. The implementation and the impacts were studied from the festival organisers’ perspective through two (one hour long) interviews with one of the festival managers.

Findings

– For the festival brand, the vegetarian strategy proved to be extremely successful in terms of media attention and an enhanced “green” image of the festival. An analysis of the environmental impact of the vegetarian strategy indicates a remarkable drop of 40 per cent in the size of the ecological footprint.

Practical implications

– Based on the results of this study, a vegetarian strategy can be recommended as an innovation for festivals that have core values and a brand image grounded both in sustainability and the reduction of environmental impacts and that are truly concerned about the environment.

Originality/value

– Festival Footprint Analysis.
A futurist's thoughts on consumer trends shaping future festivals and events
Authors: Yeoman Ian
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– In order to understand the future of organised events and festivals it is necessary to understand the patterns of change associated with their consumption. This viewpoint paper identifies ten significant consumer trends derived from global omnibus data as key social forces likely to affect the behaviours and actions of future festival and event goers.

Design/methodology/approach

– The trends data has been sourced from http://nvision.futurefoundation.net/, an online consumer omnibus survey of households worldwide.

Findings

– The author identifies ten trends of significant importance which represent the present and future behaviour's of festival and event goers.

Originality/value

– Derived from this viewpoint, an enhanced understanding of what the future could be, and the forces influencing it, provides festival and event organisers with the potential to shape that future. This paper identifies trends of significance in order to inform future decision making.
Risk segmentation in Chilean social health insurance
Authors: Hidalgo Hector , Chipulu Maxwell , Ojiako Udechukwu
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The objective of this study is to identify how risk and social variables are likely to be impacted by an increase in private sector participation in health insurance provision. The study focuses on the Chilean health insurance industry, traditionally dominated by the public sector.

Design/methodology/approach

– Predictive risk modelling is conducted using a database containing over 250,000 health insurance policy records provided by the Superintendence of Health of Chile.

Findings

– Although perceived with suspicion in some circles, risk segmentation serves as a rational approach to risk management from a resource perspective. The variables that have considerable impact on insurance claims include the number of dependents, gender, wages and the duration a claimant has been a customer.

Practical implications

– As shown in the case study, to ensure that social benefits are realised, increased private sector participation in health insurance must be augmented by regulatory oversight and vigilance.

Originality/value

– As it is clear that a “community-rated” health insurance provision philosophy impacts on insurance firm's ability to charge “market” prices for insurance provision, the authors explore whether risk segmentation is a feasible means of predicting insurance claim behaviour in Chile's private health insurance industry.
Nurses' understandings of suitable footwear for older people
Authors: Borland Andrea , Hollins Martin Caroline , Locke John
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to gain insight into nurses' understandings of what constitutes suitable footwear for older people in care homes.

Design/methodology/approach

– An exploratory descriptive qualitative survey was carried out of 20 registered nurses employed in six Scottish care homes for older people. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire that included five open-ended questions. Content analysis was used to theme footwear perceptions.

Findings

– Participants had several views about what encompasses safe footwear; some were erroneous. The link between inappropriate footwear and falls was recognised by 80 per cent of respondents, but some were unclear about the features that effect or inhibit safety. No UK or international standardised guidelines were identified that advise nurses about appropriate footwear for older people.

Practical implications

– It is unknown whether respondents represent the nurse population because findings are restricted by a small sample size. Nonetheless, the group showed variable understanding of what constitutes safe footwear for older people and links with fall prevention. Improved nurse-education about what comprises safe footwear and the links with falls prevention in older people is required. Structured guidelines to direct nurse educators about what to teach student nurses about appropriate footwear for older people may work towards reducing falls.

Originality/value

– No guidelines to direct nurses about appropriate footwear for older people in care homes have been written. Key points have been developed.
The contribution of social area analysis
Authors: Reed Richard
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– This paper aims to draw the disciplines of demography and housing research closer together and looks to social indicators for an insight into the level of house prices.

Design/methodology/approach

– A two-stage process was used to examine a global capital city. The first stage used social area analysis to examine household characteristics for at the suburb level, followed by stage two which examined the relationship between these demographic valuables and the level of house prices.

Findings

– While acknowledging the overall level of house values is also influenced by many other factors including economic and political variables, considerable differences in housing values between different suburbs can reliably be explained by demographic variables.

Originality/value

– These findings provide a new insight into the relationship between demographic variables and house prices at the neighbourhood level.
A panel error correction approach to explore spatial correlation patterns of the dominant housing market in Australian capital cities
Authors: Ma Le , Liu Chunlu
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– A panel error correction model has been developed to investigate the spatial correlation patterns among house prices. This paper aims to identify a dominant housing market in the ripple down process.

Design/methodology/approach

– Seemingly unrelated regression estimators are adapted to deal with the contemporary correlations and heterogeneity across cities. Impulse response functions are subsequently implemented to simulate the spatial correlation patterns. The newly developed approach is then applied to the Australian capital city house price indices.

Findings

– The results suggest that Melbourne should be recognised as the dominant housing market. Four levels were classified within the Australian house price interconnections, namely: Melbourne; Adelaide, Canberra, Perth and Sydney; Brisbane and Hobart; and Darwin.

Originality/value

– This research develops a panel regression framework in addressing the spatial correlation patterns of house prices across cities. The ripple-down process of house price dynamics across cities was explored by capturing both the contemporary correlations and heterogeneity, and by identifying the dominant housing market.
Technology parks and entrepreneurial outcomes around the world
Authors: Cumming Douglas , Johan Sofia
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to study factors that affect the success of technology parks in terms of fostering entrepreneurial firm formation, growth, and financing.

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on a new international dataset of technology parks (tech parks) from 13 countries (eight developing countries and five developed countries), the paper relates the success of technology transfer to the legal environment within which the tech park operates, as well as the characteristics of the tenants in the tech park and the services provided by the tech park.

Findings

– The data indicate entrepreneurial success is more likely to be facilitated when there is better legal protection offered to companies in the jurisdiction within which the tech park is located, when there is a greater presence of foreign university- and government-affiliated companies in tech parks, and a smaller presence of foreign private companies in tech parks, particularly foreign subsidiaries. The data further indicate entrepreneurial success is more likely when tech park tenants have greater testing/analysis focus, and when tenants have less assembly- and service-focussed activities. Also, entrepreneurial success is more likely to be facilitated by tech parks with on- and off-site technology licensing offices that promote trade shows, provide access to funds for commercialization and distribute information on the R&D outcomes of tech park tenants.

Research limitations/implications

– The data offer insights into efficient design of tech parks. Coarse measures from survey data are limitations yet offer scope for further examination in future research.

Originality/value

– The paper provides guidance for entrepreneurs and their investors in terms of ways maximize value in terms of entrepreneurial growth and financing from selecting appropriate tech parks.
An integer linear programming approach to maintenance strategies selection
Authors: Braglia Marcello , Castellano Davide , Frosolini Marco
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present a reliability centered maintenance (RCM) embedded integer linear programming approach (suited to the budget monetary resources allocation task) to the maintenance strategies mix selection for an industrial plant equipment.

Design/methodology/approach

– The developed approach allows to determine the optimal maintenance strategies mix for a set of equipment in a more quantitative way than the classic RCM approach. The proposed model takes into account, for each potential failure determined using the FMECA and for each admissible strategy, the costs and the potential risk priority number (RPN) reduction. Finally, an industrial case concerning an Italian paper-mill plant is reported to demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach presented.

Findings

– The paper finds that the application of the proposed approach allows to optimally allocate the budget monetary resources, determining which suitable maintenance practice apply to each failure, taking into account the costs of each strategy and the potential reduction of the RPN.

Practical implications

– The proposed model permits to assign (during the budget monetary resources allocation task) to each failure the optimal strategy, among a set of suitable maintenance practices, considering the costs and the estimated RPN reduction.

Originality/value

– The paper proposes a completely new RCM embedded approach to the maintenance strategies selection, in order to optimally allocate the budget monetary resources. This model overcomes the limits of the traditional RCM approach, taking into account quantitative aspects, i.e. the compatibility constraint between failures and policies, the maintenance strategies costs, and the RPN estimated reduction.
An exploration of factors influencing car purchasing decisions
Authors: Prieto Marc , Caemmerer Barbara
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The automobile industry is a key contributor to the GDP in most developed countries. Whilst studies have mainly focused on new car markets, this research aims to investigate how consumers' socio-demographic profile impacts on the decision to buy used or new cars across different automobile segments.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study focuses on a major car market in Europe, France. The data were obtained from the French Institute of Statistics (INSEE), consisting of a representative sample of 1,967 French households who bought a new or used car within a year of this study. The paper is based on random utility theory and applies multinomial logit modeling.

Findings

– The findings suggest that economic, individual, household characteristics impact on car segment choice, as well as the decision of whether to buy a new or a used car.

Originality/value

– This is one of the few studies investigating the demand for new and used cars in conjunction across car segments in a European context. It provides important insights into consumer choice in a mature market.
“Library users come to a library to find books”
Authors: Huvila Isto
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– Considering the perceived significance of librarians and information experts as professional information seekers and information seeking educators and of the institutional setting of information work, very little is known about the information practices of librarians and information professionals, their contexts and implications for libraries and their users. The aim of this study is to explore the information interactions of library professionals within and in relation to the context of the setting of the library.

Design/methodology/approach

– The analysis is based on a qualitative case study of a large North European city library. Material was collected using information seeking diaries, interviews and ethnographic observation in the library space.

Findings

– The information practices of librarians are contextual to the setting of the library within which the meeting of the assumptions of library users, of the use of that particular system plays a significant role. The systemic interplay of librarians, library users and other parts of the system constrains the breadth of the available information at libraries, but at the same time, keeping to a particular set of shared norms and practices of library use also facilitates the use of the system.

Research limitations/implications

– The generalisability of the findings is limited by the fact that they are based on an individual case study.

Practical implications

– The systemic nature of library and its reproduction in a process of structuration underlines the need to develop information services in libraries from a holistic perspective that takes into account the practical implications of the shared norms and assumptions of how a library should work.

Originality/value

– There is little earlier research on the information practices of library and information professionals, particularly with specific reference to its implications for libraries and their users.
Mapping the information-coping trajectory of young people with long term illness
Authors: Anne Sen Barbara , Spring Hannah
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between information and coping from the experiences of young people coping with long term illness.

Design/methodology/approach

– Situational analysis was used as a methodological approach. It has roots in the Chicago Symbolic Interactionism School. Cartographic approaches enabled the analysis, mapping the complexities emerging from the data.

Findings

– As the young people became more informed about their health conditions, and gained knowledge and understanding both about their illnesses, their own bodies and boundaries, their confidence and capacity to cope increased. Gaining confidence, the young people often wanted to share their knowledge – becoming information providers themselves. From the data, five positions on an information-coping trajectory were identified: information deficiency; feeling ill-informed; needing an injection of information; having information health; and becoming an information donor.

Research limitations/implications

– The research was limited to an analysis of 30 narratives. The paper contributes to information theory by mapping clearly the relationship between information and coping.

Practical and social implications

– The study establishes a relationship between levels of information and knowledge and the ability to cope with illness.

Originality/value

– The information theories in this study have originality and multi-disciplinary value in the management of health and illness, and information studies.
Facility management value dimensions from a demand perspective
Authors: Coenen Christian , Alexander Keith , Kok Herman
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– This paper aims to introduce and describe the concept of the facility management (FM) value network which takes a subjective perspective and reflects upon the relationships amongst key FM stakeholders. The FM value network focuses on demand by considering client, customer and end-user perceptions of value, providing a conceptual foundation for considering a demand driven, service-oriented and user focused approach to FM. It introduces concepts drawn from related fields such as services marketing, business economics and management and identifies an agenda for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper is based on results of an extensive literature review, research workshops and a pilot case study, to explore stakeholder's perceptions of value within FM relationships.

Findings

– This paper proposes an alternative view of FM stakeholders and the outcomes they value in comparison to a conventional built environment perspective. It provides examples of value dimensions relevant to the demand-side of organisations, collated from different sectors of the economy.

Research limitations/implications

– Due to a conceptual approach including a pilot case study that still has to be explored in a qualitative/quantitative empirical setting within the field of FM, this paper has limitations.

Practical implications

– The FM value network described and the research agenda proposed provide valuable insight into issues that have to be addressed in future work and sheds light on this under-researched field of value of FM. Further work could build on these conceptual foundations in order to contribute to evidence-based FM.

Originality/value

– This paper makes an original contribution to research into the value of FM by focussing on the demand side. It raises issues about the nature of the discipline and its practice and it offers an understanding of the further research necessary to support evidence-based decision making.
Internal audit function, board quality and financial reporting quality: evidence from Malaysia
Authors: K. Johl Shireenjit , Kaur Johl Satirenjit , Subramaniam Nava , Cooper Barry
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to test the impact of the internal audit function (IAF), an increasingly common internal governance mechanism, on a firm's financial reporting quality. Specifically, this paper investigates the association between the quality of the IAF and abnormal accruals (as a proxy for financial reporting quality) and whether the board of directors play a role in moderating the relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper uses a unique dataset of survey responses and archival data. Regression analysis was used to test their hypotheses.

Findings

– Although their initial findings show an unexpected positive relationship between internal audit quality and abnormal accruals, this relationship is contingent on whether firms outsource their internal audit activities and/or whether they are politically linked. In estimations excluding outsourcing and political connections observations, this paper shows that the association between internal audit quality and abnormal accruals is negative and in particular internal audit organisational independence, financial focus audit activities and investment are associated with lower income-increasing (opportunistic) abnormal accruals. Next, when this paper interact board quality with internal audit quality, this paper finds although the lower ordered variables board quality and internal audit quality coefficients are negatively related to abnormal accruals, the interaction variable between these two variables is positively associated with abnormal accruals, indicating the possibility of a substitution relationship between board quality and internal audit quality.

Research limitations/implications

– Their findings show that certain internal audit attributes play an important role in the financial reporting process and thus these findings are expected to inform the Institute of Internal Auditors and other regulatory bodies on the role of internal audit (being an important internal governance mechanism) in financial reporting, which in turn can assist in market/regulatory reforms/changes and inform the revised Malaysian Code of Corporate Governance.

Originality/value

– This paper extends prior internal auditing literature by examining the relationship between internal audit quality and financial reporting quality in the context of a developing country, namely Malaysia, and whether the board of directors moderate the examined association.
Key determinants of repatriated earnings by US multinational enterprises
Authors: M. Brajcich Andrew , L. Friesner Daniel , Q. McPherson Matthew
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– In 2004, as the economy lay in stagnation, Congress searched for ways to stimulate job growth. Many members of Congress believed that high US taxes on repatriated earnings discouraged US-based multinational enterprises (MNEs) from bringing cash (in the form of dividends) home and investing those monies in the USA. As a result, Congress passed, and President Bush signed into law, the 2004 American Jobs Creation Act (AJCA), which reduced tax rates to a maximum 5.25 percent on cash repatriations to the USA over the course of a single tax year, i.e. a “tax holiday”. The purpose of this paper is to explore key determinants of repatriated earnings by US multinational enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper uses data collected from IRS documents between 2004 and 2008 to explore the drivers of MNE repatriations, including the AJCA tax holiday, from various countries to the USA. The paper applies a Lintner equation within a gravity model framework to estimate international liquidity flows.

Findings

– The results indicate that repatriations to the USA are more likely to originate in Latin America and other countries in the Western Hemisphere. Significant evidence is also found of agglomeration effects; countries with higher numbers of MNE subsidiaries were significantly more or less likely (depending on the year in question) to repatriate earnings to the USA.

Originality/value

– While several studies in the literature have examined the effects of the AJCA on individual firm earnings, very few studies have examined the aggregate effects of MNE repatriations in the context of the AJCA. More specifically, past studies have identified how much money flows back to the USA, but have not examined the set of countries from which most of the money flows.