bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hematopoietic gene expression profile in zebrafish kidney marrow
Authors: Song Huai-Dong , Sun Xiao-Jian , Deng Min , Zhang Guo-Wei , Zhou Yi , Wu Xin-Yan , Sheng Yan , Chen Yi , Ruan Zheng , Jiang Chun-Lei , Fan Hui-Yong , Zon Leonard I. , Kanki John P. , Liu Ting Xi , Look A. Thomas , Chen Zhu
Published: November 2004

The zebrafish kidney marrow is considered to be the organ of definitive hematopoiesis, analogous to the mammalian bone marrow. We have sequenced 26,143 ESTs and isolated 304 cDNAs with putative full-length ORF from a zebrafish kidney marrow cDNA library. The ESTs formed 7,742 assemblies, representing both previously identified zebrafish ESTs (56%) and recently discovered zebrafish ESTs (44%). About 30% of these EST assemblies have orthologues in humans, including 1,282 disease-associated genes in the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) database. Comparison of the effective and regulatory molecules related to erythroid functions across species suggests a good conservation from zebrafish to human. Interestingly, both embryonic and adult zebrafish globin genes showed higher homology to the human embryonic globin genes than to the human fetal/adult ones, consistent with evo-devo correlation hypothesis. In addition, conservation of a whole set of transcription factors involved in globin gene switch suggests the regulatory network for such remodeling mechanism existed before the divergence of the teleost and the ancestor of mammals. We also carried out whole-mount mRNA
in situ
hybridization assays for 493 cDNAs and identified 80 genes (16%) with tissue-specific expression during the first five days of zebrafish development. Twenty-six of these genes were specifically expressed in hematopoietic or vascular tissues, including three previously unidentified zebrafish genes:
coro1a, nephrosin
, and
dab2
. Our results indicate that conserved genetic programs regulate vertebrate hematopoiesis and vasculogenesis, and support the role of the zebrafish as an important animal model for studying both normal development and the molecular pathogenesis of human blood diseases.
Potential vasorelaxant effects of oleanolic acid and erythrodiol, two triterpenoids contained in ‘orujo’ olive oil, on rat aorta
Authors: Rodríguez-Rodríguez Rosalía , Herrera María Dolores , Perona Javier S. , Ruiz-Gutiérrez Valentina
Published: November 2004

‘Orujo’ olive oil is obtained by chemical processes from the waste resulting from the mechanical extraction of virgin olive oil. The aim of the present study was to evaluate a new pharmacological property of two natural triterpenoids contained in olive oil, as vasodilatory agents, and to determine their mechanism of action. The two compounds studied were oleanolic acid and erythrodiol. The vasorelaxant effect induced by these pentacyclic triterpenoids was studied in isolated thoracic rat aorta. Oleanolic acid and erythrodiol, accumulatively added, showed vasorelaxant activities in aortic rings with endothelium pre-contracted by 10−6M-phenylephrine (maximum percentage of relaxation 86·38 (SEM 2·89) and 73·53 (SEM 6·01), respectively). They had almost no relaxant effect on depolarised or endothelium-denuded aortic segments. The relaxation was significantly attenuated by pre-treatment with the NO synthase inhibitor Nω-nitro-L-arginine-methylester (L-NAME; 3×10−4m). To characterise the involvement of endothelial factors, in addition to NO, arteries with endothelium were exposed to 10−5M-indomethacin (INDO), a cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor, or INDO plus L-NAME. INDO did not have any significant effect on the relaxant response of both compounds. The combination of L-NAME plus INDO only abolished the oleanolic acid-induced relaxation. The present results suggest that the mechanism of relaxation seems to be mainly mediated by the endothelial production of NO; however, other mechanisms cannot be excluded. It can be concluded that oleanolic acid and erythrodiol may have interesting therapeutic potential as new vasodilator drugs, thus protecting the cardiovascular system. Therefore, the intake of ‘orujo’ olive oil, as a source of these compounds, might be beneficial in this regard.
Estimation of plant sterol and cholesterol intake in Finland: quality of new values and their effect on intake
Authors: Valsta L. M. , Lemström A. , Ovaskainen M.-L. , Lampi A.-M. , Toivo J. , Korhonen T. , Piironen V.
Published: November 2004

The Finnish national food composition database Fineli®was updated with recent analytical values for plant sterols (PS) (sitosterol, campesterol, stigmasterol, avenasterol, brassicasterols and stanols) and cholesterol. The quality of the new analytical data was assessed. The aims of the present study were: (1) to compare the effect of old and new database values on PS and cholesterol intakes based on average per capita food consumption data; (2) to estimate the current intake and major sources of these compounds in various population groups according to the national FINDIET 1997 survey data. The intake of total PS was 305 mg/d for men and 237 mg/d for women. The respective intakes for cholesterol were 284 mg/d and 201 mg/d. Women had a higher density of PS in their diets than men, whereas the cholesterol density in the diets did not differ between genders. Cereals, margarine, vegetables and vegetable oils were the main food sources of PS. Meat, meat products and eggs were the main sources of cholesterol. A 9 % greater PS intake estimate was obtained with the new PS database compared with the old PS database, probably due to minor methodological differences between the new and old analyses. Notable changes in analytical methods suggest a lower value (−19 %) for cholesterol intake calculated from the new database compared with the old one. We conclude that researchers can have confidence in the new values for PS and cholesterol, because systematic evaluation of the new analytical values showed them to be of high quality.
Modelling of nutrient partitioning in growing pigs to predict their anatomical body composition. 1. Model description
Authors: Halas V. , Dijkstra J. , Babinszky L. , Verstegen M. W. A. , Gerrits W. J. J.
Published: November 2004

A dynamic mechanistic model was developed for growing and fattening pigs. The aim of the model was to predict growth rate and the chemical and anatomical body compositions from the digestible nutrient intake of gilts (20–105 kg live weight). The model represents the partitioning of digestible nutrients from intake through intermediary metabolism to body protein and body fat. State variables of the model were lysine, acetyl-CoA equivalents, glucose, volatile fatty acids and fatty acids as metabolite pools, and protein in muscle, hide–backfat, bone and viscera and body fat as body constituent pools. It was assumed that fluxes of metabolites follow saturation kinetics depending on metabolite concentrations. In the model, protein deposition rate depended on the availability of lysine and of acetyl-CoA. The anatomical body composition in terms of muscle, organs, hide–backfat and bone was predicted from the chemical body composition and accretion using allometric relationships. Partitioning of protein, fat, water and ash in muscle, organs, hide–backfat and bone fractions were driven by the rates of muscle protein and body fat deposition. Model parameters were adjusted to obtain a good fit of the experimental data from literature. Differential equations were solved numerically for a given set of initial conditions and parameter values. In the present paper, the model is presented, including its parameterisation. The evaluation of the model is described in a companion paper.
Protein quantity, not protein quality, accelerates whole-body leucine kinetics and the acute-phase response during acute infection in marasmic Malawian children
Authors: Manary M. J. , Yarasheski K. E. , Smith S. , Abrams E. T. , Hart C. A.
Published: November 2004

The present study compared leucine kinetics and acute-phase-protein concentrations in three groups of marasmic, acutely infected Malawian children fed one of three isoenergetic diets. These were: an enhanced-protein-quality diet (egg-white+tryptophan, providing 1.2 g protein/kg per d;n14); an increased-protein-content diet (egg-white+tryptophan, providing 1·8 g protein/kg per d;n14); a standard-protein diet (1·2 g milk protein/kg per d;n25). The hypotheses tested were that children receiving a diet with more protein would have greater rates of non-oxidative leucine disposal and that children receiving an isonitrogenous diet with a higher protein quality would have lower rates of leucine oxidation. The children were studied after 24 h of therapy using standard [13C]leucine stable-isotope tracer techniques. The children receiving the higher-protein-content diet had greater leucine kinetic rates than those receiving the standard-protein-content diet; non-oxidative leucine disposal was 170 (SD 52)v.122 (SD 30) μmol leucine/kg per h (P<0·01). Leucine oxidation was less in the children receiving the enhanced-protein-quality diet than in those receiving the standard-protein-quality diet; 34 (SD 12)v.45 (SD 13) μmol leucine/kg per h (P<0·05). The children receiving the high-protein-content diet increased their serum concentration for five of six acute-phase proteins 24 h after starting therapy, while those receiving the standard-protein-content diet did not. These data suggest that there was greater whole-body protein synthesis, and a more vigorous acute-phase response associated with the higher-protein-content diet. The clinical benefits associated with a higher protein intake in marasmic, acutely infected children need further study.
The absorption of vitamin E is influenced by the amount of fat in a meal and the food matrix
Authors: Jeanes Yvonne M. , Hall Wendy L. , Ellard Susan , Lee Elizabeth , Lodge John K.
Published: November 2004

Vitamin E absorption requires the presence of fat; however, limited information exists on the influence of fat quantity on optimal absorption. In the present study we compared the absorption of stable-isotope-labelled vitamin E following meals of varying fat content and source. In a randomised four-way cross-over study, eight healthy individuals consumed a capsule containing 150 mg 2H-labelled RRR-α-tocopheryl acetate with a test meal of toast with butter (17·5 g fat), cereal with full-fat milk (17·5 g fat), cereal with semi-skimmed milk (2·7 g fat) and water (0 g fat). Blood was taken at 0, 0·5, 1, 1·5, 2, 3, 6 and 9 h following ingestion, chylomicrons were isolated, and 2H-labelled α-tocopherol was analysed in the chylomicron and plasma samples. There was a significant time (P<0·001) and treatment effect (P<0·001) in 2H-labelled α-tocopherol concentration in both chylomicrons and plasma between the test meals. 2H-labelled α-tocopherol concentration was significantly greater with the higher-fat toast and butter meal compared with the low-fat cereal meal or water (P<0·001), and a trend towards greater concentration compared with the high-fat cereal meal (P=0·065). There was significantly greater 2H-labelled α-tocopherol concentration with the high-fat cereal meal compared with the low-fat cereal meal (P<0·05). The 2H-labelled α-tocopherol concentration following either the low-fat cereal meal or water was low. These results demonstrate that both the amount of fat and the food matrix influence vitamin E absorption. These factors should be considered by consumers and for future vitamin E intervention studies.
The death receptor antagonist FAIM promotes neurite outgrowth by a mechanism that depends on ERK and NF-κB signaling
Authors: Sole Carme , Dolcet Xavier , Segura Miguel F. , Gutierrez Humberto , Diaz-Meco Maria-Teresa , Gozzelino Raffaella , Sanchis Daniel , Bayascas Jose R. , Gallego Carme , Moscat Jorge , Davies Alun M. , Comella Joan X.
Published: November 2004

Fas apoptosis inhibitory molecule (FAIM) is a protein identified as an antagonist of Fas-induced cell death. We show that FAIM overexpression fails to rescue neurons from trophic factor deprivation, but exerts a marked neurite growth–promoting action in different neuronal systems. Whereas FAIM overexpression greatly enhanced neurite outgrowth from PC12 cells and sympathetic neurons grown with nerve growth factor (NGF), reduction of endogenous FAIM levels by RNAi decreased neurite outgrowth in these cells. FAIM overexpression promoted NF-κB activation, and blocking this activation by using a super-repressor IκBα or by carrying out experiments using cortical neurons from mice that lack the p65 NF-κB subunit prevented FAIM-induced neurite outgrowth. The effect of FAIM on neurite outgrowth was also blocked by inhibition of the Ras–ERK pathway. Finally, we show that FAIM interacts with both Trk and p75 neurotrophin receptor NGF receptors in a ligand-dependent manner. These results reveal a new function of FAIM in promoting neurite outgrowth by a mechanism involving activation of the Ras–ERK pathway and NF-κB.
The net effect of ultraviolet radiation on atmospheric dimethylsulphide over the Southern Indian Ocean
Authors: Kniveton Dominic R. , Todd Martin C. , Sciare Jean , Mihalopoulos Nikos
Published: November 2004

Dimethylsulphide (DMS) in the atmosphere may play an important role in the climate system. This study shows an inverse relationship between ultraviolet extremes and atmospheric DMS, independent of changes in wind speed, sea–surface temperature and photosynthetically active radiation, as measured at Amsterdam Island in the Southern Indian Ocean.
Idling by DNA polymerase δ maintains a ligatable nick during lagging-strand DNA replication
Authors: Garg Parie , Stith Carrie M. , Sabouri Nasim , Johansson Erik , Burgers Peter M.
Published: November 2004

During each yeast cell cycle, ∼100,000 nicks are generated during lagging-strand DNA replication. Efficient nick processing during Okazaki fragment maturation requires the coordinated action of DNA polymerase δ (Pol δ) and the FLAP endonuclease FEN1. Misregulation of this process leads to the accumulation of double-stranded breaks and cell lethality. Our studies highlight a remarkably efficient mechanism for Okazaki fragment maturation in which Pol δ by default displaces 2–3 nt of any downstream RNA or DNA it encounters. In the presence of FEN1, efficient nick translation ensues, whereby a mixture of mono- and small oligonucleotides are released. If FEN1 is absent or not optimally functional, the ability of Pol δ to back up via its 3′–5′-exonuclease activity, a process called idling, maintains the polymerase at a position that is ideal either for ligation (in case of a DNA–DNA nick) or for subsequent engagement by FEN1 (in case of a DNA–RNA nick). Consistent with the hypothesis that DNA polymerase ϵ is the leading-strand enzyme, we observed no idling by this enzyme and no cooperation with FEN1 for creating a ligatable nick.
Demonstrating a multi‐faceted magpie approach to researching searchable digital text
Authors: Levitt Jonathan M.
Published: November 2004

This article demonstrates a lateral approach to conducting research on searchable text presented in digital format and describes the potential for a multi‐faceted magpie approach to aid in the discovery and development of knowledge. It considers the potential impact of the networking of knowledge on research methods by investigating knowledge and insight on information flow presented in articles on computer products, business, libraries and globalisation. In addition, it considers the theoretical basis for the use of this approach as a research methodology. Finally, it examines briefly the extent of overlap of some diverse areas of knowledge.
Building great leaders at the IRS
Authors: Trinka Jim
Published: November 2004

Good does not equal great and all organisations need great leaders. Recently, concepts such as analysing successful leaders and building leaders' strengths have generated a lot of enthusiasm in the leadership development community. There is now a better understanding of what differentiates “great” leaders from others, offering new avenues for developing more great leaders. Previous leadership development efforts tended to focus on improving the performance of our worst managers and often delivered mixed results. This study of the 360‐degree assessments of about 1,000 managers reveals that an emphasis on building strengths is as much as eight times more effective than correcting weaknesses and can improve business results as much as 80 percent. The research builds on a very powerful case for managers to improve their overall leadership effectiveness and for the chief financial officer to fully fund the development efforts.
A strategic approach to organisational learning
Authors: Whittington Dave , Dewar Tammy
Published: November 2004

This short paper will introduce some tools and processes that can be used to develop a more strategic approach to organisational learning. They were developed over a two‐year action research project carried out by Business Lab (www.businesslab.co.uk) in Aberdeen, Scotland, involving dozens of UK and international companies, government agencies, and educational institutions. The toolset, called LearningEdge, evolved out of the best practices of these organisations and learning organisation theory. Calliope Learning has been using the toolset in the North American market since 2003.
Developing future leaders at Hyundai Motor Company through blended learning
Authors: Kim Dong‐Min , Choi Chris
Published: November 2004

This article describes how Hyundai Motor Company is successfully developing its high‐potential managers in Korea through an innovative blended learning program. Since 2003, Hyundai has worked in partnership with Educasia to integrate instructor‐led online learning into a program that was previously conducted entirely in the classroom. As a result, Hyundai has been able to deliver an expanded learning curriculum in a more efficient and engaging way to help 150 future Hyundai leaders each year to build a broad range of management and business skills.
The contribution of public libraries to countries' economic productivity: a path analysis
Authors: Liu Lewis G.
Published: November 2004

This empirical investigation examines the causal relationship between public libraries, literacy level, and economic productivity measured by gross domestic product per capita using path analysis. It is hypothesized that public libraries along with school libraries contribute to countries' literacy levels which in turn contribute to economic productivity. Cross‐country data were gathered from a number of sources including the Statistical Abstract of the World and Unesco's Statistical Yearbook. The results show that the path coefficients of public libraries and literacy levels are statistically significant at the 0.05 and 0.0001 levels respectively, strongly confirming the hypothesis. This study demonstrates that public libraries contribute to economic productivity through their various literacy programs and argues that cutting financial support for public libraries as practiced by many municipal governments is a short‐sighted policy and will adversely affect economic productivity of countries in the long run.
Innovation through people
Authors: Thompson John L.
Published: November 2004

Creativity underpins innovation; innovation underpins enterprise. In the business world it is enterprises, not ideas or products on their own, that make money. Much attention is given to new product development and to processes of innovation. Indeed, there are increasingly popular techniques to support these processes. However, successful enterprises and effective corporate entrepreneurship need both ideas and people. While considerable attention is given to the product development side of innovation, it is a matter of debate whether the same degree of attention is always given to the people side, and the identification and development of people with entrepreneurial potential. When we consider entrepreneurs we have to look at how they think as well as at how they act – and thinking contains both conscious and unconscious elements. Techniques generally address conscious rather than unconscious thought processes. There are some aspects of our creative thinking processes that we can't readily explain. We need to get “inside the mind” of the innovator.
Academic ethics: What has morality, culture and administration got to do with its measurement?
Authors: Gbadamosi Gbolahan
Published: November 2004

While there is no dearth of studies on ethical issues, the specific subject of examination misconduct has attracted fewer studies, especially in Africa. This study is an ongoing exploratory attempt to develop a measure of examination misconduct. Self‐administered questionnaires were used to collect data from 450 undergraduate business students of the Universities of Botswana and Swaziland. A nine‐item measure of examination misconduct was correlated with a measure of perception of business ethics, ethical value assessment and Hofstede's four dimensions of culture. The results indicated significant inter‐correlations among the variables (especially the three measures of ethics) and limited construct validity for the examination misconduct scale. The results of factor analysis suggest three factors for the emerging scale: cheating behaviour, intervention and desperation. The ethical inferences of the findings, managerial implications for university administrators and practitioners, study limitations and directions for future research are discussed.
Information skills and information literacy in Indian university libraries
Authors: Nyamboga Constantine M.
Published: November 2004

This paper presents the results of a study of training opportunities for library and information professionals in India and how a selection of Indian university libraries are providing information skills and information literacy programmes for their users. The need for training students, researchers and staff to make appropriate use of resources made available in libraries is recognised. Library and information professionals also need continuing professional development courses as new ways of providing information resources are developed.
Understanding OpenURL standard and electronic resources: effective use of available resources
Authors: Zhu Qin
Published: November 2004

The OpenURL standard provides a mechanism to transport metadata or identifiers of a digital item from one resource to another as well as a way to construct links in a dynamic linking environment. The OpenURL standard provides a means of integrating electronic resources. This article first describes some integration issues for electronic resources in the library and continues to discuss types of URL before giving an overview of the OpenURL standard and the OpenURL linking system, the link resolver. The major OpenURL linking products and host solution options are described, and the impact of the OpenURL standard and OpenURL linking system on library users and library services are discussed. New developments in the OpenURL standard and OpenURL linking systems are provided in the concluding section.
The shrinking sizes in micro manufacturing
Authors: Rooks Brian
Published: November 2004

A report on a seminar in “Micro and nano manufacturing” is organised by the UK Manufacturing Technology Association in partnership with the University of Birmingham School of Engineering's Machining Research Group. It covers presentations from UK industry and academia plus two from European organisations. The state of micro and nanomanufacturing in the UK is presented and some of the processes including microelectro‐discharge machining and micromilling are discussed. Machine tool design for high‐speed micromachining is an another topic as is the aspects of CAD and CAM together with the special measures needed when creating programs for micromilling. Finally some of the UK Government (and EU) funding currently available for micro and nanotechnology is listed.
Mastering high‐density optical disks: a new concept design
Authors: Spronck J.W. , El‐Husseini M.H. , Jabben L. , Overschie P.M. , Hobbelen D.G.E. , du Pau P. , Polinder H. , van Eijk J.
Published: November 2004

Mastering high‐density optical disks, like the Blu‐ray™ disk, requires new equipment design. Active magnetic bearing technology seem well suitable for this purpose, but challenges arise in obtaining the required extreme accuracy. Creating a very low mechanical coupling between the system and the external world is the potential solution to this challenge pursued in this paper. Design considerations on actuators, amplifiers, sensors and overall design are discussed and the system performance is predicted using an error‐budgeting estimation. This prediction indicates the feasibility of the concept, while the first prototype has been assembled and is being tested.
Editorial: new alignments in FM
Authors: Nutt Bev
Published: November 2004

This paper introduces the special issue, which includes some papers originally presented at the “Futures in Property and Facility Management II” conference in March 2004. Focuses on the themes of this and a previous conference, several years ago – “Futures in Property and Facility Management”, at University College London in June 1999. The conferences considered the strategic opportunities for property and facility management worldwide, bringing together senior facility professionals, service providers, property clients and academics to debate alternative futures. The first conference focused on four themes; new strategic directions, new performance imperatives, policy and investment and the promotion of knowledge exchange. The second “Futures” conference had four interrelated themes: possibilities for new alignments in the future, real estate dilemmas, work, time and place, and a reform debate.
Analysis of the forms, functions and facilitation of social support in one English county: a way for professionals to improve the quality of health care
Authors: Milne Derek , McAnaney Andrea , Pollinger Ben , Bateman Katie , Fewster Emma
Published: November 2004

Voluntary organisations are an integral part of community care, and the available research indicates the value of their social support role. However, surprisingly little is known about the forms and functions of this support, or the links to the formal support provided by the National Health Service (NHS), so hampering quality improvements. Therefore, a small sample of voluntary service organisations in one English county participated in a pilot study. This involved the staff and users of these organisations, and a geographically linked sample of NHS mental health professionals. Interview data indicated that the voluntary sector users and staff held similarly positive views of the appropriately varied forms and functions of the provided social support, and all participants held unusually similar and positive views of their links, although areas for improvement were suggested by both groups (e.g. links to GPs).
Quality management in health care: a 20‐year journey
Authors: Ruiz Ulises , Simon Jose
Published: November 2004

In this article, the total quality programme in the Spanish health‐care system (1986‐1992) and the subsequent quality improvement steps that have led to definition and implementation of such an integrated framework, seeking a quality management system and patient safety, are discussed.
Formulating a health quality improvement strategy for a developing country
Authors: Øvretveit John
Published: November 2004

The purpose of this paper is to present the idea of a national health quality plan as a way of mobilising and organising effort towards quality improvement, and stimulate debate and interest in the West in the subject, showing how quality improvement can be developed and invigorated by engaging in issues arising from quality strategies in developing countries. Considers why developing countries are concerned to improve the quality of health care and the different methods which can be used. Stresses the importance of recognising the starting‐point and what can help and hinder this work. Concentrates on improving the quality of health care, rather than the wider and important question of improving health. Concludes that developing countries do have the exerptise and that extra resources are needed, mostly for training and supervision. Opines that if implementation is not managed then the investment will be wasted.
A critique of emerging European legislation in the pharmaceutical industry: a clinical trials analysis
Authors: Murray Elizabeth , McAdam Rodney , Burke Moira T.
Published: November 2004

The objective of this paper is to critique emerging legislation in the pharmaceutical industry, focusing on the clinical trials sector. Possible changes are identified and discussed in relation to their impact on phase I clinical trials conducted in the UK. It is concluded that smaller contract research organisations, which have benefited in the past from European Union legislative variation, may have resource problems in trying to cope with the changing business environment created through legislative harmonization. These SMEs must use this opportunity to seek clinical trials research partnerships in a new harmonized EU market.
Issues and challenges for records management in the charity and voluntary sector
Authors: Dawson Elizabeth , Dodd Rosie , Roberts Jill , Wakeling Catherine
Published: November 2004

This article focuses attention on the charity and voluntary sector in the UK. It provides an overview of the nature of the sector and the position of records management within it. Two short case studies present examples of records management work and describe solutions to specific issues achieved with limited resources. Finally, challenges facing records management in the sector are discussed, along with reasons for its vulnerability.
Inequalities in retail choice: exploring consumer experiences in suburban neighbourhoods
Authors: Kirkup Malcolm , De Kervenoael Ronan , Hallsworth Alan , Clarke Ian , Jackson Peter , Perez del Aguila Rossana
Published: November 2004

Focuses on deprived neighbourhoods where instances of “food deserts” have been found and explores, through focus groups, consumer experiences of food store choices. Focusing on suburban neighbourhoods in Portsmouth, identifies significant differences in experiences of choice both between and within neighbourhoods. In some localities, the research also finds dissatisfaction with the (supposedly‐coveted) “small local store”. Shows that choice is very different from provision, and conceptualises how consumers’ circumstances, situation and individual characteristics can significantly reduce a broad theoretical provision of food stores to a limited set of perceived real choices.
The risks, threats and opportunities of disintermediation
Authors: Mills John F. , Camek Vojta
Published: November 2004

During the 1990s the “information age” spawned a new breed of enterprises devising business models unheard of previously. One aspect of this changing business environment has been the trend in disintermediation observed in many industries. Where many recent papers see disintermediation as a phenomenon related to online transactions, this paper defines it more broadly as the removal or a weakening of an intermediary within a supply chain. This paper attempts to explain why disintermediation of distributors/import agents often occurs at the growth phase of a product's lifecycle, highlighting possible opportunities and outcomes for distributors threatened by disintermediation. The paper uses a downturn in a company's fortune to illustrate the case and to provide a potentially generic analytical tool for small distributors that will almost inevitably face a conflict of interests with their suppliers, which leads to disintermediation pressure.
The construction sector, congestion charging and exemptions
Authors: Ison Stephen , Dainty Andrew , Wall Stuart
Published: November 2004

In February 2003, London became the first city in the UK to introduce a comprehensive congestion‐charging scheme, whereby road users are charged on a per day basis in order to use the road space. In response to concerted lobbying, a number of sectors and user groups have been granted exemptions from the charge. This paper explores the likely effect of congestion charging and the case for exempting construction delivery vehicles. A case study of a live construction project currently being undertaken in the city of London is used to illustrate the impact of the scheme. Based on this case example, it would seem that the impact of the scheme on construction companies has been fairly benign to date, but concerns relate to the longer term effect of charging on the future regeneration of city centres. Furthermore, it would appear that there are lessons to be learnt from the industry's apparent inability to bring to bear its collective weight to lobby for exemptions, which leaves it vulnerable to similar schemes under consideration in other cities both nationally and internationally.
Non‐business use of the WWW in three Western Australian organisations
Authors: Valli Craig
Published: November 2004

This paper is an outline of findings from a research project investigating the non‐business use of the World Wide Web in organisations. The study uncovered high non‐business usage in the selected organisations. Pornography and other traditionally identified risks were found to be largely non‐issues. MP3 and other streaming media and potential copyright infringement were found to be problematic. All organisations had end‐users displaying behaviours indicating significant, deliberate misuse that often used a variety of covert techniques to hide their actions.
Rural entrepreneurship in Europe
Authors: Stathopoulou Sophia , Psaltopoulos Demetrios , Skuras Dimitris
Published: November 2004

The present work provides an integrated view of rural entrepreneurship and sets the agenda for future research in the area. Rurality defines a territorially specific entrepreneurial milieu with distinct physical, social and economic characteristics. Location, natural resources and the landscape, social capital, rural governance, business and social networks, as well as information and communication technologies, exert dynamic and complex influences on entrepreneurial activity in rural areas. Rurality is viewed as a dynamic entrepreneurial resource that shapes both opportunities and constraints. Rural entrepreneurship is depicted as a three‐stage sequential process highly influenced by specific territorial characteristics. The proposed research agenda addresses issues related to theoretical studies concerning entrepreneurial processes in rural areas and more applied issues concerning the formulation of integrated and competent policies supporting entrepreneurship in such areas.
An exploratory study of the failure of online organisational communication
Authors: Molesworth Mike , Denegri‐Knott Janice
Published: November 2004

In this paper two online activities are discussed that are becoming increasingly interesting to organisations because they suggest a potential change in the balance of power between producers and consumers. The activities are peer‐to‐peer (P2P) file‐sharing and online groups. An analysis is provided of 848 messages from approximately 150 users of a forum on Audiogalaxy's Web site immediately after the suspension of its P2P service following an RIAA lawsuit. Much of the interaction on the forums is “informational” in nature, and significant in terms of directing users to alternative P2P services. Other exchanges appear more “transformational”, attempting to energise the group into physical protest, although protests appear to be contained online. Also highlighted is the role of “recreational” exchanges in developing “relational” and “informational” exchanges and it is suggested that more research is needed in this area. The implications for file‐sharers and for organisations that might deal with online consumers are discussed. It is concluded that the RIAA's actions were largely counter‐productive as they were unable to prevent users moving to another P2P service and encouraged discourses which support file sharing. However the risk of “real‐life” protests as a result of the online groups’ reaction also seems low.
Silence during intercultural communication: a case study
Authors: Fujio Misa
Published: November 2004

This is a case study of USA‐Japan intercultural communication, analyzing a one‐hour meeting between a US manager, a Japanese manager and a Japanese junior staff member of a US company operating in Japan. The study focuses on miscommunication caused by pragmatic transfer from Japanese, especially relating to silence, the ambiguity of “yes”, and different strategies of politeness between the US and Japanese managers. It is also discussed how both native and non‐native speakers should make their approach in order to understand each other and co‐construct the conversation in intercultural communication in an age when English is becoming a global language and could be separated from the cultures of English‐speaking countries.
British activism: the viewer and listener community
Authors: Kovacs Rachel
Published: November 2004

The research explored, over seven years, the strategies and impact of six UK pressure groups. The main method used was in‐depth interviews. In addition, extensive searches of several literatures and database, archival, print, government and online works were undertaken, as was unobtrusive monitoring of consultations and other group communications. The data strongly suggested that these groups raised awareness of, and debate about, compelling broadcasting issues that affect viewers and listeners as citizens. At times, they achieved legislative changes. Groups that built strategic relationships with target publics, in tandem with media advocacy and media education, were more likely to achieve their goals, but relationship building was itself a successful outcome and contributed toad hocalliances/coalitions that increased organizational effectiveness. Overall, these groups had an impact on the range and quality of broadcasting issues discussed and on citizen engagement in broadcasting issues on national, regional and, increasingly, global levels. This research is one of the first studies from the activist perspective and posits public relations' value to democratic dialogue. It also presents a cross‐cultural perspective that may be transferable to other societies.
The influence of corporate communications on recycling behaviour
Authors: Mee Nicky , Clewes Debbie
Published: November 2004

This paper is a case study which explores the impact of a variety of communication tools and the way in which they influence the recycling behaviour of residents in Rushcliffe Borough Council. Despite the fact that household waste is growing at a significant rate, very little empirical research has been conducted to explore the role that effective corporate communications can play in influencing attitude change and recycling behaviour or to determine which communication tools are considered to be most effective by local residents. The research reported is longitudinal involving three large‐scale surveys assessing attitudes to current refuse collection, the recycling service and the effectiveness of the various communication tools used. Results are presented together with recommendations for improving the effectiveness of any council's corporate communications strategy for increasing recycling rates.
One career, two identities: an assessment of gay men's career trajectory
Authors: Nam Cam Trau Raymond , Härtel Charmine E.J.
Published: November 2004

Most of the research on career development of sexual minorities focuses on lesbians. Gay men, on the other hand, have received little attention in the literature as it is assumed that they face fewer difficulties in career development because they are men. This paper redresses this gap by presenting an analysis of the impact of sexual identity on the career development of gay men, drawing on both a literature review of the literature on sexual identity, gay organizational studies and career development and the results of a recent interview study. In accord with other literature, the study demonstrates that gay men, like other sexual minorities, are confronted with a conflict between personal and career needs, and have to deal with society's expectations and intolerance towards homosexuality. Suggestions are given for research that will lead to a deeper understanding of the career decisions and attitudes of gay men.
Toward enriching united career theory: familial entrepreneurship and copreneurship
Authors: de Bruin Anne , Lewis Kate
Published: November 2004

This paper explores the overlapping domains of business/firm and family. Suggests that the descriptor of “joint careers” is preferable to that of symbiotic careers. Describes what we term the primary career and auxiliary career which often go to make up a joint career. Both strands of career are a prerequisite for the resilience and success of the family business. The example of youth entrepreneurship is dealt with to show the possibility of an inversion of the traditional roles with the parents’ career becoming ancillary to that of their offspring. Empirical observations from New Zealand are drawn on to illustrate our discussion. It is hoped that ideas discussed in this paper will aid the understandings of further dimensions and properties of the “thread” of the theory of the boundaryless career and help move forward the research agenda on the united career trajectory.
Employee creativity and the role of risk
Authors: Dewett Todd
Published: November 2004

Creative efforts and creative outcomes are identified as distinct in employee creative performance. It is argued that an employee's willingness to take risks is an important antecedent of creative efforts. Behavioral consequences experienced by employees following creative efforts are discussed in relation to future creative efforts considered and the subsequent willingness to take risks. A model and propositions are developed to guide future research and are considered in light of the current creativity literature.
A technology acceptance model of innovation adoption: the case of teleworking
Authors: Pérez Pérez Manuela , Martínez Sánchez Angel , de Luis Carnicer Pilar , José Vela Jiménez María
Published: November 2004

This paper develops a model of teleworking adoption based on the principles of the technology acceptance model. The framework integrates three categories of factors influencing on teleworking adoption: technological, human resources, and organisational factors. The model fills a gap in the teleworking literature by developing research propositions that take into account different theoretical perspectives to study teleworking adoption.
Learning to swim with sharks: Caribbean and African telecommunications regulatory experience under monopoly conditions (1993‐2003)
Authors: Vindelyn Smith‐Hillman A. , Wendell Brathwaite Terrence
Published: November 2004

This paper contrasts the regulatory experience of the telecommunications industry in two regions, Africa and the Caribbean. Whilst possessing some socio‐economic similarities, they remain quite distinct in terms of size and political history. In particular the relatively more stable Caribbean political history has secured a firm basis for the democratic process and the development of institutional infrastructure supportive of good governance. Therefore, despite a monopoly telecommunications structure evident in both regions, the Caribbean has generally been more successful in forestalling anti‐competitive behaviour than in the case of African economies. In this respect a critical role has been played by competition policy supporting the view of the prominence of legislative endowments in informing regulatory governance.
Programme review guidelines for quality assurance in higher education
Authors: Bornman Gertruida M.
Published: November 2004

All educators should reflect on and assess the quality of their teaching and their learning programmes. Such reflection is the subject of this article. The focus is on higher education (HE) with particular emphasis on distance learning institutions. A particular educational programme is considered, namely a course‐work Master's degree in environmental education at a South African distance learning university. Sustainable living is one of the envisaged outcomes of this programme. This article gives a general perspective on quality assurance in HE. The views of a number of authors are discussed, with special reference to HE in the cultural diversity of South Africa. Various approaches and factors that influence learning assessment are discussed. The theme of sustainability as integrated in HE programmes is emphasised as one of the criteria that should determine quality in education programmes. It is concluded that, although programme assessment is a difficult process and necessarily contextualised, it is an important tool for ensuring quality teaching and learning. Programme assessment is a form of critical self‐evaluation that includes peer evaluation and evaluative input from students.
Measuring and reporting structural capital
Authors: Ordóñez de Pablos Patricia
Published: November 2004

This paper is structured into four sections. The first section proposes a conceptual framework to analyze organizational learning and its outcomes. It focuses on the strategy perspective of organizational learning – with special attention to the resource and capabilities theory of the firm – addressing its ontology, contributions and problematic. The second section is focused on a particular type of knowledge – the structural capital – that is institutionalized knowledge in the form of organizational processes, structures, technologies, policies and culture. In sum, it represents all forms of knowledge deposits that are not supported by the human being such as organizational routines, strategies and processes and is the result of learning at organizational level. This section studies the map of different types of organizational structural capital of companies: idiosyncratic, core, ancillary and compulsory. Section three shows the results of a case study done in pioneer learning organizations in Europe regarding knowledge measuring and reporting. It analyzes the main indicators used for quantifying the knowledge embedded in the organization and its processes. Finally, the last section explores the main results and implications for knowledge management drawn from this paper.
Industrial Clusters: Equilibrium, Welfare and Policy
Authors: Norman Victor D. , Venables Anthony J.
Published: November 2004

This paper studies the size and number of industrial clusters that arise in a multi‐country world in which one sector has a propensity to cluster because of increasing returns to scale. Equilibrium will generally have smaller clusters than the world welfare optimum, and possibly too many countries with a cluster. Countries have an incentive to use policy to attract an industrial cluster, but the equilibrium of the policy game between governments coincides with the world optimum so there is no ‘race to the bottom’. Capping subsidy rates would lead to a proliferation of too many and too small clusters.
Endogenous Cost Differentials between Public and Private Enterprises: A Mixed Duopoly Approach
Authors: Matsumura Toshihiro , Matsushima Noriaki
Published: November 2004

We investigate a mixed duopoly, where a state‐owned welfare‐maximizing public firm competes against a profit‐maximizing private firm. We use a Hotelling‐type spatial model which represents product differentiation. We endogenize production costs by introducing cost‐reducing activities. We show that the private firm's cost becomes lower than the public firm's because the private firm engages in excessive strategic cost‐reducing activities. Even though each firm's cost is heterogeneous, the locations of the firms are socially efficient, given the cost differentials. Privatization of the public firm would improve welfare because it would mitigate the loss arising from excessive cost‐reducing investments.