bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Host Status of Graminaceous Cover Crops for Pratylenchus brachyurus
Authors: Inomoto M. M. , Asmus G. L.
Published: July 2010

Taking into account that information about the host status of cover crops for Pratylenchus brachyurus is scarce or contradictory, this study was undertaken to assess the host status of selected graminaceous cover crops by estimating nematode reproduction and their ability to decrease the nematode density in glasshouse conditions. Furthermore, the reproductive fitness of three P. brachyurus populations was assessed for Brachiaria grasses. Silage and forage sorghum proved to be good hosts for P. brachyurus; consequently, they should be avoided in fields infested with this lesion nematode, mainly before susceptible crop such as soybean, common bean, cowpea, and cotton. Dictyoneura grass, the pearl millet cv. ADR 300, and black oat were poor hosts for P. brachyurus but may increase densities of this nematode over time. Consequently, these cover crops might be used in infested fields for only short periods, because they could increase the P. brachyurus population density slowly but progressively.
Association of Phytophthora cinnamomi with White Oak Decline in Southern Ohio
Authors: Nagle Annemarie M. , Long Robert P. , Madden Laurence V. , Bonello Pierluigi
Published: July 2010

A decline syndrome and widespread mortality of mature white oak tree (Quercus alba) associated with wet and low-lying areas has been recently observed in southern Ohio forests. Previous studies have isolated Phytophthora cinnamomi from white oak rhizospheres. In 2008 and 2009, P. cinnamomi population densities in two healthy and two declining white oak stands at Scioto Trail State Forest were quantified and potential roles of three environmental drivers of Phytophthora spp.–induced decline were assessed: soil texture, soil moisture, and topography. Significantly higher P. cinnamomi propagule densities were found in declining stands in both years but propagule densities were not associated with soil moisture content. Trends in population densities were not correlated with soil moisture or topographic position within field sites. There was a positive, exponential relationship between overall P. cinnamomi population levels and soil moisture on a seasonal scale in 2008 but not 2009. Sites with greater soil clay content were associated with greater decline. Effects of P. cinnamomi inoculum and periodic flooding on root health of 1-year-old potted white oak trees grown in native soil mixes in the greenhouse were examined. Root systems of potted oak were significantly damaged by soil inoculation with P. cinnamomi, especially under flooding conditions. Results of these studies support the hypothesis that P. cinnamomi is a contributing agent to white oak decline in southern Ohio.
Effect of Watering Regime on Disease Development in Pinus sylvestris Seedlings Inoculated with Bursaphelenchus vallesianus and B. mucronatus
Authors: Polomski J. , Rigling D.
Published: July 2010

Several Bursaphelenchus spp. have been detected in declining pine trees in Europe during intensive monitoring for the pine wood nematode B. xylophilus. We investigated the pathogenicity of B. vallesianus and B. mucronatus, isolated from declining Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) forests in Valais (Switzerland), in relation to drought stress. Four isolates of B. vallesianus and two isolates of B. mucronatus were inoculated into 3-year-old P. sylvestris trees, which were subjected to different watering treatments (50, 100, 150, and 250 ml of water per pot, biweekly). Disease symptoms, plant mortality, nematode population density, and nematode distribution in dead plants were assessed. Both Bursaphelenchus spp. proved highly pathogenic to the seedlings and watering treatment affected disease development in the inoculated pine trees. With decreasing water supply, we observed faster disease progress and higher pine mortality for both Bursaphelenchus spp. The overall mortality 70 days after inoculation was 60, 92, 95, and 100% for B. vallesianus and 40, 95, 100, and 100% for B. mucronatus in the 250-, 150-, 100-, and 50-ml watering treatments, respectively. Both nematode species multiplied in the inoculated plants; however, B. mucronatus had higher population densities than B. vallesianus in all watering treatments (on average, 33,159 versus 14,702 nematodes/dead plant compared with the initial inoculum density of 6,000 nematodes/plant). The highest nematode density was found in the lower part of the stem. About 7 to 16% of the nematodes were extracted from the roots. This study demonstrated that B. vallesianus has a pathogenicity potential comparable with that of B. mucronatus and provided experimental evidence that drought stress can result in increased symptoms caused by either Bursaphelenchus sp.
First Report on the Occurrence of Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 5 in Chilean Grapevines
Authors: Engel E. A. , Escobar P. F. , Rivera P. A. , Valenzuela P. D. T.
Published: July 2010

Grapevine leafroll is one of the most widespread and economically damaging viral diseases of grapevines. At least eight distinct Grapevine leafroll-associated viruses (GLRaVs), all members of the Closteroviridae family, have been associated with this disease (4). GLRaV-5 was recently reported in vineyards from Argentina (2). To determine if GLRaV-5 was present in Chilean grapevines, in addition to the previously reported GLRaV-1, -2, -3, -4, -7, and -9 (1), 45 dormant cane samples from 12 different cultivars were collected from different geographic regions of Chile and screened by reverse transcription-PCR. Two of the forty-five samples (cvs. Sauvignon Blanc and Superior) collected from the III (700 km north of Santiago) and VI (150 km south of Santiago) regions of Chile, respectively, were found to be infected with GLRaV-5 using two different pairs of virus-specific primers. The first pair of primers, LR5-1F: 5′-CCCGTGATACAAGGTAGGACA-3′ and LR5-1R: 5′-CAGACTTCACCTCCTGTTAC-3′ (3), was used to amplify a 690-bp fragment corresponding to a partial region of the coat protein gene. The sequences obtained from the two positive samples (GenBank Accession Nos. HM214148 and HM214149) shared 97 and 94% of nucleotide identities, respectively, with the corresponding fragment of a reference GLRaV-5 isolate (GenBank Accession No. EU815935). Both samples shared 99% of amino acid identity with the same reference isolate. A second pair of primers, LR5upF: 5′-CTCTGCTTTTCTGCTGGCA-3′ and LR5doR: 5′-TATCTTTTATCTCCCGATAAACGAG-3′ (4) that amplified a 160-bp fragment of the HSP70h gene was also used. The positive Chilean samples (GenBank Accession Nos. HM214150 and HM214151) shared in both cases 98% nucleotide and 98% amino acid identities with the corresponding fragment of a reference GLRaV-5 isolate (Accession No. AF039552). The two GLRaV-5-positive plants were additionally infected with other viruses previously reported in Chile (1). The cv. Sauvignon Blanc sample was also infected with GLRaV-2, Grapevine fleck virus, and Grapevine rupestris stem pitting-associated virus. The cv. Superior sample was also infected with GLRaV-3, GLRaV-4, and Grapevine virus A.

References: (1) E. A. Engel et al. J. Virol. Methods 163:445, 2010. (2) S. Gomez et al. Virus Genes 38:184, 2009. (3) X. Good and J. Monis. Phytopathology 91:274, 2001. (4) V. I. Maliogka et al. J. Virol. Methods 154:41, 2008.
First Report of Fusarium andiyazi Associated with Rice Bakanae in Italy
Authors: Prà M. Dal , Tonti S. , Pancaldi D. , Nipoti P. , Alberti I.
Published: July 2010

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is cultivated on approximately 230,000 ha in northern Italy. Since 2001, increasing economical losses presumably caused by Fusarium fujikuroi Nirenberg (Gibberella fujikuroi mating population C), an exotic fungus known as the etiological agent of Bakanae disease, have been reported in Italy. The spread of this disease is primarily seedborne. In 2009, during an annual survey of Italian rice seed, 69 samples were tested for the presence of strains belonging to the G. fujikuroi species complex. Four hundred seeds per sample were surface sterilized and then placed in 90-mm Petri dishes containing potato dextrose agar and incubated for 7 days at 21°C. Thirty two putative G. fujikuroi strains were single-spore purified and identified on the basis of their morphological features on Spezieller Nährstoffarmer agar plates with a piece of sterile filter paper. Strains were characterized at species level by morphological observations (1,2) and translation elongation factor 1-α (TEF) gene sequencing. Unexpectedly, 60% of the strains evaluated belonged to the species F. andiyazi Marasas, Rheeder, Lampr., K.A. Zeller & J.F. Leslie. This fungus, first described on sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) in Africa and the United States (1), has been reported to be one of the species associated with Bakanae in Asia and Africa (3). Two F. andiyazi strains, (E432 and E439), isolated in the district of Modena were chosen for pathogenicity testing and their TEF gene sequences were deposited in GenBank (Accession Nos. GU827420 and GU827419). A conidial suspension was produced on Mung-bean liquid media and adjusted to a concentration of 1 × 106 CFU/ml. Italian cv. Galileo was used in the test because of its high susceptibility to Bakanae (Ente Nazionale delle Sementi Elette, Verona, Italy, data unpublished). Rice seeds were heat sterilized for 20 min at 60°C, submerged for 30 min in the conidial suspensions, dried, and subjected to a blotter test. Uninoculated, sterilized seeds served as a control. Seeds were incubated for 15 days in a growth chamber (26°C, 80% relative humidity, and 12-h photoperiod). For each strain, the experiment was repeated three times on samples of 25 seedlings. Results were analyzed by analysis of variance and Tukey test. Symptoms consisted of a generic seedling wilt, a root length reduction ranging from 21 to 48%, and the presence of root discoloration. Seed germination was reduced by 9%. Shoot development was not significantly altered. Proof of pathogenicity was obtained through reisolation of F. andiyazi from symptomatic tissues. To our knowledge, this is the first report of F. andiyazi on rice in Europe.

References: (1) W. F. O. Marasas et al. Mycologia 93:1203, 2001. (2) H. I. Niremberg and K. O'Donnell. Mycologia 90:434, 1998. (3) E. G. Wulff et al. Environ. Microbiol. 12:649, 2009.
First Report of Cucumber mosaic virus Infecting Blephilia hirsuta in North America
Authors: Poudel B. , Laney A. G. , Tzanetakis I. E.
Published: July 2010

Blephilia hirsuta (Pursh) Benth. var. hirsuta, an ornamental plant known as hairy pagoda or hairy wood mint (Lamiaceae), is native to eastern North America and is listed as an endangered species or a species of special concern in several northeastern states ( http://www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?a=2702&q=323482&depNav_GID=1628 and http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/nhesp/species_info/mesa_list/mesa_list.htm ). B. hirsuta, grown as an ornamental on the University of Arkansas campus in Fayetteville, exhibited mottling symptoms indicative of viral infection. Double-stranded RNA extractions (3) yielded four bands of approximately 3.2, 2.9, 2.2, and 0.9 kb, a pattern identical to that of Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV [2]). Nicotiana benthamiana and Chenopodium quinoa seedlings were mechanically inoculated with sap from symptomatic tissue. N. benthamiana inoculated plants were stunted and developed systemic mosaic and C. quinoa inoculated plants developed local lesions, whereas mock inoculated plants remained symptomless. Dot-blot and indirect ELISA using antisera against CMV (developed by H. A Scott) gave strong reactions when testing symptomatic tissue from B. hirusta, N. benthamiana, and C. quinoa compared with no reaction for symptomless plants. Total nucleic acid extractions (4) from symptomatic tissue was subjected to reverse transcription-PCR using Cucumovirus degenerate primers (1). An amplicon of approximately 940 bases was obtained and sequenced. The sequence, deposited in GenBank under Accession No. GU453918, confirmed the results of the immunological assays that B. hirsuta was infected with CMV. The nucleotide identities between the B. hirsuta isolate and those of the Fny CMV group exceeded 98%. To our knowledge, this is the first report of CMV infecting B. hirsuta, not only in North America, but globally. This finding has major implications for the ornamental industry and the viability of the endangered species. Given the wide range of CMV, B. hirsuta may act as a reservoir for the virus and facilitate transmission to ornamentals and other plants. In addition, the virus may reduce host fitness and undermine the efforts to preserve the species in areas that is threatened.

References: (1) S. K. Choi et al. J. Virol. Methods 83:67, 1999. (2) I. E. Tzanetakis. Plant Dis. 93:431, 2009. (3) I. E. Tzanetakis and R. R. Martin. J. Virol. Methods 149:167, 2008. (4) I. E. Tzanetakis et al. Virus Res. 127:26, 2007.
First Report of Powdery Mildew Caused by Leveillula taurica of Field-Grown Sweet Pepper in the Pacific Northwest
Authors: Glawe Dean A. , Barlow Tess , Eggers Jordan E. , Hamm Philip B.
Published: July 2010

In August 2009, a grower reported a disease affecting nearly all plants in a drip-irrigated field of sweet pepper cv. Excalibur in Umatilla Co., OR. The fungus was determined to be Leveillula taurica (Lév.) G. Arnaud, previously unreported from this host in Oregon or from field-grown peppers in the Pacific Northwest. This report documents the taxonomic determination of this species and provides information about the disease outbreak, including economic impact.

Accepted for publication 18 May 2010. Published 8 July 2010.
Integrating Planting Dates and Fungicide Applications for Managing White Mold of Dry Beans in Western Nebraska
Authors: Harveson Robert M. , Steadman James R. , Urrea Carlos A.
Published: July 2010

White mold, caused by the soilborne fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, is one of the most destructive diseases of common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and is greatly influenced by environmental conditions and certain agronomic practices. A 3-year study (2003 to 2005) evaluated planting date and thiophanate-methyl fungicide applications based on decision aids consisting of blue plate technique, sugar beet Cercospora leaf spot (CLS) disease forecasting model, and crop phenology (90% bloom). Overall yields were lower in 2003 and higher in 2005, and disease severity was greater in 2004. Planting dry beans in late June to early July resulted in higher levels of disease than planting in late May or mid-June in 2004. Late planting also resulted in lower yields and 100-seed weight in 2004 and 2005 than the early and mid-plantings. Compared to the control and CLS model, fungicide applications based on the blue plate and 90% bloom treatments reduced disease severity in 2004 and 2005, while also increasing 100-seed weight and yields in 2004.

Accepted for publication 8 May 2010. Published 1 July 2010.
First Report of Charcoal Rot of Sunflower in Minnesota, USA
Authors: Gulya T. , Mengistu A. , Kinzer K. , Balbyshev N. , Markell S.
Published: July 2010

Charcoal rot was first observed on sunflower in North and South Dakota in 1998, and was widespread on soybeans recently in Iowa, suggesting that Macrophomina may becoming more common in cooler growing areas of Midwestern United States. With the multitude of Macrophomina hosts in the northern Great Plains and the high incidence of microsclerotia we detected in soil, high disease potential may exist, suggesting that in drier, hotter years the sunflower crop may be affected by this disease.

Accepted for publication 17 May 2010. Published 7 July 2010.
First Report in North America of Atypical Symptoms Caused by Colletotrichum coccodes on Field-Grown Potato Tubers During Storage
Authors: Griffiths Helen M. , Zitter Thomas A. , Loeffler Kent , Jong Walter S. De , Menasha Sandra
Published: July 2010

Colletotrichum coccodes commonly causes blemish type symptoms on potato tubers. This is the first report in North America of natural infection of tubers by C. coccodes causing sunken lesions during storage.

Accepted for publication 31 May 2010. Published 8 July 2010.
Arabidopsis Cockayne Syndrome A-Like Proteins 1A and 1B Form a Complex with CULLIN4 and Damage DNA Binding Protein 1A and Regulate the Response to UV Irradiation
Authors: Zhang Caiguo , Guo Huiping , Zhang Jun , Guo Guangqin , Schumaker Karen S. , Guo Yan
Published: July 2010

In plants, as in animals, DNA is constantly subject to chemical modification. UV-B irradiation is a major genotoxic agent and has significant effects on plant growth and development. Through forward genetic screening, we identified a UV-B–sensitive mutant (csaat1a-3) in Arabidopsis thaliana, in which expression of CSAat1A, encoding a Cockayne Syndrome A-like protein, is reduced due to insertion of a T-DNA in the promoter region. Arabidopsis lacking CSAat1A or its homolog CSAat1B is more sensitive to UV-B and the genotoxic drug methyl methanesulfonate and exhibits reduced transcription-coupled repair activity. Yeast two-hybrid analysis indicated that both CSAat1A and B interact with DDB1A (UV-Damage DNA Binding Protein1). Coimmunoprecipitation assays demonstrated that CSAat1A and B associate with the CULLIN4 (CUL4)-DDB1A complex in Arabidopsis. A split-yellow fluorescent protein assay showed that this interaction occurs in the nucleus, consistent with the idea that the CUL4-DDB1A-CSA complex functions as a nuclear E3 ubiquitin ligase. CSAat1A and B formed heterotetramers in Arabidopsis. Taken together, our data suggest that the plant CUL4-DDB1ACSAat1A and B complex represents a unique mechanism to promote ubiquitination of substrates in response to DNA damage.
Crossovers Get a Boost inBrassicaAllotriploid and Allotetraploid Hybrids
Authors: Leflon Martine , Grandont Laurie , Eber Frédérique , Huteau Virginie , Coriton Olivier , Chelysheva Liudmila , Jenczewski Eric , Chèvre Anne-Marie
Published: July 2010

Meiotic crossovers are necessary to generate balanced gametes and to increase genetic diversity. Even if crossover number is usually constrained, recent results suggest that manipulating karyotype composition could be a new way to increase crossover frequency in plants. In this study, we explored this hypothesis by analyzing the extent of crossover variation in a set of related diploid AA, allotriploid AAC, and allotetraploid AACC Brassica hybrids. We first used cytogenetic methods to describe the meiotic behavior of the different hybrids. We then combined a cytogenetic estimation of class I crossovers in the entire genome by immunolocalization of a key protein, MutL Homolog1, which forms distinct foci on meiotic chromosomes, with genetic analyses to specifically compare crossover rates between one pair of chromosomes in the different hybrids. Our results showed that the number of crossovers in the allotriploid AAC hybrid was higher than in the diploid AA hybrid. Accordingly, the allotetraploid AACC hybrid showed an intermediate behavior. We demonstrated that this increase was related to hybrid karyotype composition (diploid versus allotriploid versus allotetraploid) and that interference was maintained in the AAC hybrids. These results could provide another efficient way to manipulate recombination in traditional breeding and genetic studies.
Transforming productivity and performance in healthcare and other public services: how training and development could make a more strategic contribution
Authors: Coulson‐Thomas Colin
Published: July 2010

Purpose

Public services such as healthcare face a variety of challenges. This paper aims to show how the use of a new generation of learning and support tools could make a significant contribution to tackling current problems and addressing future issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Learning and support tools can make it much easier for people to understand areas that are inherently complicated and do difficult jobs. The paper shows how an approach to improving the performance of professionals and knowledge workers can be employed in healthcare. Key lessons from early adopters are summarized, and questions posed for training and development professionals.

Findings

Tools examined in other contexts have increased the performance of key workgroups and yielded a first year return on investment of over 20, 30 and 70 times. Applying the approach that is suggested to healthcare could address challenges facing the system and benefit both practitioners and patients.

Practical implications

Benefits of the suggested approach include better engagement with patients, greater understanding, improved productivity, reduced costs, quicker responses, faster dissemination of beneficial changes, less stress, higher standards of patient safety and care, and evidenced compliance. Areas examined include education and training, induction, continuing professional development, ensuring patient safety, maintaining standards, monitoring practitioners, diagnosis, ensuring optimum care pathways, reducing stress and improving productivity.

Originality/value

Many responsible boards would like to address the challenges facing public services such as healthcare, but they lack a practical and cost effective way of doing so. The approach outlined represents a cost effective way of integrating learning and working, and uses a framework for managing information, knowledge and best practice, and related learning tools to support the development, updating and practice of healthcare professionals, and ensure adherence to relevant procedures, regulations and standards.
Job or further training?
Authors: Kammermann Marlise
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The two‐year basic training course leading to the Basic Federal Certificate was established in Switzerland by the new Vocational Training Act in 2002 with the intention of ensuring upper secondary education and training for disadvantaged young people. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the findings of a longitudinal study of youths who participated in a two‐year vocational education and training (VET) programme. The main objective is the evaluation of intentions regarding the two‐year training course.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 319 trainees on a two‐year training course in the retail sales and hotel sectors were questioned at the end of their training about their educational and family background, their occupational and personal situation as well as their prospects. Their integration into the labour market was recorded 14 months later. These results are compared with the results of a sample of 183 graduates of an Elementary traineeship in the same occupational fields.

Findings

The results of the study confirm some assumptions made about the effects of the training with Basic Federal VET Certificate. However, the findings also point to crucial aspects that require further investigation.

Originality/value

The findings of the investigation provide insight into initial experiences with the new standardised VET programme. In addition, the presented research is the first longitudinal study focusing on the occupational perspectives of underachieving youths in Switzerland.
Development and error compensation of laser soldering system
Authors: Xiong Zhenhua , Zou Xinjue , Wang Yulin , Ding Han
Published: July 2010

Purpose

Accurate alignment is vital to acquire high‐quality joints with less negative effects on the rest parts of the chip or other components on a board. The purpose of this paper is to develop an integrated laser soldering system, which is accurate, compact, and flexible.

Design/methodology/approach

The system combines anX‐Ystage, a computer vision module and a laser module. It would automatically sense the soldering pads with computer vision, fulfill the alignment of laser beam and soldering pads together with the motion system, and finish the soldering work with laser power.

Findings

Based on the analysis of experimental data, it is found that lens distortion and assembly angular errors of theX‐Ystage play a distinct role on the alignment errors.

Originality/value

The paper proposes an algorithm based on straight line method to reduce image distortion, and a compensation algorithm on the angular errors of theX‐Ypositioning stage. Experimental results show that the overall precision is satisfied for fine pitch applications and the system performs well.
Building conservation philosophy for masonry repair: part 2 – “principles”
Authors: Forster Alan M.
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The techniques available for the repair of historic masonry structures are extremely wide ranging. The advantages and disadvantages of each type of repair can be evaluated in terms of cost, time and quality as with modern projects. It is however, important to realise that when repairs to historic buildings are selected they must conform to building conservation philosophy, or an ethical and principle based evaluation. The purpose of this paper (part 2 of 2) is to establish what is meant by principles in this context and wherever possible apply practical examples to illustrate these concepts.

Design/methodology/approach

Evaluative literature review of the principles encapsulated within building conservation philosophy utilising them to stimulate discussion on practical repair interventions.

Findings

It has been shown that the principles of building conservation philosophy must be considered prior to making decisions relating to masonry repair. These repairs have varying degrees of defensibility, and will ultimately lead to good or bad conservation approaches. This paper briefly discusses the principles, highlighting some of the issues that may be initially confusing to the practitioner.

Originality/value

The evaluation of building conservation philosophy for masonry repair, and more specifically the “principles” have been little studied. The importance of this cannot however be over stated, as far from being an esoteric concept it affects every practical repair. This work brings together the study of the philosophical and practical, enabling practitioners to better understand the ramifications of building conservation philosophy for their projects. It must however be emphasised that as with any aspect of philosophy, there is not necessarily a right or wrong answer, only higher levels of defence for the selected repairs.
Surveillance investments in store environment and sense of security
Authors: Kajalo Sami , Lindblom Arto
Published: July 2010

Purpose

This study aims to focus on how grocery store retail entrepreneurs invest in formal and informal surveillance, and how these investments affect consumers' and employees' sense of security. In particular, it tries to understand what kind of surveillance investments can be found from the stores with high consumer and employees' sense of security.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study utilizes elements of CPTED in its theoretical approach. The population for the study consisted of 946 grocery store K‐retailers. The data collection was carried out through an internet survey in February and March of 2009. A total of 161 grocery store retailers filled in the questionnaire, yielding a response rate of 17 percent.

Findings

The research reveals that investments in informal surveillance are more likely to create a high sense of security among consumers and employees than are investments in formal surveillance. In other words, the analysis shows that the stores where consumers and employees have a high sense of security have made more investments in comfortable, clean and well‐lit premises than stores where consumers and employees have a low sense of security.

Research limitations/implications

The present study was limited to surveillance and to consumers' and employees' sense of security as understood by the retailers. Unquestionably, there is a need to study surveillance from the consumers' and employees' viewpoints. In addition, qualitative studies would enable more thorough operationalization of the concepts that linked the surveillance and sense of security in the store context.

Practical implications

Retailers wishing to create a safe retail space for employees and customers should invest in informal surveillance. Investments in comfortable, well‐cleaned and well‐lighted premises make both consumers and employees feel safe in the store environment. In this way, retailers can enhance the competitiveness of their store.

Originality/value

Very little empirical research has evaluated the effectiveness of surveillance in the store environment, although many articles and reports have commented on the importance of surveillance. The present study fills this research gap.
Partner selection for strategic alliances: case study insights from the maritime industry
Authors: Solesvik Marina Z. , Westhead Paul
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this exploratory study is to examine the partner selection criteria reported by maritime firms in Norway. The study aims to analyze how a maritime firm's competitive advantage can be enhanced by the selection of the right partner with reference to a strategic alliance.

Design/methodology/approach

A multiple‐case study methodology was used. Archival, survey and interview data were explored relating to the partner selection process reported by Norwegian maritime firms. Primary data were gathered from semi‐structured personal interviews with managers of Norwegian maritime firms.

Findings

Case study evidence suggests that the strategic alliances were successful when partners had been carefully selected. As detected elsewhere, successful alliances were associated with partners that had managed to build trustful and honest relationships, had common strategic goals, and partners that supplied resources and competencies. Notably, it was detected that cyclicality in the maritime industry shaped the partner selection process. Trust between partners was used as mechanism to reduce uncertainty relating to the strategic alliance process. Firms seeking long‐term alliances selected partners with substantial capital and financial stability to survive a market's downturn, as well as the resources required for expansion during a recession.

Practical implications

Presented findings have implications for practitioners, especially for managers of shipping firms, banks, shipyards, producers of ship equipment, ship design firms, and ship brokers. Practitioners need to be aware that the rationale for inter‐firm collaboration change over time, and motives are linked to the phase of the maritime cycle. Inter‐firm collaboration provides competitive advantage benefits to firms and collaboration can protect as well as create jobs and can create wealth in maritime communities.

Originality/value

A novel conceptual contribution is the exploration of links between maritime industrial cyclicality and the partner selection process relating to strategic alliances. The study also adds to debates relating to the profiles of internationalizing smaller firms.
Singapore stock broking service quality: fifteen percent gap
Authors: Yik‐Chee Lee , Meredith G.G. , Marchant T.
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to adapt the SERVQUAL instrument and provide a unique analysis of service quality, value, customer satisfaction and loyalty of Singapore stock investors.Design/methodology/approach– The paper uses results from a mail survey with 300 copies of a self‐administrated questionnaire utilising the SERVQUAL instrument with experienced stock investors using stockbroker (remisier) services in Singapore. Altogether, 169 useable returns (56 percent response rate) were analyzed.

Findings

Investors expect high quality service from brokers, particularly in terms of reliability. There was a 15 percent gap in service quality, and a 20 percent gap in service value. Customers who relied on brokers' advice perceived higher service quality. Brokers need more empathy with customers. SERVQUAL translated to Singapore stock broking customers with good reliability.

Research limitations/implications

Results may not generalize beyond Singapore or to other financial services.

Practical implications

Brokers need to focus on personal, empathetic relationships with investors and aim for near perfect reliability in accurate and timely execution of customers' orders. Customers' level of expertise is important and brokers need to make more effort to educate their clients, and proactively advise them.

Originality/value

Service quality, customer perceived value, customer satisfaction and loyalty of customers have been important research areas in the marketing literature. Research on these variables simultaneously in stock brokerage services is limited and the study sheds light on these variables in a new field. The study provides practical advice for brokers and other financial service providers, particularly in the light of emerging credence service and commercial friends concepts in the financial services sector.
Networks and corporate entrepreneurship
Authors: Toledano Nuria , Urbano David , Bernadich Marc
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse in‐depth collaboration as a process that emerges from interactions among individuals in order to develop entrepreneurial actions within established family firms. The research is contextualized in the metal sector in Catalonia (Spain), using institutional economics as a theoretical framework of reference.

Design/methodology/approach

Methodologically, the paper adopt an exploratory perspective and employs a qualitative approach. In particular, a multiple case‐study is used to gain deep insights into a contemporary and complex issue within its real‐life context, and two case studies are purposefully selected in order to be able to conduct cross‐case comparisons.

Findings

In the early formation phase of collective entrepreneurship, there are similarities reflecting the networks status of both cases. In contrast, there are some variations concerning the development of collective entrepreneurship within the businesses which affect the type of corporate entrepreneurship (CE) activities developed by the firms.

Research limitations/implications

By using a case study approach, it is hard to validate the theories for any more general applicability.

Practical implications

Promoting trust in the organizational context, owner‐managers may assume the role of intrapreneurs as network or human interaction builders within businesses, in order to promote CE through collective activities.

Originality/value

The paper shows that CE activities may be understood from a collective action among employees and owner‐managers. The paper also demonstrates that the phenomenon can be place into a broader theoretical context, taking into account the considerations included in institutional economics.
Changing the strategy formation process in a service cooperative
Authors: Canet‐Giner Maria Teresa , Fernández‐Guerrero Rafael , Peris‐Ortiz Marta
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to concern the strategic changes a firm needs to incorporate in order to deliver a complex service such as providing assistance to the socially disadvantaged. The paper seeks to analyze the development of such a process considering the ability of managers to exploit resources and foster new opportunities for the firm.

Design/methodology/approach

The qualitative methodology applied is that of a case study. The organization analyzed was a service cooperative. A semi‐structured questionnaire was used to gather the information along with documents and additional information thereafter, thus facilitating the triangulation process.

Findings

Non‐profit service organizations that provide assistance services for the disadvantaged population have to compete in a complex and turbulent environment. The strategic process adopted by those organizations requires more participation and involvement from organizational members; but, simultaneously, this process should be more rational and planned. The strategic content involves the adoption of a hybrid strategy. The function of managers that act as intrapreneurs exploiting existing resources and capabilities (through human resource practices, such as training or reward systems) and promoting change plays an essential role. Decentralization and socialization are necessary for the successful development of those strategic changes.

Originality/value

The paper draws implications for service organizations suggesting, as the main strategic changes for improving competitiveness, the establishment of incentive regulation systems relevant to job characteristics and the establishment of a larger number of cooperation agreements and cooperation networks.
A grounded theory model of service providers' stress, emotion, and coping during intercultural service encounters
Authors: Wang Chen‐ya , Mattila Anna S.
Published: July 2010

Purpose

This study seeks to shed light on service providers' experiences and challenges during intercultural service encounters.

Design/methodology/approach

A grounded theory approach was used to explore a broad range of management issues regarding intercultural service encounters. A conceptual model was developed through interviews with current service providers.

Findings

The findings indicate that intercultural service encounters can serve as potential stressors for service providers and consequently induce negative emotions. While some service providers employ various coping techniques to address this situation, others tend to avoid international customers.

Originality/value

The intercultural service encounter has received little research attention despite its prevalence in daily life. The value of this paper contributes to the understanding of intercultural service encounters, particularly the challenges and stress employees could face.
Brand, knowledge, and false sense of security
Authors: Hui Wendy
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study how brand name can affect consumers' perceived protection from security technologies. It also seeks to investigate the significance of knowledge in reducing consumers' reliance on brand name in their security technology adoption decision.

Design/methodology/approach

A 2×2 experiment was used to study the effects of brand name and knowledge on the adoption of antivirus software. Subjects were randomly assigned to groups and presented with different brands and product choice sets. Product choices from different groups were analyzed using z‐tests and logistic regression.

Findings

It is found that brand name affects product choice, a strong brand may tend to induce a false sense of security and lead to poor produce choice, and knowledge can reduce consumers' reliance on brand name in security technology adoption decision.

Originality/value

The paper highlights consumers' reliance on brand name to infer the level of protection provided by a security technology. It also shows that knowledge can reduce this reliance. The findings of this paper have significant implications to brand, consumer expectation, and product line management.
Justifying the need for a data security management plan for the UAE
Authors: Al‐Awadi K. , Saidani M.
Published: July 2010

Purpose

As the United Arab Emirates (UAE) organizations are embarking onto the intensive technology world where the exchange of information is increasingly taking place through electronic means and data are stored electronically, this paper attempts to investigate the need to develop a UAE data security strategy and a detailed framework that can ensure the safety of data and can also cope with all types of disasters expected in the country. The paper also reviews and analyses the types of hazards in the UAE.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to obtain a global view on how organizations in the UAE are managing the security of their electronic information, a questionnaire has been designed and distributed with the aim of obtaining a clear understanding of their data security procedures, practices, and policies.

Findings

The research has shown that organizations from the outset should have a set‐plan, which has to be periodically analyzed, reviewed, and modified to keep abreast of the technological advancements and risks in order to protect electronic data.

Originality/value

An extensive review of the literature has shown that no comprehensive research work has investigated data security management in the UAE. This makes the current study of particular importance in contributing to knowledge but also original in the context of the UAE where very little work has been undertaken on the subject.
Reconceptualization of price mavenism: do Chinese consumers get a glow when they know?
Authors: Byun Sang‐Eun , Sternquist Brenda
Published: July 2010

Purpose

Buyers in China often communicate positive and negative purchasing experiences through word‐of‐mouth (WOM), which creates special problems and opportunities for marketers. Price mavenism, which is associated with price‐information searching and price‐sharing behavior, is often considered a negative dimension of price. The purpose of this paper, however, is to propose price mavenism as an outcome variable arising from both positive perceptions of price (prestige sensitivity) and negative perceptions (price and value consciousness) and examine that the “know” (price mavenism) will positively impact the “glow” (shopping hedonism) among the Chinese.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through a survey in Shanghai, China. The conceptual model was tested using structural equation modeling.

Findings

This study found that prestige sensitivity, price consciousness and value consciousness shaped price mavenism among the Chinese, supporting the idea that price mavenism arises from both positive and negative perceptions of price. In addition, for the Chinese, being a source of price information and sharing the knowledge with their social groups fulfill a hedonic motivation for shopping. While value consciousness was positively associated with shopping hedonism, price consciousness per se was not.

Research limitations/implications

This study challenges the idea that price mavenism is mainly explained by a negative perception of price.

Practical implications

By understanding the drivers of price mavenism and their impacts on shopping hedonism, international marketers can fine‐tune their marketing strategies to appeal more effectively to price mavens in China.

Originality/value

This study highlights the importance of cultural perspectives in understanding the structure of price mavenism and its theoretical and marketing foundations.
Advertising effects of songs' nostalgia and lyrics' relevance
Authors: Chou Hsuan‐Yi , Lien Nai‐Hwa
Published: July 2010

Purpose

When using popular music in advertising, the songs' release period (nostalgia) and the lyrics' relevance to the product are two important characteristics but neglected in previous music‐related studies. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of these two variables on consumers' responses to advertisements.

Design/methodology/approach

A 2 × 2 experimental design was used to examine the effects of a song's period and the lyrics' relevance. The hypotheses were tested with a structural equation analysis.

Findings

Previously heard old songs have positive ad effects due to evoking consumers' good moods or by generating more favorable nostalgia‐related thoughts. High‐relevance lyrics facilitate the production of favorable ad execution‐related thoughts, which improve ad attitude directly and indirectly through good moods.

Research limitations/implications

Only undergraduate students are sampled. Further, the experiment focuses solely on music‐dominated ads for low involvement products.

Practical implications

For advertising targeting the young generation, the use of a popular song released during their childhood can elicit feelings of nostalgia and lead to good moods as well as favorable brand attitudes. Such effects, can be strengthened by high‐relevance lyrics.

Originality/value

Placing a previously heard popular song in a TV ad can evoke nostalgic feelings and generate favorable ad effects even when the product and other ad design elements are not related to nostalgic themes. The persuasion mechanism of nostalgia follows a dual‐route process, in which the cognitive route seems to be more influential than the affective route. The importance of lyrics' relevance is demonstrated to the extent that its impact on brand attitude can exceed that of song's nostalgia.
Asset recovery and kleptocracy
Authors: Simser Jeffrey
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a discussion of the corrosive effects of corruption and techniques, both criminal and civil to recover the proceeds of corruption.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines the Canadian and international perspective on the issue.

Findings

Civil asset recovery is a viable technique although there are a number of barriers that need to be addressed.

Research limitations/implications

Further research on the effectiveness of recovery measures needs to be conducted.

Practical implications

The paper examines the practical implications of the asset recovery techniques to address corruption.

Originality/value

Perspectives on asset recovery are brought to bear from an anti‐money laundering and forfeiture practitioner.
Non‐disclosure of human capital‐based information: theoretical perspectives
Authors: Samudhram Ananda , Sivalingam G. , Shanmugam Bala
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss a framework of accounting theoretical bases that could promote research into little understood areas of human capital accounting.

Design/methodology/approach

The possible forces that hinder greater disclosure of human capital‐based information are analyzed by reviewing several theoretical viewpoints that offer a framework of different possible reasons for the low frequency of human capital‐based disclosures.

Findings

The paper explores several possible reasons for the reluctance of firms to disclose greater amounts of human capital‐based information, from the perspective of relevant theoretical bases. The predominant reasons may differ in different circumstances, industries and environments.

Research limitations/implications

The paper explores theoretical bases that explain the barriers to widespread reporting of human capital‐based information. The theoretical bases discussed are not empirically validated.

Practical implications

The validation of the theoretical bases explored in this study, and the possible uncovering of new bases in the future through empirical studies, will enable academics, policy makers and accounting standard setters to better understand the reasons for the limited disclosures of human capital‐based information by listed firms to capital markets. This will help in the promulgation of widely accepted accounting standards for the disclosure of human capital‐based information, which address and overcome the forces that currently hinder the reporting of human capital‐based information.

Originality/value

This is the first paper that explores a framework of several pertinent theoretical viewpoints that specifically address the non‐disclosures of human capital‐based information to capital markets.