bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phaeovibrio sulfidiphilus gen. nov., sp. nov., phototrophic alphaproteobacteria isolated from brackish water
Authors: Lakshmi K. V. N. S. , Sasikala Ch. , Ashok Kumar G. V. , Chandrasekaran R. , Ramana Ch. V.
Published: May 2010

Two strains (JA480T and JA481) of phototrophic alphaproteobacteria were isolated from sediment samples collected from brackish water near Nagapattinam, India. They were Gram-negative, vibrioid cells containing bacteriochlorophyll a and rhodopin as major photosynthetic pigments. Most cells of both strains were non-flagellated; 1 % of cells showed two monopolar flagella. Cells showed positive phototaxis. Both strains showed chimeric intracellular photosynthetic membranes, where both lamellar stacks and vesicles were present together in a single cell. The major fatty acids were C18 : 1ω7c and C16 : 0 in both strains. The genomic G+C content was 67.2–68.8 mol% and the two strains were closely related (mean DNA–DNA hybridization >85 %). 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons indicated that the isolates represent members of the Rhodospirillaceae within the class Alphaproteobacteria. According to the sequence comparison data, strain JA480T is positioned distinctly outside the group formed by the phototrophic genera Rhodospirillum, Rhodocista, Phaeospirillum, Rhodovibrio, Rhodospira and Roseospira, with only 80–92 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity. Distinct morphological, physiological and genotypic differences from previously described taxa support the classification of this isolate as a representative of a novel species in a new genus, for which the name Phaeovibrio sulfidiphilus gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Phaeovibrio sulfidiphilus is JA480T ( = KCTC 5825T  = NBRC 106163T  = DSM 23193T).
Screening for endophytic nitrogen-fixing bacteria in Brazilian sugar cane varieties used in organic farming and description of Stenotrophomonas pavanii sp. nov.
Authors: Ramos Patrícia L. , Van Trappen Stefanie , Thompson Fabiano L. , Rocha Rafael C. S. , Barbosa Heloiza R. , De Vos Paul , Moreira-Filho Carlos A.
Published: May 2010

A Gram-negative, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming and nitrogen-fixing bacterium, designated ICB 89T, was isolated from stems of a Brazilian sugar cane variety widely used in organic farming. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that strain ICB 89T belonged to the genus Stenotrophomonas and was most closely related to Stenotrophomonas maltophilia LMG 958T, Stenotrophomonas rhizophila LMG 22075T, Stenotrophomonas nitritireducens L2T, [Pseudomonas] geniculata ATCC 19374T, [Pseudomonas] hibiscicola ATCC 19867T and [Pseudomonas] beteli ATCC 19861T. DNA–DNA hybridization together with chemotaxonomic data and biochemical characteristics allowed the differentiation of strain ICB 89T from its nearest phylogenetic neighbours. Therefore, strain ICB 89T represents a novel species, for which the name Stenotrophomonas pavanii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is ICB 89T ( = CBMAI 564T  = LMG 25348T).
Molecular phylogeny of the family Vorticellidae (Ciliophora, Peritrichia) using combined datasets with a special emphasis on the three morphologically similar genera Carchesium, Epicarchesium and Apocarchesium
Authors: Sun Ping , Clamp John C. , Xu Dapeng , Kusuoka Yasushi , Hori Manabu
Published: May 2010

Little is known about the phylogeny of the family Vorticellidae at the generic level because few comprehensive analyses of molecular phylogenetic relationships between members of this group have, so far, been done. As a result, the phylogenetic positions of some genera that were based originally on morphological analyses remain controversial. In the present study, we performed phylogenetic analyses of vorticellids based on the sequence of the small-subunit (SSU) rRNA gene, including one species of the genus Apocarchesium, for which no sequence has previously been reported. Phylogenetic trees were reconstructed with SSU rRNA gene sequences by using four different methods (Bayesian analysis, maximum-likelihood, neighbour-joining and maximum-parsimony) and had a consistent branching pattern. Members of the genera Vorticella (except V. microstoma) and Carchesium formed a clearly defined, well supported clade that was divergent from the clade comprising members of the genera Pseudovorticella and Epicarchesium, suggesting that the differences in the silverline system (transverse vs reticulate) among vorticellids may be the result of genuine evolutionary divergence. Members of the newly established genus Apocarchesium clustered within the family Vorticellidae basal to the clade containing members of the genera Pseudovorticella and Epicarchesium and were distinct from members of the genus Carchesium, supporting the validity of Apocarchesium as a novel genus. Additional phylogenetic analyses of 21 strains representing seven genera from the families Vorticellidae and Zoothamniidae were performed with single datasets (ITS1–5.8S–ITS2, ITS2 alone) and combined datasets (SSU rRNA+ITS1–5.8S–ITS2, SSU rRNA+ITS2) to explore further the phylogenetic relationship between the three morphologically similar genera Carchesium, Epicarchesium and Apocarchesium, using characteristics not included in previous analyses. The phylogenetic trees reconstructed with combined datasets were more robust and therefore more reliable than those based on single datasets and supported the results of trees based on SSU rRNA sequences.
Kordia periserrulae sp. nov., isolated from a marine polychaete Periserrula leucophryna,and emended description of the genus Kordia
Authors: Choi Ahyoung , Oh Hyun-Myung , Yang Seung-Jo , Cho Jang-Cheon
Published: May 2010

A Gram-negative, chemoheterotrophic, yellow-pigmented, non-motile, flexirubin-negative, facultatively anaerobic bacterium, designated strain IMCC1412T, was isolated from a marine polychaete Periserrula leucophryna inhabiting a tidal flat of the Yellow Sea, Korea. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain IMCC1412T was most closely related to Kordia algicida, with a sequence similarity of 96.7 %, but only distantly related to other species in the family Flavobacteriaceae (<92 % similarity). The G+C content of the DNA was 37.3 mol%. The strain contained MK-6 as the major respiratory quinone and phosphatidylethanolamine, unidentified aminolipids and unidentified polar lipids as the major polar lipids. On the basis of phylogenetic distinctiveness and differential phenotypic characteristics, strain IMCC1412T ( = KACC 14311T = KCTC 22801T = NBRC 106077T) should be assigned to the genus Kordia as the type strain of a novel species, for which the name Kordia periserrulae sp. nov. is proposed. An emended description of the genus Kordia is also presented.
Bacillus nanhaiensis sp. nov., isolated from an oyster
Authors: Chen Yi-Guang , Zhang Li , Zhang Yu-Qin , He Jian-Wu , Klenk Hans-Peter , Tang Shu-Kun , Zhang You-Xiang , Li Wen-Jun
Published: May 2010

A novel Gram-stain-positive, slightly halophilic, facultatively alkaliphilic, catalase-positive, oxidase-negative, endospore-forming, motile, rod-shaped, aerobic bacterium, designated strain JSM 082006T, was isolated from an oyster collected from Naozhou Island in the South China Sea. The isolate grew in 0–18 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 0.5–4.0 %), at pH 6.0–10.5 (optimum, pH 8.0) and at 15–45 °C (optimum, 30 °C). meso-Diaminopimelic acid was present in the cell-wall peptidoglycan. The major cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 0 and C16 : 0. Strain JSM 082006T contained MK-7 as the predominant respiratory quinone and diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine as the major polar lipids. The genomic DNA G+C content was 40.2 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons revealed that strain JSM 082006T should be assigned to the genus Bacillus and that it was most closely related to the type strains of Bacillus barbaricus (sequence similarity 99.1 %) and Bacillus arsenicus (97.5 %), followed by those of Bacillus rigui (96.6 %) and Bacillus solisalsi (96.1 %). Phylogenetic analysis, DNA–DNA relatedness values, phenotypic characteristics and chemotaxonomic data support the view that strain JSM 082006T represents a novel species of the genus Bacillus, for which the name Bacillus nanhaiensis sp. nov. is proposed; the type strain is JSM 082006T ( = DSM 23009T  = KCTC 13712T).
Pantoea allii sp. nov., isolated from onion plants and seed
Authors: Brady Carrie L. , Goszczynska Teresa , Venter Stephanus N. , Cleenwerck Ilse , De Vos Paul , Gitaitis Ronald D. , Coutinho Teresa A.
Published: May 2010

Eight yellow-pigmented, Gram-negative, rod-shaped, oxidase-negative, motile, facultatively anaerobic bacteria were isolated from onion seed in South Africa and from an onion plant exhibiting centre rot symptoms in the USA. The isolates were assigned to the genus Pantoea on the basis of phenotypic and biochemical tests. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis and multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA), based on gyrB, rpoB, infB and atpD sequences, confirmed the allocation of the isolates to the genus Pantoea. MLSA further indicated that the isolates represented a novel species, which was phylogenetically most closely related to Pantoea ananatis and Pantoea stewartii. Amplified fragment length polymorphism analysis also placed the isolates into a cluster separate from P. ananatis and P. stewartii. Compared with type strains of species of the genus Pantoea that showed >97 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with strain BD 390T, the isolates exhibited 11–55 % whole-genome DNA–DNA relatedness, which confirmed the classification of the isolates in a novel species. The most useful phenotypic characteristics for the differentiation of the isolates from their closest phylogenetic neighbours are production of acid from amygdalin and utilization of adonitol and sorbitol. A novel species, Pantoea allii sp. nov., is proposed, with type strain BD 390T ( = LMG 24248T).
Hymenobacter psychrophilus sp. nov., a psychrophilic bacterium isolated from soil
Authors: Zhang De-Chao , Busse Hans-Jürgen , Liu Hong-Can , Zhou Yu-Guang , Schinner Franz , Margesin Rosa
Published: May 2010

A non-motile, rod-shaped, red-pigmented bacterium, designated strain BZ33rT, was isolated from soil of an industrial site. Cells stained Gram-negative and were aerobic and psychrophilic, showing good growth at 1–20 °C. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain BZ33rT was related to members of the genus Hymenobacter and had highest sequence similarity with Hymenobacter
aerophilus DSM 13606T (97.5 %). The predominant cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0 (20.3 %), summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or iso-C15 : 0 2-OH; 20.2 %), iso-C15 : 0 (20.0 %), summed feature 4 (iso-C17 : 1 I and/or anteiso-C17 : 1 B; 8.2 %) and C16 : 1ω5c (7.9 %). Strain BZ33rT had MK-7 as the major menaquinone. The polyamine pattern contained sym-homospermidine as the major compound with moderate amounts of spermidine. Phosphatidylethanolamine, three unknown aminophospholipids, two unknown aminolipids, two unknown glycolipids and five unknown polar lipids were present in the polar lipid profile. The G+C content of the DNA was 61.6 mol%. On the basis of phenotypic characteristics, phylogenetic analysis and DNA–DNA relatedness data, strain BZ33rT is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Hymenobacter, for which the name Hymenobacter psychrophilus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is BZ33rT ( = DSM 22290T  = CGMCC 1.8975T  = LMG 25548T).
Taxonomic investigation of representatives of the genus Sphaerotilus: descriptions of Sphaerotilus montanus sp. nov., Sphaerotilus hippei sp. nov., Sphaerotilus natans subsp. natans subsp. nov. and Sphaerotilus natans subsp. sulfidivorans subsp. nov., and an emended description of the genus Sphaerotilus
Authors: Gridneva Elena , Chernousova Elena , Dubinina Galina , Akimov Vladimir , Kuever Jan , Detkova Ekaterina , Grabovich Margarita
Published: May 2010

Seven strains of the genus Sphaerotilus were obtained from natural thermal sulfide (strains D-501T, D-502, D-504, D-505 and D-507) and low-temperature ferrous (strain HST) springs and from an activated sludge system (strain D-380). These Sphaerotilus isolates and strains of Sphaerotilus natans obtained from the DSMZ (S. natans DSM 6575T, DSM 565 and DSM 566) were studied using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. All strains had Q-8 as the major quinone and C16 : 1ω7, C16 : 0 and C18 : 1ω7 as the major fatty acids. The DNA–DNA hybridization results and 16S rRNA, hsp60 and gyrB gene sequencing experiments showed that isolates D-501T, D-502, D-504, D-505, D-507 and D-380 were closely related to the type strain of S. natans DSM 6575T. However, strains D-501T, D-502, D-504, D-505 and D-507 significantly differed from the heterotrophic strain S. natans DSM 6575T by their capability for lithotrophic growth with reduced sulfur compounds as an electron donor for energy conservation and some other phenotypic features. For this reason, strains D-501T, D-502, D-504, D-505 and D-507 merit a separate taxonomic classification at the subspecies level. The name Sphaerotilus natans subsp. sulfidivorans subsp. nov. (type strain D-501T = DSM 22545T = VKM B-2573T) is proposed. The subspecies Sphaerotilus natans subsp. natans subsp. nov. is automatically created as a result of this proposal. Strain D-380 was phenotypically closely related to S. natans DSM 6575T. Strains D-380 and S. natans DSM 6575T were assigned to the subspecies Sphaerotilus natans subsp. natans subsp. nov. (type strain DSM 6575T = ATCC 13338T). The 16S rRNA, hsp60 and gyrB gene sequences obtained for strains HST and DSM 565 showed very low sequence similarity values of 97.3 %, 89.7 % and 88.4 %, respectively, with S. natans DSM 6575T. Strain HST shared 99 % DNA–DNA relatedness with strain
Myroides marinus sp. nov., a member of the family Flavobacteriaceae, isolated from seawater
Authors: Cho Sung-Heun , Chae Song-Hee , Im Wan-Taek , Kim Seung Bum
Published: May 2010

A Gram-negative, aerobic, non-motile, yellow-pigmented, rod-shaped bacterium (strain JS-08T) isolated from seawater was subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strain JS-08T belongs to the genus Myroides, a member of the phylum Bacteroidetes. Its closest phylogenetic relative was Myroides odoratimimus JCM 7460T, with which it shared 97.0 % 16S RNA gene sequence similarity. Strain JS-08T contained menaquinone-6 (MK-6) as the predominant menaquinone, and the dominant fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and a summed feature consisting of iso-C15 : 0 2-OH and/or C16 : 1ω7c. The DNA G+C content of strain JS-08T was 34.2 mol%. Based on phenotypic, genotypic and phylogenetic evidence, it is suggested that strain JS-08T represents a novel species of the genus Myroides, for which the name Myroides marinus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is JS-08T ( = KCTC 23023T  = JCM 16529T).
Individual differences in spatial pattern separation performance associated with healthy aging in humans
Authors: Stark Shauna M. , Yassa Michael A. , Stark Craig E.L.
Published: May 2010

Rodent studies have suggested that “pattern separation,” the ability to distinguish among similar experiences, is diminished in a subset of aged rats. We extended these findings to the human using a task designed to assess spatial pattern separation behavior (determining at time of test whether pairs of pictures shown during the study were in the same spatial locations). Using a standardized test of word recall to divide healthy aged adults into impaired and unimpaired groups relative to young performance, we demonstrate that aged impaired adults are biased away from pattern separation and toward pattern completion, consistent with the rodent studies.
Dorsal hippocampal CREB is both necessary and sufficient for spatial memory
Authors: Sekeres Melanie J. , Neve Rachael L. , Frankland Paul W. , Josselyn Sheena A.
Published: May 2010

Although the transcription factor CREB has been widely implicated in memory, whether it is sufficient to produce spatial memory under conditions that do not normally support memory formation in mammals is unknown. We found that locally and acutely increasing CREB levels in the dorsal hippocampus using viral vectors is sufficient to induce robust spatial memory in two conditions that do not normally support spatial memory, weakly trained wild-type (WT) mice and strongly trained mutant mice with a brain-wide disruption of CREB function. Together with previous results, these findings indicate that CREB is both necessary and sufficient for spatial memory formation, and highlight its pivotal role in the hippocampal molecular machinery underlying the formation of spatial memory.
Information literacy in the professional literature: an exploratory analysis
Authors: Aharony Noa
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The current study aims to review the different publications dealing with information literacy and the emerging trends reflected over the ten years, 1999‐2009, in the Web of Science (WOS) database.

Design/methodology/approach

The study presents both a statistical descriptive analysis of document type, subject areas, authors, source titles, publication years, languages, countries and keywords of publications extracted from the WOS database, as well as a thorough content analysis of keywords and abstracts extracted from the WOS database.

Findings

The main results suggest that the term information literacy has various characteristics in an additional and interesting context: health and medicine. This finding may reflect a tendency of association between information literacy and health and medicine and stresses people's need for information literacy in this specific context.

Originality/value

The current study emphasises the notion that information literacy is no longer an issue for librarians or educators only.
Stochastic simulation using @Risk for dairy business investment decisions
Authors: Bewley J.M. , Boehlje  , Gray A.W. , Hogeveen H. , Kenyon S.J. , Eicher S.D. , Schutz M.M.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a dynamic, stochastic, mechanistic simulation model of a dairy business to evaluate the cost and benefit streams coinciding with technology investments. The model was constructed to embody the biological and economical complexities of a dairy farm system within a partial budgeting framework. A primary objective was to establish a flexible, user‐friendly, farm‐specific, decision‐making tool for dairy producers or their advisers and technology manufacturers.

Design/methodology/approach

The basic deterministic model was created in Microsoft Excel (Microsoft, Seattle, Washington). The @Risk add‐in (Palisade Corporation, Ithaca, New York) for Excel was employed to account for the stochastic nature of key variables within a Monte Carlo simulation. Net present value was the primary metric used to assess the economic profitability of investments. The model was composed of a series of modules, which synergistically provide the necessary inputs for profitability analysis. Estimates of biological relationships within the model were obtained from the literature in an attempt to represent an average or typical US dairy. Technology benefits were appraised from the resulting impact on disease incidence, disease impact, and reproductive performance. In this paper, the model structure and methodology were described in detail.

Findings

Examples of the utility of examining the influence of stochastic input and output prices on the costs of culling, days open, and disease were examined. Each of these parameters was highly sensitive to stochastic prices and deterministic inputs.

Originality/value

Decision support tools, such as this one, that are designed to investigate dairy business decisions may benefit dairy producers.
Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) modelling of different behaviours of Ni and Ni oxide thin films for corrosion prevention in sour media
Authors: Magaña‐Zavala C.R. , Angeles‐San Martín M.E. , Rodríguez‐Gómez F.J. , Acosta D.R. , Ávila‐Godoy R. , Hidalgo‐Prada B.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is a theoretical modeling use of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) technique for different cases that could describe the possible electrochemical behaviour on steel coated with metallic and oxide thin films (of nickel) deposited by magnetron sputtering, and compare them to know if the theoretical analysis resembles the real case. It is extremely important to clarify that such simulations do not consider the use of the constant phase element (CPE) for the analysis. Therefore, the goal for the theoretical models should be to gain acceptance in electrochemical research.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to obtain the equivalent circuits to explain the different possible behaviours of the films and their protective properties in sour media, EIS experimental data were correlated with data from the simulation software. The different nickel and nickel oxide thin films were tested after their deposition by magnetron sputtering on low‐carbon steel and after they had then been exposed to the sour media electrolyte of NaCl 3 wt% + H2S (saturated).

Findings

The EIS simulation starts from the laboratory evaluation of nickel and nickel oxide thin films as anticorrosive protection for low‐carbon steel exposed to sour media. From these results, it is found that the nickel and nickel oxide films could adopt seven different behaviours, and all are possible to occur.

Practical implications

The equivalent circuits proposed will give an insight into the corrosion phenomena for different metals coated with thin films and exposed to sour media, because all of the simulations are made on the basis of real EIS results.

Originality/value

The electrical analysis in the simulation diagram did not consider the use of the CPE to adjust the plots. In consequence, the values of all parameters for the seven different adjustments obtained through the simulations establish a reference for the explanation of the corrosion phenomena. They are also a tool with which to predict the possible behaviour of a thin film deposited on metal and exposed to electrolytes that are as aggressive as sour media.
Anticorrosive performance of titanium dioxide‐talc hybrid pigments in alkyd paint formulations for protection of steel structures
Authors: Ahmed Nivin M. , Selim Mohamed M.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the anticorrosive effects of a new pigment based on bulk of talc covered with a surface layer of titanium dioxide.

Design/methodology/approach

The new pigments were characterized using different analytical and spectro‐photometric techniques. Characterization of these pigments using X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis technique was used to assure the presence of titanium dioxide on talc surface, then X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) was employed to elucidate the concentration of different elements in the prepared pigments. Evaluation of these pigments was undertaken using international standard testing methods. The pigments were then incorporated in solvent‐based paint formulations based on medium oil alkyd resin. The physico‐mechanical properties of dry films and their corrosion properties were tested using accelerated laboratory tests in 3.5 percent NaCl for 28 days.

Findings

The results of this work reveal that as the layer of titanium dioxide is increased in thickness, enhanced anticorrosive properties of the new pigments are obtained.

Practical implications

These pigments can be applied in other polymer composites, e.g. rubber and plastics, as a reinforcing agent.

Originality/value

These prepared pigments are environmentally friendly and impart high anticorrosive behavior to paint films, a unique homogenous texture, and deliver concomitant cost savings.
Influence of climate factors on copper corrosion in electronic equipment and devices
Authors: Badilla Gustavo Lopez , Salas Benjamin Valdez , Wiener Miguel Schorr , Gonzalez Navor Rosas , Vazquez Hugo Tiznado , Herrara Gerardo Soto
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the indoor corrosion of metals used in the electronics industry, as influenced by climate factors.

Design/methodology/approach

Corrosivity levels inside industrial plants were evaluated to evaluate the deterioration of metals.

Findings

Relative humidity, temperature, and time of wetness are recorded and related to the corrosion process.

Originality/value

Control of climate factors indoors in industrial plants to reduce and control the corrosion process of metals used in the electronics industry.
New food processing technologies as a paradigm of safety and quality
Authors: Rodrigo Dolores , Sampedro Fernando , Silva A. , Palop Alfredo , Martínez Antonio
Published: May 2010

Purpose

Most of the preservation processes are based on temperature control; they are economical, safe and well established. However, for certain foods these processes modify the valuable nutritional content and organoleptic properties. In recent years, a number of emerging food preservation processes have been developed to fill a market niche in which the consumer prefers to pay more to obtain processed foods with their natural properties. The paper seeks to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study a review of the available scientific data in relation to high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) and pulsed electric fields (PEF) are presented, highlighting the quality advantages, industrial application and safety risks in their use.

Findings

Nowadays, more than 100 industrial applications are marketed and several companies design process equipments. Damage to cell membranes, enzymes or DNA is the most commonly cause of microorganisms' death by these technologies. In addition, within a population of microorganisms, some bacteria are killed, others survive, and a proportion is damaged. The latter is the concern population as the damage may be repaired and the microorganism maybe viable during the product shelf life. Acquisition of new or modified characteristics such as higher treatment resistance could also occur. Another potential risk has to do with the death pattern of microorganisms showing deviations from the traditional log‐linear kinetic model (shoulders, tails and sigmoidal shape). Therefore the developing of simple mathematical models, which can adequately interpret this behaviour, is necessary.

Originality/value

In summary, PEF and HHP technologies need to be evaluated by industries and regulatory authorities and more affordable equipments should be marketed to expand their use at industrial level.
Food consumer science post‐graduate courses: comparison of face‐to‐face versus online delivery systems
Authors: Pinto de Moura Ana , Miguel Cunha Luís , Miranda Azeiteiro Ulisses , Aires Luísa , Graça Pedro , Vaz de Almeida Maria Daniel
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare face‐to‐face versus online course delivery systems in the area of food consumption and to analyse the students' expectations and experiences. It aims to analyse the following dimensions: general expectations, learning organization and interactions in students' discourses. Design/methodology/approach – The methodology adopted is of interpretative nature using semi‐structured qualitative interviews. An interview guide was designed taking into account the learning modalities (styles and strategies), materials and learning tools, teacher‐student interaction and peer interaction dimensions. The students of both courses were interviewed in the second semester of the curricular year of the respective MSc degrees. Findings – This study has shown that face‐to‐face and online students are equally satisfied with their courses revealing the same confirmed general expectations. Comments for both course delivery systems are the need for more laboratory and practical classes. Results from this study also indicated that face‐to‐face and online educations are effective training food consumer sciences students suggesting, however, that both systems should evolve to blended‐learning. Practical implications – Both course delivery systems (face‐to‐face and online) contributed to the competencies acquisition in Food Consumer Sciences. B‐learning appears as the natural convergence of students needs. Originality/value – The online course results of the discourse analysis suggest the success developing a learning community pointing out the role of the online instructor and the course coordinator. The paper provided useful data and knowledge on which further research can be carried out.
The moderating effect of business strategy on the relationship between operations strategy and firms' results
Authors: Oltra María J. , Luisa Flor M.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

This paper seeks to examine empirically from a contingency perspective the influence of business strategy on the relationship between operations strategy and business results.

Design/methodology/approach

Analysis is carried out on a sample of 76 Spanish ceramic tile firms. Data on strategies are gathered by means of a postal survey addressed to operations managers and information on firms' results is drawn from secondary sources. Operations strategy is represented by competitive priorities and business strategy is based on Miles and Snow's typology. Relationships are modelled in regression equations including interaction terms in order to test for the existence of a moderating effect.

Findings

Existence of a moderating effect of business strategy on the relationship between operations strategy and firms' results is demonstrated. Specifically, in defender firms, the cost and quality priorities influence positively, whereas priorities of delivery and flexibility have a negative effect. No influence of operations strategy on firms' results is observed in analyser or prospector firms.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations of this research include the reduced number of organisations investigated and the fact that all companies belong to a single industry. Also, the fact that strategy variables are based on self‐reporting measures identified by a single respondent.

Practical implications

Practitioners must bear in mind the coherence between operations strategy and business strategy. In this work, details of business and operations strategy fits are given.

Originality/value

The fit between operations strategy and business strategy is studied by focusing on the moderating role of business strategy.
Enterprise systems complexity and its antecedents: a grounded‐theory approach
Authors: Schoenherr Tobias , Hilpert Ditmar , Soni Ashok K. , Venkataramanan M.A. , Mabert Vincent A.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a better understanding about drivers of enterprise systems complexity (ESC), as well as its multi‐faceted conceptualization.

Design/methodology/approach

Case studies were conducted among German Mittelstand companies by an international research team. A grounded theory approach was followed, with the first phase of the case studies being exploratory, and the second phase being more focused.

Findings

Case study findings suggest that ESC is a multi‐dimensional construct consisting of the following dimensions: seamlessness, adoption date, number of integrated subsystems, system type/composition, number of functional areas linked, and number of users. Drivers of ESC identified via the case studies include the multi‐dimensional constructs of competition, complexity of processes, complexity of products, global operations, and the firm's customer base. Grounded theory development is used to conceptualize the measures of these drivers. Founded in these exploratory observations propositions for future research are developed.

Originality/value

The research reports on the experiences of companies with enterprise systems (ES), and explores organizational factors determining system complexity; as a sampling frame Mittelstand companies in Southwest Germany are chosen, making this study one of the few exploring ES within this context. The paper also places ESC within theoretical domains, especially the STS theory. The conceptualization of ESC and its antecedents presented provides a starting point for future academic research into this area.
Talent management: ensuring your people give you the competitive edge
Authors: Stephens Nick
Published: May 2010

Purpose

HR and people management have become increasingly important in the current economic climate. This paper examines how these key issues are approached.

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the article in context

Findings

The study confirmed that well‐managed talent is crucial for success in the highly competitive global drugs market.

Originality/value

Assessing leadership potential, retaining talent and evaluating the cost of recruiting senior executives were all identified as key issues for today's life sciences executives.
Work and career experiences of ethnic minority men and women
Authors: Fearfull Anne , Kamenou Nicolina
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the contexts in which this special issue developed, along with the wider context in which research such as that included is conducted. It is believed that without the persistence of researchers in this field, the situation would be even worse.

Design/methodology/approach

Papers were selected from those submitted following a call for papers which went out after the Inaugural Equal Opportunities International Conference held at the University of East Anglia in July 2008. Two of the selected papers use qualitative, and two use quantitative, methodologies. The research was conducted in Belgium, Germany and the United Kingdom. Each seeks to develop theory based upon fresh empirical work.

Findings

Compelling evidence provides insight to ways in which majority and minority ethnic employees experience organizations differently, along with the resultant differential outcomes, including career paths, quality and opportunities.

Research limitations/implications

This paper maintains that each paper in this special issue (within its own context and as it currently stands) represents a robust example of qualitative or quantitative research in the field.

Practical implications

From the evidence of each paper published here, it is clear that academics and practitioners alike will gain insights to employer and employee behaviours at the level of the labour market and within the workplace itself. Such insights should encourage further action on the part of both. Employers should be prompted to review their polices and practices in the light of anti‐discriminatory legislation in such a way as to minimize discrimination therein.

Social implications

This paper draws attention to matters of persistent inequality which remain so even in enlightened times wherein quite extensive legislation is in place to outlaw such inequality. As such, the guest editors would like to see, as a result of both academics and practitioners reading the work within this, and all other, editions of the journal, concerted efforts, in the case of the former, to continue to conduct and disseminate high‐profile research in the area of discrimination and equal opportunity, and, in the latter, to address their policies and practices. In the latter context, the guest editors would like to see an impact on public and private employment policies and the seriousness with which corporate social responsibility is undertaken. In that respect, public attitudes might eventually be seen to be changing for the more equitable.

Originality/value

The paper brings together the findings of four different pieces of original research in such a way as to demonstrate the commitment of researchers to addressing inequality in today's workplaces, which themselves continue to be inequitable.
Migrant employees in Germany: personnel structures and practices
Authors: Ortlieb Renate , Sieben Barbara
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the representation of migrant employees in German organizations and to demonstrate that their employment opportunities are outcomes of diversity strategies – i.e. patterns of personnel practices and the reasons that cause them or are alleged to do so.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on a typology of diversity strategies where elements of strategy and diversity research are combined with resource dependence theory. Propositions on the strategies’ relation to personnel structures and practices are examined through empirical data stemming from telephone interviews conducted with HR managers of 500 German companies.

Findings

Empirical analyses revealed that diversity strategies are tightly related to personnel structures and practices. The best employment opportunities and career prospects for skilled migrants are offered by companies pursuing a diversity strategy labelled learning. In addition, the findings demonstrate the robustness of this typology.

Research limitations/implications

The empirical data suffer from common method bias: information was gathered on the pursued strategy, the personnel structure and practices of each company by interviewing one single person. Moreover, to dig more deeply into the relation with career prospects, a supplementary qualitative approach would be fruitful.

Practical implications

The results highlight conditions which are beneficial for advocating the integration of migrant employees. Equally, they may incentivise organizational decision makers with the “good reasons” to employ migrants.

Originality/value

By this paper's typology of diversity strategies, an innovative approach is contributed to the theoretical foundation of diversity research as their relation to personnel structures and practices is empirically analysed for the first time.
Office layouts and employee participation
Authors: Mohammad A. Binyaseen Adel
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose an applicable solution to help organizations to solve the problem of participation vs privacy in office buildings.

Design/methodology/approach

A theoretical model is proposed based on research claims that employees' participation motivated by three issues simultaneously is likely to shape the ideal overall participation map in office layouts. These are organizational, physical planning, and personal characteristics issues. The model was applied to a case study and results were compared with employees' reaction.

Findings

Once the model was applied, results revealed misallocation of 63 per cent of staff in their workspaces. Results support employees' reaction towards their dissatisfaction with the level of participation vs privacy they possess in their workspaces.

Research limitations/implications

Each organization could have a different participation map due to variations in organizational and personal characteristics issues. Further research is needed to understand relationships among the three incorporated issues.

Originality/value

The proposed model could be easily applied and would provide organizations with ideal office layouts that would support productivity.
A conceptual framework for hybrid building projects
Authors: Adeyeye Kemi , Bouchlaghem Dino , Pasquire Christine
Published: May 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on hybrid projects as a type of building adaptation work. It seeks to discuss the hybrid building design process in subsets of information and resulting decisions by highlighting the relationship between them. It also aims to present a conceptual framework which was developed by refining, or customising the RIBA Plan of Work.

Design/methodology/approach

Field theory formed the theoretical basis for the approach to mapping the hybrid project process. The conceptual framework itself evolved from a comprehensive literature review, case studies and a practice survey. In total, 11 design and construction professionals evaluated the framework and their comments and feedback are also discussed.

Findings

The discussion presents an approach which can be used to manage the delivery of hybrid projects, although it was found that the proposed framework can be applied to a wider spectrum of construction projects.

Research limitations/implications

The evaluation of the framework was limited by the number of participants involved and the limited client representation.

Originality/value

The paper makes an original contribution by further exploring an increasingly relevant area of construction activity; building adaptations. Although the research focused specifically on the design‐specific stages of hybrid project delivery, findings contribute towards process improvement by emphasising the need for early information acquisition, early and precise definition of design intent, and collaborative design decision making. These three factors contribute highly to client/user satisfaction (value) and effective project delivery.
Managing employers' requirements in construction industry
Authors: Yu Ann T.W. , Shen Geoffrey Q.P. , Chan Edwin H.W.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore existing problems and potential solutions of managing Employers' Requirements in the project development process of construction projects under traditional procurement systems.

Design/methodology/approach

Two research instruments are used: semi‐structured interview and questionnaire survey, to investigate the problems and potential solutions to Requirements Management in the construction industry.

Findings

The research revealed that Requirements Management is crucial to the successful delivery of construction projects. However, the current practice of Requirements Management in the industry is informal and there is a lack of a systematic approach to tackle the problems. The authors also propose potential solutions to Requirements Management as well as a vision for further research.

Practical implications

The paper presents the problems of managing Employers' Requirements, and the potential solutions to improve the Requirements Management process that need to be addressed.

Originality/value

The paper improves one's comprehension of the nature, characteristics, problems and potential solutions of Requirements Management in the project development process under the traditional procurement systems in the construction industry, relevant to both practitioners and scholars. A model is proposed as a “preliminary framework” to show the processes involved.
The role of the stakeholder perspective in measuring corporate reputation
Authors: Puncheva‐Michelotti Petya , Michelotti Marco
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to develop an effective measure of corporate reputation when stakeholders are faced with different decision situations.

Design/methodology/approach

The study research question was addressed using survey data from 500 respondents involved in four decision situations: purchasing products from a company, seeking employment, purchasing shares and supporting the operations of a company in their community.

Findings

The findings suggest that corporate reputation is a situational construct which is continuously redefined by stakeholders according to the decision they are considering. Thus, companies may not have the same reputation when seeking different kind of support from stakeholders.

Research limitations/implications

In order to generalise the findings, the collection of data by means of surveys of larger random samples from multiple countries are strongly encouraged.

Practical implications

The paper contributes to the development of effective measures of corporate reputation for individuals who may have hybrid stakeholder identity and are involved in diverse decisions regarding companies. This contribution is valuable in that it can be used by managers and companies to establish more effective corporate communication strategies, which directly address the information needs of individuals considering different relationships with firms.

Originality/value

The paper identifies the value placed on various reputation dimensions when individuals consider different relationships with companies. By doing so, we provide an innovative tool that can be utilised by marketing managers to measure the attractiveness of companies to potential consumers, employees, investors and community members.
SME practice towards integrated marketing communications
Authors: Gabrielli Veronica , Balboni Bernardo
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discover and empirically test the gap between the theory and practice of integrated marketing communications (IMC) in small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper follows a quantitative approach, using the questionnaire technique. Questionnaire items emerged from a literature review and a qualitative step (in‐depth interviews). The questionnaire was submitted to a sample of 210 manufacturing firms. Factor and cluster analysis were performed in order to give a descriptive overview of different communication behavioral profiles within SMEs.

Findings

The sample shows evidence of a certain ability in marketing communication management on the part of SMEs. A group of virtuous firms able to employ a great variety of communication tools, to define in‐depth and consistent messages and to declare ambitious and long‐term goals appears. However, these firms do not adequately manage the internal organizational process aimed at marketing communication planning. As well as these virtuous firms, a large group of firms which show more gaps including in their range of activities, message, and goal definition, still exists. Structural characteristics are useful but not exhaustive in order to understand the existence of such a distance between SMEs active in communications and those with greater communication gaps. Besides, structural characteristics, internal dynamism proves to be one of the most important motivating factors in marketing communications.

Research limitations/implications

Although this paper is restricted to a small sample, it constitutes a significant starting point in attaching importance to marketing communications within SMEs.

Practical implications

From this paper, practitioners may understand where intervention guidelines are needed in order to improve a marketing communications plan for a small or medium enterprise.

Originality/value

Owing to the focus of previous research on large company practices, this paper represents an original trial to empirically apply the IMC approach only within SMEs.
The organizational roles of marketing and marketing managers
Authors: Gök Osman , Hacioglu Gungor
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to design a comprehensive responsibilities inventory for today's marketing managers, from which it develops factual inferences for the role of marketing in corporations.

Design/methodology/approach

A content analysis on online job announcements is used to define the role inventory of the marketing manager.

Findings

The findings reveal that marketing managers are responsible for six role dimensions in the organization. The marketing manager's assigned roles are for the management of promotion‐related activities of the company, rather than for managing other marketing mix elements. Communicational and relational (internal and external) role clusters are the most frequently addressed of marketing managers' responsibilities. Knowledge development and injection of market and marketing knowledge into the company's value network is another of the major role dimensions. Increasing financial pressures on companies mean that the outcomes of marketing actions must be measurable, so developing and reporting performance analysis and financial metrics for marketing activities has become an important part of the manager's agenda.

Originality/value

The paper is the first attempt to develop a role inventory for the marketing manager that embraces proofs, signals, and insights from the practice.