bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EWS-FLI-1 modulates miRNA145 and SOX2 expression to initiate mesenchymal stem cell reprogramming toward Ewing sarcoma cancer stem cells
Authors: Riggi Nicolò , Suvà Mario-Luca , De Vito Claudio , Provero Paolo , Stehle Jean-Christophe , Baumer Karine , Cironi Luisa , Janiszewska Michalina , Petricevic Tanja , Suvà Domizio , Tercier Stéphane , Joseph Jean-Marc , Guillou Louis , Stamenkovic Ivan
Published: April 2010

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) display plasticity and self-renewal properties reminiscent of normal tissue stem cells, but the events responsible for their emergence remain obscure. We recently identified CSCs in Ewing sarcoma family tumors (ESFTs) and showed that they retain mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) plasticity. In the present study, we addressed the mechanisms that underlie ESFT CSC development. We show that the EWS-FLI-1 fusion gene, associated with 85%–90% of ESFTs and believed to initiate their pathogenesis, induces expression of the embryonic stem cell (ESC) genes OCT4, SOX2, and NANOG in human pediatric MSCs (hpMSCs) but not in their adult counterparts. Moreover, under appropriate culture conditions, hpMSCs expressing EWS-FLI-1 generate a cell subpopulation displaying ESFT CSC features in vitro. We further demonstrate that induction of the ESFT CSC phenotype is the result of the combined effect of EWS-FLI-1 on its target gene expression and repression of microRNA-145 (miRNA145) promoter activity. Finally, we provide evidence that EWS-FLI-1 and miRNA-145 function in a mutually repressive feedback loop and identify their common target gene, SOX2, in addition to miRNA145 itself, as key players in ESFT cell differentiation and tumorigenicity. Our observations provide insight for the first time into the mechanisms whereby a single oncogene can reprogram primary cells to display a CSC phenotype.
Increasing ω-3 Desaturase Expression in Tomato Results in Altered Aroma Profile and Enhanced Resistance to Cold Stress
Authors: Domínguez Teresa , HernÁndez M. Luisa , Pennycooke Joyce C. , Jiménez Pedro , Martínez-Rivas José Manuel , Sanz Carlos , Stockinger Eric J. , SÁnchez-Serrano José J. , Sanmartín Maite
Published: April 2010

One of the drawbacks in improving the aroma properties of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) fruit is the complexity of this organoleptic trait, with a great variety of volatiles contributing to determine specific quality features. It is well established that the oxylipins hexanal and (Z)-hex-3-enal, synthesized through the lipoxygenase pathway, are among the most important aroma compounds and impart in a correct proportion some of the unique fresh notes in tomato. Here, we confirm that all enzymes responsible for the synthesis of these C6 compounds are present and active in tomato fruit. Moreover, due to the low odor threshold of (Z)-hex-3-enal, small changes in the concentration of this compound could modify the properties of the tomato fruit aroma. To address this possibility, we have overexpressed the ω-3 fatty acid desaturases FAD3 and FAD7 that catalyze the conversion of linoleic acid (18:2) to linolenic acid (18:3), the precursor of hexenals and its derived alcohols. Transgenic OE-FAD tomato plants exhibit altered fatty acid composition, with an increase in the 18:3/18:2 ratio in leaves and fruits. These changes provoke a clear variation in the C6 content that results in a significant alteration of the (Z)-hex-3-enal/hexanal ratio that is particularly important in ripe OE-FAD3FAD7 fruits. In addition to this effect on tomato volatile profile, OE-FAD tomato plants are more tolerant to chilling. However, the different behaviors of OE-FAD plants underscore the existence of separate fatty acid fluxes to ensure plant survival under adverse conditions.
Production and utilisation of gastric rafts from polysaccharide combinations to induce satiety
Authors: Tang Mingguo , Alvani Kamran , Tester Richard F.
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to prepare alginate‐pectin‐starch containing matrices expanded by the generation of carbon dioxide, from carbonates when in contact with acids, characterise their structure in vitro and to assess their capacity to provide satiety in vivo.

Design/methodology/approach

For in vitro characterisation, carbon dioxide expanded polysaccharide matrices (rafts) were prepared in HCl and their structural strength was measured in terms of their capacity to resist breakage in a model test system. For in vivo trials, 12 healthy volunteers (mixed sex, aged 25‐55) were recruited to take part in the three‐part trial. Each part lasted for one week where volunteers consumed polysaccharides (in 50 ml water) with or without rafting salts (carbonates), or water (as a control). Effects on satiety, reduction of food intake and any change to body weight were evaluated with the volunteers.

Findings

The in vitro results showed that aqueous solution/dispersions (50 ml) of alginate‐pectin‐starch matrices produced rafts in hydrochloric acid (pH < 2), where increasing the ratio of carbonates to polysaccharides (range from 0.25:1 to 1.5:1, w/w) provided increased floatation capability but reducing gel strength. These rafts were stable for over 24 h at room temperature within 0.05‐0.5 M HCl. For in vivo “satiety” studies, when volunteers consumed (daily) aliquots of the polysaccharide mixture plus flavour and sweetener without carbonates 2.5 h after lunch, they felt the onset of hunger on average 186 ± 68 min after consumption of the polysaccharides. This was not significantly different from a water only control (onset of hunger at 165 ± 47 min). When polysaccharides plus flavour sweetener and carbonates were consumed, however, volunteers reported feeling the onset of hunger at 224 ± 62 min on average after consumption which was significantly different from the water control (p < 0.001), or the polysaccharides without carbonates (p < 0.01). When consuming the polysaccharide rafting format, half of the volunteers reported a reduction in size of their evening meal.

Originality/value

These data indicate that the alginate‐pectin‐starch combination with carbonate salts in a “gastric rafting format” provide a potential approach in the management of body weight and obesity.
Physicochemical properties of Roselle seed oil
Authors: Isaac Bamgboye Adeleke , Adejumo Oyebola I.
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the physicochemical properties of oil produced from Roselle seeds.

Design/methodology/approach

The oil was produced from the seeds by mechanical expression and the physicochemical properties of the oil determined using the AOAC methods.

Findings

The values of the physicochemical properties of oil from Roselle seed are saponification value 126.2, iodine value 111.2, viscosity 22.5 cp, refractive index 1.4472 and specific gravity 0.9558. The peroxide value varied between 6.0‐9.3 and 5.9‐9.0; and free fatty acid, 0.435‐2.300 and 0.510‐3.311 for fine and coarse samples, respectively. These values compared favourably with standard values, indicating that the oil extracted is edible.

Originality/value

The properties are useful in determining the suitability of the oil from the Roselle seeds as edible oil or for other industrial purposes.
Television viewing and fast food intake of American and Japanese college students
Authors: Kobayashi Futoshi
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between daily television viewing duration and weekly fast food intake of American and Japanese college students.

Design/methodology/approach

From the archival database of lifestyle study (Kobayashi, 2007), the relevant variables were chosen and reanalyzed.

Findings

In 222 Japanese participants, there were no significant differences between the infrequent (less than 60 min) and the frequent (60 min and more) television viewers regarding their weekly fast food intake. However, in 147 American participants, the frequent (60 min and more) television viewers indicated significantly larger intake of fast food per week than the infrequent (less than 60 min) television viewers.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the limited sample size, the results of this study might lack generalizability. Further research on this issue should be conducted in the future.

Practical implications

The findings suggested possible influences of television viewing upon fast food intake of American college students.

Originality/value

There were few studies that investigated the media effects on fast food intake of both American and Japanese college students. This study might be the first one.
Individualized dietary intervention and hospitalized patients, Tehran, Iran
Authors: Amirkalali Bahareh , Hosseini Saeed , Ramezani Fatemeh , Nejati Sara , Nayebi Neda , Larijani Bagher
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is first to examine whether standard hospital food met patients' requirements and second, to evaluate the effect of individualized dietary intervention on weight, BMI and body composition of the patients.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 69 patients (37 in the intervention group and 32 in the control group) were randomly selected. Weight, height and body composition measurements were performed in both groups within 24 h after admission and at discharge. In the intervention group, encouraging with eating and drinking, replacing missed meals with supplements or enteral nutrition were used as strategies to improve dietary intake. Frequency, chi‐square, Wilcoxon and paired t‐test were used to analyze data.

Findings

Before intervention daily energy and protein intake were significantly lower than required amounts in both groups. After intervention energy intake met requirements in the intervention group while it was still less than requirements in the control group. Protein intake met requirements in both groups. There were no significant changes in body weight, BMI and body composition in the intervention group during hospitalization but in the control group weight, BMI and body protein decreased significantly.

Originality/value

This paper shows the importance of individualized dietary intervention to prevent weight and body protein loss of patients during hospitalization.
Use of slow release starch (SRS) to treat hypoglycaemia in type 1 diabetics
Authors: Qi Xin , Band Margaret , Tester Richard , Piggott John , Hurel Steve J.
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate if slow release starch (SRS) could be used to control/limit hypoglycaemia in type 1 diabetics.

Design/methodology/approach

Ten type‐1 diabetic volunteers were fitted with continuous glucose monitors for two periods of 3 days when undertaking their normal routine or when consuming 60 g SRS before sleep.

Findings

The average number of nocturnal hypoglycaemic episodes where no SRS was consumed over 3 days was 2.7 ± 2.0 but only 0.7 ± 1.1 after SRS consumption before sleep. The duration of these events was equivalent to 318 ± 282 and 140 ± 337 min, respectively. Average nocturnal blood glucose concentration was 7.9 ± 1.4 mmol l−1 without SRS consumption but increased to 9.7 ± 2.7 mmol l−1 when SRS was consumed. These data were highly significant when subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) test on a subject by subject basis. The SRS may be used as a cost effective therapy to avoid hypoglycaemia in patients with type‐1 diabetes.

Originality/value

This paper reports for the first time the use of a physically modified waxy maize starch (SRS) to prevent/limit the incidence of nocturnal hypoglycaemia in type 1 diabetics.
Low‐fat diet: case study of a cardiology patient
Authors: Apekey Tanefa A. , Morris Anne J.E. , Fagbemi Shamusi , Griffiths G.J.
Published: April 2010

Purpose

Healthy diet and lifestyle have been shown to be important for obese patients in the management of diet‐related diseases especially in the improvement of cardiovascular disease risk indicators. The purpose of this paper is to determine the effects of a calorie‐restricted low‐fat diet on body weight, cardiovascular disease risk and liver function indicators in an obese, cardiology outpatient with type II diabetes.

Design/methodology/approach

A male, obese cardiology outpatient was assigned to a calorie‐restricted (6,694.4 kJ/d) low‐fat (not to exceed 20 per cent of total energy intake) diet for 12 weeks. His body mass index (BMI), blood pressure (BP), pulse rate, fasting glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, alanine aminotranseferase, aspartate aminotranseferase (AST) concentration and TC/HDL ratio were measured prior to the start of the diet and during weeks four, eight and 12 of the diet.

Findings

The patient found it difficult making changes to his diet and only reduced his weight by 1 kg. He significantly reduced his serum triglyceride by about 20 per cent, TC/HDL ratio by 13 per cent and fasting blood glucose concentration by 31 per cent. However, there was no significant change in his BP, pulse rate, total and LDL cholesterol concentration. He also reduced his AST concentration by 20 per cent and alanine aminotranseferase (ALT) by 19 per cent.

Originality/value

This paper usefully shows how healthier food choices involving increased intake of fruits and vegetables and restricted intake of total and saturated fat reduced the risk of cardiovascular death in a male cardiology outpatient with type II diabetes.
Development of professional identity in Romanian business students
Authors: Glaser‐Segura Daniel A. , Mudge Suzanne , Brătianu Constantin , Dumitru Ionela
Published: April 2010

Purpose

This study aims to focus on the role of learning activities on the development of Romanian students making the change from academia to the workplace, specifically focusing on the role of three learning activities: classroom teaching pedagogies (in‐vitro); field experiences (in‐situ); and self‐development experiential activities.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a 12‐factor scale developed by the authors to measure the role of learning activities on professional identity (PI), 364 students in an English‐language BBA program at a prominent Romanian university were surveyed via an online survey service. From this sample 97 valid responses were obtained and these were regressed on a measure of PI to test three main hypotheses.

Findings

In‐vitro, in‐situ, and self‐development experiential activities exhibited a positive relationship to PI. The two most significant predictors of PI were found to be membership of a professional student group and the use of case studies in class.

Practical implications

The findings of the study have practical implications for the business community and business educators, for activities such as curriculum development, course design and delivery. The findings reinforce the need for more practical pedagogies.

Originality/value

The paper makes an empirical contribution to the field of PI development in Romanian business students and by extension to students in similar post‐Communist countries. To this date there have been no studies that link practical learning activities to the development of PI in a transition society.
Graduates', university lecturers' and employers' perceptions towards employability skills
Authors: Wickramasinghe Vathsala , Perera Lasantha
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore employability skills that employers, university lecturers and graduates value to bring to the workplace, when graduates are applying for entry‐level graduate jobs in the field of computer science in Sri Lanka.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of three samples were selected for this exploratory study, namely, graduates, employers, and university lecturers. Three self‐administered survey questionnaires were developed targeting the three groups. In addition to descriptive statistics, paired sample t‐test, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and correlation analysis were used for the data analysis.

Findings

The findings suggested that there are differences in the priorities given for employability skills by the four groups – male graduates, female graduates, employers, and university lecturers. Further, the findings suggest that employability skills are influenced by the gender of the graduates. Overall, the findings of the study could be used to assist universities, graduates, employers, and career advisers in applying strategic decisions in managing graduates' careers.

Originality/value

Although a considerable amount of the literature addresses employability skills, much of the information is theoretical in nature and offers policy recommendations and prescriptive advice. Further, a majority of the research studies has primarily examined the experiences of a particular higher educational institute where remedial actions were taken to impart employability skills. The paper presents findings of a survey that investigated and compared employability skills that employers, university lecturers and graduates value to bring to the workplace when graduates are applying for entry‐level graduate jobs.
Pre‐employment course: a partnership for success?
Authors: Pepper Ian K. , McGrath Ruth
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the benefits of pre‐employment education and training and its impact on the students' choice of career paths. It focuses on a programme delivered in partnership between Teesside University and a North East Police Force, and provides a model for future pre‐employment education and training.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes the formation of a partnership approach to the delivery of a pre‐employment programme, and researches its impact on decisions for career selection.

Findings

Research evaluation offers evidence to support the hypothesis that a pre‐employment programme can significantly impact on decision making when changing or selecting career paths. It also emphasises the value of taking a partnership approach in delivery and content.

Practical implications

The paper could provide a model for pre‐employment education and training programmes in other work‐based fields. A key feature in this model is the partnership approach when determining content and delivery, which in turn provides students with first hand insights into a variety of police‐related occupations.

Originality/value

The paper focuses on the impact of taking a partnership approach to programme content and delivery. The findings support the benefits to students of a university and police partnership when informing learners of their possible future career paths.
Antecedents of perceived intra‐ and extra‐organisational alternatives
Authors: Torka Nicole , Geurts Peter , Sanders Karin , van Riemsdijk Maarten
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore antecedents of perceived intra‐ and extra‐organisational alternatives among employees in the Czech Republic, Poland and the Slovak Republic.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 9,068 low‐educated supermarket employees at 360 supermarkets. LISREL analysis was employed.

Findings

Age, job autonomy and organisation size predict both forms of perceived alternatives. Tenure appears to influence both forms of perceived alternatives positively. Job challenge and sex only predict perceived extra‐organisational alternatives. Unexpectedly, despite relatively high unemployment rates, the respondents perceive extra‐organisational alternatives.

Research limitations/implications

Some of the antecedents of perceived alternatives identified in research among workers in Western societies seem to have a different or no impact on the perceived alternatives of employees in these countries. The study comprises only cross‐sectional data. In order to test causality a longitudinal design is needed.

Practical implications

Managers should offer development and promotion opportunities in order to prevent turnover and to enhance internal flexibility as well as reflect on inducements for female and older workers.

Originality/value

This is one of the few studies exploring employee perceptions in Central European transition countries. Moreover, in general, research on the perceived alternatives of low‐educated employees is very scarce. Therefore, this research also contributes to knowledge about their labour market perceptions.
Who would delay retirement? Typologies of older workers
Authors: Flynn Matthew
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the existing literature linked to older workers' work orientations and the use of typologies to identify groups of older workers according to their work and retirement patterns.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach taken entails reviewing books and academic journals from the area of human resource management, retirement, diversity and pensions. The paper focuses on the industrial sociology literature as the grounding for the construction of older worker typologies.

Findings

The review of the typologies reveals that the older workforce is a wide range of workers whose experience in work impacts their attitude toward and planning for retirement. Policy makers cannot, therefore, take a “one size fits all” approach to designing incentives for delaying retirement.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of the review is that the studies which have been reviewed are based on both qualitative and quantitative data and have focused on different aspects of later life work, such as early retirement, ill‐health retirements, pensions and staying in work past retirement age.

Practical implications

The review has a number of practical implications for HR practitioners, government, and trade unions who want to develop targeted incentives for older workers to delay retirement.

Originality/value

The originality of the review is that it is unique in bringing together the range of literature on older worker typologies in order to identify overarching themes. The review found that Titmuss' “two nations” provides a useful model for identifying groups of older workers who are in most need of support.
The devolution of HRM to middle managers in the Irish health service
Authors: Conway Edel , Monks Kathy
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to examine the impact of organisational restructuring on the devolution of HRM to middle managers in the Irish health service.

Design/methodology/approach

The study involved interviews with a cross‐section of 48 HR and line managers in one area of the Irish health service.

Findings

Decision making by both HR and middle managers was adversely affected by the increased layers of bureaucracy that had resulted from the restructuring process. HR managers were devolving HR activities but were still retaining control of information systems and this was both slowing down middle management decision making and leading to the creation of new databases by the managers themselves. HR managers were emerging as regulators of HR activities.

Research limitations/implications

The study was conducted in only one area of the Irish health service and with a limited number of respondents.

Originality/value

The study examines the way in which organisational context impacts on the devolution of HR activities to line managers and adds to an understanding of the relationship between HR and middle managers in the devolution of HR activities to line managers.
Local government fraud: the Roslyn School District case
Authors: Huefner Ronald J.
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an in‐depth analysis of a major fraud case in a local government setting, specifically a public school district, as a guide to managers and overseers of such organizations and as an instructional resource. Fraud cases outside the corporate arena have not been well represented in the literature.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes the multi‐faceted fraud that occurred, identifies the control, oversight and auditing deficiencies that permitted it to happen, and suggests how adherence to good practices contributes to fraud prevention. What happened, why it happened, and how it might have been prevented are discussed. An extensive state audit provides richness of detail for this case study.

Findings

The absence of, or non‐adherence to, internal controls, failures of oversight by the supervisory board, collusion among top executives, and substandard auditing all contributed to a multi‐million dollar public fraud extending over several years. The case led to new requirements for the financial management of school districts.

Practical implications

The case provides guidance to management, board members, auditors, and regulators as to how fraud can thrive when control and oversight deficiencies exist, and demonstrates how adherence to good practices can reduce the occurrence of fraud in the local government environment.

Originality/value

This paper provides a broader exposure to a major, multi‐faceted fraud case in a non‐corporate environment.
Making or breaking environmental innovation?
Authors: Kivimaa Paula , Kautto Petrus
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of internationally changing market conditions versus national innovation systems (NIS) for environmental innovation in a transforming industry sector, the Nordic pulp and paper industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on several case studies of technological innovations in the sector, using data triangulation, crucial factors for environmental innovation are analyzed. The cases focus on bioenergy technologies in pulp mills and on new products from fiber.

Findings

While NIS still supports the networks through which innovations are created, the formation of innovation markets is increasingly dependent on international developments. Environmental innovation is most likely to occur when momentum is created by simultaneous changes in private and policy‐created markets. Environmental policies, increasingly originating at the EU level, have added the final impetus for bioenergy technologies, while for new products the policy effect has been smaller.

Practical implications

National innovation policies must be designed to take into account the internationalizing influences on environmental innovation.

Originality/value

The paper shows the continued importance of NIS in a low‐and‐medium technology sector despite internationalizing markets.
Recognizing definitive stakeholders in corporate environmental management
Authors: Paloviita Ari , Luoma‐aho Vilma
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present four examples of stakeholder relationships related to issues of corporate environmental management (CEM) and analyze them based on the model of Mitchell et al. (1997).

Design/methodology/approach

Secondary data are used in the case studies.

Findings

The four cases presented show that basically any stakeholder can become definitive over time in the complex network of stakeholders with mutual relationships. The definitive stakeholders in CEM are no longer merely the NGOs and policymakers but now include many diverse groups such as customers, locals and suppliers.

Research limitations/implications

These case studies cannot be generalized, but they could contribute to more comprehensive studies on stakeholder strategies in the future by raising up new CEM issues.

Practical implications

The paper indicates that stakeholder strategies need to be changed in corporations over time. Latent stakeholders can become expectant and definitive stakeholders gradually over time.

Originality/value

The paper presents and analyzes four different cases of corporation‐stakeholder relations in the field of corporate environmental management
Decision making for transportation systems as a support for sustainable stewardship
Authors: Guenther Edeltraud , Greschner Farkavcová Vera
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The environmental impacts of transportation are rarely brought into decision making frameworks. The purpose of this paper is to introduce a framework and tool to help in these organizational decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey analysis was carried out amongst waste‐management companies within the project ETIENNE. Using this information, drivers and hurdles to the environmentally motivated optimization of transport were identified.

Findings

This research framework presents results of perceived hurdles in transport process optimization. Results of the research are grounded with definitions and discussion of the relevance of logistic processes.

Research limitations/implications

Analysis provided in this paper shows that there is no practicable tool to consider environmental impacts in management decisions in transportation. Therefore, a software tool, the so‐called ETIENNE‐Tool, for the evaluation of transportation alternatives, is developed. Theoretical principles for the environmental evaluation of transport processes are also proposed.

Practical implications

Organizational tasks – such as the selection and planning of transportation relations; employment of means of transportation; planning of locations; finally performing of operative business – can be fulfilled in a more environmentally sound manner.

Originality/value

Based on the ETIENNE‐Tool and taking into consideration stakeholders' requirements, different transportation chains for one transportation task can be easily compared and transportation can be planned efficiently.
Green supply chain management in leading manufacturers
Authors: Zhu Qinghua , Geng Yong , Fujita Tsuyoshi , Hashimoto Shizuka
Published: April 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to introduce environmental, green supply chain management (GSCM), experiences of large Japanese manufacturers.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an investigation of nine large Japanese manufacturers, this paper examines GSCM implementation as well as their performance improvement and drivers among these manufacturers.

Findings

A comparative analysis shows that Japanese large manufacturers implement one key GSCM practice, internal environmental management, much more actively and effectively than Chinese manufacturers. The sample of Japanese manufacturers implement four other GSCM practices – green purchasing, customer cooperation with environmental considerations, eco‐design and investment recovery – at similar levels when compared to Chinese manufacturers. Even at the initial stage of GSCM implementation, large Japanese companies have made significant improvements for environmental and financial performance but not for operational performance.

Research limitations/implications

Experiences in GSCM practices among those large manufacturers can be disseminated to smaller companies in Japan as well as companies in developing countries such as China. To establish mechanisms to diffuse GSCM innovation from leading companies requires further research.

Originality/value

This paper indicates that large companies can green their supply chain by establishing win‐win relationships with their smaller suppliers and customers, and thus realize sustainable development for the whole supply chains. It also indicates that appropriate regulations and policies set by governments can help GSCM diffusion from larger leading companies to smaller companies.
Larry Heinemann: an annotated guide to selected resources
Authors: Stovall Connie
Published: April 2010

Purpose

This article's aim is to provide an annotated bibliographic resource guide for scholars researching Larry Heinemann, an author whose novels are frequently studied in association with Vietnam War literature.

Design/methodology/approach

Searches were performed using a variety of bibliographic databases in literature and library science and the world wide web to discover interviews and literary criticism spanning 32 years of Heinemann's career.

Findings

Though often controversial, Heinemann's works represent a significant and provocative study in the literature of the Vietnam War. Major themes in the literary criticism and interviews annotated emphasize the vulnerabilities of the working‐class, how returning and traumatized veterans reincorporate into society, American myths’ role in fiction, and gendering of enemies.

Originality/value

No other annotated bibliography currently exists for those interested in researching or collecting Larry Heinemann's texts.
Electronic collection growth: an academic library case study
Authors: Kichuk Diana
Published: April 2010

Purpose

This paper seeks to provide recent case study evidence for the remarkable growth of electronic resources in academic library collections and to analyze growth patterns and impacts.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study reviewed electronic resources growth at the University of Saskatchewan Library over a 12‐year time series, from 1996‐1997 to 2007‐2008. The researcher collected data from the library's databases A‐Z lists over the time series, compiled statistics and growth rates for both net holdings and new acquisitions, then analyzed and contextualized the results.

Findings

The study reveals three electronic resources growth or development stages corresponding to advances in electronic resource types – i.e. bibliographic, full text and reference – and a pattern of sustained rapid growth. It was found that growth doubled within the last four years of the time series, with ±100 resources being added annually in the same period. Both internal and external events impacted on growth. Just as internal and external events contribute to the growth of electronic resources, new events such as economic decline may contribute to growth decline.

Research limitations/implications

While the study is limited to a single academic library case, it has applications to similar academic library profiles across North America, where sustained rapid growth has had a significant impact on reference workers and researchers.

Practical implications

This research provides a case study for describing electronic resources growth in academic libraries. The data and findings may help support funding increases, and an understanding of the extent of growth and its impact on reference workers and researchers.

Originality/value

Although generalizations from one case study cannot be made, this study of electronic resources growth and its implications substantiates the general conviction that overwhelming growth has occurred and that the consequences for library services and systems is considerable. The paper applies the concept of growth or development stages: bibliographic, full text and reference, to describe the evolution of electronic resources in an academic library.
Gifts in university library resource development in the information age
Authors: Edem M.B.
Published: April 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the trend of resource development at the University of Calabar Library, using gift items received from 2005 to 2009.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts a descriptive research design based on survey. Relevant documents, including gift and donation files, acquisition records and library accession registers, were examined and analysed to provide answers to questions relating to study objectives.

Findings

The usefulness of gifts to university library resource development is underscored by the quality and currency of the 2,462 volumes of materials received during the study period. Furthermore, the impact that collaborative donor efforts could make towards supporting university library resource development in the information age is highlighted. Associated problems included deficiency in subject coverage, foreign language materials, irregular giving patterns as well as an increasing tendency towards electronic resources acquisition where manual procedures are available.

Practical implications

Acquisition librarians should intensify efforts at soliciting for and directing corporate giving endeavours towards providing for infrastructural support required for university library development in Nigeria. The deficiency in subject coverage highlighted in the study can be addressed if donor agencies are encouraged to adopt relevant library profiles or assign grants to core areas of university academic programs. There is also need for the inclusion or revision of gift statements in collection development policies.

Originality/value

The paper highlights strategies for tackling the challenges of resource acquisition.
Charleston Conference, 2009
Authors: Cassell Kay
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on the highlights of the 2009 Charleston Conference.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper documents the presentations given at the conference.

Findings

The Charleston Conference report discusses new directions in many areas of collection development, including trends in e‐books, user‐driven acquisitions, preservation of materials, and working with vendors.

Practical implications

The report discusses new ideas and new directions in many areas of collection development that alert librarians to changes on the horizon.

Originality/value

This paper is of interest to library and information management professionals.
Resource‐based competitiveness: managerial implications of the resource‐based view
Authors: Andersén Jim
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to identify and discuss the practical implications of the resource based view of the firm.

Design/methodology/approach

Review of relevant literature.

Findings

A number of recommendations are put forward and the practical implications constitute the main findings of this study.

Practical implications

The implications can be summarized by these recommendations: diversify based on capabilities and not on the markets you are currently serving, focus on creating value together with your customers based on your resources instead of offering a set of products, integrate HRM practices with strategic management processes. The complexity of imitating resources is also discussed.

Originality/value

Few publications have set out to develop implications of the resource‐based view from a CEO's point of view. This paper provides an easy‐to‐access review and summary of some of the main implications of the resource‐based view.
Interview with Don Tapscott, author of Grown up Digital
Authors: by Juliet Norton Interview
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an interview with Dan Tapscott, Chairman of nGenera Insight and founder and chairman of the international think tank New Paradigm before its acquisition by nGenera.

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent interviewer.

Findings

Don is an internationally sought writer, consultant and speaker on business strategy and organizational transformation and author of 13 widely read books about information technology in business and society, most recently Grown Up Digital: How the Net Generation is Changing Your World (October 2008). The book is the sequel to Growing Up Digital (1998), which established him as one of the leading thinkers about the Net Generation.

Practical implications

Provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations.

Originality/value

This interview provides insights into the “Net Generation”, the new generation of workers who have embraced new technologies and are developing revolutionary ways of thinking, interacting and working, and discusses how we can best attract and engage a new workforce.
Bouncing back
Authors: Watson Jim , Richards Rachael
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss how the recession has affected UK businesses.

Design/methodology/approach

A viewpoint is expressed exploring the reasons for the current recession and its effect on the UK economy.

Findings

In order for the British economy to bounce back consumer confidence needs to return, the Bank of England needs to cut interest rates to stimulate consumer demand. Lower interest rates reduce the cost of borrowing and therefore people should be more willing to spend and invest.

Originality/value

Lessons have been learnt from this economic challenge and the UK's business leaders are ready to move on.
Rehabilitation of the glass and metal dome of the Hall of Nations in Palácio Da Bolsa (former Stock Exchange), Oporto
Authors: de Freitas V.P. , Valentim Lopes N. , Angélico M.S.
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the procedure of repairing the glass and metal dome roof in Oporto in Portugal. It aims to discuss the project for the rehabilitation of the main building – the Hall of Nations in Palacio Da Bolsa in Oporto. Previous attempts of repair are to be described.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is concerned with the methodology of repairs used on the metal and glass roof for the building under study. Lessons learned from previous repairs and how they have been taken into consideration are described.

Findings

The successful completion of the repairs and its success are the main findings.

Practical implications

Lessons learned from this repair are given to provide guidance for future roof repairs.

Originality/value

The repairs described in this paper – to the Hall of Nations in Palacio Da Bolsa in Oporto – are unique to the location of the building in question.
Study of influence of wind pressure and rain conditions in rain screen walls
Authors: Fernández Madrid Joaquín
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to design and develop a model for testing watertightness of rainscreen walls.

Design/methodology/approach

A test model was developed to determine the time to achieve equalisation and tightness rate of the rainscreen under investigation. Other tests include the distribution of wind loads to each rain screen layer, with the amount of water infiltrating into the cavity and the tightness rates.

Findings

It is found that the cavity must be compartmentalized, separating zones with different pressures. Vertically, corners and lateral stripes, 2 or 3m wide, must necessarily be compartmentalized. Horizontally, it is very convenient to compartmentalize the cavities of each floor, or at least every two floors (maximum 6m). When a cavity is not compartmentalized and tight, there will be air currents moving inside the cavity, and therefore the amount of infiltrated water through vents and joints will increase.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates its value by developing a model to investigate the watertightness of rainscreen walls.
Minor destructive techniques applied to the mechanical characterization of historical rubble stone masonry structures
Authors: Lombillo I. , Villegas L. , Elices J.
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The analysis of ancient buildings presents professionals with important challenges, so it is necessary to have a rational methodology of analysis of these constructions. From the point of view of the technology of structures it is imperative to know the mechanical characteristics of the structural elements involved, as well as the existing stress levels. Currently the tendency is to obtain such knowledge in a non‐destructive way, producing minimal damage. The purpose of this paper is to provide a vision of some of the minor‐destructive techniques (MDT) applied to the diagnosis of historical rubble stone masonry structures.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper focuses attention on the employment of techniques based on mechanical stress aspects: flat jack, hole‐drilling and dilatometer, conducted on rubble stone masonry structures. Several computational models were made of parts of the building. These models were used to obtain experimental data (modulus of elasticity and Poisson's ratio). The accuracy of the models was contrasted through the comparison with compression stress levels obtained experimentally.

Findings

The paper provides a brief description of these MDT, and exposes the flat jack tests results obtained on several historical masonry walls in the Major Seminary of Comillas (Spain): Compression stress levels, modulus of elasticity and Poisson's ratio of several masonries of this building.

Practical implications

These techniques improve the computational models of constructions, because they can obtain a better knowledge of their mechanical properties, from experimental ways, and the calibration of models through experimental data.

Originality/value

This paper describes one of the first applications of these techniques in Spain.
Customer relationship quality in landlord‐tenant relationship
Authors: Rasila Heidi
Published: April 2010

Purpose

In long‐term business relationships the customer experience is affected by how the customer perceives the quality of the customer relationship. The purpose of this paper is to understand the customer relationship quality construct in landlord‐tenant relationships in a business‐to‐business environment.

Desig/methodology/approach

The theoretical framework is adapted from relationship marketing literature and this framework is then applied in case study settings to five customer companies in a landlord and tenant relationship. The paper introduces a framework of 13 relationship quality attributes and applies these to the case companies.

Findings

The results suggest that some of the suggested relationship quality attributes have an importance in a landlord and tenant relationship while some suggested attributes have less value.

Research limitations/implications

The case studies were conducted in companies that occupy office premises in multi‐user buildings.

Originality/value

This paper introduces theoretical understanding from relationship marketing literature into the real estate business and adds practical understanding of customer relationship management into the rental business.
The perceived quality of real estate journals: does your affiliation matter?
Authors: Tu Charles , Worzala Elaine
Published: April 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to present the results of a recent survey, in which faculty and educators who are members of the ARES, ERES, AsRES, PRRES and AREUEA were asked to rate their perception of 18 real estate journals currently available as academic publications (peer reviewed) to ascertain if there was a relationship between the affiliation of the respondent and their perception of journal quality. In addition, it aims to compare the opinions of survey respondents by their academic rank, tenure status, and the type of institution they work at. Finally the analysis seeks to investigate the possible existence of a publication bias based on where researchers have published their work.

Design/methodology/approach

Over 300 respondents completed the electronic survey during the latter half of 2007. Respondents provided quality ratings of the journals as well as where they actually published.

Findings

In this paper the academic respondents’ responses were analyzed (n=220) and it is clear that the perceived quality of the journals, as well as the respondent's knowledge of the various journals, varied depending on the faculty member's affiliation with a given academic association. Most researchers were aware of the journals published in their home regions, although this was not always the case. This suggests there is a need for more outreach/marketing by publishers and editors to clearly differentiate the focus of our academic journals.

Research limitations/implications

Respondents were conference attendees and predominantly US‐based. Therefore, results may be somewhat biased against publications from other regions of the world.

Originality/value

This is the first time a review of journal quality has been conducted on an international level and included only real estate journals. Results will be useful to the rank and file of university faculty in targeting journals for their publications, particularly when journal quality matters. Results can also benefit the various academic organizations and publishers that produce the journals in targeting their promotion to the members of the academic associations where the knowledge level is significantly lower.