bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phenotypic leaf variation in Avicennia marina in tropical Australia: can discrete subpopulations be recognised in the field?
Authors: Saenger Peter , Brooks Lyndon
Published: September 2008

The geographic patterns of phenotypic variation in leaf morphology traits were studied in the mangrove Avicennia marina (Forsk.) Vierh. in tropical Queensland, Australia, to determine whether discrete subpopulations could be recognised in the field. Significant differences in the various leaf characters occurred among the sites, which were not explained by longitude or latitude, nor by inter-site distances. Hierarchical cluster analysis of the estimated site means showed no coherent geographical groupings of the sites, suggesting that site populations do not follow a differentiation by distance model. Principal component analysis showed that site groupings with consistent leaf morphological characteristics could be identified, suggesting the A. marina occurs as widely scattered discrete subpopulations, and that phenotypic structuring occurs over quite short (<100 km) distances. Evidence from other studies suggests this phenotypic structuring reflects underlying genetic diversity, and it implies that a conservative approach to sourcing plant material for mangrove restoration projects would be appropriate.
An extinction-risk assessment tool for flora threatened by Phytophthora cinnamomi
Authors: Barrett S. , Shearer B. L. , Crane C. E. , Cochrane A.
Published: September 2008

A risk-assessment tool was used to investigate the risk of extinction from disease caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi to 33 taxa from the Stirling Range National Park, Western Australia. Criteria used to score risk of extinction were the direct impact of P. cinnamomi on taxa, number of extant or extinct populations, percentage of populations infested by P. cinnamomi, proximity and topographical relationship of populations to P. cinnamomi, proximity of populations to tracks and the number of additional threatening processes. Direct impact scores were derived from mortality curves determined from the survival of taxa after soil inoculation with P. cinnamomi in a shade-house environment. On the basis of the total extinction risk score, nine taxa had a ‘very high’, five had a ‘high’, six a ‘moderate’, eight a ‘low’, four a ‘very low’ and one ‘no’ risk of extinction. Whereas the methodology confirmed the current threatened status of nine taxa, it also identified five taxa, not currently listed, to be at ‘high’ risk of extinction. Other threatening processes identified included fire, herbivory, aerial canker disease and climate change. These combine with P. cinnamomi to push taxa further towards extinction. Quantification of risk of extinction identifies taxa at risk and allows for prioritisation of management actions for currently threatened flora. This risk-assessment methodology combined glasshouse inoculation with habitat and ecological data, current in situ disease impact and proximity to disease and vectors, to enable a more comprehensive assessment of extinction risk and may be used in other areas with endemic flora threatened by P. cinnamomi.
A compact and inexpensive mobile weighing device for water relations studies of container-grown trees
Authors: McKeon Michael G. , Joyce Daryl C. , Frith Robert H.
Published: September 2008

A low-cost mobile load cell-based weighing device is described for use in experiments that involve measuring water use by container-grown trees. The relatively lightweight (~30 kg) mobile weighing device was constructed from strong, corrosion-resistant materials readily available from commercial sources. The device has a total weighing capacity of 500 kg on the basis of rated capacity of 250 kg from each of two load cells and a maximum resolution of 0.020 kg. On the basis of a soil surface area of 825 cm2 for the containers used in the proving study, this sensitivity corresponded to an equivalent water depth of 0.23 mm.
Porcine embryos produced after intracytoplasmic sperm injection using xenogeneic pig sperm from neonatal testis tissue grafted in mice
Authors: Honaramooz Ali , Cui Xiang-Shun , Kim Nam-Hyung , Dobrinski Ina
Published: September 2008

Embryo development after homologous intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with sperm from testis tissue xenografts from pigs or any other farm animal species has not been evaluated critically. Here, we report development of porcine embryos in vitro following ICSI with sperm retrieved from xenografted neonatal pig testis. Small pieces of testis tissue from newborn piglets were grafted under the back skin of castrated immunodeficient mice (n = 4) and the xenografts were collected 8 months after grafting. Spermatozoa were recovered by mincing of the grafted tissue. For comparison, testicular, epididymal and ejaculated spermatozoa were also collected from mature boars. Oocytes injected with xenogeneic spermatozoa were either fixed to determine fertilisation processes (n = 89 in five replicates) or allowed to develop in vitro (n = 143 in four replicates). Xenogeneic porcine spermatozoa were fertilisation competent (24% v. 58%, 68%, 62% or 0% for xenogeneic v. control testicular, epididymal and ejaculated spermatozoa or no spermatozoa, respectively) and embryos developed to the blastocyst stage (8% v. 22%, 27%, 25% or 0%, respectively). These results demonstrate that porcine spermatozoa derived from immature testis tissue xenografted into mice are fertilisation competent, albeit at a lower rate than testicular, epididymal or ejaculated spermatozoa from control boars, and support embryo development after ICSI.
Potentiation of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors via an allosteric transmembrane site
Authors: Young Gareth T. , Zwart Ruud , Walker Alison S. , Sher Emanuele , Millar Neil S.
Published: September 2008

Positive allosteric modulators of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) have attracted considerable interest as potential tools for the treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia. However, despite the potential therapeutic usefulness of these compounds, little is known about their mechanism of action. Here, we have examined two allosteric potentiators of α7 nAChRs (PNU-120596 and LY-2087101). From studies with a series of subunit chimeras, we have identified the transmembrane regions of α7 as being critical in facilitating potentiation of agonist-evoked responses. Furthermore, we have identified five transmembrane amino acids that, when mutated, significantly reduce potentiation of α7 nAChRs. The amino acids we have identified are located within the α-helical transmembrane domains TM1 (S222 and A225), TM2 (M253), and TM4 (F455 and C459). Mutation of either A225 or M253 individually have particularly profound effects, reducing potentiation ofEC20concentrations of acetylcholine to a tenth of the level seen with wild-type α7. Reference to homology models of the α7 nAChR, based on the 4Å structure of theTorpedonAChR, indicates that the side chains of all five amino acids point toward an intrasubunit cavity located between the four α-helical transmembrane domains. Computer docking simulations predict that the allosteric compounds such as PNU-120596 and LY-2087101 may bind within this intrasubunit cavity, much as neurosteroids and volatile anesthetics are thought to interact with GABAAand glycine receptors. Our findings suggest that this is a conserved modulatory allosteric site within neurotransmitter-gated ion channels.
A potent dauer pheromone component in
Caenorhabditis elegans
that acts synergistically with other components
Authors: Butcher Rebecca A. , Ragains Justin R. , Kim Edward , Clardy Jon
Published: September 2008

In the model organism
Caenorhabditis elegans
, the dauer pheromone is the primary cue for entry into the developmentally arrested, dauer larval stage. The dauer is specialized for survival under harsh environmental conditions and is considered “nonaging” because larvae that exit dauer have a normal life span.
C. elegans
constitutively secretes the dauer pheromone into its environment, enabling it to sense its population density. Several components of the dauer pheromone have been identified as derivatives of the dideoxy sugar ascarylose, but additional unidentified components of the dauer pheromone contribute to its activity. Here, we show that an ascaroside with a 3-hydroxypropionate side chain is a highly potent component of the dauer pheromone that acts synergistically with previously identified components. Furthermore, we show that the active dauer pheromone components that are produced by
C. elegans
vary depending on cultivation conditions. Identifying the active components of the dauer pheromone, the conditions under which they are produced, and their mechanisms of action will greatly extend our understanding of how chemosensory cues from the environment can influence such fundamental processes as development, metabolism, and aging in nematodes and in higher organisms.
Clinical Utility of Infection Control Documentation of Prior Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Colonization or Infection for Optimization of Empirical Antibiotic Therapy
Authors: Schweizer Marin L. , Furuno Jon P. , Harris Anthony D. , McGregor Jessina C. , Thom Kerri A. , Johnson Jennifer K. , Shardell Michelle D. , Perencevich Eli N.
Published: September 2008

This 5-year study of 25,378 hospitalizations measured the utility of infection control documentation of prior methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization or infection for the optimization of empirical antibiotic therapy. Documented prior MRSA colonization or infection was predictive of subsequent MRSA infections (odds ratio, 4.05). Physicians appear to use this documentation when prescribing empirical therapy for suspected bacteremia.
Coadministration of Oral Levofloxacin With Agents That Impair Absorption: Impact on Antibiotic Resistance
Authors: Cohen Keira A. , Lautenbach Ebbing , Weiner Mark G. , Synnestvedt Marie , Gasink Leanne B.
Published: September 2008

Coadministration of oral divalent or trivalent cation-containing compounds with oral fluoroquinolones may impair fluoroquinolone absorption. Among 3,134 patients who received a course of oral levofloxacin, coadministration was significantly associated with subsequent identification of a levofloxacin-resistant isolate. Strategies to curb the emergence of fluoroquinolone resistance should include avoiding the coadministration of divalent or trivalent cation-containing compounds and fluoroquinolone.
Circadian flight schedules in night-migrating birds caught on migration
Authors: Coppack Timothy , Becker Simon F , Becker Philipp J.J
Published: September 2008

Many species of migratory birds migrate in a series of solitary nocturnal flights. Between flights, they stop to rest and refuel for the next segment of their journey. The mechanism controlling this behaviour has long remained elusive. Here, we show that wild-caught migratory redstarts (Phoenicurus phoenicurus) are consistent in their flight scheduling. An advanced videographic system enabled us to determine the precise timing of flight activity in redstarts caught at a northern European stopover site during their return trip from Africa. Birds were held captive for three days in the absence of photoperiodic cues (constant dim light) and under permanent food availability. Despite the absence of external temporal cues, birds showed clear bimodal activity patterns: intense nocturnal activity alternating with diurnal foraging and resting periods. The onset of their migratory activity coincided with the time of local sunset and was individually consistent on consecutive nights. The data demonstrate that night-migrating birds are driven by autonomous circadian clocks entrained by sunset cues. This timekeeping system is probably the key factor in the overall control of nocturnal songbird migration.
Organic–inorganic interfaces and spiral growth in nacre
Authors: Yao Nan , Epstein Alexander K , Liu Wendy W , Sauer Franz , Yang Ning
Published: September 2008

Nacre, the crown jewel of natural materials, has been extensively studied owing to its remarkable physical properties for over 160 years. Yet, the precise structural features governing its extraordinary strength and its growth mechanism remain elusive. In this paper, we present a series of observations pertaining to the red abalone (
Haliotis rufescens
) shell's organic–inorganic interface, organic interlayer morphology and properties, large-area crystal domain orientations and nacre growth. In particular, we describe unique lateral nano-growths and paired screw dislocations in the aragonite layers, and demonstrate that the organic material sandwiched between aragonite platelets consists of multiple organic layers of varying nano-mechanical resilience. Based on these novel observations and analysis, we propose a spiral growth model that accounts for both [001] vertical propagation via helices that surround numerous screw dislocation cores and simultaneous 〈010〉 lateral growth of aragonite sheet structure. These new findings may aid in creating novel organic–inorganic micro/nano composites through synthetic or biomineralization pathways.
PCNA-dependent regulation of p21 ubiquitylation and degradation via the CRL4Cdt2 ubiquitin ligase complex
Authors: Abbas Tarek , Sivaprasad Uma , Terai Kenta , Amador Virginia , Pagano Michele , Dutta Anindya
Published: September 2008

The DNA polymerase delta processivity factor Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) promotes the DNA damage-induced degradation of the replication initiation factor Cdt1 via the CRL4Cdt2 E3 ubiquitin ligase complex. Here we demonstrate that PCNA promotes the ubiquitylation and degradation of the CDK inhibitor p21 in cells irradiated with low dose of ultraviolet (UV) by a similar mechanism. Human cells that are depleted of Cul4, DDB1 (damage-specific DNA-binding protein-1), or the DCAF Cdt2, are deficient in the UV-induced ubiquitylation and degradation of p21. Depletion of mammalian cells of PCNA by siRNA, or mutations in p21 that abrogate PCNA binding, prevent UV-induced p21 ubiquitylation and degradation, indicating that physical binding with PCNA is necessary for the efficient ubiquitylation of p21 via the CRL4Cdt2 ubiquitin ligase. Cdt2 functions as the substrate recruiting factor for p21 to the rest of the CRL4 ubiquitin ligase complex. The CRL4Cdt2 E3 ubiquitin ligase ubiquitylates p21 both in vivo and in vitro, and its activity is dependent on the interaction of p21 with PCNA. Finally, we show that the CRL4Cdt2 and the SCFSkp2 ubiquitin ligases are redundant with each other in promoting the degradation of p21 during an unperturbed S phase of the cell cycle.
A C. elegans genome-scale microRNA network contains composite feedback motifs with high flux capacity
Authors: Martinez Natalia J. , Ow Maria C. , Barrasa M. Inmaculada , Hammell Molly , Sequerra Reynaldo , Doucette-Stamm Lynn , Roth Frederick P. , Ambros Victor R. , Walhout Albertha J.M.
Published: September 2008

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and transcription factors (TFs) are primary metazoan gene regulators. Whereas much attention has focused on finding the targets of both miRNAs and TFs, the transcriptional networks that regulate miRNA expression remain largely unexplored. Here, we present the first genome-scale Caenorhabditis elegans miRNA regulatory network that contains experimentally mapped transcriptional TF → miRNA interactions, as well as computationally predicted post-transcriptional miRNA → TF interactions. We find that this integrated miRNA network contains 23 miRNA ↔ TF composite feedback loops in which a TF that controls a miRNA is itself regulated by that same miRNA. By rigorous network randomizations, we show that such loops occur more frequently than expected by chance and, hence, constitute a genuine network motif. Interestingly, miRNAs and TFs in such loops are heavily regulated and regulate many targets. This “high flux capacity” suggests that loops provide a mechanism of high information flow for the coordinate and adaptable control of miRNA and TF target regulons.
βC1, the pathogenicity factor of TYLCCNV, interacts with AS1 to alter leaf development and suppress selective jasmonic acid responses
Authors: Yang Jun-Yi , Iwasaki Mayumi , Machida Chiyoko , Machida Yasunori , Zhou Xueping , Chua Nam-Hai
Published: September 2008

Viruses induce pathogenic symptoms on plants but the molecular basis is poorly understood. Here, we show that transgenic Arabidopsis expressing the pathogenesis protein βC1 of Tomato yellow leaf curl China virus (TYLCCNV), a geminivirus, can phenocopy to a large extent disease symptoms of virus-infected tobacco plants in having upward curled leaves, radialized leaves with outgrowth tissues from abaxial surfaces, and sterile flowers. These morphological changes are paralleled by a reduction in miR165/166 levels and an increase in PHB and PHV transcript levels. Two factors, ASYMMETRIC LEAVES 1 (AS1) and ASYMMETRIC LEAVES 2 (AS2), are known to regulate leaf development as AS1/AS2 complex. Strikingly, βC1 plants phenocopy plants overexpressing AS2 at the morphological and molecular level and βC1 is able to partially complement as2 mutation. βC1 binds directly to AS1, elicits morphological and gene expression changes dependent on AS1 but not AS2, and attenuates expression of selective jasmonic acid (JA)-responsive gene. Our results show that βC1 forms a complex with AS1 to execute its pathogenic functions and to suppress a subset of JA responses.
Tuberous sclerosis complex proteins control axon formation
Authors: Choi Yong-Jin , Di Nardo Alessia , Kramvis Ioannis , Meikle Lynsey , Kwiatkowski David J. , Sahin Mustafa , He Xi
Published: September 2008

Axon formation is fundamental for brain development and function. TSC1 and TSC2 are two genes, mutations in which cause tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), a disease characterized by tumor predisposition and neurological abnormalities including epilepsy, mental retardation, and autism. Here we show that Tsc1 and Tsc2 have critical functions in mammalian axon formation and growth. Overexpression of Tsc1/Tsc2 suppresses axon formation, whereas a lack of Tsc1 or Tsc2 function induces ectopic axons in vitro and in the mouse brain. Tsc2 is phosphorylated and inhibited in the axon but not dendrites. Inactivation of Tsc1/Tsc2 promotes axonal growth, at least in part, via up-regulation of neuronal polarity SAD kinase, which is also elevated in cortical tubers of a TSC patient. Our results reveal key roles of TSC1/TSC2 in neuronal polarity, suggest a common pathway regulating polarization/growth in neurons and cell size in other tissues, and have implications for the understanding of the pathogenesis of TSC and associated neurological disorders and for axonal regeneration.
Hedgehog: functions and mechanisms
Authors: Varjosalo Markku , Taipale Jussi
Published: September 2008

The Hedgehog (Hh) family of proteins control cell growth, survival, and fate, and pattern almost every aspect of the vertebrate body plan. The use of a single morphogen for such a wide variety of functions is possible because cellular responses to Hh depend on the type of responding cell, the dose of Hh received, and the time cells are exposed to Hh. The Hh gradient is shaped by several proteins that are specifically required for Hh processing, secretion, and transport through tissues. The mechanism of cellular response, in turn, incorporates multiple feedback loops that fine-tune the level of signal sensed by the responding cells. Germline mutations that subtly affect Hh pathway activity are associated with developmental disorders, whereas somatic mutations activating the pathway have been linked to multiple forms of human cancer. This review focuses broadly on our current understanding of Hh signaling, from mechanisms of action to cellular and developmental functions. In addition, we review the role of Hh in the pathogenesis of human disease and the possibilities for therapeutic intervention.
The CRL4Cdt2 ubiquitin ligase targets the degradation of p21Cip1 to control replication licensing
Authors: Kim Youngjo , Starostina Natalia G. , Kipreos Edward T.
Published: September 2008

The faithful replication of genomic DNA is crucial for maintaining genome stability. In eukaryotes, DNA rereplication is prevented by the temporal regulation of replication licensing. Replication-licensing factors are required to form prereplicative complexes during G1 phase, but are inactivated in S phase to prevent rereplication. A vertebrate CUL4 CRL ubiquitin ligase (CRL4) complex containing Cdt2 as the substrate recognition subunit promotes proper DNA replication, in part, by degrading the replication-licensing factor Cdt1 during S phase. We show that the Caenorhabditis elegans CRL4Cdt2 complex has a conserved role in degrading Cdt1. Furthermore, we show that CRL4Cdt2 restrains replication licensing in both C. elegans and humans by targeting the degradation of the cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors CKI-1 and p21Cip1, respectively. Human CRL4Cdt2 targets the degradation of p21 in S phase, with the in vivo ubiquitylation of p21 by CRL4Cdt2 dependent on p21 binding to PCNA. Inactivation of Cdt2 induces rereplication, which requires the presence of the CDK inhibitor p21. Strikingly, coinactivation of CRL4Cdt2 and SCFSkp2 (which redundantly targets p21 degradation) prevents the nuclear export of the replication-licensing factor Cdc6 during S phase, and the block on nuclear export is dependent on p21. Our work defines the degradation of p21 as a critical aspect of replication licensing in human cells.
The Tsc1–Tsc2 complex influences neuronal polarity by modulating TORC1 activity and SAD levels: Figure 1.
Authors: Wildonger Jill , Jan Lily Yeh , Jan Yuh Nung
Published: September 2008

Neuronal function depends on the specification of neuronal processes as axons or dendrites. In this issue of Genes & Development Choi and colleagues (2485–2495) show that without Tuberous Sclerosis Complex 1 (Tsc1) or Tsc2, molecules linked to the autosomal dominant disease tuberous sclerosis, an increase in the activity of the translational regulator Target of Rapamycin 1 (TORC1) causes neurons to have multiple axons and the translation of SAD kinase increases as well. Thus, in addition to the kinase LKB1, the Tsc1–Tsc2 complex, acting through TORC1, also modulates SAD to regulate axon formation.
A Gender-Specific Retinoblastoma-Related Protein inVolvox carteriImplies a Role for the Retinoblastoma Protein Family in Sexual Development
Authors: Kianianmomeni Arash , Nematollahi Ghazaleh , Hallmann Armin
Published: September 2008

Here, we describe the cloning and characterization of RETINOBLASTOMA-RELATED PROTEIN1 (RBR1) from the green alga Volvox carteri. RBR1 expression increases substantially during embryogenesis and in response to the sex-inducer glycoprotein, but it decreases significantly under heat stress. While RBR1 is expressed in gonidia (asexual reproductive cells) and embryos, the largest proportion of RBR1 mRNA is found in parental somatic cells. The presence of 4 splice variants and 15 potential cyclin-dependent kinase phosphorylation sites suggests that RBR1 is subject to control at the posttranscriptional and posttranslational levels. Surprisingly, RBR1 is a gender-specific gene, mapping exclusively to the female mating-type locus. A procedure for stable nuclear transformation of males was established to generate RBR1-expressing males. These transformants exhibit enlarged reproductive cells, altered growth characteristics, and a prolonged embryogenesis. The results suggest that a functionally related analog of RBR1 exists in males. The reason for the divergent evolution of RBRs in females and males appears to be based on sexual development: males and females respond to the same sex-inducer with different cleavage programs and substantial differences in cellular differentiation. Thus, the gender-specific presence of RBR1 provides evidence for an additional, novel role for retinoblastoma family proteins in sexual development.
Two approaches to workplace spirituality facilitation: a comparison and implications
Authors: Shankar Pawar Badrinarayan
Published: September 2008

Purpose

This paper seeks to outline and compare two approaches to workplace spirituality facilitation and to derive conclusions and suggest implications for research and practice.

Design/methodology/approach

The article uses two real‐life descriptions from the existing literature to outline two approaches to workplace spirituality facilitation. It outlines similarities and differences between them. It also compares them on key features and outlines their implications and complementarities. Based on this, it describes conclusions and implications for research and practice.

Findings

The paper finds that the first approach, with its starting point of organizational spiritual values and emphasis on organizational processes to facilitate the transmission of these values, can be identified as an organization‐focused approach. At the centre of the second approach is a program for transformation or spiritual development of individual employees.

Research limitations/implications

Inputs from the present paper will help future research to specify: comprehensive classifications – typologies and taxonomies – of various types of approaches to workplace spirituality facilitation; and new theories of workplace spirituality facilitation.

Practical implications

The paper can inform workplace spirituality implementation efforts in organizations.

Originality/value

Theory development in workplace spirituality is at a formative stage. Thus, various inputs, outlined in the research implications part of the paper, for further theory development will be a valuable contribution to workplace spirituality research.
The effects of humour usage by financial advisors in sales encounters
Authors: Bergeron Jasmin , Vachon Marc‐Antoine
Published: September 2008

Purpose

For many years, the financial industry has been perceived as conservative, old‐fashioned, and somewhat tedious. The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of humour usage by financial advisors on several sales performance outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was completed by more than 400 buyer‐seller dyads. Structural equation modeling (SEM) analyses were conducted. An important strength of SEM is its ability to incorporate the psychometric notions of constructs and measurement errors in the same estimation procedure.

Findings

A financial advisor's good sense of humour has a positive impact on the clients' perceptions of service quality, trust, satisfaction, purchase intentions, and word‐of‐mouth propensity.

Research limitations/implications

Although only customer perceptions were used, the paper suggests many ways to use the results as a spring board by sales researchers to accrue research efforts in understanding the truly rich role of humour.

Practical implications

Many practical implications are suggested to entice organizations to emphasize salespeople's humouristic skills as a competitive advantage.

Originality/value

This is believed to be the first paper to investigate the effects of humour usage in sales encounters in the financial industry. A better understanding of humour is useful for service providers owing to its mass potential, its low cost, and its positive benefits for customers and financial advisors alike.
The role of satisfaction and website usability in developing customer loyalty and positive word‐of‐mouth in the e‐banking services
Authors: Casaló Luis V. , Flavián Carlos , Guinalíu Miguel
Published: September 2008

Purpose

Customer loyalty and positive word‐of‐mouth (WOM) have been traditionally two main goals aimed at by managers. Focusing on the online banking, the importance of these concepts is even greater due to the increasing competence in electronic commerce. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to characterize both concepts in the e‐banking context.

Design/methodology/approach

The influence of satisfaction and website usability in developing customer loyalty and positive WOM in the e‐banking business were measured. After the validation of measurement scales, hypotheses are contrasted through structural modelling.

Findings

This research showed that satisfaction with previous interactions with the bank website had a positive effect on both customer loyalty and positive WOM. In addition, website usability was found to have a positive effect on customer satisfaction and, as expected, loyalty was also significantly related to positive WOM.

Practical implications

In order to develop customer loyalty and positive WOM, banks that operate in the internet should: prioritize ease‐of‐use in website development, and identify the needs of online customers (e.g. in terms of services offered) in order to offer them what they really want.

Originality/value

Although the increasing competitiveness in e‐business is motivating an exponential growth in the number of studies that analyze loyalty development and WOM in the internet, there is still a lack of studies that analyze the formation of both concepts in the e‐banking context. Thus, this work represents a new contribution to the field of online banking, which has acquired a notable popularity in recent years.
The dynamics of quality costs in continuous improvement
Authors: Kim Seokjin , Nakhai Behnam
Published: September 2008

Purpose

The ideals of total quality view contradicts with the traditional prevention‐appraisal‐failure (PAF) model. The PAF model, based on the “higher quality‐higher cost” notion, fails to explain the “higher quality‐lower cost” premise of total quality. The purpose of this study is to examine the behaviour of quality costs and investigate the two contradicting views.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the literature, a generic descriptive model is developed to examine the dynamics of quality costs and quality level over time. Through illustrative examples, the behaviour of quality costs is demonstrated and relevant implications are highlighted.

Findings

The proposed model supports continuous improvement regardless of the effectiveness of the firm's quality improvement programs. When the quality improvement program is highly effective, the “higher quality‐lower cost” phenomenon is observed; whereas, in a less effective quality improvement program, the authors observe the “higher quality‐higher cost” phenomenon, which still calls for increased improvement effort necessary for quality sustainability.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed model explains well the dynamics of quality costs, however, it can be further enhanced by incorporating the dynamics of the effectiveness of the firm's quality improvement program and its relation to quality level and quality costs.

Practical implications

The proposed model is a useful tool especially for quality improvement planning and budgeting decisions.

Originality/value

Balancing between the two contradictory views of quality costs, this study provides a deeper understanding of the relationship of quality costs and quality level.
The moderating role of industrial experience in the job satisfaction, intention to leave relationship: an empirical study among salesmen in India
Authors: Purani Keyoor , Sahadev Sunil
Published: September 2008

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to explore the moderating role of industrial experience in the relationship between different facets of a sales person's satisfaction with the job and his/her intention to quit the job.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on the data collected from sales persons from a pharmaceutical company in India. Dimensions of job satisfaction have been specifically developed for this study due to the cultural specificity of the context. The job satisfaction scale was developed through a process of qualitative research.

Findings

The paper finds that industry experience moderates the job satisfaction, disinclination to quit relationship for most of the job satisfaction dimensions. Specifically it is seen than Industry experience has a moderating effect when the effect of a salesperson's satisfaction with the organizational HR policies, supervisor satisfaction, compensation policies and career development and disinclination to quit, are considered.

Research limitations/implications

The paper contributes to the existing literature by considering the moderating effect of Industry experience, a variable hitherto not considered in sales management literature. This extends knowledge on the factors that affect a sales person's disinclination to quit – an extremely important factor in sales force management

Originality/value

While this paper extends the already existing knowledge about the moderating variables that affect the relationship between job satisfaction and intention to quit, its original contribution is in terms of the setting – India, as well as the identification of a moderating variable‐industry experience.
Integrated customer relationship management for service activities
Authors: Dimitriadis Sergios , Stevens Eric
Published: September 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to suggest an integrated framework for designing, implementing and evaluating a customer relationship marketing (CRM) system in service companies, based on a gap analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper summarizes key findings of previous research on CRM internal (organizational) success/failure factors, adds a customer perspective on CRM expectations and perceptions, and links these internal and external factors using a systemic gap approach.

Findings

The paper finds that viewing a relationship as a value and as a quality driver should lead managers to consider expectations as a mean to design appropriate interaction flows with customers. Also, relationship expectations from customers' point of view could be used as a segmentation variable to identify customer relationship profiles and address them with specific means. Finally, the integrated perspective underlines the importance of coordination and coherence among all organizational, technological and human components of the CRM system for the effective relationship quality management. Thus, the suggested DIE CRM gap model can be used by managers as a relationship quality diagnosis and problem‐recovery tool leading to recommendations at each stage of their action plan.

Research limitations/implications

The integration of customer‐related CRM success factors as well as the suggested gap measurement approach opens several research opportunities in both methodological and conceptual issues on assessing a CRM strategy.

Practical implications

In the process of designing, implementing and evaluating a CRM strategy and system, managers should integrate customers' expectations and reactions to such strategy. The gap model provides a tool to identify critical points of successful CRM operations and suggests actions to deal with them.

Originality/value

Customers' reactions to CRM strategies and actions have not been given appropriate attention, nor have they been linked to internal company's operations. Similarly, although the gap analysis approach was proved to be very useful in other settings, such as measuring service quality, no application of it to CRM has been suggested. The paper offers new insights in both of these fields.
Asset specificity, experience, capability, host government intervention, and ownership‐based entry mode strategy for SMEs in international markets
Authors: Cheng Yung‐Ming
Published: September 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose an integrated theoretical framework to examine the determinants of the choice of ownership‐based entry mode strategy for small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in international markets.

Design/methodology/approach

The statistical data sources were mail survey and secondary data collection. Logistic regression was used in the testing of the hypotheses.

Findings

All four theoretical views (including transaction cost theory, the views of Uppsala process model, organizational capability perspective, and bargaining power theory) have relevance for the choice of SMEs' ownership‐based entry mode strategy in international markets.

Research limitations/implications

This study was limited to the manufacturing sector only. Given the limited scope, caution must be exercised in generalizing from this study's sample to firms in the service sector. Furthermore, this study is a cross‐sectional analysis and may not draw a complete picture of the course of SMEs' ownership‐based entry mode choice over time. Future research should use longitudinal analysis to explore the evolution of SMEs' international expansion over time.

Practical implications

This study proposes a decision path diagram that can give the SMEs some suggestions about how they should consider their choice of ownership‐based entry mode strategy in international markets. The executives of SMEs that invest in international markets can draw useful lessons from this study.

Originality/value

This study proposes a well‐rounded theoretical framework based on four theoretical views (including transaction cost theory, the views of Uppsala process model, organizational capability perspective, and bargaining power theory) to examine SMEs' choice of ownership‐based entry mode strategy in international markets. The limitations for past research that are inherent in focusing on a single theoretical view can be overcome.
Organizational factors affecting supply chains in developing countries
Authors: Babbar Sunil , Addae Helena , Gosen Jerry , Prasad Sameer
Published: September 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide managers of multinational companies and researchers with a framework for investigating and effectively managing organizational factors and supply‐chain networks in lieu of conditions prevalent in developing countries.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws from the international management, supply‐chain management, and organizational behavior literature to construct a framework and formulate propositions linking important organizational factors to supply‐chain effectiveness in developing countries.

Findings

The paper reviews the literature, develops a useful framework, formulates propositions, and provides important managerial insights for supply‐chain management in developing countries.

Research limitations/implications

Supply‐chain effectiveness is a broad construct in this paper. Future research might want to isolate and examine the potential effects of organizational variables on more narrow supply‐chain outcomes.

Practical implications

The modeled framework can help managers of Multinational Corporations (MNCs) better understand and manage important organizational variables in ways that render their supply chains in developing countries more effective.

Originality/value

Currently, the literature does not provide managers of MNCs and researchers a framework for investigating and effectively managing key organizational factors affecting supply‐chain networks in lieu of conditions prevalent in developing countries. This paper attempts to fill this gap. Propositions developed in this paper can serve as a foundation for future empirical research needed to support the development of theory in this area.
Benchmarking telecommunication service in India
Authors: Mitra Debnath Roma , Shankar Ravi
Published: September 2008

Purpose

Technological modernization is increasingly viewed as a premeditated necessity in today's era of growth and prosperity for any country. Telecommunications has entered a new age of development with advanced technology and increased competition with established players. The technological advances in the telecommunication sector are associated with an uninterrupted growth of the mobile sector. The prime focus of the service providers is to create a loyal customer base by benchmarking their performances and retaining existing customers in order to benefit from their loyalty. The paper aims to address these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper employs the method of data envelopment analysis (DEA) to compare the relative efficiency of mobile service providers in India. The identification of the strongest and the weakest service providers could be very useful in improving their efficiency and performance. Mathematically, DEA determines the best weights for each input and output for a particular unit under study so as to maximize its relative efficiency.

Findings

The results are insightful to the telecom policy planner as benchmark them in terms of their efficiency. It also identifies the inefficient service providers who can improve their efficiency by making the efficient providers as their role model. The paper also identifies some generic insights.

Practical implications

This research paper contributes to the literature in two ways: firstly, this research identifies the different parameters for the mobile service providers in India for the benchmarking of the service providers. It also categorises them into various input and output parameters contributing towards the number of subscribers for different service providers. In the next stage, this research takes a further step and examines whether there are differences between the number of subscribers and the performance of the service providers. Benchmarking of the service providers would depend on the efficiency and quality of service. There is still great diversity in the relative performance of various service providers, which is a matter of concern to the telecom planner in this country.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the few published studies that benchmark the performance of Telecom Services in India.
Strategic value and resources and capabilities of the information systems area and their impact on organizational performance in the hotel sector
Authors: Gil‐Padilla Antonia M. , Espino‐Rodríguez Tomás F.
Published: September 2008

Purpose

An improvement in the management of information system (IS) based resources and capabilities of hotels must affect competitive advantage. Based on that premise, this work has two aims. The first is to determine how the strategic value of the IS area affects the organizational performance of three‐, four‐ and five‐star hotels. The second is to check how it influences the resources and capabilities used in the IS area of hotel companies in a determined tourist destination, and their relationship with organizational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted on a representative sample of hotels in Gran Canaria, Spain. It takes the framework of Bharadwaj as a reference to help companies tackle the management of the IS area and to develop a superior capability in that activity.

Findings

The results of the study indicate that the more valuable, non‐substitutable and inimitable the IS area is, the better the non‐financial performance is. The results also show that the resources and capabilities that most affect hotel performance are the internal and external technical resources and the capabilities of the IS area to influence and strengthen relations with users and with different areas of the hotel. The work also finds that organizational capabilities have a particular influence on non‐financial performance, especially that related to organizational quality.

Research limitations/implications

This study helps to establish a new framework of analysis in the literature on IS management by introducing a perspective of analysis for the study of the strategic deployment of IS attributes that is based on the resource based view of the firm.

Practical implications

This paper constitutes a suitable framework to begin the diagnosis of the situation of each hotel regarding its available IS resources and capabilities and to identify and select the IS resources and capabilities that make greater contributions to hotel profitability and quality.

Originality/value

This work serves to help identify which IS resources and capabilities are most important in the development of distinctive hotel competences.
Template based production system design
Authors: Matt D.T.
Published: September 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a methodological guidance for the practical use of the axiomatic designed production module template presented in a former publication. The objective is to accelerate the design process and increase the quality of results in the design of lean production systems.

Design/methodology/approach

Two case studies based on practical cases were presented to different test teams. A first test cycle helped to improve the user friendliness of the axiomatic designed tree of functional requirements and design parameters. The second test cycle served to prove the practicability of the template, comparing the teams' results with the realized solution.

Findings

Based on the teams' feedbacks, ten “easy‐to‐use” steps for the systematic design of lean production systems were developed. The guideline obtains the best results if used in combination with the value stream mapping concept.

Research limitations/implications

Apart from one case study in injection moulding, practical evaluations were focused on applications in the field of manual, hybrid or automated assembly systems, which perhaps limits the applicability of the presented approach in some machining processes.

Practical implications

Several successful implementations demonstrated the validity of the presented method in terms of results, planning time and user friendliness. Even students with nearly no practical experiences in production system design were able to present astonishing results within short timeframes.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils an identified need of a methodological guidance in the design of lean production systems and offers practical help to shorten the design times and improve the quality of the design results.
Insights into public preferences for pharmaceutical funding
Authors: Whitty Jennifer A. , Rundle‐Thiele Sharyn R. , Scuffham Paul A.
Published: September 2008

Purpose

Taxes are used to subsidise the public use of pharmaceuticals in some countries. This paper seeks to quantify criteria considered important by the Australian public for allocating resources for pharmaceuticals.

Design/methodology/approach

A discrete choice experiment (DCE) was administered to two samples of adults in Australia. A forced choice design was used in a pilot study, but an opt‐out option was included in the main study to avoid forcing choice. Data were analysed using multinomial logit.

Findings

For the levels and units presented in the DCE, quality of life (QoL) after treatment was the most important attribute in both the pilot and main studies, followed by survival after treatment and the chance of success for a given pharmaceutical. Cost to the government was of little importance in the pilot study, but was of importance in the main study.

Practical implications

By understanding public preferences, marketers can tailor pharmaceutical offerings that appeal to the public and to relevant pharmaceutical funding bodies when making submissions, thus increasing the likelihood of receiving public funding support. Understanding public preferences allows public policy‐makers to direct resources towards those medical technologies which are likely to give the greatest overall societal benefit.

Originality/value

This study shows the simultaneous importance of survival, QoL, chance of success and cost to public preferences for pharmaceutical funding. Cost (tax) signals suggest the public are willing to limit the amount they expect the government to pay for effective pharmaceuticals.