bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overexpression of fasciculation and elongation protein ζ-1 (FEZ1) induces a post-entry block to retroviruses in cultured cells
Authors: Naghavi Mojgan H. , Hatziioannou Theodora , Gao Guangxia , Goff Stephen P.
Published: May 2005

Two mutant Rat2 fibroblast cell lines, R3-2 and R4-7, have been previously isolated by a selection for retrovirus resistance. We have now further analyzed the basis of the block to retroviral infection in the R3-2 line. Using Affymetrix GeneChip analysis, several genes were identified as differentially expressed in the mutant R3-2 line compared with the wild-type cells. One of the candidate gene products, FEZ1 (fasciculation and elongation protein ζ-1), a protein kinase C (PKC)ζ-interacting protein homologous to the Caenorhabditis elegans synaptic transport protein UNC-76, was found to be up-regulated >30-fold in the resistant R3-2 line. FEZ1 overexpression in Rat2 cells conferred a potent resistance to infection by genetically marked retroviruses, and the degree of retroviral resistance in both Rat2 fibroblasts and 293T cells tightly correlated with the expression level of FEZ1 transcripts. FEZ1-overexpressing Rat2 cells showed a similar phenotype to that of the mutant R3-2 line: Infection resulted in normal viral DNA synthesis but a reduction in the formation of circular DNA, indicating a block after reverse transcription but before nuclear entry. Partial knockdown of FEZ1 expression in R3-2 by RNA interference (RNAi) significantly reduced the resistance of this line to infection. Thus, our data suggest that FEZ1 overexpression is sufficient to explain the resistant phenotype of R3-2 cells and identify FEZ1 as a new gene capable of causing retrovirus resistance.
Specific signals at the 3′ end of the DHFR gene define one boundary of the downstream origin of replication
Authors: Mesner Larry D. , Hamlin Joyce L.
Published: May 2005

The Chinese hamster dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) origin of replication consists of a 55-kb zone of potential initiation sites lying between the convergently transcribed DHFR and 2BE2121 genes. Two subregions within this zone (ori-β/ori-β′ and ori-γ) are preferred. In the DHFR-deficient variant, DR8, which has deleted a 14-kb sequence straddling the 3′ end of the DHFR gene, early-firing origin activity in the downstream ori-β/ori-β′ and ori-γ regions is completely suppressed. We show that the critical deleted sequences reside within a 168-bp segment encompassing the intron 5/exon 6 boundary, exon 6, 54 bp of the 3′ untranslated region (UTR), but not the three natural polyA sites. In wild-type cells, this sequence efficiently arrests transcription in a region a few kilobases downstream, which coincides with the 5′ boundary of the replication initiation zone. In DR8, DHFR-specific transcripts efficiently use an alternative sixth exon (6c) and polyA signals near the middle of the former intergenic region to process primary transcripts. However, transcription proceeds to a position almost 35 kb downstream from these signals, and replication initiation can only be detected beyond this point. When the wild-type 168-bp 3′ element is inserted into DR8 at the same position as alternative exon 6c, transcription is arrested efficiently and initiations occur almost immediately downstream. Thus, the normal 3′ end of the DHFR gene constitutes a boundary element not only for the gene but also for the local origin of replication.
Evolution of base-substitution gradients in primate mitochondrial genomes
Authors: Raina Sameer Z. , Faith Jeremiah J. , Disotell Todd R. , Seligmann Hervé , Stewart Caro-Beth , Pollock David D.
Published: May 2005

Inferences of phylogenies and dates of divergence rely on accurate modeling of evolutionary processes; they may be confounded by variation in substitution rates among sites and changes in evolutionary processes over time. In vertebrate mitochondrial genomes, substitution rates are affected by a gradient along the genome of the time spent being single-stranded during replication, and different types of substitutions respond differently to this gradient. The gradient is controlled by biological factors including the rate of replication and functionality of repair mechanisms; little is known, however, about the consistency of the gradient over evolutionary time, or about how evolution of this gradient might affect phylogenetic analysis. Here, we evaluate the evolution of response to this gradient in complete primate mitochondrial genomes, focusing particularly on A⇒G substitutions, which increase linearly with the gradient. We developed a methodology to evaluate the posterior probability densities of the response parameter space, and used likelihood ratio tests and mixture models with different numbers of classes to determine whether groups of genomes have evolved in a similar fashion. Substitution gradients usually evolve slowly in primates, but there have been at least two large evolutionary jumps: on the lineage leading to the great apes, and a convergent change on the lineage leading to baboons (Papio). There have also been possible convergences at deeper taxonomic levels, and different types of substitutions appear to evolve independently. The placements of the tarsier and the tree shrew within and in relation to primates may be incorrect because of convergence in these factors.
Genome-wide assembly and analysis of alternative transcripts in mouse
Authors: Sharov Alexei A. , Dudekula Dawood B. , Ko Minoru S.H.
Published: May 2005

To build a mouse gene index with the most comprehensive coverage of alternative transcription/splicing (ATS), we developed an algorithm and a fully automated computational pipeline for transcript assembly from expressed sequences aligned to the genome. We identified 191,946 genomic loci, which included 27,497 protein-coding genes and 11,906 additional gene candidates (e.g., nonprotein-coding, but multiexon). Comparison of the resulting gene index with TIGR, UniGene, DoTS, and ESTGenes databases revealed that it had a greater number of transcripts, a greater average number of exons and introns with proper splicing sites per gene, and longer ORFs. The 27,497 protein-coding genes had 77,138 transcripts, i.e., 2.8 transcripts per gene on average. Close examination of transcripts led to a combinatorial table of 23 types of ATS units, only nine of which were previously described, i.e., 14 types of alternative splicing, seven types of alternative starts, and two types of alternative termination. The 47%, 18%, and 14% of 20,323 multiexon protein-coding genes with proper splice sites had alternative splicings, alternative starts, and alternative terminations, respectively. The gene index with the comprehensive ATS will provide a useful platform for analyzing the nature and mechanism of ATS, as well as for designing the accurate exon-based DNA microarrays.
Multi-species microarrays reveal the effect of sequence divergence on gene expression profiles
Authors: Gilad Yoav , Rifkin Scott A. , Bertone Paul , Gerstein Mark , White Kevin P.
Published: May 2005

Interspecies comparisons of gene expression levels will increase our understanding of the evolution of transcriptional mechanisms and help to identify targets of natural selection. This approach holds particular promise for apes, as many human-specific adaptations are thought to result from differences in gene expression rather than in coding sequence. To date, however, all studies directly comparing interspecies gene expression have been performed on single-species arrays, so that it has been impossible to distinguish differential hybridization due to sequence mismatches from underlying expression differences. To evaluate the severity of this potential problem, we constructed a new multiprimate cDNA array using probes from human, chimpanzee, orangutan, and rhesus. We find a large effect of sequence divergence on hybridization signal, even in the closest pair of species, human and chimpanzee. By comparing single-species array analyses with results from multispecies arrays, we examine how estimates of differential gene expression are affected by sequence divergence. Our results indicate that naive use of single-species arrays in direct interspecies comparisons can yield spurious results.
Under the genomic radar: The Stealth model of Alu amplification
Authors: Han Kyudong , Xing Jinchuan , Wang Hui , Hedges Dale J. , Garber Randall K. , Cordaux Richard , Batzer Mark A.
Published: May 2005

Alu elements are the most successful SINEs (Short INterspersed Elements) in primate genomes and have reached more than 1,000,000 copies in the human genome. The amplification of most Alu elements is thought to occur through a limited number of hyperactive “master” genes that produce a high number of copies during long evolutionary periods of time. However, the existence of long-lived, low-activity Alu lineages in the human genome suggests a more complex propagation mechanism. Using both computational and wet-bench approaches, we reconstructed the evolutionary history of the AluYb lineage, one of the most active Alu lineages in the human genome. We show that the major AluYb lineage expansion in humans is a species-specific event, as nonhuman primates possess only a handful of AluYb elements. However, the oldest existing AluYb element resided in an orthologous position in all hominoid primate genomes examined, demonstrating that the AluYb lineage originated 18–25 million years ago. Thus, the history of the AluYb lineage is characterized by ∼20 million years of retrotranspositional quiescence preceding a major expansion in the human genome within the past few million years. We suggest that the evolutionary success of the Alu family may be driven at least in part by “stealth-driver” elements that maintain low retrotranspositional activity over extended periods of time and occasionally produce short-lived hyperactive copies responsible for the formation and remarkable expansion of Alu elements within the genome.
Target-selected mutant screen by TILLING in Drosophila
Authors: Winkler Sylke , Schwabedissen Anja , Backasch Dana , Bökel Christian , Seidel Claudia , Bönisch Stefanie , Fürthauer Maximilian , Kuhrs Antje , Cobreros Laura , Brand Michael , González-Gaitán Marcos
Published: May 2005

The availability of the full Drosophila genomic DNA sequence prompts the development of a method to efficiently obtain mutations in genes of interest identified by their sequence homologies or biochemically. To date, molecularly characterized mutations have been generated in around 6000 of the ∼15,000 annotated fly genes, of which around one-third are essential for viability. To obtain mutations in essential and nonessential genes of interest, we took a reverse genetics approach, based on the large-scale detection of point mutations by Cel-I-mediated heteroduplex cleavage. A library of genomic DNA from 2086 EMS-mutagenized lines was established. The library was screened for mutations in three genes. A total of 6.1 Mb were screened, and 44 hits were found in two different mutagenesis conditions. Optimal conditions yielded an average of one mutation every 156 kb. For an essential gene tested, five of 25 mutations turned out to cause lethality, confirming that EMS mutagenesis leads to high frequency of gene inactivation. We thereby established that Cel-I-mediated TILLING can be used to efficiently obtain mutations in genes of interest in Drosophila.
Generation and evolutionary fate of insertions of organelle DNA in the nuclear genomes of flowering plants
Authors: Noutsos Christos , Richly Erik , Leister Dario
Published: May 2005

Nuclear genomes are exposed to a continuous influx of DNA from mitochondria and plastids. We have characterized the structure of ∼750 kb of organelle DNA, distributed among 13 loci, in the nuclear genomes of Arabidopsis and rice. These segments are large and migrated to the nucleus quite recently, allowing us to reconstruct their evolution. Two general types of nuclear insertions coexist; one is characterized by long sequence stretches that are colinear with organelle DNA, the other type consists of mosaics of organelle DNA, often derived from both plastids and mitochondria. The levels of sequence divergence of the two types exclude their common descent, implying that at least two independent modes of DNA transfer from organelle to nucleus operate. The post-integration fate of organelle DNA is characterized by a predominance of transition mutations, associated with the gradual amelioration of the integrated sequence to the nucleotide composition of the host chromosome. Deletion of organelle DNA at these loci is essentially balanced by insertions of nonorganelle DNA. Deletions are associated with the removal of DNA between perfect repeats, indicating that they originate by replication slippage.
Customer‐based corporate valuation
Authors: Bauer Hans H. , Hammerschmidt Maik
Published: May 2005

Purpose

Synthesis of the customer lifetime value and the shareholder value (SHV) approach in order to develop an integrated, marketing‐based method for corporate valuation.

Design/methodology/approach

Discusses the limitations and assumptions of existing methods to estimate customer value components and examines the limitations of the SHV concept. By linking the customer equity (CE) and the SHV approach, a formal model to calculate corporate value is developed. The discounted cash flow method is used for modelling the profit streams.

Findings

Provides formulas for the estimation of both the individual lifetime value of a customer and CE. Provides a comprehensive model to estimate corporate value based on customer‐related cash flows and traditional financial metrics. Introduces typical cases, in which the use of a customer‐based valuation seems beneficial. Illustrates how our approach can be applied by using a simple case study on M&A in the telecommunication industry. Gives suggestions on how to obtain the necessary data, partially even from publicly available sources.

Research limitations/implications

Advancement of the quantitative techniques for modelling the customer value components would allow for relaxing some restrictive assumptions. The explicit modelling of the future growth of the customer base (the acquisition rate) would increase the applicability of the model. Additionally, taking into account heterogeneity within the customer cohorts is a task for future research. Finally, our model needs to be applied more extensively using real data for the input variables.

Practical implications

A CE‐based valuation approach can guide marketing investments and helps to avoid misallocation of resources. Based on an example in the field of M&A, we demonstrate the usefulness of the approach for obtaining a realistic indicator of firm value. It helps to assess whether an acquisition is economically sensible. We provide evidence for the superiority of a customer‐based approach over traditional financial methods.

Originality/value

While the traditional SHV method considers cash flows at a highly aggregated level, our approach employs disaggregated cash flows on the level of individual customers. Thereby we do incorporate the lifetime values of future customers by considering different cohorts. We do capture customer defection by incorporating retention rates. Our model enables a more detailed and valid estimation of corporate value by accounting for the single customer activities that drive marketing actions. This enables a better forecasting of the free cash flow. Incorporating customer‐related drivers into financial valuation models makes easier to assess the return on marketing investments.
The future scorecard: combining external and internal scenarios to create strategic foresight
Authors: Fink Alexander , Marr Bernard , Siebe Andreas , Kuhle Jens‐Peter
Published: May 2005

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a new and systematic approach towards strategic foresight by combining traditional external scenarios (market‐based approach) with internal scenarios (resource‐based approach) into a future scorecard, which can be used to describe alternative internal development paths for an organization.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper builds on the existing literature as well as on multiple case examples to illustrate the application of the future scorecard.

Findings

The findings of this paper are that it is possible to combine the external (market‐based) and internal (resource‐based) view to create a strategic early warning system.

Practical implications

The implications for practitioners are twofold, first, the paper outlines the importance of integrating a future perspective into performance measurement systems, second, it demonstrates the applicability of scenario thinking for the internal resource‐based view of the firm.

Originality/value

The paper combines thinking of the market‐based and the resource‐based view of the firm in order to provide a new tool to supplement most static measurement approaches with a tool that monitors the future developments – externally and internally. Scenarios are traditionally used to describe possible alternative future developments in the external environment, which then inform current strategy assessment and future strategy development. However, with a shift in focus away from the market‐based paradigm and towards a resource‐based view of strategy, scenarios can also be used to describe alternative internal development paths for an organization. These two types of scenarios can then be systematically developed and combined to form a significant element of a strategic early warning system – the future scorecard.
Understanding the role of locus of control in consultative decision‐making: a case study
Authors: Selart Marcus
Published: May 2005

Purpose

The study aims at clarifying whether locus of control may act as a bias in organisational decision‐making or not.

Design/methodology/approach

Altogether 44 managers working at Skanska (a Swedish multinational construction company) participated in the study. They were asked to complete a booklet including a locus of control test and a couple of decision tasks. The latter were based on case scenarios reflecting strategic issues relevant for consultative/participative decision‐making.

Findings

The results revealed that managers with low external locus of control used group consultative decision‐making more frequently than those with high locus of control. There was also a tendency showing that high externals more frequently used participative decision‐making than low externals. This was in line with the general trend, indicating that managers on the whole predominantly used participative decision‐making.

Originality/value

The results of the present study are valuable for HRM practice, especially with regard to the selection of individuals to management teams.
The repeal of prohibition and the resurgence of the national breweries
Authors: Stack Martin , Gartland Myles
Published: May 2005

Purpose

This paper, applies the concept of path creation to a historical case. Path creation arose in part as a response to perceived weaknesses regarding the limited role of firm agency in the path dependency literature.

Design/methodology/approach

This essay uses the path creation methodology to explain why and how specific features of the American brewing industry's regulatory framework were devised during prohibition (1920‐1933) and implemented upon the repeal of prohibition in 1933. The study draws upon a series of primary sources, including firm publications and government reports.

Findings

It shows that path creation is a useful way to examine the design and implementation of industry‐level regulatory systems. It argues that rather than passively waiting and hoping for a beneficial set of rules, the largest national breweries in America actively set about to shape the regulatory environment in which they and their competitors operated.

Originality/value

The study is valuable on two levels. First, it helps explicate how and why the brewing industry's current regulatory system emerged. Second, and more broadly, it shows how the path creation thesis can be usefully adopted to interpret firm and managerial actions across time periods and industries.
Getting it right the first time
Authors: Marens Richard
Published: May 2005

Purpose

This paper reconsiders the criticisms of the most influential theory of the rise of the large corporations, and to see how these criticisms can be met without entirely abandoning the basic elements of the theory.

Design/methodology/approach

This problem is approached by first analyzing the weaknesses inherent in Chandler's theory as presented in The Visible Hand, and then by reworking elements of the theory by relying on data generated by other historical accounts.

Findings

The author found that the theory could be salvaged by reordering the evolution of managerial practices based on a variety of historical studies, many not considered by Chandler, but even some of his own earlier work. Given these changes in historical order, vital managerial reforms can be placed sufficiently early that organizational techniques existed to solve the problems and exploit the opportunities that Chandler identifies as creating the pressures necessary to generate the large industrial corporation, thus responding to one class of criticism. My approach can also incorporate other factors that critics see as missing in Chandler's account.

Originality/value

What is new in this paper is that it reconciles Chandler's analysis with those of his critics by re‐examining and correcting some of his assumptions. The result is a theory of corporate evolution that is less global but more realistic. Economic and business historians as well as sociologists of organizations will find this reassessment valuable.
The dynamics of exploring future market potential of genetically modified foods
Authors: D’Souza Clare , Quazi Ali
Published: May 2005

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to express a general review on how best in the present time can one market genetically modified (GM) foods in the face of the controversial arguments faced globally. Despite the importance of marketing, many organizations though they understand its worth, fail to find radical strategic solutions for the problems encountered by their products. In fact most of them find that disclosing GM ingredients will prohibit consumers from buying their products, whilst, the few GM foods that were proactively marketed indicated the potential of effective marketing and successful product placement.

Design/methodology/approach

To be able to market GM foods, an understanding of customer value and problems customers envisage is discussed. The paper attempts to provide a general global perspective on consumer’s views about these issues and with the help of a conceptual model it attempts to identify some of the problems related with marketing GM foods.

Findings

The findings indicate that these products would have to be repositioned as being seen as less risky and more beneficial to consumers in the light that they can be scientifically proven.

Originality/value

This research is innovative in the sense it demonstrates an understanding of how to provide customer value for not only consumers who are the ultimate end users but also provides an insight to a broader audience such as manufacturers, agriculturalists and marketing professionals as to what are some of the contributing factors that consumers look for to make an informed choice.
Prescriptive versus non‐prescriptive prison design briefs
Authors: Consoli Giustina G.S.
Published: May 2005

Purpose

To report on architect reactions to the use of non‐prescriptive design and construction briefs in the delivery of private prison projects in Australia.

Design/methodology/approach

The introduction of the private prison projects in Australia saw the introduction of alternative delivery methods, such as Design‐Construct, for the delivery of prison facilities. The resulting design brief, forwarded as the “Request for Proposal”, was typically a non‐prescriptive document. Those architects who participated in such private prison design projects were interviewed using a semi‐structured interview questionnaire. Beliefs regarding the use of such briefs were gauged from the interview data.

Findings

The interviews revealed conflicting beliefs regarding the usefulness and appropriateness of the design brief. The responses were divided between a minority who found the briefs adequate, owing principally to the belief that it facilitated innovation. However, the majority considered the briefs as inadequate for prison construction. They believed that it allowed for manipulation by contractors, and that it compromised the design process and the integrity of the facility. As architects question the suitability of such design briefs for the delivery of prison facilities, the paper highlights the advantages and limitations in using prescriptive and non‐prescriptive prison design briefs.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils a need for data regarding the role of design briefs in prison design and construction. It offers a valuable comparison of the diverse approaches that can be taken, and the impacts this has upon how architects operate in prison projects.
An approach to assess fire safety requirements in library facilities
Authors: Hassanain Mohammad A. , Al Ashwal Nagib
Published: May 2005

Purpose

The objectives of this paper are to review current legislation and guidelines on fire safety in library facilities, and to present the finding of a case study to assess the provision of these requirements in the main library of King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors have analyzed published literature and identified characteristics of combustible information media in libraries, causes of fire in library facilities, basic requirements of fire detection systems, basic requirements of fire suppression systems, and basic requirements of egress and evacuation. The authors then carried out an investigation to assess the provision of these requirements in the main library of King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.

Findings

The findings from the case study conducted in the paper indicated that although the main library at KFUPM was found to have sufficient fire detection system, fire suppression system, and provision of the basic requirements of egress and evacuation, there are some recommendations for improving the status of fire safety. These recommendations are summarized as follows: a floor plan should be posted on each floor to illustrate the locations of evacuation routes, exits, and other fire safety devices; signs should be installed in the third and the fourth floor to guide students to evacuation exits; and furniture should be removed from the area in front of the stairway in the third floor.

Originality/value

Fires are one of the main causes of life and property loss in cultural buildings. The high fire load of libraries makes them particularly susceptible to the spread of fire. The paper provides a systematic approach to the assessment of the provision of fire safety requirements in existing library facilities. The paper also provides insights to facility managers responsible for day‐to‐day operations of library and/or archival facilities.
School building investment and impact on pupil performance
Authors: Green Daniel , Turrell Patricia
Published: May 2005

Purpose

To provide information on a small‐scale study that explores the impact on pupil performance of the recent significant government investment in school buildings in a single county of England.

Design/methodology/approach

The design approach was to focus on the schools and those involved in teaching in order to explore their perspective of the link between investment and improved pupil performance. The methodology chosen was qualitative and consisted of questionnaires to a selected sample of state schools together with interviews with the Local Education Authority and a case study of a single school, all within Derbyshire.

Findings

The results clearly indicate that although direct benefits are difficult to measure accurately, the schools perceive a benefit of investment which can be illustrated in pupil attainment, motivation and pupil behaviour, with an additional benefit to staff, who find that better environments improve teacher morale and motivation.

Research limitations/implications

The study is of schools in one county only and includes a random sample of schools providing state education to pupils between 5 and 18 years. The data findings relate to schools that have benefited from investment by the local authority.

Practical implications

The research provides a timely study incorporating useful information to all of those who have an interest in the school built environment and in particular provides support for the government investment taking place in schools.

Originality/value

Research for this paper was carried out as part of an undergraduate dissertation, drawing from the direct placement work experience of the primary author and the professional experience of the co‐author/supervisor.
An inquiry into the disposition of Chinese agriculture
Authors: Zhang Dongxue
Published: May 2005

Purpose

To obtain an understanding of the disposition of Chinese agriculture.

Design/methodology/approach

By applying econometric methods to make a narrow assessment on several productive factors in Chinese agriculture covering most of the era of Reforms and openness, a picture portraying the traits of Chinese rural society is provided. The author delves deep into the foundations of econometric as well as western society to draw comparisons between Occidental and oriental society.

Findings

Unlike the widely held view that implicitly identifies the basis of studies in Chinese economical development with that in western nations, the presented idea illuminates the intrinsic “upper‐hand” disposition of Chinese rural society, which has so far practically made China tread a path different from that in western society.

Research limitations/implications

Since the paper deals with the whole picture of Chinese agriculture, it presumably may cause partial loss of accuracy in econometric calculations.

Practical implications

It provides a fresh yet in‐depth idea for western researchers.

Originality/value

The paper breaks fresh ground in Chinese study and economic theory for researchers who are confused with the intricacy of the Chinese agricultural economy.
Corporate social responsibility and the bottom line
Authors: Capaldi Nicholas
Published: May 2005

Purpose

To clarify the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and profits.

Design/methodology/approach

Explicates CSR against the background of a larger thesis (Coase) about the role of firms in a market economy.

Findings

There are three different senses of CSR: negative – what not to do (illegal); positive – innovative products and services; and supplementary. There is a clear hierarchy or prioritization here: negative > positive > supplementary.

Practical implications

There are four areas in which supplementary obligations contribute directly to the bottom line: the environment, marketing, recruitment, and international.

Originality/value

This paper overcomes false dualisms between CSR and profits, avoids hidden political agendas, and offers persuasive arguments for firms to engage in relevant CSR activity.
Information quality and market share in electronic commerce
Authors: Miller Holmes
Published: May 2005

Purpose

For electronic commerce applications, the importance of quality information is self‐evident, especially for firms offering information products where information either significantly augments a physical product or constitutes the product itself. Aims to use a probabilistic simulation model is used to explore the relationship between information quality and market share for firms offering an information product.

Design/methodology/approach

In the Excel‐based Monte Carlo model information quality is represented as a function of four general quality attributes. For these attributes, quality gaps relative to best practices are calculated and these gaps are used to drive a volume model whose output includes market share. The model is used to examine various scenarios including cases dealing with differences in a firm's initial information quality levels, differences in innovation rates and their variability, and differences in a firm's proclivity to copy advances of competitors.

Findings

The results indicate that firms starting with information quality leads tend to maintain that lead and accrue market share. However, they may lose their lead if innovation rates lag behind the competition. Generally, variation and the ability for firms to copy advances are good for markets.

Practical implications

Some practical implications from the findings include: the criticality of innovation and its importance in fostering quality; the ineffectiveness of insular strategies; and evidence that specialization, while benefiting markets, does not necessarily benefit individual firms.

Originality/value

The model presents a mechanism for scholars and practitioners to – expeditiously and inexpensively – test the impact of various information‐quality strategies.
Self‐service technology adoption: comparing three technologies
Authors: Curran James M. , Meuter Matthew L.
Published: May 2005

Purpose

Advances in technologies have allowed service providers to incorporate many different technologies into the delivery of their services. These technologies have been implemented in the service encounter for the customer to use with varying degrees of success. This research aims to focus on the examination of factors that influence consumer attitudes toward, and adoption of, self‐service technologies (SSTs).

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual model of the adoption process for SSTs is developed and tested across three different technologies used in the banking industry. One of these technologies (ATMs) has been available for many years and is widely adopted, another technology (bank by phone) has been available for many years but has not been widely adopted, and the third technology (online banking) is relatively new to the marketplace. Data were collected using a random telephone survey of banking customers in a three‐state area of the northeast USA and analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings

A comparison of the results of the model tests on the three technologies provides evidence that different factors influence attitudes toward each of these technologies and offers an explanation of the varying degrees of acceptance found among consumers. This research has demonstrated that multiple factors need to be considered when introducing technologies into the service encounter and that the salient factors may vary among technologies and their stages in the adoption process.

Research limitations/implications

The three different technologies used were all based in the banking industry, which limits the generalizability to other industries. Also cross‐sectional data are used rather than a longitudinal study, the feasibility of which is limited by time and cost contraints.

Originality/value

The practical application of these findings may guide marketers to emphasize issues related to certain critical constructs when utilizing SSTs in their service delivery.
Inter‐organisational relationships in professional services: towards a typology of service relationships
Authors: Laing Angus W. , Lian Paul C.S.
Published: May 2005

Purpose

Research into inter‐organisational relationships has been one of the key drivers in the development of services marketing theory. Yet the understanding of the nature of such relationships, and the management of the relationship process, remains limited. Focusing on the development of buyer‐seller relationships in an archetypal professional business service, this paper aims to critically examine the nature and format of inter‐organisational service relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

Research reported in the paper is based on case study research across multiple dyads (n=7) in the occupational health sector supported by large‐scale survey data.

Findings

Argues that, rather than adhering to a single format in terms of characteristics or pattern of development, relationships are diverse and complex. A typology of “ideal type” relationship formats, ranging from quasi‐transactional to internalised, is proposed. Each of these ideal types is characterised by a unique set of causal and resultant conditions.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is based on data from a single, albeit archetypal, professional business service. Consequently future research should address the replicability of the results across other service sectors.

Practical implications

The identification of these discrete relationship formats and their key characteristics along a continuum provides an empirical basis on which service professionals can develop targeted strategies for the management of particular inter‐organisational relationships.

Originality/Value

Building on preceding research, the paper provides empirically based analysis of the nature and format of inter‐organisational relationships in professional service markets.
Balancing money and mission in a local church budget
Authors: Irvine Helen
Published: May 2005

Purpose

This study of budgeting practices and attitudes to budgeting in a local church uses Booth's (1993) framework to consider the potential conflict between the “sacred” agenda of the church and the “secular” nature of accounting.

Design/methodology/approach

Over a six‐month period, the author conducted a series of semi‐structured interviews with key church leaders, and studied financial reports and the minutes of church meetings.

Findings

Clergy and lay people alike, far from viewing accounting as an unwelcome intrusion into their church's sacred agenda, integrated belief in their church's mission with the need to raise and manage the money necessary to mobilise that mission.

Research limitations/implications

Religion and religious organizations occupy a greater importance in society than academic accounting research would indicate, and this paper represents a response to that academic blind spot. Opportunities abound for further studies of the contribution accounting makes to other religious organizations, and to non‐profit organizations whose goals are not primarily wealth creation.

Practical implications

All organizations, even those with a sacred agenda, need to confront the reality of money and accounting if they are to achieve success. If they are unable to obtain or account for the resources they need for their mission, their ability to fulfil that mission is likely to be compromised.

Originality/value

By portraying accounting as an enabling and liberating contributor to a church's fulfilment of its spiritual mission, this study demonstrates that attitudes to accounting are inextricably intertwined with religious beliefs, and that accounting can be a valuable tool in a cooperative attempt to implement a spiritual vision.
A song from the corporate woods
Authors: Roberts Diane
Published: May 2005

Purpose

Reflection on financial interpretation of nature and sustainabilty.

Design/methodology/approach

Poetic exposition.

Findings

Observes nature's freedom, despite mankind's attempts to financially define and dominate it.

Research limitations/implications

Raising awareness about issues of sustainability, financial definition of natural assets.

Originality/value

Offers a reflective comparison of the world of finance and the world of nature.
Thick/thin film thermocouples as power source for autonomous microsystems – preliminary results
Authors: Markowski P. , Dziedzic A. , Prociow E.
Published: May 2005

Purpose

Possible application of mixed (thick/thin film) thermopiles to supply autonomous microsystems.

Design/methodology/approach

PdAg/AG or PdAg/TSG thermocouples were deposited onto a circular alumina or LTCC substrates. Their thermoelectric power, resistance as well as output electrical power were characterized vs temperature gradient and chosen parameters of thermopile fabrication process.

Findings

Semiconductors have high Seebeck coefficient, so investigated kind of thermopile has high output electrical powerET. It achieves 50 mV per single junction for temperature difference of about 200°C.

Research limitations/implications

The problem is very high resistivity of germanium alloys, even after burn‐in process. Therefore output electrical powerPis seriously reduced. To improve thermocouples properties, optimization process is required. For example, thin film layers quality can be improved, semiconductive arms width can be increased or shorter arms can be used.

Originality/value

Application of mixed thick/thin film technology for fabrication of miniaturized thermoelectric generators.
A 3D miniaturised programmable transceiver
Authors: O'Flynn Brendan , Bellis S. , Mahmood K. , Morris M. , Duffy G. , Delaney K. , O'Mathuna C.
Published: May 2005

Purpose

To describe the development of a three dimensional programmable transceiver system of modular design for use as a development tool for a variety of wireless sensor node applications.

Design/methodology/approach

As a stepping‐stone towards the development of wireless nodes, sensor networks programme was put in place to develop a 25 mm cube module, which was modular in construction, programmable and miniaturised in form factor. This was to facilitate the development of wireless sensor networks for a variety of different applications. The nodes are used as a platform for sensing and actuating through various parameters, for use in scalable, reconfigurable distributed autonomous sensing networks in a number of research projects currently underway in the Tyndall Institute, as well as other institutes and in a variety of research programs in the area of wireless sensor networks.

Findings

The modular construction enables the heterogeneous implementation of a variety of technologies required in the arena of wireless sensor networks: Intelligence, numerical processing, memory, sensors, power supply and conditioning, all in a similar form factor. This enables rapid deployment of different sensor network nodes in an application specific fashion.

Research limitations/implications

Characterisation of the transceiver module is ongoing, particularly in the field of the wireless communication platform utilized, and its capabilities.

Practical implications

A rapid prototyping and development cycle of application specific wireless sensor networks has been enabled by the development of this modular system.

Originality/value

This paper provides information about the development work and some potential application areas made available by the implementation of a miniaturised modular wireless sensor node for use in a variety of application scenarios.
Properties of PZT thick films made on LTCC
Authors: Golonka L.J. , Buczek M. , Hrovat M. , Belavič D. , Dziedzic A. , Roguszczak H. , Zawada T.
Published: May 2005

Purpose

To find properties of screen printed PZT (PbZr0.53Ti0.47O3 with 6 per cent of PbO and 2 per cent of Pb5Ge3O11) thick films layers on LTCC substrate.

Design/methodology/approach

The influence of PZT firing time and electrode materials on electrical characteristics and microstructure were examined. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with an energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDS) analyser was used for the microstructural and compositional analysis.

Findings

Microstructural and compositional analyses have shown the diffusion of SiO2 from LTCC into PZT layers and the diffusion of PbO in the opposite direction. SiO2 presumably forms low permitivity lead based silicates in PZT layer. The new phase deteriorates the piezoelectric properties. The amount of diffused materials was dependent upon the electrode material and increased with increasing firing time. Better properties, i.e. higher remanent polarisation and dielectric constant were achieved for samples with PdAg electrodes and shorter firing time.

Originality/value

New information on electrical and microstructural properties of thick film PZT made on LTCC substrate.
An analysis of training and promotion of entrepreneurship in sustainability management
Authors: Koch Anne H.
Published: May 2005

Purpose

To describe how the teaching and learning approach of a new MBA distance learning program helps to produce promoters and ecopreneurs of sustainable development and entrepreneurship.

Design/methodology/approach

The chosen MBA program is analyzed based on the principles of time flexibility, promotion of initiative, team capability, staff development and transfer to practice.

Findings

Provides information about how a study program can bring the team capability and initiative of future ecopreneurs as well as staff learning forward. Recognises the need to consider using links to industry and government to transfer sustainable ideas to practice.

Research limitations/implications

The article illustrates concentrated knowledge on a case study and does not compare different distance‐learning programs or other educational programs in these areas.

Practical implications

A very useful source of information for target groups of MBA studies, like graduate students or employed people, as well as designers of courses of study implying sustainability management and entrepreneurship. This teaching and learning approach can be adapted to other educational settings at a postgraduate level to train sustainable leaders for the future.

Originality/value

This paper fills the gap to survey further education programs which generate and transmit knowledge to future ecopreneurs.
Some considerations for applying business sustainability practices to campus environmental challenges
Authors: Walton Steve V. , Galea Chris E.
Published: May 2005

Purpose

To explore how universities can adopt sustainability practices that have proven to be successful in business.

Design/methodology/approach

Draws on several sources of theory (internationally published literatures in business, sustainability, and education) and practice (primarily US business and university practice) to develop a framework.

Findings

Two seemingly divergent trends have created a unique opportunity for universities to significantly improve their environmental performance: the increasing importance to businesses of managing the natural environment and the growing awareness that universities cannot continue to isolate themselves from the community in which they are embedded. The first of these trends has caused a previously untapped source of ideas to become energized into thinking about how to move toward a more sustainable world. The second trend has caused a previously “introspective‐to‐a‐fault” institution to look beyond itself for ways of thinking and acting.

Practical implications

The intersection of the two trends is a powerful place, where new and successful approaches to managing the natural environment, albeit from what might be thought of as a non‐traditional source, can be absorbed by an institution that has significant environmental impact and an even more significant responsibility to future generations.

Originality/value

Provides a focus on the huge opportunities for applying some of the environmental lessons learnt by business to higher education.